Have you ever heard someone say, “It’s checkmate” or “He was just a pawn in the game”? Even when people aren’t playing chess, they still use these phrases. In the USA, chess idioms are part of how people talk about smart moves, tricky choices, or being stuck in a tough spot.
Chess is more than a game, it’s about thinking ahead and making the right move at the right time. That’s why phrases like “make the first move” or “caught in a trap” are useful in everyday life. These idioms help people explain problems, plans, or even surprises in a clever way. Once you learn them, you’ll start to see how life can feel a lot like a chess match.
Idioms About Chess
1. Checkmate
Meaning: A final move that ends the game or situation. It shows that there are no options left and the outcome is decided. People use it when someone has no way to escape or win.
Example Sentence:
• When Mom said no more cookies, it was a checkmate for my snack plan.
• The teacher’s question was so tricky, it felt like a checkmate.
• During the debate, his strong answer felt like a checkmate for the other side.
Other ways to say: Game over, no way out
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, “checkmate” means the king is trapped and the game is over. The term comes from the Persian phrase shah mat, meaning “the king is helpless.”
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is informal but often used in everyday conversation in the USA. Adults may use it in debates, sports, or business, while kids might use it jokingly in games. In American culture, it’s common to say “checkmate” even outside of chess, while in British English people might prefer “game over.”
2. Make the First Move
Meaning: To take the first step in starting something. It can be about talking to someone, beginning a project, or taking action before others.
Example Sentence:
• Jason made the first move by saying hi to the new student.
• I was nervous, but I made the first move and asked to play.
• The company made the first move by lowering prices.
Other ways to say: Start things, go first
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, one player must always make the first move to begin the game. That idea spread into daily speech.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in the USA, used in both casual and formal talk. Kids may use it when meeting new friends, and adults often use it in dating or business contexts. In American English, it can sometimes mean taking initiative in relationships, while in other cultures it may not carry that same romantic sense.
3. A Pawn in the Game
Meaning: A person being used by others without knowing the full plan. It shows someone has little power in a bigger situation.
Example Sentence:
• He didn’t know the full plan—he was just a pawn in the game.
• I felt like a pawn when my brother made me take the blame.
• Workers often feel like pawns in big companies.
Other ways to say: Being used, not in control
Fun Fact/Origin: Pawns are the smallest and weakest chess pieces. They are often sacrificed to protect stronger pieces.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This phrase is common in politics, business, and casual talk in the USA. Adults often use it more than kids. It can sound a bit serious or negative. In British English, the phrase is also common, but Americans may link it more to sports and workplace talk.
4. Play Your Cards Right
Meaning: Make smart choices to get what you want. It suggests thinking carefully and using opportunities wisely.
Example Sentence:
• If you play your cards right, you might get ice cream after dinner.
• She played her cards right and got a great seat at the game.
• If he plays his cards right, he could get a promotion.
Other ways to say: Be smart, make good moves
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from card games like poker, where playing the right card at the right time helps you win. It later spread to everyday situations.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, often used with kids and adults. It’s informal but heard often in sports, family, and business talk. Americans use it more frequently than British speakers, who might say “make the right move” instead.
5. In Check
Meaning: In trouble or under pressure. It shows that someone is in a tough spot and has to find a solution.
Example Sentence:
• When I forgot my homework, I was in check with the teacher.
• The soccer team was in check after losing the first half.
• His spending habits put him in check with his finances.
Other ways to say: In trouble, under pressure
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, being “in check” means your king is threatened and you must act quickly to save it.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is less common among kids but used often by adults in the USA. It can be applied in sports, school, or financial talk. Americans use “in check” both literally (to mean controlled) and figuratively (in trouble). British English often prefers “under pressure” for the same idea.
6. Think Three Moves Ahead
Meaning: Plan for the future. It shows the importance of preparing for what might come next instead of only focusing on the moment.
Example Sentence:
• To win the spelling bee, she had to think three moves ahead.
• I packed extra snacks because I was thinking ahead.
• The coach told the team to think three moves ahead in the game.
