a drop in the bucket »
An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem.
|
a fool and his money are soon parted »
It is easy to get money from foolish people, especially rich ones.
|
a friend in need is a friend indeed »
A true friend is one who helps you when you are in need.
|
a good man is hard to find »
Men who make good husbands or workers are rare.
|
a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
|
a man is known by the company he keeps »
People are similar in character to their friends.
|
a picture paints a thousand words »
A visualisation is a better description than a verbal description.1971, David Gates (of Bread), If, from Manna album:If a picture paints a thousand wordsThen why can't I paint you;The words will never showThe you I've come to know.1989, Alan Kay, quoted in K?o-tung Huang, Timothy D. Huang, Introduction to Chinese, Japanese and Korean Computing, World Scientific, ISBN 9971506645, p. 9:Most human beings, no matter how familiar they are with abstract symbols, respond to voice and images better than written language. In other words, A picture paints a thousand words.2006, Paul Shakespeare, Building a Dune Buggy: The Essential Manual, ISBN 1904788734, p. 52:See accompanying diagram: a picture paints a thousand words, and all that!
|
a rising tide lifts all boats »
Benefits provided to a few may lead to conditions that are beneficial to all.
|
a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down »
An otherwise unpleasant situation can be pleasant when a pleasant aspect is deliberately introduced.1999, Eli Yassif, The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning, Indiana University Press, ISBN 0253335833, page 372,One is known as the "sweetening parable," that is to say a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Thus, when the aim is to preach to the people, to guide them along the "bitter," arduous path of upholding burdensome precepts and prohibitions, a tale can lighten the load, make the "medicine" easier "to swallow."2001, Maureen Reagan, First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir, Little, Brown, ISBN 0316736368, page 319,It put some fun into the tedious business of preparing for a presidential debate. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?2004, John Hoover, How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive... Without Killing Your Boss, Career Press, ISBN 1564147045, page 11,If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, a barrel of laughs can wash down the big pills you might need to swallow.
|
about turn »
An about face; a military command to a formation of soldiers to reverse the direction in which they are facing.
|
account for »
To explain by relating circumstances; to show that some one, thing or members of a group are present or have been processed.
|
ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
|
ahead of the game »
Having completed a task before it is due; ready, prepared, or anticipating.
|
all cats are gray at night »
Variant of all cats are grey in the dark.
|
all cats are gray in the dark »
Variant of all cats are grey in the dark.
|
all cats are grey at night »
Variant of all cats are grey in the dark.
|
all cats are grey in the dark »
In the dark, physical appearance is unimportant.
|
all nations »
A composition of all the different spirits sold in a dram-shop, collected in a vessel into which the drainings of the bottles and quartern pots are emptied.
|
all one's eggs in one basket »
Investing heavily in just one area.
|
all set »
Ready; prepared.
|
all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy »
Too much focus on one's career is often viewed unfavorably.Too much hard work and not enough leisure time can be unhealthy.
|
an apple a day keeps the doctor away »
Apples are healthy and stave off illness.Eat healthy and you won't get sick.
|
anything goes »
There are no rules or restrictions.
|
apple does not fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.1842, E. A. Freidlaender (translator), Frederika Bremer (author), The Neighbours, ch. 10:It is impossible to look at Madam Rhen, without at once making the conclusion that she is pleasantness, hospitality, and loquacity itself; nor can one look upon her daughter Renetta without thinking, "the apple does not fall far from the tree!"1978, Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, "Doctor Asks Patient
|
apples and oranges »
Said of a comparison of items that are not comparable.
|
are your ears burning »
Said of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.
|
arm's length »
Barely within reach.
|
as you sow, so shall you reap »
The personal consequences of one's actions are in proportion to the good or bad intentions towards others.
|
asphalt jungle »
A city or urban area, where the landscape is covered by pavement and the environment is alienating and unsafe.
|
at home »
In the home of one's parents.
|
babe magnet »
A person, especially a man, to whom women are attracted.
|
back off »
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
|
back to square one »
Located back at the start, as after a dead-end or failure.
|
back water »
A very remote, rural area.
|
balum rancum »
A hop or dance, where the women are all prostitutes. N. B. The company dance in their birthday suits.
|
bank night »
An event where patrons are enticed to buy entry tickets into some venue, for example a movie theater, with the anticipation that they will be entered into a drawing to win an amount of money if their ticket is drawn and they are on-site at the time of the winning.
|
bare one's teeth »
Of an animal, to show one's teeth as a sign of aggression.
|
bare one's teeth »
To show one's aggression.
|
barrow man »
A man under sentence of transportation; alluding to the convicts at Woolwich, who are principally employed in wheeling barrows full of brick or dirt.
|
batten down the hatches »
Prepare for trouble.
|
be all ears »
To listen carefully or eagerly; to anticipate.
|
be in on »
To be a party to a secret shared by a small group of people.
|
be there or be square »
Used to encourage someone to go somewhere.
|
bear in with »
Nearer.
|
beer goggles »
The illusion that people are more attractive, brought on by alcohol consumption.
|
beggars can't be choosers »
(proverb) When resources are limited, one must accept even substandard gifts.
|
bend over backwards »
To make a great effort; to take extraordinary care; to go to great lengths.
|
beyond the black stump »
Extremely remote, outside the populated area.
|
birds of the feather flock together »
People who are alike physically tend to congregate and socialize together, despite government efforts at forced integration.
|
bleeding edge »
Something very current, or modern where there may actually be a hazard or risk in using it, such as with potentially unstable software. The term relates to a sword.
|
blood is thicker than water »
Family relations and loyalties are stronger than relationships with people who are not family members.1866, Anthony Trollope, The Belton Estate, ch. 30,Blood is thicker than water, is it not? If cousins are not friends, who can be?circa 1915, Lucy Fitch Perkins, The Scotch Twins, ch. 5,The old clans are scattered now, but blood is thicker than water still, and you're welcome to the fireside of your kinsman!
|
break the buck »
Fall below the value of one dollar per share.[1].
|
break up »
To stop a fight; to separate people who are fighting.
|
bridge »
A device which connects two or more computer buses, typically in a transparent manner.
|
bridge »
A system which connects two or more local area networks at layer 2.
|
bring home the bacon »
To have a job and earn money or to lead a successful career.
|
bring owls to Athens »
Perhaps we have not been sufficiently aware that talking about access and its implications in Scandinavia is like bringing owls to Athens. — Herbert Burkert.
|
business as usual »
The normal course of an activity, particularly in circumstances that are out of the ordinary.
|
butt-naked »
With the buttocks bared.
|
by the skin of one's teeth »
Barely; closely; by a narrow margin; with nothing to spare.
|
by the way »
Incidentally; a parenthetical statement not timely, central, or crucial to the topic at hand; foregone, passed by, something that has already happened.
|
call a spade a spade »
To speak the truth; to say things as they really are.
