Idioms beginning with J

Idiom

Meaning

Jack of all trades

A person who has many skills or can do many different types of work.

Jump on the bandwagon

To join a popular activity or trend.

Jumping through hoops

Completing a series of difficult or time-consuming tasks to achieve a goal.

Join the ranks

To become a member of a group or organization.

Juggle priorities

To manage or deal with several tasks or responsibilities at the same time.

Jump the gun

To act prematurely or before the appropriate time.

Jump to conclusions

To make assumptions or decisions without enough evidence or information.

Jinx something

To bring bad luck or misfortune to something.

Just what the doctor ordered

Exactly what is needed or beneficial in a particular situation.

Jumpstart something

To initiate or boost the progress of something.

Judge a book by its cover

To form an opinion based solely on outward appearances.

Jaws drop

To be astonished or surprised by something unexpected.

Just around the corner

Something is about to happen or become available soon.

Jump ship

To abandon a project, group, or organization, especially when facing difficulties.

Jockey for position

To compete or maneuver in order to gain an advantage.

Jot something down

To quickly write something down.

Jump the shark

To mark the decline of something in quality or popularity, often due to a gimmick.

Jitters

Feelings of nervousness or unease.

Junk in the trunk

Excess baggage or unwanted items, especially in one’s car.

Jump in with both feet

To enthusiastically and without hesitation become involved in something.

Jury’s still out

An opinion or decision has not yet been reached.

Jack up prices

To increase prices, usually excessively.

Jump through hoops

To go through a series of difficult tasks or obstacles.

Jekyll and Hyde

Refers to someone who has a dual personality, exhibiting both good and evil traits.

Jittery

Nervous or uneasy.

Jet set

A fashionable, wealthy social group who travel frequently.

Jungle out there

A chaotic, competitive, or dangerous situation.

Jump for joy

To be extremely happy or excited.

Jingle all the way

To proceed smoothly or easily, especially with a sound or noise accompanying the movement.

Jam-packed

Filled to capacity; very crowded.

Johnny-come-lately

Someone who arrives late or after an event has already begun.