Idioms(2)

Black and white
To have two sides that are extremes: right and wrong, or good and bad, with nothing in between. Things can only be black and white if they have two sides to them; thus, concrete nouns (a house, a person, or a river) are not usually described as black and white, but issues, opinions, or ideas often are.
This phrase is used as an adjective.
Example: in my mind, the issue of abortion is black and white.

No ifs, ands, or buts
Absolutely, no excuses; without any doubt, dissension, or variance.
This phrase is always followed by about it.
Example: I have to be in class at seven o’clock tomorrow, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Rule out
Eliminate something
The object can be placed either after rule or after out; however, if the object is a pronoun, it must go after rule.
Examples: The movie was nominated for an Academy Award. However, the Director’s Guild didn’t like it, and so they ruled it out.
OR: the Director’s Guild ruled out that movie for an Academy Award.
The idiom is also commonly used in the passive voice.
Example: Any chances for that movie to win the Academy Award have been ruled out.

Have it both ways
To have two things at the same time that are incompatible with each other.
This idiom is usually used in the negative. Do not try to replace it with anything.
Example: I’d love to have the cultural advantages of living in the city without the traffic and congestion, but I know I can’t have it both ways.

Up in the air
Uncertain, unknown, undecided. Concrete nouns are not usually used at the subject of this phrase; issues, ideas, questions, or problems are more likely to be up in the air. You can paraphrase these as thins, or it.
Example: After her horrible accident, the doctors don’t know if she will live or die. It’s still up in the air.

Pros and cons
The advantages and disadvantages
Example: I’m planning to buy a new car. Do you know the pros and cons of this model?

Fine line
A very subtle distinction between two different things
This idiom is usually followed by between … and…
Example: there is a fine line between criticism and advice.

Not see the forest for the trees
To be overly preoccupied by the details and unable to see a problem as a whole
The idiom is always used in the negative form.
Example: I was so concerned about finding the two dollars I was missing that. I didn’t notice that the whole house had been robbed. I couldn’t see the forest for the trees.

Put/see something in a whole new light
To view or understand something from a different perspective
Example: You didn’t tell me they offered twice as much money to buy the jewels. That puts their offer in a whole new light.

Right under one’s nose
In plain view, in a place where something or someone might be easily noticed
Example: I’m sure that cars will soon be obsolete. A more efficient mode of transportation is right around the corner.

Change one’s tune
To change how one feels or what one says about a particular issue
Example: she said she hated the book until she found out I was the author. Then she changed her tune.

Make a plug
To speak out in support something or someone; to publicize something
Be sure to say what you are making a plug for
Example: The owners of The Pasta Pot were at the food fair to make a plug for their new restaurant.