Other ways to say: Plan ahead, be prepared
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, strong players often plan several moves ahead to predict their opponent’s response. That idea spread into everyday language.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American schools, sports, and business talk. Parents often tell kids to “think ahead” about homework or choices. In the USA, it is often linked to being smart and prepared, while British speakers may more often say “plan ahead.”
7. On the Board
Meaning: Ready to be dealt with or considered. It shows that something is officially part of the discussion or plan.
Example Sentence:
• We have a few ideas on the board for the school project.
• The class had many questions on the board for the teacher.
• New plans are on the board for the town’s summer fair.
Other ways to say: Ready, available
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, the board is where all the action takes place. Pieces must be on the board before any game begins.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in American schools, offices, and planning meetings. Kids may use it in class projects, while adults use it in business. In the USA, “on the board” can also mean being part of a committee or decision-making group. In British English, people may prefer “on the agenda.”
8. A Stalemate
Meaning: A situation where no one can win. It means things are stuck and no progress can be made.
Example Sentence:
• We both wanted the last slice, but couldn’t decide on a stalemate.
• The vote ended in a stalemate, so we had to try again.
• The game turned into a stalemate when no one scored.
Other ways to say: Tie, no winner
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, a stalemate happens when a player cannot move without being in check, and the game ends in a draw.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American politics, sports, and debates. Adults often say “stalemate” when neither side gives in. Kids may use it playfully during games. In British and American English, the meaning is the same, but Americans use it often in political news.
9. Move by Move
Meaning: Doing something step by step. It shows careful progress and steady action.
Example Sentence:
• We built the model airplane move by move.
• She solved the puzzle move by move.
• The team improved their skills move by move.
Other ways to say: Step by step, one at a time
Fun Fact/Origin: Chess is played one move at a time, with each decision shaping the outcome. This slow, steady progress became a way to describe careful work.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in schools, sports, and hobbies in the USA. Kids might say it when solving a puzzle or game, while adults use it in business or learning skills. Americans often use “step by step” more than “move by move,” though both are understood.
10. Chess Match
Meaning: A situation where two sides compete with careful thinking. It describes moments where each action matters and both sides are trying to outsmart each other.
Example Sentence:
• The debate felt like a chess match between the two students.
• The argument between them was like a long chess match.
• Negotiations between the companies turned into a chess match.
Other ways to say: Careful fight, smart contest
Fun Fact/Origin: A chess match is an official game between two players, often requiring deep strategy. The phrase grew into describing any situation where clever moves matter.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American debates, sports commentary, and business news. Kids may use it playfully to describe school arguments. Americans often use “chess match” to highlight smart competition, while British English sometimes prefers “battle of wits.”
11. Check Your Move
Meaning: Think before doing something. It means pausing to consider your choices so you don’t make a mistake.
Example Sentence:
• Before you reply, check your move.
• He always checks his moves before acting.
• You should check your move before buying something expensive.
Other ways to say: Think it through, be careful
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, every move can change the game, so players carefully think before touching a piece.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American schools, sports, and business. Parents often say it to kids as advice. In the USA, it’s understood as both literal (like checking homework) and figurative (life choices). In British English, people might more often say “think twice.”
12. Play the Game
Meaning: Go along with rules or plans. It means following what is expected to reach your goal.
Example Sentence:
• To stay in the club, you have to play the game.
• She played the game and got what she wanted.
• If you want the prize, play the game by the rules.
Other ways to say: Follow along, go with it
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from chess and other games, where players must respect the rules if they want to win.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in the USA in both casual and workplace talk. Adults use it in business or politics, while kids hear it in sports or games. Sometimes it can sound positive (being a good sport) or negative (pretending to agree). In British English, the phrase can carry the same meaning.
13. Opening Move
Meaning: The first action in a plan. It shows the step that starts something important.
Example Sentence:
• His opening move was to say something kind.
• My opening move was to ask for help.
• Their opening move in the project was to gather supplies.
