AMERICAN IDIOMS STARTING WITH N | NEXT PAGE (O)
neck and neck:
Very close (almost even), as in a race. "The two candidates were running neck and neck a month before the election."
neck of the woods:
Area. Part of a country. ex. "What's happening in your neck of the woods?"
(To) need a hand:
To need help.
Neither here nor there:
Not relevant. ex. All of a sudden he started talking about his car - a topic which was neither here nor there.
Nest egg:
Saved money.
Never mind:
Don't worry about it. ex. "Did you pick up my photos? Never mind, I'll do it myself tomorrow."
(To) nip something in the bud:
To end something at an early stage.
No laughing matter:
A very serious matter. ex. "Hey, why are you smiling? This is no laughing matter!"
No picnic:
Not easy. Very difficult and problematic. ex. "Let me tell you, driving in that snowstorm was no picnic."
No rush:
You don't have to hurry. ex. "Do you want this done by this evening? No, there's no rush - you can finish it tomorrow."
No skin off my nose:
I don't care because it doesn't affect me.
No sweat:
No problem.
No wonder:
It's not surprising. ex. "He only slept for two hours last night? No wonder he's so tired."
(To) not be born yesterday:
To be experienced, knowledgeable. ex. "Of course I know that trick! I wasn't born yesterday."
Not in the least?:
Not at all. ex. "Were you surprised that he failed the FCE? Not in the least."
Not likely:
Probably will not happen. ex. "You think George will learn a lesson from this? Not likely."
Not much of:
Pretty bad. ex. "He's not much of a cook, but at least he tries."
Now and then:
Occasionally.
