a chain is only as strong as its weakest link »
An organization (especially a process or a business) is only as strong or powerful as its weakest person. A group of associates is only as strong as its laziest member.
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a drop in the bucket »
An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem.
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a fool and his money are soon parted »
It is easy to get money from foolish people, especially rich ones.
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a rising tide lifts all boats »
Benefits provided to a few may lead to conditions that are beneficial to all.
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according to Hoyle »
In strict accordance with the rules, especially of card games; in the proper or expected manner.
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against the grain »
Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.
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all fur coat and no knickers »
Of superficial appearance and with no real substance beneath.
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all mouth and no trousers »
Superficial, engaging in empty, boastful talk, but not of real substance.
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all mouth and trousers »
Superficial, engaging in empty, boastful talk, but not of real substance.
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all over the place »
Everywhere, especially chaotically or in such a way as to make a mess.
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all walks of life »
All professions, lifestyles or social classes.
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any press is good press »
Being mentioned in the media is beneficial to the subject because it gets publicity.
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arm candy »
An attractive, seemingly romantic companion who accompanies a person in public simply so that one or both of the individuals can gain attention, enhance social status, or create an impression of sexual appeal.
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as is »
In its present state or condition, especially as a contractual condition of sale.
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ask out »
To invite somebody, especially on a date.
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assume the mantle »
To take on a specific role or position, along with any associated responsibilites.
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babe magnet »
A person, especially a man, to whom women are attracted.
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back in the day »
In the past; at one time, especially a time which is fondly remembered.
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back up »
To move backwards, especially for a vehicle to do so.
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bad apple »
A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy, especially one who has an adverse influence on others.
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bad penny »
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
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bail out »
To rescue, especially financially.
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bankers' hours »
Any easy job, especially one with a short working day.
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battle cry »
By extension, a strong motto or purpose statement, especially in regards to winning a goal in sports, games or work.
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be there for »
To be available to provide comfort and support for someone, especially in a period of difficulty.
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beauty mark »
Or artificially using cosmetics.
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beauty sleep »
Extra sleep or a special nap.
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bend one's elbow »
To drink alcoholic beverages, especially at a public house or bar.
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big break »
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
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big cheese »
A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
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big enchilada »
A very important person, especially the highest-ranking individual in an organization.
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big enchilada »
Some item of high value, especially a top prize or reward.
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big mouth »
The mouth of someone who talks too much, especially by making exaggerated claims or by inappropriately revealing information.
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big wheel »
A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
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birds and bees »
Informal sex education, especially describing the sexual activity of animals rather than that of people.
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birds of a feather flock together »
People of similar character, background, or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another.
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birds of the feather flock together »
People who are alike physically tend to congregate and socialize together, despite government efforts at forced integration.
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blame Canada »
A catch phrase for shifting attention away from a serious social issue by laying responsibility with Canada.
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blimp out »
To become fat or fatter, especially as a result of excessive eating.
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blow the whistle »
To disclose information to the public or to appropriate authorities concerning the illegal or socially harmful actions of a person or group, especially a corporation or government agency.
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blue-eyed boy »
Someone's favourite, especially a young one.
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bluewash »
To tout a business or organization's commitment to social responsibility, and to use this perception for public relations and economic gain; to present a humanitarian front in this manner.
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bog standard »
Especially plain, ordinary, or unremarkable; having no special, excess or unusual features; plain vanilla.
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bolt bucket »
A machine, especially an automobile. Implies that the machine is clunky or unreliable.
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bone up »
To study or cram, especially in order to refresh one's knowledge of a topic.
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booze can »
A nightclub or bar, especially one which operates illegally or is otherwise disreputable.
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borganism »
An organization of autonomous organisms that exhibit collectivism: individual "units" that have merged to yield a unified construct. Such an amalgam may possess a collective consciousness, arguably an emergent phenomenon of social networking.
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born in a barn »
Of humble birth, especially when referring to Jesus Christ.
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bottom of the line »
The worst, the most lackluster, or lowest quality currently on the market, especially among selections in a product line.
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box-office bomb »
A motion picture that generates relatively low revenue at the box office, especially that which is less than the budget for the motion picture.
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brain surgery »
Surgery on any part of the nervous system, especially the brain; neurosurgery.
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break out »
To escape, especially forcefully or defiantly.
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break the bank »
To exhaust one's financial resources.
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brickbat »
A piece of brick used as a weapon, especially if thrown, or placed in something like a sock and used as a club.
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broken-hearted »
Alternative spelling of brokenhearted. Feeling depressed, despondent, or hopeless, especially over losing a love.
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brown bag »
A short presentation or seminar on a given subject, especially one given at lunchtime.
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bum rap »
A false accusation, or an injustice, especially one that leads to imprisonment.
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bump and grind »
A sexually suggestive dance involving exaggerated hip movements, especially a striptease dance.
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bump off »
To kill, especially to murder.
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bundle of energy »
One who is especially lively, continually active, or industrious.
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bundle of energy »
The energy associated with being lively, continually active, or industrious.
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bundle of nerves »
A person with an especially nervous, excitable, or fearful disposition.
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burn the midnight oil »
To work studiously, especially late into the night.
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bush league »
A professional sports association at the lower levels of minor league organization.
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butter up »
To flatter, especially with the intent of personal gain.
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by one's own hand »
As a result of one's own actions, especially with reference to death by suicide.
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by the book »
In a manner which adheres strictly to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
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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.
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by-the-book »
Adhering strictly to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
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call in »
To summon someone, especially for help or advice.
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call out »
To specify, especially in detail.
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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.
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calling card »
Excrement, especially of a domestic animal.
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captain of industry »
A prominent business person who owns or is the highest-ranking executive of one or more major firms, especially one who has considerable wealth and influence.
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carry a tune »
To produce music, especially to sing, with accurate pitch.
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carry on »
To act or behave; especially to act or behave so as to attract attention.
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carry the can »
To take responsibility, especially in a challenging situation.
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carry the message to Garcia »
To perform a requisite task despite obstacles.
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carry the message to Garcia »
To perform a requisite task without having been informed specifically by what method to do so.
