Explore popular idioms beginning with the letter 'R' and enhance your language skills while having fun.

American Idioms Starting with R

To try very hard to think of something. ex. "I racked my brain but I couldn't remember his name."

To rain very hard. ex. "It was raining cats and dogs last night."

To try to understand what is meant by something that is not written/said clearly. "Linda tried to be cheerful and said she was okay, but reading between the lines, I could see she was really upset."

To risk (sometimes physical) harm to accomplish something. ex. "He's always been very mean to me. I don't plan to risk my neck to save his job."

To happen/ occur often in the family (through generations). ex. "Frank is always so angry. Yeah, his bad temper runs in the family."

To irritate someone. ex. "I'm not going out if your cousin is going. She really rubs me the wrong way."

To go out with (or marry) someone who is much younger than you are. ex. "Victor's new wife is 25 years younger than him. Talk about robbing the cradle!"

To shock. ex."The art show raised some eyebrows due to its explicit content."

To associate with someone. ex. "When her singing career 
took off, Kathleen was able to rub elbows with the rich and famous."

To celebrate the beginning of the New Year at midnight on December 31st.