Thirty Musical Idioms

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a song and dance – a fuss
and all that jazz – and other similar things
as clean as a whistle – very clean or clear/without any incriminating evidence
clear as a bell – perfectly clear/very clear
fit as a fiddle – very fit/in perfect health
for a song – very cheaply
it takes two to tango – both people/parties involved are equally responsible
like a broken record – annoyingly repetitive (usually used to describe someone constantly repeating an unwanted or unpleasant opinion)
music to my ears – welcome good news
rings a bell – sounds familiar
to call a tune – to take initiative/to decide what to do on behalf of a group
to change your tune – to behave differently/express a different opinion than before
to chime in – to interject
to drum up – to solicit or canvass in order to gain support/interest
to face the music – to confront the consequences of your actions
to fine tune – to perfect something by making small adjustments
to give someone a bell – to telephone someone
to hit the right note – to say something in a way that its suitable/appropriate for the listening audience
to march to the beat of your own drum – to do things your own way (by disregarding convention)
to play it by ear – to act on instinct rather than according to a previously-made plan
to play second fiddle – to have/take a subordinate role to someone
to pull out all the stops – to make a great effort to produce/achieve something
to sing for your supper – to earn something by providing a service in return
to strike a chord – to evoke a particular emotion (usually sympathy or enthusiasm) in someone
to toot/blow your own horn/trumpet – to boast about your achievements/talents
to whistle in the dark – to pretend you are not afraid
to whistle in the wind – to try to influence something that cannot be changed
whistle stop – quick, with only brief pauses/breaks
with bells and whistles – with all the desired features/with extra desirable features
with bells on – enthusiastically/ excitedly

If you’ve found this post useful, why not check out our other articles on idioms?

04 Aug 2015
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Thirty Musical Idioms

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