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cash cow »
Someone or something which is a dependable source of appreciable amounts of money; a moneymaker.
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cash in »
To profit from; to use an opportunity to maximum advantage, especially financially.
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cast pearls before swine »
To give things of value to those who will not understand or appreciate it.
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cat that ate the canary »
A person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.
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caught with one's hand in the cookie jar »
Observed or apprehended while committing a theft, especially while embezzling money.
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champ at the bit »
To bite the bit, especially when restless.
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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.
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cherry-pick »
To pick out the best, or most desirable items from a list or group, especially to obtain some advantage or to present something in the best possible light.
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chicken feed »
A very small or insignificant quantity, especially of money.
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children should be seen and not heard »
Children should behave well and be quiet, especially in the presence of adults.
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chip in »
To make a contribution; help in a small way; especially, to pay for a part of something.
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chow down »
To eat, especially to eat vigorously.
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clean out »
To clean, especially to tidy by removing the contents.
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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.
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clean up »
To make a large profit; to win by a large margin, or to win a large amount, especially in gambling. Also clean house.
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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.
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cold turkey »
The sudden and complete withdrawal of a dependent substance, especially of a drug.
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collect one's thoughts »
To become mentally composed, especially after being distressed, surprised, or disoriented; to become calm or organized in one's emotional state or thinking, as in preparation for a conversation, speech, decision, etc.
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come around »
To change one's mind, especially to begin to agree or appreciate what one was reluctant to accept at first.
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come by »
To obtain; to get, now especially by chance or involuntarily.
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come in handy »
To be useful or helpful, especially at some time in the future.
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come the acid »
To make oneself unpleasant, especially by sarcasm.
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come to »
To stop a sailing vessel, especially by turning into the wind. See also come about.
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come up »
To emerge or become known, especially unexpectedly; to come to attention, present itself.
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common or garden variety »
Ordinary, standard. Nothing special.
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company »
As he had worked for the CIA for over 30 years, he would soon take retirement from the company.
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company »
In legal context, an entity that manufactures or sells products , or provides services as a commercial venture. A corporation.
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company »
Social visitors.
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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.
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cop out »
To avoid or shirk, either by failing to perform, or by performing in a grossly insufficient, negligent, or superficial manner.
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crash course »
A quick, intense course of learning, especially one which is informal or hurried.
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crop up »
To occur, especially suddenly or unexpectedly.
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cross someone's palm »
To give money to a person, especially as a bribe or as an inducement to perform a service.
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cry the blues »
To complain, especially in order to obtain sympathy for one's own purportedly sad situation.
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cut a rug »
To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
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cut a wide swath »
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
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cut in »
Especially, to dance with someone who is already dancing by replacing his or her partner.
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cut of one's jib »
Someone’s general appearance or the implications thereof, especially in relation to making an impression or one’s style..
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damn by association »
Discredit or condemn a position, person, or thing by attacking those things with which he/she/it is associated.
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date with destiny »
An inevitable future event or encounter, especially one which is likely to be momentous.
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day in, day out »
Every day; daily; constantly or continuously; especially, of something that has become routine or monotonous.
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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.
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deathblow »
A strike or blow that leads to death, especially a coup de grace.
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deep pockets »
An ample supply of money, especially money which one is willing to spend; the possessor of such money.
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deep water »
Waters suitable for deep-draft ships, especially ocean-going.
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deliver the message to Garcia »
...grasp the demands and exactions of business life. He learns that the main thing to do is to "deliver the message to Garcia"....
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deliver the message to Garcia »
...heaves in a deep breath, gathers himself as though he's crossed a continent to deliver the message to Garcia.
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deliver the message to Garcia »
Alternative form of carry the message to Garcia.
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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.
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deliver the message to Garcia »
What we need is people who get the job done, no matter how. We don't want pickers who'll only learn if we use their preferred learning method. Have you read "A Message to Garcia" ? That's what we need today - young people who can deliver the message to Garcia.
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desk jockey »
One who spends his or her time seated at a desk; especially one who is more concerned with procedure, paperwork, or administration than with its ultimate goal or practical consequence.
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different as chalk and cheese »
Two things which are superficially alike but very different in substance.
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dig deep »
Try especially hard.
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diplomatic flu »
An illness feigned by one or more government officials or other public figures as an excuse for an absence really based on political reasons.
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dirty money »
Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized. Especially money gained through forgery, bribery, or thievery.
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do drugs »
To abuse an illegal drug or drugs, especially as a result of chemical addiction.
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do something with mirrors »
To jokingly pretend that one did something using magic mirrors, that one is a magician; a joking explanation of the fantastic or the unexplained.
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don't look a gift horse in the mouth »
Do not unappreciatively question a gift or handout too closely.
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double entendre »
A phrase that has two meanings, especially where one is innocent and literal, the other risqué, bawdy, or ironic; an innuendo..
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double talk »
Lying, especially in a formal political statement.
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down in the mouth »
Sad or discouraged, especially as indicated by one's facial appearance.
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down on one's luck »
Unlucky or undergoing a period of bad luck, especially with respect to financial matters.
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down to the short strokes »
In the final steps or decisive phase of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
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down to the wire »
At the very end of a process or project, especially one with a fast-approaching deadline.
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draw the line »
To set a boundary, rule, or limit, especially on what one will tolerate.
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drill down »
To examine information at another level or in greater detail; especially in a database, to navigate to a more detailed level or record.
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drink off »
To drink the entirety of in a short period; originally and especially, in a single gulp.
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drive the porcelain bus »
To vomit, especially while drunk or hung over.
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drop the ball »
To fail in one's responsibilities or duties, or to make a mistake, especially at a critical point or when the result is very negative.
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drop the writ »
To call a federal or provincial election.
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duke it out »
To fight, especially with the fists.
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dumb down »
To convey some subject matter in simple terms, avoiding technical or academic language, especially in a way that is considered condescending.
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earn one's keep »
To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.
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easy street »
A carefree situation or lifestyle, especially as resulting from possession of wealth.
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eat crow »
To recognize that one has been shown to be mistaken or outdone, especially by admitting that one has made a humiliating error.