|
call it even »
To declare debts resolved or favors or other exchange equitable.
|
calling card »
A small printed card which identifies the bearer, traditionally presented for introduction when making a social visit to a home or when attending a formal social event or business meeting.
|
Cannon fodder »
Military personnel who are regarded as expendable when attacking the enemy.
|
carry one's weight »
To contribute or produce one's fair share, as of work, money, etc.
|
cat got someone's tongue »
Why are you not saying anything?.
|
catch dust »
To be rarely used.
|
cattle call »
An audition which is open to the public and thus draws a large number of applicants, many of whom are inexperienced.
|
caught with one's pants down »
Caught off guard, unprepared, or in an embarrassing situation.
|
caveat lector »
Reader beware.
|
chances are »
It is likely that, it is probable that.
|
che sara sara »
Used to express a personal philosophy of fatalism1892 March 17, Cigarette,
|
che sera sera »
Used to express a personal philosophy of fatalism1604, Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus:Why then belike we must sin, / And so consequently die. / Aye, we must die an everlasting death. / What doctrine call you this ? Che, sera, sera: / What will be*, shall be; Divinity adieu. / These Metaphysics of Magicians, / And necromantic books, are heavenly.
|
cheaper by the dozen »
Things are handled more efficiently as a group, rather than individually.
|
cherry pick »
To position oneself near the opponent's goal to attempt to receive an errant or intentional pass for an easy score, as in basketball or versions of soccer where offsides are not enforced.
|
chickens coming home to roost »
Consequences visited upon someone who originally had appeared to escape them.
|
chip off the old block »
Someone who takes after their parent.
|
circle the wagons »
To prepare to defend against an attack.
|
circular firing squad »
A political party or other group experiencing considerable disarray because the members are engaging in internal disputes and mutual recrimination.
|
clean code »
Software code that is formatted correctly and in an organized manner so that another coder can easily read or modify it.
|
clean up »
To make an area or a thing clean; to pick up a mess; to tidy.
|
clear the decks »
To prepare for action.
|
close off »
To seal or block the entrance to a road, an area, or a building so that people cannot enter.
|
clout list »
A usually secret list containing the names of people who are to be given special access, benefits, or influence in a political or social situation, especially as a result of having personal, professional, or financial relationships with those in authority.
|
cold comfort »
C. 1594, William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew, act 4, sc. 1.
|
common ground »
A characteristic or interest shared by multiple people or systems.
|
concrete jungle »
An urban or other populated area containing a high density of buildings constructed of concrete or similar materials, especially one which lacks greenery and which seems unattractive, harsh, or unsafe.
|
cook up »
To prepare a heroin dose by heating.
|
cook up »
To prepare a meal.
|
cover one's bases »
To be thorough; to prepare thoroughly or completely.
|
cut a wide swath »
To clear a broad track through a grassland, woodland, geographical region, or other area, either by natural means or by human action.
|
cut in »
When painting, to paint edges, corners, or trim in preparation for rolling larger areas.
|
dead »
: So hated by that they are absolutely ignored.
|
dead giveaway »
Obvious, easily apparent.
|
dead heat »
A close race or contest in which no winner is apparent.
|
debris field »
Any area, non-dependent of locale, space, or contour, that contains the debris of wreckage, impact, sinking, or other material that once constituted a complete object. Debris fields can be found at the site of air crashes, water vessel sinking, explosions of buildings, collapses, and other events that render a whole entity into components, pieces, or other non-whole items.
|
deep thinker »
A person whose thoughts are profound; an intellectual.
|
deer in the headlights »
A mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety fear, panic, surpriseand/or confusion, or substance abuse. The behavioral signs are like a deer subjected to a car's headlights, such as widely opened eyes and a lack of motor reactions.
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
Programmers are consistently dehumanized because so many do indeed deliver the message to Garcia only to be at best ignored.
|
diamond in the rough »
A person whose goodness or other positive qualities are hidden by a harsh or unremarkable surface appearance.
|
diamonds are a girl's best friend »
A statement that suggests, while love is a luxury, material wealth (particularly jewellery) is more valuable in the long run.
|
die »
Followed by with. Now rare as indicating direct cause.
|
different as chalk and cheese »
Two things which are superficially alike but very different in substance.
|
dishpan hands »
Hands which are rough, reddish, and dry, as from irritation and chafing caused by immersion in hot water mixed with detergent.
|
divide and conquer »
A combination of political, military and economic strategies that aim to gain and maintain power by breaking up larger concentrations of power into chunks that individually have less power than the one implementing the strategy.(computing) Applied to various algorithms, such as quicksort, that solve a problem by splitting it recursively into smaller problems until all of the remaining problems are trivial.(as imperative, proverb) In order to rule securely, don't allow alliances of your enemies.
|
does Macy's tell Gimbel's »
(US, dated, colloquial, rhetorical question) A rhetorical question with the implied answer being that competitors do not share business secrets with one another.
|
don't be penny wise and pound foolish »
Don't be careful when it comes to spending small amounts of money, but careless when spending much larger amounts.Don't focus on minutiae and lose sight of the big picture; don't obsess over tiny inconsequential efficiencies while glaring inefficiencies are going on elsewhere.
|
don't shit where you eat »
(idiomatic, vulgar) One should not cause trouble in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself.1998 April 14, Nelson Navarro, "Ever faithful, ever true," Manila Standard (Philippines) (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):The guiding principle is Don't shit where you eat. Office romances are always destructive of morale and objectivity.2003 Oct. 8, Jonathan Valania, "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Pussy," Philadelphia Weekly (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Limbaugh was scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the NAB convention in, of all places, Philadelphia, thus violating the cardinal law of the animal kingdom: Don't shit where you eat.2006 Sept. 19, Michael Musto, "NY Mirror," Village Voice (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Mitchell refused to indulge in on-set romances with either gender. "You don't shit where you eat," he told me, plainly.
|
don't shoot the messenger »
The bearer of bad news should not be held accountable for the bad news.
|
don't try to teach grandma how to suck eggs »
Don't presume to give advice to those who are more experienced.
|
doss down »
To sleep on someone's sofa or floor because there is no bed spare.
|
dot the i's and cross the t's »
To take care of every detail, even minor ones; To be meticulous or thorough.
|
draw on »
To approach, come nearer, as evening.
|
draw stumps »
To declare an end to the days play, and remove the bails and sometimes the stumps.
|
dressing-down »
A reprimand or rarely, a thrashing.
|
drop the gloves »
To remove a prior impediment to action; to prepare for or engage in a dispute.
|
dye in the wool »
To dye woolen fibers before they are spun into thread.
|
ears are burning »
Being the topic of discussion in another place; or sensing that this is happening.
|
easy does it »
Relax; do something gently, lightly or carefully; slow down; calm down.
|
easy street »
A carefree situation or lifestyle, especially as resulting from possession of wealth.
