Close lipped

A person who is reluctant to talk about a specific subject is close lipped.

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades

This phrase is used to say that if you come close to success without succeeding, it is not good enough

Close ranks

If members of an organisation close ranks, they show support for each other publicly, especially when being criticised.  It is a military term- when soldiers close ranks, they stand closer together so that it is difficult to pass through them.

Close shave

If you have a close shave, you very nearly have a serious accident or get into trouble.

Close the book

If you close the book on something, you end it completely.

Close the stable door after the horse has bolted

If people try to fix something after the problem has occurred, they are trying to close the stable door after the horse has bolted. 'Close the barn door after the horse has bolted' is alternative, often used in American English.

Close to your heart

If something is close to your heart, you care a lot about it. ('Dear to your heart' is an alternative.)

Closed book to me

If a subject is a closed book to you, it is something that you don't understand or know anything about.

Cloth ears

If you don't listen to people, they may suggest you have cloth ears.

Cloud cuckoo land

If someone has ideas or plans that are completely unrealistic, they are living on cloud cuckoo land.

Cloud nine

If you are on cloud nine, you are extremely happy. ('cloud seven' is a less common alternative)

Cloud of suspicion

If a cloud of suspicion hangs over an individual, it means that they are not believed or are distrusted.

Cloud on the horizon

If you can see a problem ahead, you can call it a cloud on the horizon.

Clutch at straws

If someone is in serious trouble and tries anything to help them, even though their chances of success are probably nil, they are clutching at straws.

Clutch play

If an activity is referred to as a clutch play, it means that the activity was the key to the success or failure of the venture. For instance, a clutch play in a baseball game may be striking out a batter with the bases loaded.

Coals to Newcastle

(UK) Taking, bringing, or carrying coals to Newcastle is doing something that is completely unnecessary.

Coast is clear

When the coast is clear, the people supposed to be watching you are not there and you are able to move or leave.

Cock a snook

To make a rude gesture by putting one thumb to the nose with the fingers outstretched.

Cock and bull story

A cock and bull story is a lie someone tells that is completely unbelievable.

Cock in the henhouse

This is used to describe a male in an all-female environment.

Cock of the walk

A man who is excessively confident and thinks he's better t