3 Rare English Idioms You Just Might Hear in North America

Though scarce, these idioms will prepare you for when you’ll need them.

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1. To tilt at the windmills

Meaning: To use your time and energy attacking problems that are not important or are imaginary.

Example: “She needs to stop tilting at the windmills if she wants to succeed in her endeavors.”

2. Shank’s mare

Meaning: To travel by foot, to walk

Example: “The easiest route to her place is on shank’s mare.”

3. To be on Carey Street

Meaning: To be bankrupt, to be in heavy debt, to be in trouble financially

Example: “Jonathan found himself on Carey Street after the business deal went awry.”