a fool and his money are soon parted »
It is easy to get money from foolish people, especially rich ones.
|
a good beginning makes a good ending »
Good beginnings promise a good end; start off on a good note to reap the benefits at the end.
|
a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step »
even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point
|
absence makes the heart grow fonder »
When someone or something is faraway, you realise how much you love (or miss) them or it.
|
add up to »
To have a particular effect.
|
after one's own heart »
Of a person: having the same ideas, opinions or behaviour as oneself.
|
aim at »
To design for a particular audience.
|
all in all »
Generally; for the most part; mostly.
|
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 over the board »
Showing a wide range of values with no particular pattern.
|
amateur hour »
A situation or activity in which the participants show a lack of skill, sound judgment, or professionalism.
|
angle for farthings »
To beg out of a prison window with a cap, or box, let down at the end of a long string.
|
apple of somebody's eye »
A favourite, a particular preference, or a loved one; the object of somebody's affections.
|
ass into gear »
Get going; get moving; start producing.
|
at first »
Initially; at the start.
|
at heart »
In spirit; according to one's beliefs, views or feelings; deep down, really, fundamentally.
|
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.
|
barnburner »
Liberal faction of the New York state United States Democratic Party in the mid 19th century.
|
barrel »
A wave that breaks with a hollow compartment.
|
barrel »
The hollow basal part of a feather.
|
barrel »
The quantity which constitutes a full barrel. This varies for different articles and also in different places for the same article, being regulated by custom or by law. A barrel of wine is 31 1/2 gallons; a barrel of flour is 196 pounds; of beer 31 gallons; of ale 32 gallons; of crude oil 42 gallons.
|
be in on »
To be a party to a secret shared by a small group of people.
|
be still my heart »
Calm down, this situation is too exciting or overly distressing.
|
beauty mark »
Or artificially using cosmetics.
|
bee in one's bonnet »
Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.
|
beef to the hoof »
Fat, chubby, particularly with fat legs.
|
been there, done that »
An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is now bored.
|
bench jockey »
A baseball term for a player, coach or manager who is annoying and distracts opposition players and umpires from his team's dugout bench with verbal repartee.
|
big gun »
A large-caliber artillery piece.
|
bit part »
small acting role
|
bit part »
small acting role
|
bit part »
small acting role
|
bite me »
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
|
bitter end »
That part of an anchor cable which is abaft the bitts and thus remains onboard when a ship is riding at anchor.
|
blessed event »
An occurrence or occasion which is particularly noteworthy and enjoyable.
|
blue moon »
The third full moon in a quarter that contains four rather than the usual three full moons.
|
blue note »
Notes added to the major scale for expressive quality in jazz and blues music, particularly the flatted third, fifth and seventh.
|
boot up »
To start a computer using its bootstrap procedure.
|
borne out »
Past participle of bear out.
|
bottom of the ninth »
In baseball, the second part of the ninth and final inning. The end of the game.
|
bought the farm »
Simple past tense and past participle of buy the farm: died; often refers to death in battle.
|
box the compass »
To know, and be able to recite the 32 points and quarter points of the magnetic compass from North, both clockwise and anticlockwise.
|
boys will be boys »
It is hard, often fruitless, to attempt to curb the natural playfulness and tendency to mischief of most growing boys.1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13But just then there was a slight altercation between Master Tommy and Master Jacky. Boys will be boys and our two twins were no exception to this golden rule.Even grown men usually remain somewhat boyish in heart"Boys will be boys", grinned grandpa while he joined his adult son playing with the fancy train-set he gave his grandson for Christmas while the kid was in school.
|
brain fart »
A lapse in the thought process; an inability to think or remember something clearly.
|
brain fart »
Something ill-considered and said or done impulsively.
|
brain surgery »
Surgery on any part of the nervous system, especially the brain; neurosurgery.
|
brass farthing »
Something worthless or of small value.
|
break a sweat »
' , Karon Karter - The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method page 119.
|
break a sweat »
To start sweating.
|
break ground »
To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation.
|
break into »
To try to start in a profession or business.
|
break new ground »
To begin excavating and levelling earth for a new building, or, originally, for cultivation.
|
break someone's heart »
To cause a person to feel grief or sadness.
|
break the back of »
To achieve the greater part of some project.
|
break the ice »
To start to get to know people, by avoiding awkwardness.
|
break up »
To break or separate into pieces; to disintegrate or come apart.
|
break up »
To dissolve; to part.
|
break wind »
To flatulate; fart; to expel gases generated during digestion through the anus.
|
brick up »
To block by masonry, particularly using bricks.
|
brickbat »
A criticism or uncomplimentary remark hurled at artwork or other recipient.
|
bridge »
A particular form of one hand placed on the table to support the cue when making a shot in cue sports.
|
bridge »
A valence bond, atom or chain of atoms that connects two different parts of a molecule; the atoms so connected being bridgeheads.
|
bridge »
An elevated platform above the upper deck of a mechanically propelled ship from which it is navigated and from which all activities on deck can be seen and controlled by the captain, etc; smaller ships have a wheelhouse, and sailing ships were controlled from a quarterdeck.
