1. I know that the fight that they had yesterday seemed serious, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
This means that it was just a small part of a much bigger problem.
2. Sam and Paul had been dating forever, so we knew that it wouldn't be long until they tied the knot.
This means that they got married.
3. I would have loved to call in sick everyday until the summer, but I had to face the music one day.
This means to confront something that is troubling.
4. Jacob wanted to join karate class, but with the cost of his sister's ballet class, he had to put his karate dreams on the back burner.
This means to place low priority or give less attention to something.
5. Vince was sick of school, but on Thursday he could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
This means that the end of a challenging ordeal is approaching.
6. Tim jumped on the bandwagon and got his ear pierced after all of the other guys pierced their ears.
This means to do something that many other people are doing to try to fit in.
7. Chrissy yelled at Alec for taking the last wingding, but he wasn't scared because he knew that she was all bark and no bite.
This means that somebody makes many threats but does not actually follow through on them.
8. Tommy's mother didn't even lecture him after he came home late again; it was like beating a dead horse.
This means to argue or stress a point that has already been proven or is understood.
9. Lucy must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed, because she was muttering curses again.
This means that somebody is in a bad mood or is having a bad day.
10. Hold your horses, Janet. We should ask him why he did it before we make our decision.
This means that somebody should slow down, not jump to conclusions, or to wait.
11. Mike told the students he would share the answers, and they were all ears.
This means that they were listening closely.
12. Luke hopelessly stared at the problem. He couldn't make heads or tails of it.
This means that he was unable to understand it.
13. While the boss was away, the two workers decided to shoot the breeze over a cup of coffee.
This means to have a conversation about unimportant matters.
14. Dad wanted to let me off punishment, but mom said, "He made his bed. Now he has to lie in it."
This means that a person must accept the consequences of their actions.
15. You knew there was no answer to this problem. You sent me on a wild goose chase.
This means that someone was given an unsolvable task to divert their attention.