|
eat one's own dog food »
To test the beta programs that are in the test phase on one's own computers; to dogfood.
|
eat someone out of house and home »
C. 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2, Act II Scene I.
|
empty vessels make the most sound »
noisy, opinionated people are often stupid.
|
esprit de corps »
A shared spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a cause among the members of a group, for example of a military unit.
|
even Homer nods »
Not even the most vigilant and expert are immune from erring.
|
every little helps »
Even the smallest things are helpful when towards a goal.
|
everything happens for a reason »
All events are purposeful.Everything happens for a reason, so there is no such thing as failure. Mary-Kate OlsenPeople like to say "everything happens for a reason." If you repeat that in your head long enough that starts to sound like "anything can happen with a razor." Laura KightlingerI believe that everything happens for a reason, but I think it's important to seek out that reason - that's how we learn. Drew Barrymore
|
execution style »
Resembling an execution; with the victim aware, but unable to defend himself or resist.
|
experience is the best teacher »
Lessons learned from experience are the most lasting.
|
f** with »
To mess with; to interact with in a careless or inappropriate way.
|
factor space »
A space obtained from another by identification of points that are equivalent to one another in some equivalence relation.
|
fail over »
To automatically switch processing from a failed component in a critical system to its live spare or backup component.
|
fair and square »
Totally fairly and undoubtedly.
|
fair and square »
Within the applicable rules.
|
fall in line »
C. 2004, Career Soldiers, "Won't Waste My Life".
|
far and wide »
Over a great distance, or large area; nearly everywhere.
|
fare thee well »
Goodbye, farewell.
|
fat of the land »
The greatest part of anything; the finest and most abundant share of resources; the cream of the crop.
|
few and far between »
Rare and scarce.
|
fire drill »
An organised practice to prepare occupants of an office, school or other public building for evacuation in the event of a fire.
|
flash in the pan »
A career notable for early success not followed by significant accomplishment.
|
flat-footed »
Having feet which are flat.
|
flat-footed »
Unprepared to act.
|
forewarned is forearmed »
Advance awareness of a situation, especially a risky one, prepares one to deal with it.1863, Charles Reade, Hard Cash, ch. 4:[W]hatever a young gentleman of that age says to you, he says to many other ladies; but your experience is not equal to your sense; so profit by mine . . . forewarned is forearmed.1885, G. A. Henty, Saint George for England, ch. 4:Sometimes, they say, it is wiser to remain in ignorance; at other times forewarned is forearmed.circa 1903, Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Why Mr. Cropper Changed His Mind":"Well, Miss Maxwell, I think it only fair to tell you that you may have trouble with those boys when they do come. Forewarned is forearmed, you know."
|
friend with benefits »
A friendship with no reserves when it comes to the release of shared sexual tension thus leading to sexual fraternization.
|
from time to time »
C. 1595, William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, act 3, sc. 3.
|
game face »
The expression of one who is prepared for or is facing a lot of difficult and/or undesirable work, especially when it is imminent.
|
garbage in, garbage out »
(computing, information technology) If input data is not complete, accurate, and timely, then the resulting output is unreliable and of no useful value.1963, Raymond Crowley, "Robot Tax Collector Seeks Indications of 'Fudging'," Times Daily (Alabama, USA), 1 April (retrieved 26 July 2010):Officials explained that the quality of the computer's work depends on the quality of the data fed into it. Neil Hoke, administrative assistant to Stewart, quoted an adage of computer men: "Garbage in, garbage out."2008, Roger K. Lewis, "'In Architectural Design, Brains and Talent Trump the Best Software," Washington Post, 19 July (retrieved 26 July 2010):The old caveat "GIGO"
|
gear up »
To prepare for an activity.
|
get out of bed on the wrong side »
To start the day in a bad mood for no apparent reason.
|
get ready »
prepare oneself
|
gird up one's loins »
To prepare oneself for something demanding.
|
give a f** »
To care.
|
give a shit »
To care, often used in the negative.
|
gloss over »
To treat something with less care than it deserves; to skimp.
|
go dutch »
share expenses equally
|
go out the window »
To vanish or cease, especially due to lack of care, attention, etc.; to be discarded, disregarded, or ignored.
|
go over »
To look at carefully; to scrutinize; to analyze.
|
go with the flow »
To act as others are acting, conforming to common behavior patterns with an attitude of calm acceptance.
|
go without saying »
To be obvious, apparent or clear, or already established.
|
God works in mysterious ways »
Expressing confidence that a conundrum has a solution despite it not being apparent.Expressing that a seemingly unfortunate or unfavourable situation or change may be beneficial later or in the long run.Person A: It seems that I'm about to be fired from my job.Person B: Well, God works in mysterious ways - maybe it'll be the kick you need to apply to university...
|
grab bag »
A gift, purchase, etc. whose contents are concealed until after a selection is made.
|
grace period »
A length of time during which rules or penalties do not take effect or are withheld.
|
grasp at straws »
To guess randomly at or pursue any apparent option, as due to lack of options or information.
|
gray area »
A part that is not clear or certain; something that is open to interpretation.
|
grease payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
|
grey area »
A topic that is not clearly one thing or the other.
|
grey area »
An area intermediate between two mutually exclusive states or categories where the border between the two is fuzzy.
|
hair-splitting »
The act of finding exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hair-splittingly »
With exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
handle with kid gloves »
To treat something very delicately or carefully.
|
happy go lucky »
carefree
|
hard shoulder »
mortorway shopping area
|
have it your way »
Do something the way you want to, but be prepared for the consequences.
|
have one's wits about one »
To remain calm, composed, or aware.
|
have the run of »
To have permission or freedom to move around throughout an area or to use something at will.
|
hear the grass grow »
To be very aware or discerning; to pay attention to every small detail.
|
hen's teeth »
Anything very rare or impossible to obtain is said to be like finding hen’s teeth.
|
here you are »
Said when you hand something over to someone or do a favour to them, usually to draw the recipient's attention to the exchange; Equivalent to “thank you” when receiving something..
|
high ground »
A location which is at a relatively high elevation, especially in comparison to the immediate surrounding area.
|
hindsight is 20/20 »
(idiomatic) In hindsight things are obvious that were not obvious from the outset; one is able to evaluate past choices more clearly than at the time of the choice.
|
hold a candle »
To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another.
|
hold with the hare and run with the hounds »
To oppose an action or behavior and yet engage in the same action or behavior; to be a hypocrite.
|
hold with the hare and run with the hounds »
To remain neutral by attempting to placate two factions or both sides of a controversy.
|
hole in one »
Any rare, wonderful, or remarkable accomplishment.
|
homeless dumping »
The practice of hospital employees or emergency workers releasing homeless patients on the streets instead of placing them into the custody of a relative or shelter or retaining them in a hospital where they may require expensive medical care.
|
house cooling party »
A party to celebrate when a person decides to leave a house or flat, and sometimes to help prepare the space for the incoming residents.