|
bridge »
Any of several electrical devices that measure characteristics such as impedance and inductance by balancing different parts of a circuit.
|
bring out »
To elicit, evoke, or emphasize a particular quality.
|
bring up »
To turn on power or start, as of a machine.
|
broken-hearted »
Alternative spelling of brokenhearted. Feeling depressed, despondent, or hopeless, especially over losing a love.
|
buck up »
Cheer up; take courage; take heart.
|
bum chum »
A male’s homosexual partner..
|
buoy up »
To uplift, hearten, inspire or raise the spirits.
|
business as usual »
The normal course of an activity, particularly in circumstances that are out of the ordinary.
|
business end »
The part of a tool or other similar item, that is physically used for its operation, rather than the part which is held.
|
by heart »
Knowing completely; as having committed completely to memory.
|
by the Grace of God »
Used as part of the titles of royalty.
|
cast on »
To start the first row of knitting by putting stitches on a needle.
|
cat and mouse game »
Two individuals and/or groups repeatedly keeping check on each other in a suspicious or self-protective way, often with the goal of one or both parties trying to gain a malicious advantage over the other.
|
caucus race »
The competitive process in which a political party selects their candidate, esp. presidential; a primary election via caucus.
|
center field »
The part of a baseball field which is beyond the infield and straight ahead left if you stand on home plate and face the pitcher.
|
chain reaction »
A nuclear reaction in which particles produced by the fission of one atom trigger fissions of other atoms.
|
change of heart »
A change of one's opinion, belief or decision.
|
chase tail »
Partner.
|
check out »
To pay the bill, and record one's departure, as from a hotel.
|
child's play »
Something particularly simple or easy.
|
chip in »
To make a contribution; help in a small way; especially, to pay for a part of something.
|
circular firing squad »
A political party or other group experiencing considerable disarray because the members are engaging in internal disputes and mutual recrimination.
|
clay »
An earth material with ductile qualities.
|
clean up »
To become clean, handsome, smart in appearance, e.g. for a special occasion, especially when it is out of character to be seen as such.
|
clear the decks »
To remove, or fasten, all loose material, or partitions prior to a naval engagement.
|
climbing the walls »
Present participle of climb the walls.
|
cold fish »
A heartless individual; a person lacking empathy and emotion.
|
cold hands, warm heart »
Implies inner beauty; a caring person; warm-hearted
|
Cold hands, warm heart; Dirty feet, no sweetheart! »
A few old timer's "fun" way to compliment a lady & to find out if she could be courted.
|
come on »
To get one's period, start menstruating.
|
copper-bottomed »
Having lower parts made of or covered by copper.
|
court martial »
military trial
|
crack up »
To laugh heartily.
|
crack up »
To cause to laugh heartily.
|
crank up »
To start something mechanical, an act that often used to involve cranking.
|
cross my heart »
A declaration that the speaker is telling the truth.
|
cross the aisle »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
cross the aisle »
To vote, unite, or otherwise co-operate with members of another political party in order to achieve governmental or political action.
|
cross the floor »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
cross the floor »
To vote against one's own political party in parliament.
|
crown jewels »
A part of a company sought by another in a hostile takeover.
|
curate's egg »
A thing which has good and bad parts.
|
cut in »
Especially, to dance with someone who is already dancing by replacing his or her partner.
|
cut out »
Well suited; appropriate; fit for a particular activity or purpose.
|
dawn of a new day »
A new beginning; a fresh start; an important, promising turning point.
|
dead duck »
A project that is doomed to failure from the start.
|
deadbeat dad »
A man, especially one who is divorced or estranged from his partner, who fails to provide monetary child support when he is legally required to do so.
|
deep end »
The part of a swimming pool with relatively deep water.
|
developments »
A group of building complexes or apartments. Often used for low income housing.
|
devil is in the details »
The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.
|
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.
|
dig up »
To discover something by digging; to unearth.
|
discretion is the better part of valour »
It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.1597
|
dive in »
To start a new endeavor enthusiastically and wholeheartedly.
|
do one »
To depart from a place, often with a sense of urgency.
|
don't get me started »
About the subject currently being discussed.
|
don't go there »
Don't start talking about that.
|
done a bunk »
Simple past tense and past participle of do a bunk.
|
down the road, not across the street »
Along the radial artery rather than across the wrist from side to side.
|
down to a fine art »
Having or showing exceptional proficiency.
|
down with his apple-cart »
Knock or throw him down.
|
down-to-earth »
Practical; realistic; pragmatic.
|
drain the swamp when up to one's neck in alligators »
(idiomatic) When performing a long and complex task, and when you've gotten utterly immersed in secondary and tertiary unexpected tangential subtasks, it's easy to lose sight of the initial objective. This sort of distraction can be particularly problematic if the all-consuming subtask or sub-subtask is not, after all, particularly vital to the original, primary goal, but ends up sucking up time and resources (out of all proportion to its actual importance) only because it seems so urgent.
|
draw back »
To pull something back or apart.
|
dress up »
To wear smart clothes for an occasion.
|
drive away »
To depart by driving a vehicle.
|
drop back »
Of a quarterback or other player in the backfield, to take a number of steps back from the line of scrimmage immediately after the snap or hike of the ball, to avoid defenders.