Other ways to say: First step, beginning action
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, the opening move sets the tone for the rest of the game.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Frequently used in American conversations about sports, debates, and business. Kids may use it in games or class projects. In the USA, it’s often linked with smart planning, while in other cultures, the phrase “first move” is more common.
14. A Strategic Move
Meaning: A smart and planned action. It shows careful thought before acting.
Example Sentence:
• Choosing that book was a strategic move for the contest.
• Sitting close to the front was a strategic move to hear better.
• Saving money early is a strategic move for the future.
Other ways to say: Smart step, wise choice
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, strategy helps players win by planning their moves far ahead.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, especially in sports, politics, and business. Adults use it more than kids. In the USA, the word “strategic” is often linked to planning for success, while British English sometimes prefers “tactical move” for short-term actions.
15. Get Out of Check
Meaning: Solve a problem or escape danger. It means finding a way out of a tough spot.
Example Sentence:
• I studied hard to get out of check with my grades.
• He apologized for getting out of check with his friend.
• The team trained harder to get out of check after their loss.
Other ways to say: Fix it, escape trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, getting out of check means protecting your king so the game can continue.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Not as common as other idioms, but still used in the USA. Adults may use it in business or personal talk. Kids might use it jokingly in games. British English speakers might instead say “get out of a tight spot.”
16. Call the Next Move
Meaning: Decide what to do next. It means making the choice for the following step.
Example Sentence:
• The coach called the next move during the game.
• Let’s call the next move and finish the project.
• She called the next move in their plan to win.
Other ways to say: Make the next step, decide
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, each player must call or decide on their next move to keep the game going.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used often in American sports and teamwork settings. Adults may use it in business or group planning. In the USA, “call the shots” is another similar idiom, while in British English, “make the next move” is more common.
17. A Well-Played Game
Meaning: A smart or respectful action. It can be used to praise effort, even if the outcome wasn’t a win.
Example Sentence:
• Even though he lost, it was a well-played game.
• She finished the speech calmly—a well-played game.
• Their teamwork was a well-played game.
Other ways to say: Good try, smart action
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, players respect each other’s smart moves, even if one loses. It became a phrase for showing respect beyond the board.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American sports and school competitions. Kids often hear it after games. In the USA, it shows sportsmanship and kindness. In British English, people might say “well played” in the same way.
18. Back to the Board
Meaning: Start again or rethink. It shows returning to the beginning after something fails.
Example Sentence:
• The idea didn’t work, so we went back to the board.
• After losing the round, they went back to the board.
• The company went back to the board after the plan failed.
Other ways to say: Start over, rethink
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, players look back at the board to review mistakes and try new strategies.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American schools, offices, and creative work. Adults often use it in business, while kids might use it in games. In the USA, it often shows persistence. In British English, the phrase “back to the drawing board” is more common.
19. Off the Board
Meaning: No longer a choice or part of the plan. It means something is removed or not possible anymore.
Example Sentence:
• Ice cream is off the board until after dinner.
• That idea is off the board now.
• The option was off the board once the deadline passed.
Other ways to say: Not an option, taken away
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, captured pieces are removed and placed off the board.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used sometimes in American conversation, more often in planning or sports talk. Adults use it more than kids. In the USA, “off the table” is a very close phrase with the same meaning. British English uses “off the agenda.”
20. Caught in a Trap
Meaning: Stuck in a bad situation because of a move. It shows being tricked or cornered.
Example Sentence:
• I was caught in a trap after lying about homework.
• He was caught in a trap and couldn’t win the game.
• The team was caught in a trap after making a risky play.
Other ways to say: Stuck, tricked
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, traps are clever moves that trick an opponent into losing a piece or position.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, used by kids and adults. Often linked to games, arguments, or life problems. In the USA, it’s also used in music and movies to describe being stuck in love or trouble. British English uses it in the same way.
21. Sacrifice a Piece
Meaning: Give up something now to get something better later. It shows choosing short-term loss for long-term gain.
Example Sentence:
• I sacrificed my screen time to finish my homework.
• He sacrificed his lunch break to help his friend.
• She sacrificed playtime to study for the test.