|
how are you »
An informal greeting, not requiring a literal response. Typical responses include.
|
how's tricks »
Informal greeting roughly equivalent to How are you?.
|
hunker down »
To take shelter; to prepare oneself for some eventuality; to focus on a task.
|
if you can't beat them, join them »
If your adversaries are stronger than yourself, it is better to join the adversaries.
|
ignorance is bliss »
Lack of knowledge results in happinessSometime you are more comfortable if you dont know something.
|
in black and white »
Explicitly, in writing, clearly and without doubt or misunderstanding, without any grey areas.
|
in front of one's nose »
Plain; clearly apparent; obvious.
|
in order »
Ready, prepared; orderly; tidy.
|
in the twinkling of an eye »
Circa 1598, William Shakespeare, "The Merchant Of Venice".
|
in touch »
The ball, or a player, is in touch when it, or he, is outside the playing area or touching the touchlines of the playing area.
|
inside baseball »
Technical matters concerning baseball not apparent to spectators.
|
inside joke »
A joke that is understood or meant to be understood only by certain people who are in the know about the details.
|
inside track »
The lane or track nearest to the interior.
|
installed base »
The number of units of a system or product that are currently in use.
|
it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings »
There are more developments yet to come.
|
it is easy to find a stick to beat a dog »
(rare or obsolete, proverb) If a person is determined to punish someone, they will find a way to do so.1596
|
it's a long road that has no turning »
encouragement when things are not going well. Just as a long road eventually has a turning, problems also eventually have a solution, even though one might have to wait.
|
it's not what you know but who you know »
For success, and especially to obtain employment, one's knowledge and skills are less useful and less important than one's network of personal contacts.1951, G. P. Bush and L. H. Hattery, "Federal Recruitment of Junior Engineers," Science, vol. 114, no. 2966, p. 456:Eighty-four students referred to political influence as a disadvantage of federal employment with such remarks as: "There are too many political connections necessary . . . it's not what you know but who you know
|
ivory tower »
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.
|
joe job »
An act of e-mail spamming where the sender's identity and address are those of an innocent third party, intended either to tarnish that person's reputation or to flood that person's e-mail with bounces.
|
join the club »
An expression of sympathy for a shared experience.
|
keep a close watch on »
To pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.
|
keep a weather eye open »
To maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying your full attention.
|
keep one's mouth shut »
To keep a secret; to refrain from speaking indiscreetly or carelessly.
|
keep your friends close, and your enemies closer »
One should be on their toes and alert of their surroundings if malicious people are around, to ensure such people can't wreak havoc in one's life.
|
kick someone when they are down »
To make it worse for someone who is going through a difficult time.
|
kitchen table software »
Especially in the early years of personal computers, a set of computer programs developed by an entrepreneurial advanced amateur or self-employed professional computer programmer in his or her own home; software developed by a small business using the services of such programmers.
|
knacker's yard »
That area of a slaughterhouse where carcasses unfit for human consumption are rendered down to produce useful materials such as glue.
|
know the score »
Be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
|
laughing stock »
C. 1598, William Shakespeare, Merry Wives of Windsor, act 3, sc. 1.
|
leave no stone unturned »
To do a task very carefully and thoroughly, not missing any step.
|
less is more »
That which is less complicated is often better understood and more appreciated than what is more complicated; simplicity is preferable to complexity; brevity in communication is more effective than verbosity.1855, Robert Browning, "Men and Women":Well, less is more, Lucrezia: I am judged.1954, "'Less Is More'," Time, 14 Jun.:The essence of Mies's architectural philosophy is in his famous and sometimes derided phrase, "Less is more." This means, he says, having "the greatest effect with the least means."2007, Gia Kourlas, "Dance Review: An Ordered World Defined With Soothing Spareness," New York Times, 3 Mar. (retrieved 22 Oct. 2008):The program, which features two premieres
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let sleeping dogs lie »
To leave things as they are; especially, to avoid restarting or rekindling an old argument; to leave disagreements in the past.
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let somebody in on »
To disclose; to tell somebody a secret or share privileged information.
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let the good times roll »
To have fun or live fully; may imply letting things that are going well proceed.
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lie in wait »
prepare an ambush
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life of Riley »
An ideal life of carefree prosperity and contentment.
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life's not all skittles and beer »
Skittles and Beer refers to the carefree, indulgent bar life; skittles being a British pub game. Thus, life's not all skittles and beer means that not everything is about pleasure.
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light up »
To light a cigarette, pipe, etc.
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lion »
The arms of the University of the West Indies are Barry wavy of six Argent and Azure an open Book proper bound Gules garnished Or on a Chief of the third a Lion passant guardant Erminois. Crest: A Pelican proper. . See talk page.
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lion's share »
The majority; a large or generous portion.
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little pitchers have big ears »
Small children often overhear more of what is said than adults realize or desire.1844, Charlotte M. Yonge, Abbeychurch, ch. 2:Seeing me listening to something she was saying to Mamma, she turned round upon me with that odious proverb, "Little pitchers have long ears."1939, "Bedtime Bedlam," Time, 17 Apr.:A caution to U. S. parents, but a joy to radio merchandising, is the dread truth that little pitchers have big ears.2002, Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, ISBN 9780743455961, p. 185:I suppose he might say pushed or went woowoo, but took a shit is, I fear, very much in the ballpark (little pitchers have big ears, after all).
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loaded for bear »
Mentally prepared for a daunting situation or confrontation.
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long absent, soon forgotten »
Love fades away when people are distant and don't keep close physical contact.
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look daggers »
To stare sharply at someone to indicate disapproval without actually speaking.
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look off »
To mislead by directing one's apparent attention away from one's true object of intent.
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look out »
Be vigilant and aware.
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look what the cat's dragged in »
Used as an ironic acknowledgement of someone's arrival, especially to imply that they are unwelcome or disagreeable in some way.
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lose the plot »
To have one's results decline severely in quality or suddenly fall below an acceptable standard, especially when compared to past excellence.
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lubrication payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
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lucky dip »
A game in which prizes are covered up and mixed together in a container, so that contestants can dip their hand into the container and randomly pull out a prize.
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mad as a March hare »
Crazy, demented.
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make a meal of »
That is the eleventh edit that you have made to that word, you are really making a meal of it.
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make a point »
To take care in doing something of something; to pay attention or ensure that something is done.
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make a virtue of necessity »
C. 1595, William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona, act 4, sc.1.
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make sure »
To verify; to recheck; to use extra care or caution.
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man of parts »
A man that is talented in multiple areas of life. This includes but is not limited to the area of seduction. He puts very little emphasis on memorized scripts or "peacocking" and instead relies on individualized ways to charm a woman.
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man up »
His station, prepared for departure of an aircraft, ship, etc.
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mandare a monte »
To mess up, to ruin.