|
drug of choice »
The best-choice medication to treat a particular medical problem.
|
dyed in the wool »
Simple past tense and past participle of dye in the wool.
|
ear tunnel »
A part of the ear.
|
eat one's heart out »
To feel overwhelming sorrow, jealousy or longing, to grieve.
|
eat one's own dog food »
To use or consume the economic goods or services that oneself is producing; to be part of a closed household economy.
|
eat someone out of house and home »
C. 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2, Act II Scene I.
|
end of the world »
End of habitability for life on Earth.
|
end of the world »
End of the planet Earth.
|
engine room »
A compartment on a ship in which the engine machinery is located.
|
even handed »
impartial
|
every cloud has a silver lining »
In every bad situation there is an element of good1881, National Academy of Code Administration (U.S.), Folio, page 417:Every cloud has a silver lining; but in the old-fashioned meeting-houses every cloud of hymnal melody generally had a nasal lining before the congregation...1887, Shakers, Religion, page 36:that "a little reserve and thou'lt fail surely," will prove to be true in our experience. Every cloud has a silver lining and so has every sorrow,1918, George Jean Nathan, Performing Arts, page 222:But the most popular attitude toward what we may call "sad" plays is the peculiar one of believing that, since every cloud has a silver lining,
|
every silver lining has a cloud »
Every good situation has the potential to turn bad.2007, Diab A. Shetayh, Actuality : The Reality RequiemA great partnership isn't a self-maintaining entity. Perseverance and persistence make it thrive. For every silver lining has a cloud. Ignorance of this reality is not an option.
|
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
|
evil twin »
A duplicate or counterpart of something or someone that acts in a contrary, nefarious, or insidious manner.
|
f** someone over »
To exploit somebody in a way which result in an advantage to oneself, at the cost of the other party gaining a considerable disadvantage.
|
face off »
The starting point, in a match of ice hockey. Two players face each other, for snatching the puck.
|
facts on the ground »
Some aspects of the situation in a particular location.
|
fall apart »
To break into pieces through being in a dilapidated state.
|
fall apart »
To be emotionally in crisis.
|
fall by the wayside »
To fail to be completed, particularly for lack of interest; to be left out.
|
fall off »
A hip hop term; to completely lose the plot in terms of artistic direction.
|
fall on one's face »
To fail, especially in a dramatic or particularly decisive manner.
|
fat of the land »
The greatest part of anything; the finest and most abundant share of resources; the cream of the crop.
|
feather in one's cap »
An accomplishment; particularly one that is flaunted or boasted of.
|
feed a cold, starve a fever »
Eating more will cure the common cold, and eating less will cure a fever.1887, J. H. Whelan, "The Treatment of Colds.", The Practitioner, vol. 38, pg. 180:"Feed a cold, starve a fever." There is a deal of wisdom in the first part of this advice. A person with a catarrh should take an abundance of light nutritious food, and some light wine, but avoid spirits, and above all tobacco.1968, Katinka Loeser, The Archers at Home, publ. Atheneum, New York, pg. 60:I have a cold. 'Feed a cold, starve a fever.' You certainly know that.2009, Shelly Reuben, Tabula Rasa, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN 015101079X, pg. 60:They say feed a cold, starve a fever, but they don't tell you what to do when you got both, so I figured scrambled eggs, tea, and toast.
|
fight off »
To resist, particularly an infection or an emotion.
|
fire up »
To start.
|
first port of call »
The first place to go to start a process.
|
first port of call »
The first port that a vessel calls in at after the start of a voyage.
|
first things first »
Deal with matters of highest priority first; deal with matters in logical sequence.1922, H. G. Wells, The Secret Places of the Heart, ch.4,"First things first," said Sir Richmond. If we set about getting fuel sanely, if we do it as the deliberate, co-operative act of the whole species, then it follows that we shall look very closely into the use that is being made of it.1999, Frank Pellegrini, "House Republicans Quell Mutiny Over Tax Bounty," Time, 23 Jul.,Judging by the polls
|
fits and starts »
Activity which is intermittent, variable in intensity, and prolonged by interruptions.
|
flat-earther »
A person who believes or advocates an outlandish, discredited theory; a person who refuses to acknowledge the truth despite overwhelming evidence.
|
flat-earther »
A person who believes or advocates the theory that the earth is flat.
|
fly on the wall »
A quiet, non-participating, or unseen observer; an eavesdropper or witness.
|
fly the coop »
To depart hastily or unannounced; to escape or flee.
|
fly-by-night »
One who departs or flees at night in order to avoid creditors, law enforcement etc. .
|
for starters »
as a beginning
|
for the heck of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for the hell of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for the most part »
Mostly; in general; usually.
|
for the sake of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
four score and seven years ago »
As an opener, a sometimes sarcastic indicator to indicate a past event being mentioned is particularly important.
|
fresh start »
A new beginning, without prejudices.
|
from scratch »
From the beginning; starting with no advantage or prior preparation; starting from raw ingredients.
|
from the bottom of one's heart »
In earnest; sincerely; with one's full feeling.
|
from the Department of the Bleeding Obvious »
So obvious it was unnecessary to say.
