Preposition Idioms: 10 Common English Idioms with the Preposition “From”
(The) Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree
Definition:
Children tend to take after their parents.
For example:
John’s son loves to play basketball just like he does. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
(Get) Blood from a Stone
Definition:
Try to perform a futile or impossible task
For example:
The court can fine me $1,000 if it wants to, but you can’t get blood from a stone.
Like Taking Candy from a Baby
Definition:
Very easy
For example:
Just watch. Getting her to go out with me will be like taking candy from a baby.
Six Ways from Sunday
Definition:
In every possible way
For example:
After questioning me six ways to Sunday, the police finally let me go.
From Soup to Nuts
Definition:
Everything; from beginning to end
For example:
Amazon started out as a bookseller, but now they offer everything from soup to nuts.
Shoot from the Hip
Definition:
Talk or act without consideration
For example:
Sheila will often shoot from the hip, but at least you know what she’s really thinking.
Bolt from the Blue
Definition:
Something completely unexpected
For example:
When Nick broke up with me, it was a bolt from the blue. I was stunned.
(A) Far Cry from
Definition:
Very different from; a very different thing from
For example:
I know you’ve been working out at the gym, but that’s a far cry from being ready to enter an MMA competition.
A Little From Column A, A Little From Column B
Definition:
A course of action drawing on several different ideas or possibilities
For example:
You don’t need to choose a single management philosophy. Some of the best managers take a little from column A, a little from column B.
Home Away from Home
Definition:
A habitual hangout; a place one frequents often and where one feels welcome
For example:
That corner bar is my home away from home—I spend an hour there after work almost every day.