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match made in heaven »
A marriage that is likely to be happy and successful because the two people are very compatible with each other.
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match made in hell »
A marriage that is likely to be unhappy or abusive and unsuccessful because the two people are very incompatible with each other.
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mean the world to »
To be loved or cared about a great deal by.
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measure twice and cut once »
(literally, carpentry) One should double-check one's measurements for accuracy before cutting a piece of wood; otherwise it may be necessary to cut again, wasting time and material.1872, "Dressmaking," Hall's Journal of Health, vol. 19, no. 12, p. 280:Look at Carpenters! . . . In old times it was a proverb "Measure twice, and cut once."(figuratively, by extension) Plan and prepare in a careful, thorough manner before taking action.2008, Hilary Johnson, "Mergers rattle bank relations," Financial Week, 9 Nov. (retrieved 9 Nov. 2008):Mr. Paz noted that since the onset of the credit crisis, eBay, like other companies, hasn
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melting pot »
Come together and are homogenized.
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mill around »
To move or circulate in a confused or disorderly manner within a limited area.
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mind one's p's and q's »
To be very careful to behave correctly.
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mind you »
Mind that you; be careful that you.
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mocking is catching »
An admonishment to be careful of criticising others, lest the same happen to you.Mocking is Catching was the title of a 1726 song by Henry Carey.
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moment of truth »
A deciding instant; the time when a test determines or makes it apparent whether something will succeed.
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moral high ground »
A position or point of view which is ethically superior or more reputable, in comparison to others which are under consideration.
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more haste, less speed »
When we are in a hurry, we often end up completing our task slower.
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muck out »
To clean the excrement and other rubbish from the area where an animal is kept, such as a horse stable or a dog kennel.
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mum's the word »
The accompanying facts are a secret, not to be divulged.
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my lips are sealed »
See keep one's lips sealed.
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no good deed ever goes unpunished »
Used to express the idea that beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility.
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no good deed goes unpunished »
Used to express the idea that beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility.
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no man is an island »
All people are connected to other people and dependent on other people.1623, John Donne,
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no rest for the wicked »
(humorous) People who are wicked must work harder than normal people.
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no slave to fashion »
A person whose style of clothing and appearance are unconventional, informal, or slovenly; a person who takes little interest in how he or she is dressed.
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no smoke without fire »
Indicative of the fact that gossip or accusations are often substantiated by fact.
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noarch »
Short for "no architecture". It is a term used mainly in package management systems to mark packages which are architecture independent. Such packages usually contain graphics, documentation or similar data that can be used on any architecture.
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nobody's perfect »
Used when someone's mistakes or flaws are acknowledged, to remind that everyone else makes mistakes and has flaws1995, New York Magazine Vol. 28, No. 5, 30 January 1995, The de-moralization of society (Book Review)Hypocrisy, particularly in sexual matters, is excused on the grounds that hey, nobody's perfect, and at least folks back then felt bad enough to lie.2000, Madonna, Nobody's PerfectI feel so sad. What I did wasn't right. I feel so bad and I must say to you: Sorry, but nobody's perfect. Nobody's perfect. What did you expect? I'm doing my best
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nut-cutting time »
Time to gather nuts before they are taken by other animals or buried in snow.
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odd and curious »
A way to designate special coins, namely coins that are both odd and imperfect or seriously damaged.
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off the chain »
Free from work or direct supervision. In reference to slave labor, where workers are chained, or to the figurative chain of workers of an assembly line.
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oil burner »
A device whose operation causes apparent combustion of lubricating oil.
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Old Fart »
An elderly person who holds views that are considered old-fashioned.
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old habits die hard »
Existing habits are hard to change.
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on sufferance »
Unwillingly agreed to or barely tolerated.
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on the clock »
Of a taxicab, engaged for hire; displayed numerically as time or fare on the meter of a taxicab.
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on the defensive »
Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
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on the face of it »
Apparently; as far as can be seen or determined.
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on the square »
"Are you on the square?".
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on the square »
A discrete, unassuming reference to freemasonry.
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on the square »
Honest and open.
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on tiptoe »
Moving carefully, quietly, warily or stealthily.
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once in a blue moon »
Very rarely; very infrequently.
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one another »
Used of a reciprocal relationship among a group of more than two people or things; compare each other.
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one side »
You should move to one side and allow me to go through the passageway you are blocking.
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one step at a time »
Slowly and carefully, ensuring that each action has been completed successfully before taking the next.
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one's days are numbered »
Some period of time, such as a term of employment or a lifetime, is coming to an end.
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only fools and horses work »
Philosophy of life that people who do not look for an easy way of earning a living are foolish.
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ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny »
(biology, social sciences, art, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization.1905, J. A. Harris, "The Importance of Investigations of Seedling Stages," Science, New Series, vol. 22, no. 554, p. 186:With reference to seedling stages the statement that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny must be made with great reserve.1961, M. E. Wolfgang, "Pioneers in Criminology: Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909)," The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, vol. 52, no. 4, p. 367:Haeckel maintained that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, and this idea was incorporated by Lombroso into his parallelism between the criminal and the child.2002, B. S. Jackson, "Models in Legal History: The Case of Biblical Law," Journal of Law and Religion, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 11:For even if we accept that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny," those responsible for the drafting of ancient legal documents were not children, and are hardly to be endowed with some form of infantile mentality.
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opposites attract »
people who are completely different make ideal partners.
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out of house and home »
Cassandra Chrones Moore, Haunted Housing: How Toxic Scare Stories Are Spooking the Public Out of House and Home.
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out of house and home »
Helping Your Dog Adjust to a New Home, The Progressive Animal Welfare Society.
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out of one's depth »
To be in a situation which one is poorly prepared or unprepared to handle.
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out of one's league »
In a situation in which one is mismatched with one or more others, whose accomplishments, preparedness, or other characteristics are on a significantly higher or lower level than one's own.
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out of the mouths of babes »
The greatest wisdom comes from children, who are not afraid or weary of the world and its pressures.
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out of the way »
Taken care of.
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out of touch »
No longer conversant with facts; not aware or realistic.
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out of wedlock »
Of parents not legally married.
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out to lunch »
Clueless, inattentive or careless.
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pack up »
To prepare for shipping, as a gift.
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pare down »
To reduce by paring or a similar gradual process.
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parking lot »
An open area, generally paved, where automobiles may be left when not in use.
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pay the piper »
To pay a monetary debt or experience unfavorable consequences, especially when the payment or consequences are inevitable in spite of attempts to avoid them.
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peashooter »
A toy gun, consisting of a tube through which peas or small objects are blown.
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penalty box »
The penalty area.
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pi%C3%A8ce de r%C3%A9sistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
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piece de resistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
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plan on »
To expect; to prepare future actions based on.
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play Old Harry »
Blenkiron and I have been moving in the best circles as skilled American engineers who are going to play Old Harry with the British on the Tigris. — John Buchan, "Greenmantle", 1916..