Other ways to say: Give up now, gain later
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, players sometimes give up a piece to set up a stronger position or win later.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American schools, sports, and business talk. Adults often use it when discussing investments or sacrifices for family. Kids use it for games or schoolwork. In the USA, “sacrifice” is also tied to sports and military culture, giving the phrase deeper respect.
22. A Powerful Move
Meaning: A strong and smart action. It shows boldness that makes a difference.
Example Sentence:
• Her idea to raise money was a powerful move.
• Speaking up was a powerful move.
• Taking the lead was a powerful move for the team.
Other ways to say: Strong step, bold action
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, powerful moves change the direction of the game, often surprising the opponent.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in the USA across sports, politics, and daily life. Kids may say it after a good play, while adults use it in debates, meetings, or leadership. Americans often connect it to confidence, while British English may favor “bold move.”
23. Endgame
Meaning: The final part of something. It shows the last stage before completion.
Example Sentence:
• We’re in the endgame of the school year.
• The endgame of the contest was the last round.
• The team is in the endgame of their season.
Other ways to say: Final part, last stage
Fun Fact/Origin: The endgame is the final stage of a chess match, often with fewer pieces left on the board.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very popular in American culture, especially after the Marvel movie Avengers: Endgame. Kids and adults use it casually to mean “the final part.” Both Americans and British use it with the same meaning, but it is more widely used in pop culture in the USA.
24. Be Two Steps Ahead
Meaning: Be more prepared than others. It shows thinking in advance to stay ready.
Example Sentence:
• She was two steps ahead with her science project.
• He stayed two steps ahead by reading early.
• The team stayed two steps ahead by practicing more.
Other ways to say: Be ready, think ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, good players think ahead of their opponent, sometimes by many moves.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in the USA in school, sports, and business. Parents tell kids to “stay ahead” in schoolwork. In British English, “one step ahead” is more common, but Americans often exaggerate with “two steps ahead.”
25. Set Up the Board
Meaning: Get everything ready to begin. It means preparing before starting.
Example Sentence:
• Let’s set up the board before we start the game.
• She set up the board for the meeting.
• They set up the board for the science fair.
Other ways to say: Prepare, get ready
Fun Fact/Origin: Every chess game begins by setting up the pieces on the board in the correct spots.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in American schools, family life, and work. Kids often use it in games, while adults use it in meetings or projects. In the USA, it can also mean preparing a stage or setting for success.
26. A Tricky Move
Meaning: A clever or sneaky action. It shows surprising or unexpected smartness.
Example Sentence:
• That was a tricky move to win the game.
• Her tricky move got everyone’s attention.
• The coach made a tricky move to outsmart the other team.
Other ways to say: Clever step, smart trick
Fun Fact/Origin: Chess players often use tricky moves to surprise their opponents and gain an advantage.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in the USA, used by kids in games or sports. Adults may use it in business, arguments, or even politics. Americans sometimes connect “tricky” to cleverness with a playful tone, while in British English it can sound slightly negative.
27. Cornered
Meaning: Having no good choices left. It means being stuck without options.
Example Sentence:
• I felt cornered when both teams wanted me.
• He was cornered and had to tell the truth.
• The company was cornered by tough competition.
Other ways to say: Stuck, trapped
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, a piece in the corner has fewer moves and is easier to trap.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American everyday talk. Kids use it in games, while adults use it for debates, relationships, or work. In the USA, it’s also tied to boxing or sports, where being cornered means you’re trapped. British English uses it the same way.
28. Knight’s Move
Meaning: A move that is different or surprising. It shows creativity or unusual thinking.
Example Sentence:
• Her idea was like a knight’s move—unexpected but smart.
• He used a knight’s move to solve the puzzle.
• The plan was a knight’s move that no one saw coming.
Other ways to say: Odd move, surprise plan
Fun Fact/Origin: Knights move in an L-shape, unlike any other chess piece. This makes them unpredictable and surprising.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Not very common in daily American speech, but used sometimes in school or creative discussions. Adults may use it to describe unique ideas. In British English, it may be more common in chess circles, but in the USA, it sounds creative and unusual.