|
from the get-go »
From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.
|
from the ground up »
From the beginning; starting with the basics, foundation, or fundamentals.
|
from the word go »
From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.
|
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"
|
get a jump on »
To start early, especially to start before something begins or before others begin.
|
get a leg up »
To gain some advantage; to get a head start.
|
get busy »
Start working, usually in opposition to idleness.
|
get cracking »
To get started; to get busy.
|
get moving »
To start hurrying to undertake a task.
|
get out of bed on the wrong side »
To start the day in a bad mood for no apparent reason.
|
get out of Dodge »
To leave; in particular to leave a difficult or dangerous environment with all possible haste.
|
get the ball rolling »
To begin; to start some action; to set in motion.
|
give away the store »
To transact, trade, or negotiate badly, by paying, providing, or conceding too much to the other party.
|
give ear »
Dante Gabriel Rosetti, A Death-Parting, lines 5-6.
|
give over »
To devote oneself to a particular activity.
|
go back to the drawing board »
To start again; to scrap a previous idea or plan and try again from the beginning.
|
go down that road »
To settle a way of doing something; do decide to do something in a particular way.
|
go down the road »
A way of doing something; to do something in a particular way.
|
go in for »
To engage or take part in something.
|
go off »
To depart; to leave.
|
go out on the town »
To party all night long.
|
go the distance »
To participate in a boxing match for its maximum number of rounds.
|
go the extra mile »
To make an extra effort; to do a particularly good job.
|
golden handcuffs »
Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage participant from wanting to leave, especially to retain a choice employee.
|
good riddance »
Used to indicate that a departure, or loss is welcome.
|
gratuitous violence »
The artificial depiction of excessive violence.
|
gray area »
A part that is not clear or certain; something that is open to interpretation.
|
great unwashed »
A contemptuous term for the populace, particularly the working class.
|
gussie up »
To make fancy or attractive, as by artificial or contrived means.
|
hack into »
To gain unauthorized entry to, particularly by exploiting little-known weaknesses.
|
half-baked »
Partially cooked by heating in an oven.
|
hang out »
To spend time doing nothing in particular.
|
hang out with »
To spend time with friends, doing nothing in particular.
|
hard-hearted »
unfeeling
|
harden someone's heart »
To make someone more resistant to something.
|
haul off »
To alter course so as to get farther away from an object.
|
have a flat »
To be the owner of an apartment.
|
have a heart »
To be kind or sympathetic; to treat others kindly.
|
have eyes in the back of one's head »
To be particularly, especially uncannily, observant; a perceived ability to see in all directions at once.
|
have one's heart set on »
To want or desire deeply, regardless of practicality or rationality.
|
have someone's guts for garters »
To reprimand severely.
|
he who smelt it dealt it »
(colloquial, originally) A person who calls attention to or complains about a fart is likely trying to pretend it wasn't his or her own.(colloquial, by extension) Used to suggest that a person calling attention to or complaining about a given problem may in fact be the source of the problem.
|
head scratcher »
A particularly puzzling or confusing event.
|
head start »
For example, prior to the beginning of a race.
|
head start »
A factor conducive to superiority and success.
|
heart of glass »
A very fragile romantic state.
|
heart of gold »
A kind, compassionate, or caring attitude; kindheartedness.
|
heart to heart »
A sincere, serious, or personal conversation.
|
heart-breaking »
That causes extreme sorrow or grief.
|
heavy-hearted »
Sad, melancholy.
|
hedge one's bets »
To place bets with a third party in order to offset potential losses.
|
hell on earth »
A very unpleasant situation; torment, particularly when widespread.
|
hit home »
To do something particularly great.
|
hit the books »
To study, especially with particular intensity.
|
hit the bottle »
To continually drink alcohol to excess, particularly in response to a setback.
|
hit the bricks »
To leave or depart; to get out.
|
hit the bricks »
To participate in a workplace strike or other job action; to participate in a public protest, especially one involving picketing.
|
hit the rock »
To make a gesture to show celebration, friendship, or to be part of a secret handshake by one person raising their fist so the fist is pointing at the person and the other person lightly punches the fist.
|
hit the spot »
To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.
|
hit the trail »
To leave or depart.
|
hold up »
To fulfil / fulfill or complete one's part of an agreement.
|
home is where the heart is »
One's true home is where one feels happiest.
|
home stretch »
The final part of a distance or the final effort needed to finish.
|
horses for courses »
The practice of choosing the best person for a particular job.
|
hot lunch »
A sexual act in which a pouch of clingfilm or similar material filled with faeces is placed in one of the participants' mouth and subsequently penetrated by the second participant.
|
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.
|
hunger is a good sauce »
(dated) Being hungry makes one less concerned about the taste of one's food.1854, Mark Lemon, Henry Mayhew, Tom Taylor, Shirley Brooks, Francis Cowley Burnand, Owen Seaman, Punch, Vol. XXVI, Punch Publications Ltd., page 74:His bread and cheese were somewhat dry, to be sure; his ale had become flat, and considerably warmer than was desirable; but hunger is a good sauce, and thirst is not particular.
|
if looks could kill »
A phrase said upon catching sight of someone's giving you a particularly nasty look of discontent or disapproval.
