English Idiom List: Odd Man Out, Odds-on Favourite, Of the First Water, Of Two Minds, Off on a Tangent, Off the Charts

odd man out. Fig. an unusual or a typical person or thing. You had better learn to use the new system software unless you want to be odd man out.

the odds-on favourite. Fig. the most popular choice of a wager. Fred is the odds-on favorite for president of the board of trustees.

of the first water. 1. Fig. [of a gemstone] of the finest quality. (The water is probably from the Arabic word for water also having the meaning of luster or splendor. Diamonds or pearls of the first water are of the highest quality.) This is a very fine pearla pearl of the first water. 2. Fig. of an excellent person or thing. Tom is of the first water—a true gentleman.

of two minds (about so/sth). Fig. holding conflicting opinions about someone or something; being undecided about someone or something. I am of two minds about whether I should go to the convention.

*off on a tangent. Fig. to be on a somewhat related or irrelevant course while neglecting the main subject. (*Typically: be~; go~; send so~) Just as we started talking, Henry went off on a tangent about the high cost of living.

off the charts. Fig. record setting; beyond the expected range of measurement. (Refers especially to huge sales of a book or CD.) His book was a tremendous success. It is off the charts and making heaps of money.