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plus »
(literally) The more it changes, the more it's the same thing (sometimes loosely translated as the more things change, the more they stay the same).Although the outward appearance may change, fundamentals are constant.
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pore over »
To examine something carefully and attentively.
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pot calling the kettle black »
A situation in which somebody comments on or accuses someone else of a fault which the accuser shares.
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potter »
One who makes pots and other ceramic wares.
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potter's clay »
We are but potter’s clay.
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potter's field »
A public place where strangers, paupers, and criminals are buried.
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pull teeth »
To remove teeth, usually because they are diseased or damaged.
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put someone in mind of »
To remind someone of; to inspire a mental image or awareness of; to cause thoughts concerning.
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put something into perspective »
To compare with something similar to give a clearer, more accurate idea.
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put the boot in »
To kick someone when they are down.
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put up »
To cajole or dare to do something.
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put up one's dukes »
Prepare to fight; literally, to raise your fists.
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quake in one's boots »
To be frightened, scared, or nervous.
|
quick-and-dirty »
Of or pertaining to the creation or repair of software or hardware in a manner which permits operation within a brief period of time, although with compromised functionality or reliability.
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rain or shine »
Regardless of what the circumstances are, and how the weather is.
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raise one's hand »
To dare to question.
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real men don't eat quiche »
(aphorism, humorous) The stereotypical man does not do things that are considered effeminate, as to do so would imply they are effeminate.
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red tape »
A derisive term for regulations or bureaucratic procedures that are considered excessive or excessively time- and effort-consuming.
|
reflect on »
To think carefully about something, and give it due consideration.
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rest his soul »
Used parenthetically to mark the referent as being deceased.
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ridden hard and put away wet »
Mistreated; not properly cared for.
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rocking horse shit »
A metaphor for something exceedingly rare or, more likely, nonexistent.
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roll up one's sleeves »
To prepare to work.
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rose-colored glasses »
Glasses that are tinted in a pink or rose shade.
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roses are red »
The start of a generic poem about love.
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rules are made to be broken »
it is acceptable to break rules.
|
rumor campaign »
A method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are deliberately spread concerning a person or other target, while the source of the rumors tries to avoid detection.
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run roughshod over »
To treat roughly or without care, respect, or moderation; to act without control; to damage.
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run scared »
To try everything to avoid defeat.
|
rush hour »
The times of the day when traffic jams are commonplace, due mainly to people commuting to or from work.
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rustle up »
To quickly prepare something.
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say goodbye »
To wish someone farewell upon their leaving.
|
scare out of one's wits »
To frighten someone to such an extent that they behave irrationally.
|
scare the bejeebers out of »
To thoroughly terrify.
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scare the pants off of »
To scare or startle thoroughly.
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scared shitless »
Very scared, terrified.
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scared to death »
Extremely frightened.
|
scratch the surface »
To barely begin; to see or do only a fraction of what is possible.
|
screw it »
"I don't care enough to continue"; whatever.
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screw this »
"I don't care enough to continue"; "This is too stressful for me"; whatever.
|
scrounge up »
To seek or find despite a lack of apparent resources or availability.
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seat-of-the-pants »
Done by feel, guess, or trial and error rather than by careful planning, thought or technique.
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sell »
To pretend that an opponent's blows or maneuvers are causing legitimate injury; to act.
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sell a bargain »
A species of wit, much in vogue about the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, and frequently alluded to by Dean Swift, who says the maids of honour often amused themselves with it. It consisted in the seller naming his or her hinder parts, in answer to the question, What? which the buyer was artfully led to ask. As a specimen, take the following instance: A lady would come into a room full of company, apparently frightened, crying out "It is white, and follows me!" As soon as someone responded "What?" she sold him the bargain, by saying "Mine arse".
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set aside »
To declare something invalid or null and void.
|
set the stage »
To prepare; to establish the basis or required conditions.
|
sexual tension »
Physically induced libidinal unrest arising between two individuals when aware of each other's presence.
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shanks' mare »
One's own legs used for walking; to "travel by shanks' mare" or "ride on shanks' mare" is to walk to your destination.
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shirtless »
Not wearing a shirt. Having a bare torso.
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shit-eating grin »
A broad smile indicating self-awareness that may suggest self-satisfaction, smugness, discomfort, or embarrassment.
|
shoot oneself in the foot »
To deliberately sabotage an activity in order to avoid obligation, though it causes personal suffering. Origins in first world war trench warfare.
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short of a length »
Of a ball that pitches short of a good length; a ball that bounces closer to the bowler than the area of the pitch regarded as the best for dismissing or restricting the scoring of the batsman.
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short strokes »
Bare essentials.
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silver bullet »
A bullet made of silver, usually with reference to the folkloric belief that such bullets are the only weapons which can kill a werewolf.
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silver screen »
The cinema screen onto which movies are projected.
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sing along »
A gathering or event where participants are encouraged to add their voices in song.
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six of one, half a dozen of the other »
The two alternatives are equivalent or indifferent; it doesn't matter which one we choose.
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skip rope »
To jump over a rope, both of whose ends are held by the jumper or by two others, while the rope is moved under the jumper's feet in a continual rhythm; to play the game of jump rope or exercise by jumping rope.
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slanging match »
A row; an argument in which names are called.
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sleep with »
To share a bed or bedroom with.
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slippery as an eel »
So crafty, or cunning that they cannot be caught by the police, although it is known that they are acting illegally.
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slowly but surely »
In a slow, yet careful manner
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smallpox blanket »
An apparently benevolent offering whose real intent is to disrupt, destabilize or weaken.
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smoke signal »
A type of flare or combustion device sometimes used as a distress signal.
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socialized medicine »
An umbrella term for any system of government-run health care.
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softly softly »
Discreet, low-key, careful.
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spare the rod and spoil the child »
If one does not discipline a child, he or she will never learn obedience and good manners.
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spare tire »
An extra wheel or tire carried as a replacement in case of a flat.
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spare tire »
Excess weight or fat accumulated near the waist.
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spare tyre »
A large stomach and rolls of fat around the waist.
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spare tyre »
An extra tyre carried in case one of the vehicle's tyres is damaged or deflated.
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special needs »
Needs for special care, services or accommodations.
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square away »
To finish, complete, tidy or put in order.
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square cut »
cricket stroke
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square meal »
A satisfying meal, especially suitable for one performing physical labor.
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square off »
To get ready for a fight.
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square off »
To get in the fighting position.
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square one »
The place where one begins; a lack of progress.
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square up »
To get ready for a fight.
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square up »
To get in the fighting position.
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square up »
To pay back money that is owed.
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squaring the circle »
The historical problem of how to construct, using compass and ruler, a square having the same area as a given circle.
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standard fare »
Menu items or dining options which are regularly available in a restaurant or other place where food is served.
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standard fare »
Something which is normal, routine, or unexceptional; something which is commonly provided or encountered.