|
in fact »
Resulting from the actions of parties.
|
in for a penny, in for a pound »
Expressing recognition that one must, having started something, see it through to its end, rather than stopping short thereof; accepting that one must
|
in for an inch, in for a mile »
Given that one is partly involved in or committed to a project, action, position, etc., there is no reason to refrain from becoming fully involved or fully committed.
|
in particular »
specially
|
in the first place »
To begin with; earlier; first; at the start.
|
in the loop »
Informed; up to date; current; part of the discussion.
|
in the swim »
Actively participating in the flow of events; very involved.
|
it takes two to tango »
Some things need the active cooperation of two parties; blame is to be laid on both parties in a conflict.
|
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.
|
jump off »
To participate in the final round of an equestrian showjumping event.
|
jump rope »
The activity, game or exercise in which a person must jump, bounce or skip repeatedly while a length of rope is swung over and under, both ends held in the hands of the jumper, or alternately, held by two other participants. Often used for athletic training and among schoolchildren. Variations involve speed, chants, varied rope and jumper movement patterns, multiple jumpers and/or multiple ropes.
|
jump ship »
To depart a project without warning.
|
jump ship »
To part from a ship.
|
jump the gun »
To begin a race too soon, before the starting gun goes off.
|
just for fun »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
keep it real »
In the imperative, an exhortation used as a departing salutation.
|
kernel of truth »
A core accuracy at the heart of a claim or narrative which also contains dubious or fictitious elements.
|
kick in »
To start or connect suddenly.
|
kick off »
To make the first kick in a game or part of a game.
|
kick off »
To start; to launch.
|
king of hearts »
picture card
|
kiss up »
To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.
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knock up »
To put together, fabricate, or assemble, particularly if done hastily or temporarily. See also knock together.
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last trump »
The moment of God's final judgement on Earth.
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laundry list »
Originally, a list of articles of clothing that had been sent to be laundered.
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lay a finger on »
If you lay a finger on my little brother, I'll have your guts for garters.
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lay off »
To place all or part of a bet with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.
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learn by heart »
To memorize.
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left field »
The part of a baseball field which is beyond the infield and to your left if you stand on home plate and face the pitcher.
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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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life of the party »
A person who participates in entertainment events in a very enthusiastic manner and who has a leading role in inspiring others to join in the spirit of festivity.
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light a fire under »
To start sooner or move faster.
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listen in »
To listen without participating.
|
live one »
A person, thing, or situation which is particularly interesting, noteworthy, or urgent.
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log off »
To depart from conversation; to say goodbye.
|
lone gunman »
An individual person who acts on his or her own initiative, without partners, especially one who has sole responsibility for doing something questionable, confidential, or iniquitous.
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long time »
Used as part of greeting of two people who have not been in contact for a long time.
|
look-in »
A chance to participate, compete, or succeed.
|
Loose cannon »
An uncontrolled or unpredictable person who causes damage to his own friends, faction, political party, etc.
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lose one's touch »
To lose one's special mastery of or knack for a particular skill or activity.
|
lucky break »
A stroke of luck; a fortunate event, particularly of the sort that propels one to success, fame, etc.
|
make oneself scarce »
To leave or depart, or to avoid or stay away.
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make tracks »
To leave or depart; to go away.
|
man made »
artificial
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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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meat rack »
A place where people can meet looking for sexual partners.
|
meaty »
Of a person or a body part, large and solid.
|
morning person »
A person whose who wakes up without difficulty early each morning and who is alert and active during the first part of the day.
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move heaven and earth »
To do whatever is necessary, including extreme or unusual actions; to go to extremes.
|
move on »
To start dealing with something else.
|
necktie party »
An execution by hanging, especially a lynching.
|
nest egg »
A natural or artificial egg placed in a bird's nest, to encourage the bird to lay its own eggs there.
|
night person »
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours, and who usually sleeps during part of the daytime.
|
no screaming hell »
Something that is not particularly effective or impressive; something that is below expectations.
|
no spring chicken »
Said of a person who is no longer particularly young.
|
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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non-starter »
An idea or argument that cannot be sensibly debated.
|
non-starter »
Someone or something who was listed to start in a race, but did not start in the race.
|
non-starter »
Something that is not going to happen.
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not worth a brass farthing »
Worth nothing or next to nothing.
|
object lesson »
Anything used an example or lesson which serves to warn others as to the outcomes that result from a particular action or behavior, as exemplified by the fates of those who followed that course.
|
of an »
Indicates a more or less habitual activity during the given part of the day.
|
of course »
Asserts that the associated phrase should not be argued, particularly if it is obvious or there is no choice in the matter.
|
of sorts »
Resembling; similar to; in a way; partial or not entire; somewhat.