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economical with the truth »
Not telling the whole truth, especially in order to present a false image of a situation; untruthful; lying. Often used with sarcasm or satire.
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egg on »
To encourage or coax a person to do something, especially something foolhardy or reckless.
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elbow grease »
Effort or hard work, especially physical work involving repeated motion of the forearm, such as scrubbing.
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end of the line »
Final cessation or discontinuance of a process, institution, or person, especially one which has existed for a considerable period of time; death.
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face off »
Either an actual or a figurative face to face confrontation, especially a bitter one.
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faceplant »
The act of landing face first, often associated with bailing during extreme sports.
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fall on one's face »
To fail, especially in a dramatic or particularly decisive manner.
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fall on one's sword »
To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so.
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farmer's tan »
The tan line left by clothing, especially, by a short-sleeved shirt.
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fashion plate »
A person who dresses in especially stylish fashions.
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fat lip »
A swelling on the lip, especially one resulting from a punch or other blow.
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feather one's nest »
To achieve benefits, especially financial ones, by taking advantage of the opportunities with which one is presented; to amass a comfortable amount of personal wealth.
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fill in »
To inform somebody, especially to supply someone missing or missed information.
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fine print »
The details, restrictions, terms, or conditions, especially of a contract, often printed in very small type.
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fishing expedition »
A non-specific search for information, especially incriminating information.
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fit into »
To be of similar cultural or social status as the members of a group of people.
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flipside »
A necessary consequence or corollary of something; especially one seen as opposite, or as pro versus con.
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flower »
The vulva, especially the labia majora.
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fold one's tent »
To withdraw, especially in a discreet manner; to disengage; to quit.
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follow through »
To finish; to complete, especially, of a commitment.
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fool's errand »
A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail.
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footloose and fancy free »
Able to do as one pleases, unconstrained by social ties or responsibilities.
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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."
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free ride »
An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.
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fresh off the boat »
Newly arrived from a foreign place, especially as an immigrant who is still unfamiliar with the customs and language of his or her new environment.
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fruit of the union »
A child, especially from a marriage or similar union.
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full of hot air »
Talking a lot, especially without saying anything of value or meaning.
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full speed ahead »
A command, especially on military vessels, to move forward at maximum speed.
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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.
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gandy dancer »
A railway laborer, especially a member of a crew which carries rails and affixes them to ties.
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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"
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get a jump on »
To start early, especially to start before something begins or before others begin.
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get a load of »
To experience someone or something, especially by looking or listening.
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get a rise out of »
To obtain a reaction from someone, especially one of annoyance.
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get by the balls »
To have complete control over someone, especially of a woman abusing a man's infatuation with her.
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get it over with »
To do or finish, especially said of something unpleasant.
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get off with »
To befriend someone and snog them, especially in a public place.
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get on somebody's case »
To lecture, berate, or complain to somebody, especially to find fault or criticize.
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get one's butt somewhere »
Go somewhere, especially quickly.
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get one's foot in the door »
To initiate contact or a relationship; to gain access, especially to an entry-level job.
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get something over with »
To do something quickly and hastily; without procrastination, especially so as to have something unpleasant behind oneself.
|
get taken in »
To be unofficially fostered.
|
give as good as one gets »
To behave toward others in a manner resembling or commensurate with their behavior towards oneself, especially in a situation where one is insulted or otherwise ill-treated.
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give of oneself »
To devote oneself unselfishly to a task, especially to give time and energy.
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give somebody the runaround »
Especially by providing useless information or directions .
|
go apeshit »
To behave in an extreme manner; to act without restraint, especially by becoming explosively angry.
|
go belly-up »
To fail or fold; especially, to close or shut down a business; to go out of business.
|
go for »
To do something, especially for leisure.
|
go it alone »
To do something alone or independently, especially something that is normally or better done in groups.
|
go native »
To adopt the lifestyle or outlook of local inhabitants, especially when dwelling in a colonial region; to become less refined under the influence of a less cultured, more primitive, or simpler social environment.
|
go out »
To leave, especially a building.
|
go out the window »
To vanish or cease, especially due to lack of care, attention, etc.; to be discarded, disregarded, or ignored.
|
go to someone's head »
To strongly affect a person, especially to the detriment of their senses or mental faculties.
|
go too far »
To exceed an unstated limit, especially a limit of acceptable behaviour.
|
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...
|
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.
|
golden handshake »
A generous severance payment, especially as an inducement to leave employment.
|
golden hello »
A payment offered to an employee as an inducement to join, especially if currently working for a competitor.
|
gone to the dogs »
To have fallen into disrepair or ruin; to have been stagnant or depreciated.
|
good old boy »
A friendly, unambitious, relatively uneducated, sometimes racially biased white man who embodies the stereotype of the folksy culture of the rural southern USA.
|
good old boy »
A male friend or chum, especially a schoolmate; a man with an established network of friends who assist one another in social and business situations; a decent, dependable fellow.
|
good to go »
Ready for some specific task or ready for normal activity, especially after preparation or recovery.
|
good to go »
Ready for use or ready for normal operation, especially after repair or renewal.
|
goodbye cruel world »
A call said before taking a stiff drink, especially a shot of vodka.
|
goon squad »
A group of individuals serving as enforcers, bodyguards, and the like, especially persons hired for such a purpose and using violent, thuggish methods.
|
gratuitous violence »
The artificial depiction of excessive violence.
|
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.
|
greasy spoon »
An inexpensive diner or other informal restaurant, especially one specializing in frying or grilling.
|
greener pastures »
Any place or condition that is more favorable or beneficial.
|
grin like a Cheshire cat »
To smile broadly, especially in a self-satisfied way.
|
grow a pair »
To be brave; to show some courage, especially in a situation in which one has so far failed to do so.
|
grow out of »
To become too physically large for something, especially clothes.
|
guilt trip »
A feeling of shame or embarrassment, especially if self-indulgent, unwarranted, exaggerated or felt over a significant period of time.
|
gunshy »
Fearing the consequences of repeating an act, especially after being reprimanded.
|
gussie up »
To make fancy or attractive, as by artificial or contrived means.
|
ham it up »
To act or emote, especially to overact or act badly.
