the only pebble on the beach

to not be the only person who is important in a situation or in a group

Laura always expects to get her own way. It's time she learned that she's not the only pebble on the beach.

by Motanul13 December 29, 2015

mend his ways

Improve one's behavior

Threatened with suspension, Jerry promised to mend his ways.

by Motanul13 December 29, 2015

go off on a tangent

To suddenly start talking about a different subject

We were talking about property prices and you go off on a tangent.

by Motanul13 December 29, 2015

come up through the ranks

Fig. to rise to a position of leadership by working up through the sequence of lower positions.

I come up through the ranks to become a corporate executive. The general came up through the ranks. There is no other way to become a general.

by Motanul13 December 29, 2015

on the rack

• Anxious, often because you are waiting for something or because people are asking you difficult questions

I was on the rack while I waited for the test results.

by Motanul13 December 29, 2015