Summary
Highlights
This video is part 128 of the American Idioms series, presenting five idioms from 636 to 640. Viewers are encouraged to pause the video to guess the meaning of each idiom before the answer and another example are provided.
To 'have an iron grip on something' means to maintain total or dominant control over something or someone. This is illustrated with an example of a huge tech company having an iron grip on the market, and a political party maintaining an iron grip on power in a small town.
To 'have one's ear to the ground' means to be well-informed about new trends and information. A good journalist must have their ear to the ground to break a news story, and someone looking for a good job should have their ear to the ground for potential openings.
If something is 'at one's fingertips', it is ready at hand or immediately available. This idiom is exemplified by new software providing real-time sales data at an analyst's fingertips, and a workshop set up so that frequently used tools are easily accessible.
'Bad blood' refers to tension, disdain, or enmity between two or more people. Examples include a company's decision to reduce health benefits causing bad blood with employees, and two young men having bad blood over a girl they both dated.
To have been 'around the block' means to have a lot of experience in a particular area or in life generally. This is demonstrated by a father giving excellent financial advice due to his experience in various businesses, and a teacher who can't be fooled by excuses because of his experience with student tricks.