Idioms about Squares

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The square shape is often used in idioms as a metaphor for honesty, fairness, and sometimes conformity. Here is a list of square-related idioms:

  1. a square – someone with an old-fashioned/conformist/dull attitude and way of life
  2. a square answer – an honest answer
  3. a square deal – a fair deal
  4. a square meal – a balanced and satisfying meal
  5. a square peg in a round hole – someone who is in a situation which is unsuited to their abilities
  6. back to square one – back to where you started (before any progress was made)
  7. be there, or be square! – a light-hearted expression used to pressure someone into coming to an event
  8. fair and square – fair and honest
  9. on the square – honest
  10. out of the square – not at right angles, not in agreement
  11. to attempt to square the circle – to attempt something impossible
  12. to call it square – to agree that neither person involved in a situation owes the other anything
  13. to look someone square in the eye – to look at someone directly in the eye (without showing any fear or embarrassment you might be feeling)
  14. to square accounts – to agree that neither person involved in a situation owes the other anything
  15. to square away – to deal with something satisfactorily, to put something in order
  16. to square off – to assume the stance and attitude of someone who’s about to fight, to settle a disagreement
  17. to square one’s shoulders – to literally push your shoulders into a square shape before undertaking a difficult task
  18. to square something with someone – to agree that neither person involved in a situation owes the other anything
  19. to square up – to settle a bill or debt, to reconcile a dispute

Can you think of any square-related idioms that aren’t on this list? Let us know in the comments.

If you enjoyed this post, check out our other articles about idioms.

 


04 Dec 2018
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