idioms involving “house”

On the house

A gift from the restaurant/bar manager or owner

“The wine wasn’t listed on our bill because it was on the house.”

Bring the house down

To perform so well that the audience claps and cheers loudly

“The comedian has a great routine; he always brings the house down.”

Get on like a house on fire

To create an instant rapport or friendship

“Suzuki-san and her new assistant got on like a house on fire.”

Note: This refers to a wooden house that would burn quickly.

House of cards

Something fragile that is going to collapse

“The new government could fall apart like a house of cards when the peacekeepers and soldiers leave.”

Note: This refers to an elaborate but unstable pyramid made of playing cards.

Put your house in order

To arrange one’s affairs properly, to keep good records

“The Finance Minister told the bank to get its house in order by the end of the year, or it would face financial penalties."