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standard fare »
The usual price for travel by air, rail, or another means of transport.
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stare someone in the face »
To be extremely visible and obvious.
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sugarcoated »
Made superficially more attractive. This often implies the reality has faults that are being hidden.
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sweet tooth »
A liking for foods that are sweet; a weakness for sweets.
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tack up »
To prepare a horse for riding by equipping it with tack.
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take a number »
Recognize that many others are in the same situation; recognize that one's concerns are not of high priority; be prepared to wait.
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take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves »
If you take care of little things one at a time, they can add up to big things.1750, Chesterfield, letter 5 Feb. (1932) IV. 1500:Old Mr. Lowndes, the famous Secretary of the Treasury, ?used to say?Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves.1912, G. B. Shaw, Pygmalion ii. 132:Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves is as true of personal habits as of money.1979, R. Cassilis, Arrow of God, iv. xvii.:Little things, Master Mally. Look after the pennies, Master Mally, and the pounds will look after themselves.1999,
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take one's time »
To go about something slowly and carefully.
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take part »
To share or partake.
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take the piss »
Are you takin' the piss? You'll get yer 'ead bashed in.
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talk is cheap »
It is easy to make boastful or unrealistic statements which are not supported by actions or evidence.
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talk like an apothecary »
To use hard or gallipot words: from the assumed gravity and affectation of knowledge generally put on by the gentlemen of this profession, who are commonly as superficial in their learning as they are pedantic in their language.
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teething troubles »
Small problems such as are to be expected with some any new and untried system or product.
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that's the way life is »
That is the way things happenCertain things cannot be changed, helped or improved; struggle and objection are pointless.1935, Louis Bromfield, The Man Who Had Everything [1], page 279:That's the way life is, and there's no use trying to go against it.1979, Jay Edward Abrams, A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption [2], ISBN 0310511011, page 45:There are no standards, no values; that's the way life is. Learn to accept it and slide with it. Stop fighting it.2002, B. Eugene Ellison, Rings of the Templars, ISBN 059524050X, page 337:Shit happens; that's the way life is. In fact, I want you to take an additional thousand for your efforts.
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the apple doesn't fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents in the way they act and in their physical abilities.
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the bigger they are, the harder they fall »
The larger something is, the more disastrous and spectacular its downfall
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the die is cast »
The future is determined; there are no more options; events will proceed in an irreversible manner.
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the early bird gets the worm »
Whoever arrives first has the best chance of success; some opportunities are only available to the first competitors.
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the end justifies the means »
Morally wrong actions are sometimes necessary to achieve morally right outcomes; actions can only be considered morally right or wrong by virtue of the morality of the outcome.
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the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get »
(vulgar) The sexual satisfactions that one receives from a spouse or romantic partner are not sufficient to compensate for the significant periods of bad faith and unpleasant treatment which such relationships routinely involve.1971, Allen Churchill, The Literary Decade, ISBN 9780135375228:Years later she expressed her disillusionment with sex by saying, "The fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."1999, Ben Sonnenberg, Lost Property: Memoirs and Confessions of a Bad Boy, ISBN 9781582430454, p. 93:Maitland got drunk at his parties and threw his arm around you and pulled you over to his wife and made you look down her dress, saying, "The trouble with marriage is that the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."2008, Joseph Heywood, Blue Wolf In Green Fire, ISBN 9781599213590, p. 63:"I can't believe a little pussy got me into dis mess." "Shit happens," Service said. "Sometimes the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."
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the grass is always greener on the other side »
Other circumstances seem more desirable than one's own but in reality are often not
|
the map is not the territory »
Our models of the world, and our sensations of the world, are not the true world.
|
the nose knows »
Despite the addressee's belief that the speaker was unaware of something, the speaker, in fact, was already aware.
|
the rabbit died »
A statement spoken to indicate one's own pregnancy, or that someone has found out they are pregnant.
|
the shoemaker's children go barefoot »
One often neglects those closest to oneself.
|
the world is one's oyster »
All opportunities are open to someone, the world is theirs.
|
there are plenty more fish in the sea »
There are many more potential opportunities available.
|
there are plenty of fish in the sea »
There are many more potential opportunities available.
|
there are two sides to every question »
One should not make a judgement until one hears the other side.
|
there you go »
Here you are.
|
there you go »
You have done it, or are doing it, correctly.
|
there's a sucker born every minute »
There are a great number of fools in the world, and there always be.
|
they're only after one thing »
Men are only interested in sex.
|
throw dirt enough, and some will stick »
If enough allegations are made about someone or something, then even if they are all untrue, people's opinion of the person or thing will be diminished.1759, John Wesley, letter to John Downes, Rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, read at Wesley Center Online at [1] on 14 Oct 06.I hope...that you are ignorant of the whole affair, and are so bold only because you are blind...And blind enough; so that you blunder on through thick and thin, bespattering all that come in your way, according to the old, laudable maxim, 'Throw dirt enough, and some will stick.'1857, Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown's Schooldays, read at fullbooks.com on 14 Oct 06,But whatever harm a spiteful tongue could do them, he took care should be done. Only throw dirt enough, and some will stick.1864, John Henry Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, Penguin Classics (1994), p. 10,Archbishop Whately used to say
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throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2005, Mike Busson (poster on UKScreen forum) Re: Voiceovers!, read at [1] on 02 Nov 06,In terms of places to send your URL or CD's, there's no easy answer. It really is a case of throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.2005, "forwardone" (administrator posting on the HYIPForum), re: Alertpay phishing email, read at [2] on 02 Nov 06,I also think that sometimes they send out phishing e-mails in the hope that it`ll hit people who do have an account with a particular organization. You know, throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick theory.2006, Rob Manuel, How to be funny, read in Comedy Soup on the BBC website at [3] on 02 Nov 06,Throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick. Be prolific and don't be afraid to make stuff that's rubbish. If you keep trying eventually you'll get there.2006, Rex Pierce, Re: [303rd-Talk] D Day read on 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Believe the planners worked on the principle of "throw enough mud at the wall, and some of it will stick".If enough (perhaps false or reckless) accusations are made against someone, his reputation will suffer, whether or not this is deserved2006, "money" (poster on eTalk Money), Some thoughts about compact surfing, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,Word of advice NVUS time to distance yourself from LuukH as quickly as possible and dish some dirt, otherwise well the saying goes - throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.