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off board »
Not participating.
|
off the bat »
From the start; immediately; right away.
|
oil painting »
works of art
|
Old Fart »
An elderly person who holds views that are considered old-fashioned.
|
old testament »
part of the bible
|
on board »
Joining in or participating.
|
on spec »
I'm writing an article on spec. I hope some magazine will buy it.
|
on the go »
To have started.
|
on the right track »
Using the correct general approach to a particular task or problem; pursuing something in a promising way.
|
on the spot »
In a particular place.
|
on the whole »
For the most part; apart from some insignificant details.
|
one-night stand »
A single sexual encounter between two individuals, where at least one of the parties has no immediate intention or expectation of establishing a longer-term sexual or romantic relationship. As the phrase implies, the relationship lasts for only one night.
|
one-upmanship »
The art or practice of successively outdoing a competitor.
|
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.
|
opening time »
hour at which a pub can start serving
|
opposite number »
A person who holds a position in an organization that corresponds to that held by another person in an other organization; a counterpart.
|
opposites attract »
people who are completely different make ideal partners.
|
opt in »
To choose to participate in something.
|
opt out »
To choose not to participate in something.
|
out of house and home »
Gail White, Partying with the Intelligentsia.
|
out of house and home »
Global Checkup: How Healthy is Earth?, Science NOW.
|
out of it »
Not participating in some trend or group.
|
out of sight »
How was the party? Out of sight, man!.
|
out of the loop »
Not informed up to date; current; not kept part of the discussion.
|
out of the woods »
Out of peril; likely to recover or prevail over trouble; finished with the worst or most threatening part of a problem or illness.
|
outsider »
One who is not part of a community or organization.
|
paint the town red »
To party or celebrate in a rowdy, wild manner, especially in a public place.
|
paper »
A written document, generally shorter than a book , in particular one written for the Government.
|
part and parcel »
An integral or essential piece; that which must be done or accepted as part of something else.
|
parting shot »
An insult or barbed comment issued as the speaker departs or the conversation comes to an end.
|
party animal »
A person known for frequent, enthusiastic attendance at parties, especially one whose partying behavior is exuberant or excessive.
|
party crasher »
Someone who attempts and often gains entry to a party or club to which they were not invited, often using social engineering techniques. The party crasher usually tries to blend into the party so as not to be kicked out.
|
party pooper »
Someone who unnecessarily dampens fun.
|
party to »
Privy to; having knowledge of.
|
pass muster »
To measure up to a particular standard.
|
pay the fiddler »
To contribute in order to participate.
|
peed off »
Simple past tense and past participle of pee off.
|
peel out »
To start abruptly from a standing stop, accelerating rapidly, especially so as to produce skid marks.
|
pendre la cr%C3%A9maill%C3%A8re »
To have a housewarming party.
|
pick up »
To restart or resume.
|
pickle »
A children’s game with three participants that emulates a baseball rundown.
|
piece of work »
A product or manufactured article, especially an item of art or craft.
|
pitch in »
To help out; lend assistance; contribute; to do one's part.
|
play along »
To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.
|
play ball »
To start anything tumultuous.
|
play the race card »
To assert that race or racism is responsible for a course of events, especially when race is not of particular significance to the issue in question; to attempt to inspire a particular reaction by raising the issue of race.
|
play to the gallery »
To appeal to the least sophisticated parts of an audience in order to obtain maximum approval.
|
play with fire »
To put oneself in a precarious situation with a high risk of getting harmed, particularly emotionally or financially.
|
point blank »
The distance between a gun and a target such that it requires minimal effort in aiming it. In particular no allowance needs to be made for the effects of gravity, target movement or wind in aiming the projectile.
|
prawn cocktail offensive »
A strategy of the Labour Party in winning over important people in the world of finance.
|
pretty pictures »
Image supplements in a presentation: graphs, charts, etc.
|
problem child »
A child who is particularly difficult to raise or educate, especially due to a lack of self-control and disruptive and antisocial behavior.
|
pronunciamiento »
A military uprising or coup in Spain or the Spanish American republics, particularly in the 19th century. They received this designation because coups were usually accompanied by a statement declaring the existing government null and void.
|
proverbs run in pairs »
Every proverb seems to be contradicted by another proverb with an opposed message, such as "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "many hands make light work."1863, Sir Richard Burton, Abeokuta and the Camaroons Mountains, vol. 1, Tinsley (London), p. 309:Moreover, all the world over, proverbs run in pairs, and pull both ways: for the most part one neutralizes, by contradiction, the other.
|
pull apart »
To open something by pulling on various parts of it.
|
pull one's head in »
To withdraw as a turtle might; to discontinue support of a particular argument.
|
pull one's socks up »
To start making an effort; to renew or redouble one's efforts.
|
push the boat out »
To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.
|
put someone down as »
To assume someone has a particular character from very little information.
|
put the cart before the horse »
To put things in the wrong order or with the wrong priorities.
|
quantum mechanics »
The branch of physics which studies matter and energy at the level of atoms and other elementary particles, and substitutes probabilistic mechanisms for classical Newtonian ones.
|
quarter of »
"I need twenty minutes to get to the shop." "You'll be late. It's already a quarter of.".
|
quarter of »
Fifteen minutes before the next hour.
|
quarter past »
Fifteen minutes past any hour.
|
ramp up »
Of a project or operation, to start up.
|
rank and file »
Those lacking any particular title or status; those having no station.
|
rat race »
An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or tedious, especially in the context of a busy, modern urban lifestyle.
|
rat running »
Present participle of rat run.
|
reach an early grave »
To resign near the start for good.