29. Make a Comeback
Meaning: To return strong after losing. It means bouncing back with success.
Example Sentence:
• We made a comeback and won the match.
• He made a comeback on his math test.
• The singer made a comeback after years away.
Other ways to say: Return strong, bounce back
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, even if a player is losing, a smart move can lead to a comeback. In American sports, “comeback” is a famous term for teams that return from behind.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, especially in sports and entertainment. Kids use it in games, adults in careers or personal life. In the USA, it has a very positive tone. British English also uses it, but Americans use it more often in pop culture.
30. No More Moves
Meaning: Nothing else can be done. It shows that all options are gone.
Example Sentence:
• I had no more moves to win the board game.
• He had no more moves to fix the mistake.
• The team had no more moves after losing the lead.
Other ways to say: Out of options, done
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, if you can’t move, the game ends in checkmate or stalemate.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in American schools, games, and life problems. Kids use it in board games, adults in serious discussions. In the USA, it’s often used casually, while British English speakers may say “at a dead end.”
31. A Quiet Move
Meaning: A small action that helps a lot. It may not look big at first, but it makes a big difference later.
Example Sentence:
• Helping him study was a quiet move that helped him pass.
• That quiet move made a big change.
• Donating a little money was a quiet move that supported the team.
Other ways to say: Small step, simple action
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, a quiet move doesn’t attack but sets up an advantage for later.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Not very common, but used in thoughtful conversations in the United States. Adults may use it in workplaces or personal growth, while kids might hear it from teachers about small efforts that matter. Americans often value small acts of kindness, making this phrase meaningful.
32. Off the Board Thinking
Meaning: A creative or new way to solve something. It means using imagination instead of sticking to the usual rules.
Example Sentence:
• Her off-the-board thinking solved the puzzle.
• Off-the-board thinking helped us win the contest.
• He used off-the-board thinking to fix the science project.
Other ways to say: Think outside the box, be creative
Fun Fact/Origin: Chess usually follows strict rules, but sometimes creative or unusual ideas can change the game.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Similar to the well-known American phrase “thinking outside the box.” Used in schools, jobs, and creative work. Kids may use it in puzzles or games, while adults use it in brainstorming. Americans use “outside the box” far more often, but “off the board” fits chess talk.
33. Under Pressure
Meaning: Feeling stress to act fast or do well. It shows a situation where success or failure matters a lot.
Example Sentence:
• I was under pressure during the spelling test.
• He performs well under pressure.
• The team was under pressure in the final minutes of the game.
Other ways to say: Stressed, in a tight spot
Fun Fact/Origin: Chess players often feel under pressure during championship matches where every move counts.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Extremely common in American English, heard in schools, sports, and jobs. Kids use it in tests or games, while adults use it in work or family life. Americans also link it to the famous Queen and David Bowie song “Under Pressure.” British English uses it in the same way.
34. King Me
Meaning: Asking for recognition or reward. It’s a playful way of saying “give me credit.”
Example Sentence:
• After cleaning the house, he said, “King me!”
• She got an A and joked, “King me!”
• He finished the chores and said, “King me, please.”
Other ways to say: Give me credit, reward me
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase actually comes from checkers, where a piece reaches the other side and becomes a king. It’s often mixed into chess talk as a way of asking for recognition.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in playful American speech, especially among kids and families. Adults sometimes use it jokingly after success. In the USA, it’s part of everyday humor, while in other countries it may not be as widely understood.
35. Playing Both Sides
Meaning: Trying to get benefits from both groups. It shows someone not being loyal to just one side.
Example Sentence:
• He was playing both sides in the group project.
• Playing both sides made people lose trust in him.
• She played both sides to keep everyone happy.
Other ways to say: Not picking a side, acting smart
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, each side has its own team—playing for both would be unfair. The idea spread into everyday language to mean trickiness or lack of loyalty.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, often used in school, work, or politics. Kids might say it about classmates, while adults use it in serious talk about trust. In the USA, it can sound sneaky or clever depending on context. In British English, “sitting on the fence” is a close alternative.