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hand over fist »
Quickly or in great quantity, especially in reference to earning money.
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hang out one's shingle »
To open an office or business, especially in a profession.
|
happily ever after »
Living happily until death. Typically associated with fairy tales.
|
hash out »
To work through the details of something; especially to work through difficulties.
|
haul ass »
To hurry; to move quickly, especially to leave.
|
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 the floor »
To have permission or time to speak, especially in a formal situation.
|
head for the hills »
To travel to a higher elevation, especially to a rural region on vacation.
|
hide nor hair »
A trace, indication, or evidence, especially of a person.
|
high ground »
A location which is at a relatively high elevation, especially in comparison to the immediate surrounding area.
|
hit home »
To be especially memorable or meaningful; to be fully understood, believed or appreciated.
|
hit the books »
To study, especially with particular intensity.
|
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 bricks »
To travel about, especially on foot.
|
hit the headlines »
To appear prominently in the news, especially on the front page.
|
hold back »
To delay, especially in school.
|
hold one's tongue »
To keep quiet; especially, to leave something unsaid.
|
hold someone's feet to the fire »
To maintain personal, social, political, or legal pressure on someone in order to induce him or her to comply with one's desires; to hold someone accountable for his or her actions.
|
hold the fort »
To assume responsibility, especially in another’s absence..
|
home run »
A success; especially, a popular success.
|
hoover up »
Quickly, especially by taking it into the mouth directly from the plate rather than using cutlery.
|
horse sense »
Common sense, especially with a connotation of folk wisdom independent from, and trumping, formal education.
|
hot button »
A central issue, concern or characteristic, especially one that motivates people to make a choice.
|
hot potato »
An awkward or delicate problem with which nobody wants to be associated.
|
in bed »
Lying on a bed, especially under some bedsheets.
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in bed with »
Engaging in a close mutually beneficial relationship, especially secretly and illicitly.
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in particular »
specially
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in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king »
Among others with a disadvantage or disability, the one with the mildest disadvantage or disability is regarded as the greatest.Even someone without much talent or ability is considered special by those with no talent or ability at all.
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in the limelight »
In the focus of attention, especially from the media.
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in vain »
In a disrespectful manner, especially when concerning religion.
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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
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jack of all trades »
One competent in many endeavors, especially one who excels in none of them.
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kangaroo court »
A judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding, or a group which conducts such proceedings, which is without proper authority, abusive, or otherwise unjust.
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keep mum »
Do not talk; especially keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
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keep one's cool »
To remain composed, calm, and even-tempered, especially in a provocative situation.
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keep shtum »
Don't tell anyone; especially, keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
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keep up with the Joneses »
To do or buy things for status, show, or image rather than out of need, especially for the purpose of competing with friends or neighbors.
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kick in »
To contribute, especially to a collection of money.
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kick up the arse »
A severe reprimand, especially one to motivate someone into doing something.
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kiss up »
To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.
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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.
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knee high to a grasshopper »
Short; especially relating to when the subject was a small child.
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kneel before »
To kneel in front of someone or something, especially in order to worship or supplicate.
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knock off »
An imitation, especially one of poorer quality.
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knock out »
To complete, especially in haste; knock off.
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knock up »
To impregnate, especially out of wedlock. See knocked up.
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know like the back of one's hand »
To be intimately knowledgeable about something, especially a place.
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know the score »
Be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
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knuckle sandwich »
A punch to the face, especially to the mouth.
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landing strip »
A runway for aircraft, especially one which is auxiliary or temporary.
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lapsed academic »
A person formerly employed as a professor or researcher in a university or other institution of higher education, especially one who no longer attempts to remain current in his or her former academic field.
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laundry list »
Hence, a long list of items, especially an exhaustive one.
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lay down »
To sacrifice, especially in the phrase "to lay down one's life.".
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leave somebody high and dry »
To abandon somebody; to stop providing assistance at a crucial moment.
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leave somebody in the lurch »
To abandon somebody; especially, to abandon somebody and leave him or her in a difficult situation.
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legwork »
Work, especially research or preparation, that involves significant walking, travel, or similar effort.
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lemon law »
A law dealing with defective items, especially automobiles, and consumers' rights.
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lend a hand »
To help or assist, especially voluntarily.
|
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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light bucket »
Nickname for a reflecting telescope, especially one with a relatively large aperture and suitable for observing deep sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.
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like hot cakes »
Quickly, especially by purchase or consumption.
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line one's pockets »
To accumulate personal wealth, especially in an illegal or morally objectionable manner.
|
lion »
An individual who shows strength and courage, attributes associated with the lion.
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live wire »
An especially energetic, alert, or vivacious person.
|
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.
|
long goodbye »
Nickname for Alzheimer's disease, especially for the final phase of the disease, during which the patient suffers a progressive decline of cognitive and motor skills and gradually loses the ability to recognize and to communicate with family and friends.[1]; nickname for the relationship between a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease and that person's family or friends.
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look forward »
To anticipate or expect; especially, to expect something to be pleasant.
|
look forward to »
To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure.
|
look off »
To put off by one's facial expression.
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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.
|
lose one's shirt »
To lose all of one's money; to go broke; to undergo financial ruin or disaster.
|
lose one's touch »
To lose one's special mastery of or knack for a particular skill or activity.
|
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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love nest »
A room, especially a bedroom or boudoir, used for sexual intercourse.
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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.
|
mad money »
A sum of money kept in reserve or to insulate oneself financially in the event of the sudden breakdown of a relationship in which one is economically dependent.
|
magic bullet »
A simple remedy to a difficult or complex problem, especially a cure for a disease.
|
make a go of it »
To attempt; especially, to attempt to make a living.
|
make an honest woman »
Especially if she is having a sexual relationship.
|
make over »
To transfer ownership, especially by means of a legal document.
|
mama's boy »
A male person, especially a young man or boy, who is overly attached to or influenced by his mother; a sissy.