|
rebound relationship »
A relationship proceeding a longterm relationship, usually short in duration and used to help mend the "broken heart".
|
ride the short bus »
To participate in a special education program, such as for those with learning disabilities.
|
rip up »
tear apart
|
rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
|
roses are red »
The start of a generic poem about love.
|
run off »
To flee or depart quickly.
|
run off »
To operate by a particular energy source.
|
run on »
To operate with a particular energy source.
|
run out on »
To leave a partner suddenly and without prior warning.
|
run to »
To reach a particular maximum amount, size, value, etc.
|
sainted »
Simple past tense and past participle of saint.
|
scare the pants off of »
To scare or startle thoroughly.
|
scissorbill »
And railroad term for someone who refused to join the union or who openly colluded with management to thwart the union.
|
scrape the bottom of the barrel »
To use the least desirable parts of something.
|
screen out »
To use a screen, grate, sieve or similar means to separate large from small objects or particles.
|
screw back »
To cue the cue ball in such a way as to impart backspin. On impact, the ball will follow a reverse trajectory according to the spin.
|
scrimp and save »
To scrimp greatly; to economize; to live very frugally, particularly when saving for something.
|
seagull approach »
The occurence of casual, ill-informed and hasty decisions or comments made by outside authorities who lack an understanding of the local issues or a real understanding of the facts of a particular situ.
|
second fiddle »
A fiddle part in harmony to the first fiddle.
|
see you later »
A phrase used at parting, and not necessarily implying that the person being addressed will be seen later by the speaker.
|
sell »
To promote a particular viewpoint; to manipulate towards a desired end.
|
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".
|
send away »
To send to a particular place for a long time, as a family member, an employee, etc.
|
set down »
Simple sum of parts set + down, to place, especially on the ground or a surface; to cease carrying.
|
set sail »
depart
|
sex up »
To take part in sexual acts with.
|
shacked up »
Simple past tense and past participle of shack up.
|
shotgun »
A gun which fires loads consisting of small metal balls, called shot, from a cartridge.
|
shotgun »
A play formation in which the quarterback is a few feet behind the snapper when the ball is hiked, ideally allowing for an easier pass play.
|
shroud »
See also Wikipedia article on Shroud.
|
silver bullet »
A cocktail somewhat like a martini.
|
silver-tongued »
Eloquent and articulate.
|
sing along »
A gathering or event where participants are encouraged to add their voices in song.
|
singing from the same hymnbook »
Present participle of sing from the same hymnbook.
|
sink one's teeth into »
To become involved in; particularly in an enthusiastic manner.
|
sit out »
To decline to participate; particularly, to decline to dance.
|
slam dunk »
Tacking on top of the wind of the following yacht in close quarters.
|
sleep around »
To have numerous sexual partners.
|
smart arse »
One who is particularly flippant or insolent or tends to make snide remarks or jokes.
|
smart chance »
A substantial quantity of something.
|
smart off »
To show disrespect verbally.
|
smoking gun »
Evidence, particularly of a crime, that is difficult or impossible to dispute.
|
smooth operator »
A skillful, manipulative person, con artist, or clever scoundrel.
|
soft hearted »
Be kind; Fall for someone
|
sort of »
Approximately; in a way; partially; not quite; somewhat.
|
sow one's wild oats »
To indulge in a period of irresponsible behavior, particularly sexually; Often used in reference to young adults or to the recently divorced.
|
speak to »
To address a particular topic.
|
spectator sport »
A sporting activity which has a relatively high ratio of watchers to direct participants.
|
spectator sport »
Something, especially a process or activity, which is a popular object of observation; an activity which a person prefers to watch rather than to participate in.
|
spill one's seed »
To masturbate or to ejaculate when the penis has been withdrawn from one's partner.
|
spit it out »
To overcome reluctance to say something particular or to speak in general.
|
split up »
Cease to be together, break apart from the group.
|
split up »
Separate, disassociate, cause to come apart.
|
spread out »
Become further apart.
|
spread out »
To place items further apart.
|
spruce up »
To dress or arrange smartly, elegantly, and neatly.
|
stand back »
To abstain from participation.
|
stand off »
To stand some distance apart form something or someone.
|
start off »
To begin.
|
start off on the wrong foot »
To begin badly; especially, to begin a relationship badly.
|
start over »
To begin again; to return to the beginning.
|
start up »
To rise suddenly.
|
start up »
To begin to operate.
|
start up »
To begin.
|
steal a march »
To start early.
|
steal a march on »
To get ahead of someone or something by starting earlier.
|
stick in the mud »
A person unwilling to participate in activities, often because he or she believes the activity is not wholly kosher; a party pooper.
|
stop press »
The event or news article important enough to delay or interrupt the print, or require a reprint, of a publication, particularly of a newspaper edition.
|
stretch out »
To fully extend a part of the body.
|
strike through »
Partly obliterate text by drawing a continuous line through the centre thereof, usually to indicate the deletion of an error or obsolete information.
|
strike up »
To start something with somebody else. Usually a conversation or relationship.
|
strike up »
To start something, usually playing live music.
|
swear by »
To wholeheartedly trust.
|
sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
|
switch off »
To lose interest, and start thinking about something else.