36. Check the Board
Meaning: Look carefully at the situation before acting. It means pausing to see all the details.
Example Sentence:
• Before answering, he checked the board to understand the question.
• She checked the board before picking her next move.
• We need to check the board before starting the project.
Other ways to say: Look closely, review first
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, players check the board before every move to avoid mistakes.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in thoughtful American conversations. Teachers or coaches may use it when telling students to pause and think. In the USA, it sounds practical and wise, while British English often uses “look over things carefully.”
37. A Winning Move
Meaning: A choice or action that guarantees success.
Example Sentence:
• Studying every night was a winning move.
• His smile was a winning move during the class election.
• Joining the team early was a winning move.
Other ways to say: Smart choice, best step
Fun Fact/Origin: In chess, a winning move is the action that leads directly to victory.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, especially in sports, games, and school. Kids use it in play, while adults use it in business or competitions. In the USA, it’s linked strongly to sports talk. British English uses it the same way.
38. Think Like a Grandmaster
Meaning: Use very smart and advanced thinking. It means planning and being clever at a high level.
Example Sentence:
• She thought like a grandmaster and solved the problem quickly.
• To win the game, he tried to think like a grandmaster.
• Planning the trip took the grandmaster thinking.
Other ways to say: Be wise, think smart
Fun Fact/Origin: A grandmaster is the highest title in chess, given to the best players in the world.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used more in American schools, gaming, and competitive activities. Adults may use it as praise for clever thinking. In the USA, it carries a sense of respect for intelligence, while British speakers may use “chess master” in casual talk.
Quiz: Idioms About Chess
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Each question has one correct answer. Use what you’ve learned from the idioms to find the best choice.
Question Key
1. What does “checkmate” mean?
A) To start a new game
B) To end a situation with no way out
C) To change your plan halfway
2. If someone “makes the first move,” what are they doing?
A) Waiting for someone else
B) Running away from a problem
C) Starting something
3. What does it mean to be “a pawn in the game”?
A) Being in charge
B) Being used by others
C) Winning the game
4. When someone says “think three moves ahead,” what are they suggesting?
A) Move as fast as you can
B) Plan for what might happen next
C) Stop and take a break
5. What does “stalemate” mean?
A) Someone won the game
B) No one can win or move forward
C) The game is just starting
6. What does it mean if someone is “under pressure”?
A) They are feeling calm
B) They are feeling stressed
C) They are taking a break
7. If someone “sacrifices a piece,” what are they doing?
A) Giving up everything forever
B) Quitting the game early
C) Giving up something to help in the long run
8. What does “cornered” mean?
A) Having too many choices
B) Not being able to move or get out
C) Sitting in a corner
9. If someone “makes a comeback,” what does it mean?
A) They leave the game
B) They return after losing and do better
C) They take a long break
10. What does it mean to “play both sides”?
A) Support just one person
B) Try to get benefits from two groups
C) Watch a game without playing
11. What does “quiet move” mean?
A) A move made while whispering
B) A big surprise
C) A small action that helps a lot
12. What does “off the board thinking” mean?
A) Thinking after the game ends
B) Using creative ideas to solve a problem
C) Stopping the game
13. What does “endgame” mean?
A) The first step in the game
B) A time to rest
C) The last part of a plan or match
Answer Key
- B) To end a situation with no way out
- C) Starting something
- B) Being used by others
- B) Plan for what might happen next
- B) No one can win or move forward
- B) They are feeling stressed
- C) Giving up something to help in the long run
- B) Not being able to move or get out
- B) They return after losing and do better
- B) Try to get benefits from two groups
- C) A small action that helps a lot
- B) Using creative ideas to solve a problem
- C) The last part of a plan or match
Wrapping Up
Chess idioms are not just for the game board. People in the USA use them to talk about smart moves, hard choices, or times when they feel stuck. A small phrase like “in check” can say a lot about what someone is going through.
Now that you know these sayings, try using one when you’re writing a story or talking with friends. These idioms make your words clearer and more interesting. Just like in chess, a good move with words can make a big difference.