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man made »
artificial
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meal ticket »
Someone or something that provides income or livelihood, especially as an exploited source.
|
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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memory lane »
A set of recollections available to be reviewed, especially accompanied by a feeling of nostalgia.
|
mess of pottage »
Something of trivial value, especially of immediate value.
|
middle of the road »
Having a centrist attitude or philosophy; not extreme, especially politically.
|
mind the store »
To take active responsibility for a group or process, especially within an organization.
|
miner's canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
miners' canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
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mixed message »
Any communication that is contradictory, inconsistent, or unclear, especially in its motive or intent.
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monkey on one's back »
An addiction, especially to narcotic drugs.
|
mop up »
To clean with a mop; especially to clean up a spill or mess.
|
mouth of a sailor »
The characteristic of regularly using vulgar language, especially strong profanities; a person having this characteristic.
|
move the goal posts »
To unilaterally change the rules, or terms of an agreement, especially in an unfair or underhand way.
|
move the goalposts »
To alter the agreed basis, scope, standards or target of a procedure or task during its course, especially to do so to someone's advantage.
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mutton dressed as lamb »
A mature woman dressed in a style more suited to a young woman, especially if a deliberate attempt to appear young.
|
mutual admiration society »
A group of two or more people, in a workplace or other social environment, who routinely express considerable esteem and support for one another, sometimes to the point of exaggeration or pretense.
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naked as a jaybird »
Stark naked; nude; especially, naked in a public setting and without embarrassment.
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necker's knob »
A knob attached to the steering wheel of an automobile, especially before the widespread availability of power steering, helping the driver steer with one arm and leaving the other arm free to provide romantic attention to a companion.
|
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.
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no comment »
An "official" refusal to relay any further information, as a response to a newspaper reporter's question.
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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 great shakes »
Unexceptional; not special or noteworthy; not very effective.
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no holds barred »
Without reserve; in an especially ruthless or vicious manner.
|
nod off »
To fall asleep, especially while in a seated position or in inappropriate circumstances.
|
nose-picking »
To insert a finger into one's nostril, especially to remove mucus.
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not touch something with a ten foot pole »
To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; signifies a strong aversion.
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nothing special »
Ordinary, run-of-the-mill.
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nothing to write home about »
Not exceptional; not noteworthy or especially good.
|
odd and curious »
A way to designate special coins, namely coins that are both odd and imperfect or seriously damaged.
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of all people »
Especially; more than other people.
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of course »
Acknowledges the validity of the associated phrase.
|
of course »
Asserts that the associated phrase should not be argued, particularly if it is obvious or there is no choice in the matter.
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off the rails »
In an abnormal manner, especially in a manner that causes damage or malfunctioning.
|
off the wagon »
No longer maintaining a program of self-improvement or abstinence from an undesirable habit, especially drinking alcohol.
|
old saw »
A cliché, saying, or overused expression; especially a proverb or maxim.
|
on one's feet »
Being stable or capable, especially in a financial or emotional sense.
|
on the anvil »
Refers to anything in the making, being created, or in production, especially in the metalworking field.
|
on the cheap »
Economically, especially if too economically.
|
on the clock »
In the official time expired in a game or other sporting event.
|
on the clock »
In the official time remaining in a game or other sporting event.
|
on the dot »
Exactly; precisely, especially of a numerical quantity.
|
on the uptake »
In understanding or in the ability to absorb new information; especially in the phrases "quick on the uptake" and "slow on the uptake".
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one in the eye for »
An event or achievement which is unpleasant for someone, especially for those who considered it impossible or unwelcome; an annoyance.
|
one-hit wonder »
A musical performer or musical group known for a single hit song, especially after failing at later attempts at success.
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one-man band »
A musician who plays several musical instruments at once.
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one-note »
Having only one opinion, outlook, tone, etc., especially as expressed repetitively; without variety or range.
|
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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out of line »
Inappropriate or unsuitable, especially by reason of being unmannerly or indelicate.
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out of proportion »
Not in a proper or pleasing relation to other things, especially in terms of size.
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out on one's ear »
Fired, dismissed or thrown out, especially for some wrongdoing or otherwise with disgrace.
|
out to lunch »
Away eating lunch or for a midday break; especially, away from work or a job.
|
over and out »
Used to signal the end of a conversation, especially one conducted by CB radio or the like.
|
overkill »
A destructive capacity that exceeds that needed to destroy an enemy; especially with nuclear weapons.
|
pack away »
To store away, place out of the way, or stash, especially for the longer term.
|
packing heat »
Carrying one or more firearms on one's person, especially in a concealed manner.
|
paint the town red »
To party or celebrate in a rowdy, wild manner, especially in a public place.
|
palace politics »
The relationships and interactions of top-level officials, advisors and other powerbrokers within a government, especially as involving internal rivalry and intrigue.
|
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.
|
pass the hat »
To ask for money, especially from a group of people; to solicit donations or contributions.
|
pay for »
To exchange for, especially money for goods or services.
|
pay off »
To bribe, especially to deter oversight.
|
pay one's dues »
To acquire status or to earn the right to enjoy certain benefits, especially through lengthy experience, hardship, or service to an organization.
|
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.
|
pay through the nose »
To pay a high price, especially an exorbitant or excessive amount, either in money or in some other manner.
|
peaches-and-cream »
Of facial complexion, smooth, with attractive yellow-pink coloring.
|
peanut gallery »
Any source of heckling, unwelcome commentary or criticism, especially from a know-it-all or of an inexpert nature.
|
peel out »
To start abruptly from a standing stop, accelerating rapidly, especially so as to produce skid marks.
|
penny for your thoughts »
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
|
perfect storm »
A powerful hurricane or other major weather disturbance, especially as produced by a combination of meteorological conditions.
|
perp walk »
The intentional public display before news cameras of someone in police custody, especially someone famous or notorious, for the purpose of satisfying public interest, demonstrating the authorities' effectiveness, or shaming the person.
|
pick up »
To collect an object, especially in passing.
|
pick up »
To meet and seduce somebody for romantic purposes, especially in a social situation, sometimes used with "on".
|
pick up the tab »
To accept a charge and pay for it, especially at a bar or restaurant.
|
pickin' and grinnin' »
Vigorously playing folk or country music on a stringed musical instrument, especially the guitar or banjo, while smiling broadly.
|
piece of ass »
An act of intercourse, especially a one night stand.
