1. ‘The Tip of the Iceberg’
In anthropology, we often encounter situations where what we see or know is just the tip of the iceberg. This idiom refers to the idea that there is much more beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered or understood.
2. ‘Skeletons in the Closet’
Archeologists sometimes stumble upon unexpected findings, like ‘skeletons in the closet.’ This phrase means discovering hidden or secret aspects of a person or organization’s past.
3. ‘Lost in the Shuffle’
When dealing with a large amount of data or artifacts, it’s easy to get ‘lost in the shuffle.’ This idiom describes the feeling of being overwhelmed or overlooked in a chaotic situation.
4. ‘In the Same Boat’
In collaborative projects, it’s important to remember that everyone is ‘in the same boat.’ This means that everyone is facing the same challenges or circumstances.
5. ‘A Needle in a Haystack’
Searching for specific information or evidence in a vast collection can be like looking for ‘a needle in a haystack.’ It highlights the difficulty of finding something small or rare in a larger context.
6. ‘The Writing’s on the Wall’
Sometimes, the signs or indications of a situation are clear and obvious. We say ‘the writing’s on the wall’ to mean that something is inevitable or already apparent.
7. ‘Barking Up the Wrong Tree’
When pursuing a line of inquiry or investigation that turns out to be fruitless, we say you’re ‘barking up the wrong tree.’ It’s a reminder to reassess your approach or direction.
8. ‘A Dime a Dozen’
In anthropology, we often come across common or easily obtainable items. We refer to them as ‘a dime a dozen,’ meaning they are plentiful and not particularly valuable or unique.
9. ‘The Devil’s Advocate’
In academic discussions, it’s important to consider different perspectives. Playing ‘the devil’s advocate’ means taking a contrary position to stimulate debate or critical thinking.
10. ‘All Hands on Deck’
When facing a challenging task or situation, we often need everyone’s involvement. ‘All hands on deck’ signifies the need for everyone to contribute and work together.