|
switch on »
To turn a switch to the "on" position in order to start or enable a device.
|
swot up on »
To study particularly hard to learn a subject quickly.
|
take a hike »
To go away; to leave or depart.
|
take a powder »
To leave in a hurry; run away; scram; depart without taking leave or notifying anyone, often with a connotation of avoiding something unpleasant or shirking responsibility.
|
take apart »
To dismantle something into it's component pieces.
|
take apart »
To soundly defeat someone, or a team.
|
take apart »
To criticise someone.
|
take apart »
To move someone away from others to be able to talk to, or give them something in private.
|
take heart »
Be courageous; regain one's courage.
|
take it easy »
An informal greeting for parting or closing.
|
take off »
To depart.
|
take part »
To participate or join.
|
take part »
To share or partake.
|
take the biscuit »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
|
take the cake »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
|
tart up »
To dress like a prostitute.
|
tart up »
To dress garishly.
|
tart up »
To modify or repackage a product, service, or idea to make it more attractive or easier to sell.
|
tartufo »
Hypocrite; tartuffe.
|
tartufo »
Truffle.
|
task force »
A group of people working towards a particular task, project, or activity, especially assigned in a particular capacity.
|
tell all »
To reveal everything, particularly information that is normally withheld.
|
tell apart »
To be able to know the difference between things; to distinguish.
|
the end all-be all »
Something ultimate; the best part of something; the thing which solves all problems associated with something.
|
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."
|
the salt of the earth »
wonderful
|
the shoe is on the other foot »
The roles of people in a situation have been reversed, such the advantage has shifted to a party which was previously disadvantaged.
|
the way to a man's heart is through his stomach »
Cooking for a man is a good way to win his affections.
|
there's no time like the present »
Now (i.e., the present time) is an appropriate time to take a particular action.
|
three-martini lunch »
A leisurely, expensive, midday meal associated with drinking, which is tax-deductible because business is discussed.
|
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.
|
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
|
tickled pink »
Simple past tense and past participle of tickle pink.
|
tie someone's hands »
To render one powerless to act, to thwart someone.
|
tiger team »
A specialized group tasked with testing the effectiveness of an organization's ability to protect assets by attempting to circumvent, defeat or otherwise thwart that organization's internal and external security.
|
tip one's hand »
To inadvertently reveal any secret, particularly a secret that puts one at an advantage or disadvantage.
|
to die for »
Very good; exquisite; excellent; particularly desirable.
|
to one's heart's content »
Until satisfied; as much as is wished.
|
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
|
touch off »
To start; to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.
|
trick out »
To trick out; to mod or customize an object, typically for the purpose of both personalization as well as enhancing the object's performance capabilities and more particularly for the purpose of performing stunts with that object.
|
tuck in »
To start to eat.
|
tuckered out »
Simple past tense and past participle of tucker out.
|
tuits »
Virtual tokens for an amount of time or attention that a particular issue would need to resolve.
|
turf war »
A fight or confrontation between two divisions or parties for access to resources or capital.
|
turn a phrase »
To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.
|
turn into a pumpkin »
Used to indicate a curfew, or the time by which one must depart.
|
turn of phrase »
An artful phrasing of words.
|
turn on »
To power up; to start a device by switching it on.
|
turn the page »
To move on to new involvements or activities; to make a fresh start.
|
turn the tables »
To reverse a situation, such that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged.
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two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
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up for »
Willing to participate in; interested in.
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upset the applecart »
To spoil carefully laid plans or arrangements; to spoil something.
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valley of death »
The phase of a startup business beginning with the entrepreneur's fulltime commitment to it and ending when the business has achieved sustainable cash flow.
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valley of the shadow of death »
Valleys on earth one must walk through, that is, part of the human experience.
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vice squad »
police department
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vote with one's feet »
To show a lack of support for something by departing or otherwise absenting oneself.
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walk the line »
To participate in the procession at a graduation ceremony; to graduate.
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war bride »
A woman who marries a man who is on active duty military in wartime.
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warm the cockles of someone's heart »
To provide happiness, to bring a deeply-felt contentment.
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warts and all »
Of or pertaining to a description or other depiction which reveals the full range of characteristics of a person or thing, including the shortcomings and imperfections.
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washed up »
Finished; having no future in a particular role.
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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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weekend warrior »
A part-time soldier, or reservist.
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what on Earth »
Used to add emphasis to "what" when beginning question.
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whomp up »
To produce quickly, particularly a meal.
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whoop it up »
To have a great time; to party or revel excessively or noisily.
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why on Earth »
Used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning a question.
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wipe the slate clean »
To forget about previous differences and disagreements, and make a fresh start.
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world »
The earth.
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worlds apart »
Vastly different.
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worry wart »
One who worries excessively or unnecessarily.
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yellow press »
Newspapers which publish sensationalist articles rather than well researched and sober journalism.
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you can't get a quart into a pint pot »
What is being discussed is not possible.They've asked me to get to New York by five o'clock, but you can't get a quart into a pint pot!
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you knows it »
You're right; I wholeheartedly agree with your statement.
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zoom down »
To move quickly along a particular route, list, etc.
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