|
piece of work »
A product or manufactured article, especially an item of art or craft.
|
pig in a poke »
Something whose true value is concealed or unknown, especially something offered for sale.
|
piss and moan »
To complain, especially needlessly and loudly.
|
piss and vinegar »
Exuberance or enthusiasm, especially to an excessive degree; bravado; youthful energy.
|
play fast and loose »
To ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits ones purpose.
|
play hardball »
To act rough and ruthless, especially in politics or business.
|
play hardball »
To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
|
play hookey »
To be absent without permission, especially from school.
|
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 with fire »
To put oneself in a precarious situation with a high risk of getting harmed, particularly emotionally or financially.
|
plead the fifth »
To refuse to answer a question, or refuse to speak, especially when the response would reflect badly on the speaker.
|
potty mouth »
The characteristic of regularly using vulgar language, especially strong profanities; a person having this characteristic.
|
power behind the throne »
Someone who appears to be without special status, but who has great covert influence on a person in authority.
|
powers that be »
The holders of power or the authorities in a given situation, especially as seen as being faceless or unreasonably bureaucratic.
|
press the flesh »
To shake hands and socialize, especially in a political gathering.
|
price on one's head »
A compensation for capturing or killing a person, especially someone guilty of a crime.
|
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.
|
pronunciamiento »
A pronouncement or "declaration".
|
pull a face »
To make an abnormal facial expression.
|
pull out »
To withdraw; especially of military forces; to retreat.
|
pull strings »
To manipulate, especially by asking favours of.
|
pull teeth »
To do something that is especially difficult or effortful.
|
pull up »
Drive close to something, especially a curb.
|
purple prose »
Extravagant or flowery writing, especially in a literary work.
|
push one's luck »
To take an excessive risk or to attempt some task unlikely to succeed, especially after having already been unexpectedly lucky.
|
push the boat out »
To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.
|
put one past somebody »
To deceive, trick, or fool, especially by concealing something.
|
put one's foot in it »
To make a mistake in public, or a social blunder, that is embarrassing, or offensive.
|
put up »
To present, especially in "put up a fight".
|
rain check »
In social interactions, a polite way to turn down an invitation, with the implication one is simply postponing it and that another time would be acceptable.
|
rain cheque »
Any postponement, especially of an offer.
|
rain cheque »
Any voucher or note issued by a store to allow a customer to get a special or sale price later if an item is out of stock.
|
raise the bar »
To raise standards or expectations, especially by creating something to a higher standard.
|
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.
|
red ink »
A euphemism for financial loss.
|
red light »
A warning light, especially as a traffic signal indicating ‘stop’..
|
rev up »
To increase the speed of an engine, especially that of a stationary motor car.
|
ride the short bus »
To have a need for a special education program, as because learning disabled.
|
ride the short bus »
To participate in a special education program, such as for those with learning disabilities.
|
right back »
Used in several informal constructions to indicate return -- especially imminent return to a point of origin.
|
rip off »
To copy, especially illegally.
|
road apple »
Horse manure, especially when deposited on a road.
|
road movie »
A film in which much of the action takes place during a journey, especially one involving overland travel.
|
robber baron »
Especially in the 19th-century and early 20th-century, a business tycoon who had great wealth and influence but whose methods were morally questionable.
|
rocket scientist »
One specializing in the science or study of rockets and their design.
|
roll out the red carpet »
To extend the utmost hospitality; to treat someone as an honored guest; to welcome or host, especially in a showy or extravagant manner.
|
round down »
To the greatest integer that is not greater than it, or to some other lower value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
round up »
To the smallest integer that is not less than it, or to some other greater value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
rubber-chicken dinner »
A formal dinner or event thrown by politicians to raise funds.
|
run for one's money »
A difficult challenge for the person indicated, especially one involving a competitive situation.
|
run for one's money »
A reasonable opportunity to succeed, perform acceptably, or escape harm, especially in a difficult situation.
|
run into the ground »
To wear out, especially through excessive use.
|
run-of-the-mill »
Ordinary; not special.
|
safe and sound »
Having come to no harm, especially after being exposed to danger.
|
school of hard knocks »
An education consisting of real-world experiences, especially harsh experiences.
|
scream »
A form of singing associated with the metal and screamo styles of music. It is a loud, rough, distorted version of the voice; rather than the normal voice of the singer.
|
seagull manager »
A manager who comes into the workplace or office only on occasion, especially when a problem arises or to criticize or critique employees.
|
second banana »
A comedian who plays a secondary or supporting role, especially as straight man and traditionally in vaudeville or burlesque theatre.
|
see a man »
To take one's leave for some urgent purpose, especially to go to the bathroom.
|
see the light »
To gain an understanding of something previously not understood, especially in a sudden insight.
|
sell down the river »
To betray, especially in a manner which causes serious difficulty for the one betrayed.
|
serpentine »
Of, or having attributes associated with, the mythological serpent, such as craftiness or deceitfulness.
|
set down »
Simple sum of parts set + down, to place, especially on the ground or a surface; to cease carrying.
|
set for life »
Possessing sufficient resources, especially financial, to last a lifetime.
|
settle for »
To accept or allow something, especially something not entirely desirable.
|
shack up »
To live together, especially of an unmarried couple.
|
sharp cookie »
One who is intelligent, bright, or sharp; especially, one who can identify attempts to deceive or mislead.
|
shell out »
To pay money; especially, to pay a great deal of money.
|
shift gears »
To change the gear by which motion is transmitted from a powered shaft to another shaft, especially in a motor vehicle.
|
shit a brick »
To react strongly or excessively, especially in anger or fear.
|
shoot one's bolt »
To use up one's resources, especially a singular one or one not readily restored.
|
shoot the boots »
To kick swiftly and violently, especially in the groin.
|
shooting iron »
A firearm, especially a handgun.
|
short strokes »
The final steps of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
|
show the flag »
Of a naval vessel or military force, to identify itself by displaying the flag of its country of origin, especially in order to establish an authoritative presence and to exert diplomatic or political influence.
|
show the flag »
To display the flag of one's country, especially as an expression of patriotic pride.