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throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2001, And still no one is shouting stop. read in The Kingdom archives at [1] on 02 Nov 06,Many team managers are of the philosophy that if you throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick. They believe that team preparation is all about physical fitness. They run the players into the ground and they believe they will be "flying on the day".2001, Robert McCrum, Let them eat cake, in The Observer 16 Dec 01, read on Guardian Unlimited site at [2] on 02 Nov 06,Australian publishing boomed and in the past 10 years the country's literary culture has undergone a mini golden age, capped by Carey's triumph at the 2001 Booker Prize. As one Australian arts administrator said to me many years ago: 'Listen, mate, if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.'2001, Chris Collin, Re: 2-cp speys on The Strathspey Server mailing list archive at [3] on 02 Nov 06,I am finding that "if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick". It doesn't always work of course (especially on the nights when the class is mostly the beginners), but the class seems to thrive on the challange.2005, Ray Craft (poster on The right scale blog), Fitzhooie and his Burden, read at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Prosecutors everywhere have bad habits of overcharging lots of cases, knowing that if the throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick.2005, Sean Kelleher, Spike Milligan: His part in our downfall in Business 07 Aug 05, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,As long as there is negligible regulation and enforcement anyone can actually try and do the job...Weak regulation allows the industry to build strategies on full time recruitment. The theory goes: throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.c2005, Everything You've Learned About Marketing Is Wrong, read on LINC Performance website at [6] on 02 Nov 06,They have the money to continue to believe in the repetition side of the equation. You throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick. But it still isn
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throw smoke »
To consistently pitch fastballs that are difficult to hit.
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to a fare-thee-well »
To the greatest extent or to completion; to a state of refinement or perfection.
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to spare »
left over
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to thine own self be true »
The easiest person to deceive is oneself."This above all:to thine own self be true,and it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man." -William Shakespeare
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today we are all »
An expression indicating that the speaker empathizes with members of an identifiable group that was the subject of a disaster, and projects that others empathize as well.
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today we are all »
August 12, 2008:, Robert Barnes, "McCain to Georgian President: "Today, We Are All Georgians"", Washington Post.
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today we are all »
March 11, 2004: Denis MacShane, Guardian Unlimited.
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today we are all »
September 12, 2001: Jean-Marie Colombani, "Today, We Are All Americans", Le Monde.
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tomorrow is another day »
Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a fresh start for one's endeavors.1600, author unknown, "Phillidaes Love-call to her Coridon, and his replying" (song), in England's Helicon, printed at London by I.R. for John Flasket:Phil. Yonder comes my Mother, Coridon,whether shall I flie?Cor. Under yonder Beech my lovely one,while she passeth by.Say to her thy true-Love was not heere,remember, remember,to morrow is another day:1896, Amelia E. Barr, A Knight of the Nets, ch. 8:"Well, well, my dear lass, to-night we cannot work, but we may sleep. . . . Keep a still heart tonight, and tomorrow is another day."1936, Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, ch. 63:"Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."2005, Fran Schumer, "JERSEY: In Princeton, Taking On Harvard's Fuss About Women," New York Times, 19 June (retrieved 18 Aug. 2009):"Half of me is depressed
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toss-up »
Either of two outcomes that are equally likely.
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toy with »
Handling something in a careless or frivolous manner.
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travel junkie »
Who are using their time and money to seek out adventure holidays and travel.
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tread lightly »
To proceed carefully; especially, to seek to avoid causing offense.
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two heads are better than one »
Some problems may be solved more easily by two (or more) people working together than by one working alone.
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under one's nose »
Obvious or apparent.
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under the wire »
At the last minute; before the deadline; barely on time; nearly late.
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under way »
A vessel is said to be underway when she is not anchored, moored, aground, or beached[1]. Compare with make way.
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unwashed masses »
Of people who are considered by someone to be somehow uneducated, uninformed, godless, or in some other way unqualified for inclusion in the speaker's elite circles.
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upset the applecart »
To spoil carefully laid plans or arrangements; to spoil something.
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urban fabric »
The physical aspect of urbanism, emphasizing building types, thoroughfares, open space, frontages, and streetscapes; while excluding without prejudice to this useful term, environmental, functional, economic and sociocultural aspects.
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walk in the snow »
An occasion when a momentous career decision is made, especially a decision to resign or retire.
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walk on eggshells »
To be careful and sensitive, in handling very sensitive matters.
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walk on eggshells »
To be overly careful in dealing with a person or situation because they get angry or offended very easily; to try very hard not to upset someone or something.
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war bride »
A company or individual whose business is increased by warfare.
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warm up »
To prepare for executing an already-learned activity by a limited amount of additional practice.
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waste breath »
To speak in a manner which is needless or futile; in discussion or argument to make points which are not appreciated or heeded.
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watch one's mouth »
To be careful about what one says, especially with regard to disrespectful or profane language.
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watch out »
To be aware or conscious; to look closely or carefully; to use caution. Often used in the imperative.
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wear one's heart on one's sleeve »
To be extremely transparent, open, or forthright about one's emotions.
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wear out »
To cause to become damaged, useless, or ineffective through continued use, especially hard, heavy, or careless use.
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wear out »
Of apparel, displayed in public.
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wee small hours »
The very early morning, just after midnight, when most people are asleep.
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weekend warrior »
A person who indulges in a sport or pastime on an infrequent basis, usually on weekends when work commitments are not present.
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whack-a-mole »
The practice of trying to stop something that persistently occurs in an apparently random manner at the point where the occurrence is noticed, such as terminating spammers' e-mail accounts or closing pop-up advertisement windows.
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what of it »
So what? Who cares? Expresses disinterest, disregard or lack of concern.
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what's cooking »
What's happening?; what's going on?; how are you?.
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what's up »
A casual greeting with usage similar to "How are you?" or "Nice to meet you".
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what's up »
How are you?.
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what's up »
What are you doing?.
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when the cat's away »
People are likely to take advantage of the absence of authority or enforcement of compliance.
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when the chips are down »
When the pressure is on; when the situation is urgent or critical.
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wherever you go, there you are »
(colloquial, clich
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whisper campaign »
A method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are deliberately spread concerning a person or other target, while the source of the rumors tries to avoid detection.
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will on »
To wish intensely that someone succeeds in what they are doing. Often implies a silent, or almost inaudible wish.
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window dressing »
These latest modifications are mere window dressing, the same problems remain.
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work spouse »
A man or woman in the workplace with whom one shares a special relationship having bonds similar to those of a marriage: special confidences, loyalties, shared jokes and experiences, and unusual degree of honesty or openness.
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wrap around one's fingers »
To make one susceptible to desire, in that their behavior or actions are influenced.
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wrap in the flag »
To claim one's cause deserves support for patriotic reasons or that one's own motives are patriotic.
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wrong side of the tracks »
. May refer to area where the working class, poor or extremely poor live.
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yak shaving »
Any apparently useless activity which, by allowing you to overcome intermediate difficulties, allows you to solve a larger problem.
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you are what you eat »
If you eat well, you will be well; but if you eat badly you will feel bad
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you can't run with the hare and hunt with the hounds »
You can't have it both ways.
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you make the bed you lie in »
A person's circumstances are normally the result of his or her own actions.
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you name it »
Used after a short list to show that further examples are unnecessary; all kinds of things.
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you snooze you lose »
If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.
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