Drop in the ocean Amit was deeply in debt. His friends offered to help him out and generously donated their pocket money. But their contribution was only a drop in the ocean,  which meant that the amount was small, and inadequate.

Days are numbered  This means about to die, to be dismissed from a job etc.  Watch out Mr. Lal, your days are numbered at the office. He has a serious illness, and his days are numbered. a

Die out  To die out means to become extinct.  Dinosaurs as a breed died out millions of years ago, but till today are a favourite theme with story-tellers and film makers. If steps are not taken to prevent the killing of rare animals and birds,...

Draw on  In a stirring speech, the headmaster told the boys, “There are hidden reserves of strength and courage in all of us and we can draw on them when the need arises.”  To draw on means to depend on or bring forth in an...

Drop out Many women dropped out of the trip when they came to know that they could not take their children along.  Rita has dropped out of college because however hard she tried, she could not pass her examination. This phrase means to withdraw, or...

“Do without” The families of the the armed forces personnel often have to do without many of the everyday comforts of life.  When you do without something you manage without it.  “If I can’t get domestic help on my terms, I’ll just do without it,”...

Detached mind This means to regard things or situations impartially.  “Don’t let your emotions overpower you. Look at the problem with a detached mind. I’m sure some solution will be found.”

Depth of one’s heart  “You must come and stay with me next time you are in town,” said Ira to her friend. “And I mean it from the depth of my heart.”  When you say something from the depth of your heart you are being...

Dull as Ditch Water  “This book,” complained Ashok, “is as dull as ditch water.” He meant that it was uninteresting.  “I did not enjoy my visit to Nainital,” grumbled eiyoti. “Everything was closed for the winter and the place was as dull as ditch water.”

Devil may care  Sameer is a very handsome man and his devil-may-care attitude is an added attraction to some women. Devil-may-care means reckless, so it wasn’t a surprise to Sameer’s friends when he decided to become a car racer.