|
show up »
To appear, arrive, or attend, especially suddenly or erratically.
|
shroud »
Especially, the dress for the dead; a winding sheet.
|
sick joke »
A joke which is in poor taste, especially one which depicts as amusing a situation which the listener considers to be tragic or disgusting.
|
sing from the same hymnbook »
To make the same or similar statements, especially to express the same opinions in public as a result of a prior agreement.
|
sitting pretty »
In a favorable situation, especially a situation in which one possesses an advantage.
|
skin and bones »
Said of one who is emaciated; very skinny, as from lack of nutrition.
|
skin deep »
superficial
|
skinny as a rail »
Especially of a person, very skinny.
|
skip out »
To shirk; to avoid attending or to leave early, especially without permission.
|
slippery slope »
A chain of events that, once initiated, cannot be halted; especially one in which the final outcome is undesirable or precarious.
|
smoke signal »
An indirect message or indication, especially concerning a future event.
|
smooth operator »
A person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace, especially one with verbal skills who is persuasive in interpersonal relationships, negotiation, etc.
|
snap someone's head off »
To suddenly and sharply rebuke or insult a person, especially in response to a harmless remark.
|
sniff out »
To find, especially to find something that cannot be seen.
|
snow on the mountaintop »
Gray or white hair on one's head, especially as an indication of aging.
|
snow on the rooftop »
Gray or white hair on one's head, especially as an indication of aging.
|
so much as »
Even; suggests a minimum, especially regarding what might be expected.
|
soapbox »
A crate for packing soap, or, by extension, any inexpensive crude platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it, especially when used for speeches.
|
soapbox »
Especially when only tangentially relevant to an ongoing discussion.
|
social death »
The alienation of certain people from society to the point of being forgotten, excluded, or ignored in society.
|
socialized medicine »
A politically charged term used to contrast such systems with free market alternatives and emphasize the perceived link to socialism.
|
socialized medicine »
An umbrella term for any system of government-run health care.
|
soft touch »
A comfortable situation; an easy task or undemanding occupation, especially one which is comfortably remunerative.
|
soft touch »
A person or group which is sympathetic, accommodating, easily overcome, or easily persuaded, especially one which loans or readily gives money to another.
|
space out »
To stupefy, intoxicate, disorient, or lose attention or focus, especially by the use of drugs.
|
spanner »
A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
|
special needs »
Needs for special care, services or accommodations.
|
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.
|
spin a yarn »
To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
|
split up »
Separate, disassociate, cause to come apart.
|
spring fever »
A feeling of invigoration and restlessness associated with the arrival of the warm weather and renewal of nature in the spring season.
|
spring fever »
A feeling of laziness or listlessness associated with the arrival of the warm, comfortable weather of the spring season.
|
spruce up »
To refresh, revamp; to freshen or improve something, especially its appearance.
|
square meal »
A satisfying meal, especially suitable for one performing physical labor.
|
stand on end »
To stand erect, bristle, especially from fear.
|
start off on the wrong foot »
To begin badly; especially, to begin a relationship badly.
|
stepping stone »
A stone that can be stepped on in crossing something, especially a marsh or creek.
|
stew in one's juices »
To be alone and self-absorbed in an uncomfortable state of mind, especially while experiencing the unpleasant effects of one's own actions.
|
stick it to the man »
To take some action intended to defy a source of oppression such as globalization, commercialization, big business or government.
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stickhandle »
To deal capably and swiftly with a situation, especially in a manner which deflects potential problems.
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stickhandle »
To maintain individual possession of the puck or ball by controlling it with movements of one's stick, especially to do so in a skillful manner.
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sticking point »
A disputed issue or state of affairs that causes an interruption or outright impasse in progress towards some goal or resolution, especially in negotiation or argumentation.
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sticking point »
The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking-place.
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sticking-place »
The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking point.
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stiff upper lip »
The quality of being resolute and showing self-restraint, associated with stereotypical British people.
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stock phrase »
A phrase frequently or habitually used by a person or group, and thus associated with them.
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stop and smell the roses »
To relax; to take time out and enjoy or appreciate life.
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stop the presses »
An imperative form used to introduce especially new, important, surprising, or recent developments.
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straight face »
A face that is expressionless, especially not laughing.
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strap on a pair »
To be brave; to show some courage, especially in a situation where one has so far failed to do so.
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straw poll »
A survey of opinion which is unofficial, casual, or ad hoc.
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stretch one's legs »
To walk about, especially after prolonged time sitting or lying down.
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string up »
To kill by hanging, especially to lynch.
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strut one's stuff »
To behave, or to perform in a showy or ostentatious manner, especially in a way to impress others; to show off.
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stuffed shirt »
One who is overly official or officious; somebody in charge but not necessarily in power or effective.
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suck face »
To kiss, especially deeply and for a prolonged time.
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sugarcoated »
Made superficially more attractive. This often implies the reality has faults that are being hidden.
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surprise surprise »
An indication that the unsurprising happened, especially contrary to someone's hopes or assertions.
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swan song »
A final performance or accomplishment, especially one before retirement.
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sweat bullets »
To sweat profusely; especially, to be very nervous or anxious.
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sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
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take a spin »
To go for a ride; especially, to try riding or driving something.
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take for granted »
To give little attention to or to underestimate the value of, to fail to appreciate.
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take its toll »
To affect, especially negatively; to damage or degrade; to cause destruction.
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take liberties »
To behave disrespectfully, especially to make unwanted sexual advances.
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take off »
To absent oneself from work or other responsibility, especially with permission.
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take over »
To assume control of something, especially by force; to usurp.
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take the cake »
To be especially good or outstanding.
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take the fifth »
To decline to comment, especially on grounds that it might be incriminating.
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take the rap »
To be blamed or punished for something, especially for the actions of another.
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take the shadow for the substance »
To be easily deceived, credulous, superficial.
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take to one's heels »
To leave; especially, to flee or run away.
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talk dirty »
To use profane language, especially sexual vulgarities for the purpose of arousal.
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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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talk someone's ear off »
To talk excessively or far more than is wanted or appreciated.
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talking head »
A pundit who discusses issues of the day, especially one on TV.
