be in the thick of it
Meaning: To be in the busiest or most intense part of an activity.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “It's tax season, so the accountants are in the thick of it.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: "The thick" of something is its densest, busiest part — originally, it is thought, the crowded center of a battle. The phrase goes back at least to the 17th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: être sur la brèche — literally: to be on the breach
More idioms — Daily Life
- take French leave — To leave without saying goodbye or asking permission.
- dress to the nines — To dress very smartly or elaborately.
- have friends in high places — To know influential people who can help one.
- get to the bottom of it — To discover the real cause or truth of a matter.
- be taken for a ride — To be cheated or deceived.
- have a short fuse — To lose one's temper easily.
More English idioms
- cut one's teeth — To gain one's first experience of something.
- be scared stiff — To be so frightened that one cannot move.
- have stars in one's eyes — To be dazzled or dreamily idealistic, especially about love or fame.
- hit a snag — To run into an unexpected problem.
- something fishy is going on — Something suspicious is happening.
- with one hand tied behind one's back — Very easily; or, when forced on someone, at a great disadvantage.
From our false friends
- Firma — Actually means 'signature'. Metti la tua firma = Put your signature here.
- Magazzino — Actually means 'warehouse' or 'storeroom'. A magazine (periodical) is una rivista.
- Conveniente — Actually means 'affordable', 'good value', or 'suitable'. È conveniente = It's a good dea…