Spanner in the works(UK) If someone puts or throws a spanner in the works, they ruin a plan. In American English, 'wrench' is used instead of 'spanner'. Speak volumes If something speaks volumes, it tells us a lot about the real nature of something or someone even though it may only be a small detail. Speak your mind If you speak your mind, you say what you exactly think about a subject regardless of whether others will agree with you or not. Spice of life The spice of life is something that makes it feel worth living. Square Mile (UK) The Square Mile is the City, the financial area of London. Stalking horse A stalking horse is a strategy or something used to conceal your intentions. It is often used where someone put themselves forwards as a candidate to divide opponents or to hide the real candidate. State of the art If something is state of the art, it is the most up-to-date model incorporating the latest and best technology. Status quo Someone who wants to preserve the status quo wants a particular situation to remain unchanged. Step on someone's toes If you step on someone's toes, you upset them, especially if you do something that they should be in charge of. Stick to your guns If you stick to your guns, you keep your position even though people attack or criticise you.
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