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tar with the same brush »
To characterize using the same undesirable attribute, especially unjustly.
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task force »
A group of people working towards a particular task, project, or activity, especially assigned in a particular capacity.
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team up with »
To associate with another in a joint enterprise.
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tear up the pea patch »
To put on a notable performance, especially in sports; to go on a rampage.
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tell you the truth »
Used to positively assert the frank honesty of an associated statement of set of statements; equivalent to "to you tell the truth".
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the end all-be all »
Something ultimate; the best part of something; the thing which solves all problems associated with something.
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there may be snow on the rooftop but there is fire in the furnace »
Even if a person is in his or her senior years, with gray hair, he or she can still have ambition and energy, especially sexual energy.
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there, there »
Conveys comfort; used to calm somebody urge somebody to relax, especially when the person is crying.
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think better of it »
To change one's mind; especially to decide against.
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three-martini lunch »
A leisurely, expensive, midday meal associated with drinking, which is tax-deductible because business is discussed.
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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 off »
To confuse; especially, to lose a pursuer.
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throw one's weight around »
To exercise influence or authority especially to an excessive degree or in an objectionable manner.
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throw to the wolves »
To remove or cast out someone or something out of one's protection, such as onto the streets, especially towards predators.
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throw to the wolves »
To sacrifice someone, especially in an attempt to save oneself.
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thumb one's nose »
To act disrespectfully, especially by flouting the object of disrespect.
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tide over »
To support or sustain someone, especially financially, for a limited period.
|
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.
|
tiger team »
An engineering or other group assembled to tackle especially difficult or critical problems, often outside the normal chain of command.
|
timeserver »
A person who conforms to current opinions, especially for reasons of personal advantage; an opportunist.
|
tin ear »
Insensitivity to and inability to appreciate the elements of performed music or the rhythm, elegance, or nuances of language.
|
to tell the truth »
An attestation to the truthfulness and frankness of an associated statement.
|
tomato tomato »
Uses insignificant pronunciation difference to dismiss a correction to one's adherence to an alternative standard.
|
top of the line »
The best, fanciest, or highest quality, especially among selections in a product line.
|
totus porcus »
Completely; unreservedly: swallowed the official version totus porcus.
|
touch a nerve »
To make a remark or perform a deed which produces a strong response, especially an emotional response such as anxiety or annoyance, because it calls to mind something which has been a source of concern or embarrassment.
|
touch judge »
rugby official
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touch off »
To start; to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.
|
touchy-feely »
Having a fondness for physical contact with other people, especially to an excessive degree.
|
tough call »
A choice or judgment which is difficult to make, especially one involving only two alternatives.
|
tread lightly »
To proceed carefully; especially, to seek to avoid causing offense.
|
trigger-happy »
Inclined to behave recklessly, especially with machinery.
|
tuck into »
To eat, especially with gusto.
|
turn a blind eye »
To ignore or deliberately overlook, especially with respect to something unpleasant or improper.
|
turn up one's nose »
To refuse, especially as due to pride or status.
|
turn-on »
Something that attracts, gives pleasure, or encourages, especially sexually.
|
two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
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under the table »
Secretly or without reporting, especially of payments made or business transacted.
|
upper crust »
The social elite.
|
wait for the other shoe to drop »
To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one which is not desirable.
|
walk in the park »
Something easy or pleasant, especially by comparison to something.
|
walk in the snow »
An occasion when a momentous career decision is made, especially a decision to resign or retire.
|
walk out »
To leave suddenly, especially as a form of protest.
|
walk out on »
To abandon or desert someone, especially a spouse.
|
walk the line »
To behave in an authorized or socially accepted manner, especially as prescribed by law or morality; to exercise self-control.
|
wash out »
To lose traction while going around a turn, especially in cycling, motorsports and skiing/snowboarding.
|
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.
|
watch one's mouth »
In the imperative form, used as a warning to avoid or stop using inappropriate language, especially profanity, or disrespectful utterances.
|
watch one's mouth »
To be careful about what one says, especially with regard to disrespectful or profane language.
|
wear out »
To cause to become damaged, useless, or ineffective through continued use, especially hard, heavy, or careless use.
|
when, as, and if »
Used to indicate the timing and contingency of some obligation in contracts, especially financial.
|
whip up »
To produce something quickly, especially of a meal.
|
whistle-blower »
One who reports a problem or violation to the authorities; especially, an employee or former employee who reports a violation by an employer.
|
white elephant »
An ornament etc that is unwanted or is a financial burden; an unprofitable investment.
|
white trash »
A poorly educated white person with low moral and social standards and low social status.
|
who's 'she', the cat's mother%3F »
A rebuke especially directed towards children for having referred to their mother, or any other woman in the third person, instead of using a properly respectful title or their name when appropriate.
|
word on the wire »
The rumour or news going around on the Internet, in business, on the street, or in social circles.
|
work one's fingers to the bone »
Work especially hard, usually for an extended period.
|
work out »
To habitually exercise rigorously, especially by lifting weights, in order to increase strength or muscle mass or maintain fitness.
|
work out »
To do exercises, especially physical.
|
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.
|
world »
A planet,especially one which is inhabited or inhabitable.
|
world »
An individual or group perspective or social setting.
|
wouldn't you know it »
Expresses dismay or annoyance, especially at bad luck or misfortune.
|
write off »
To record an notional expense such as amortization or depreciation.
|
write one's own ticket »
To be empowered to choose whatever job, financial arrangement, or course of action one desires.
|
written all over someone's face »
Very obvious, from someone's facial expression.
|
you get what you pay for »
In commercial transactions, the quality of goods and services increases as the prices increase, i.e., the more one pays, the better the merchandise.2003, Michael Blumenthal, "For Whom the School Bell Tolls," Time, 7 Dec.:Though it may sound unapologetically capitalistic to say so
|
you made your bed, now sleep in it »
A moralizing rejection said to someone looking for an easy out, especially of a situation they put themselves into.
|
you shouldn't have »
Used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity, especially when receiving a gift.
|
yours sincerely »
A polite formula to end a letter, especially when the recipient’s name is known to the sender.
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