idioms using “pot”

Go to pot

To decay, not be taken care of

“The house was in good condition but the owners had let the garden go to pot.”

Keep the pot boiling

Keep the process moving forward

“We kept asking questions just to keep the pot boiling but it soon became clear that the potential customer was not interested in doing business with us.”

The pot calling the kettle black

When someone accused another of having a fault that he/she already has

“Ishida-san said that Sakura-san was not a team player? That is certainly the pot calling the kettle black.” Note: In the past, both kettles and pots turned back when they were hung over the fire.

A watched pot never boils

Waiting for something to happen makes it seem to take longer to happen

“Stop staring at the phone, waiting for it to ring. You know that a watched pot never boils.”

Pot-luck

An informal meal to which each participant brings a dish (unplanned menu)

“There is a pot-luck dinner after the company softball tournament.”