a cut above »
Superior to; of a higher quality than.
|
a cut below »
Inferior to; of a lower quality than.
|
a good voice to beg bacon »
Said in ridicule of a bad voice.
|
a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step »
even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point
|
a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
|
a man's home is his castle »
(US) a proverbial expression of personal privacy and security
|
accident of birth »
Reference to the fact that various benefits or detriments to the life of a person arise from the circumstances into which that person was born, these being entirely beyond his control.
|
account for »
To explain by relating circumstances; to show that some one, thing or members of a group are present or have been processed.
|
add up »
To accumulate; to amount to.
|
add up to »
To have a particular effect.
|
admiral of the blue »
A landlord or publican wearing a blue apron, as was formerly the custom among men of that vocation.
|
against the grain »
To sand or plane a piece of wood parallel or nearly parallel to the fibers such that splinters forming ahead of the tool originate below the cutting surface.
|
aim at »
To design for a particular audience.
|
air out »
To discuss in the open.
|
albatross »
A long-term impediment, burden, or curse.
|
all ears »
Listening intently; fully focused.
|
all kidding aside »
Used to attempt to make a serious point in a jocular conversation.
|
all over the board »
Showing a wide range of values with no particular pattern.
|
all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy »
Too much focus on one's career is often viewed unfavorably.Too much hard work and not enough leisure time can be unhealthy.
|
an Englishman's home is his castle »
(UK) a proverbial expression of personal privacy and security
|
apple of somebody's eye »
A favourite, a particular preference, or a loved one; the object of somebody's affections.
|
apply oneself »
To put forth a concerted effort; to try; to focus.
|
are your ears burning »
Said of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.
|
argue out »
To discuss to reach an agreed conclusion, or decision.
|
around Robin Hood's barn »
The long way around; a roundabout or circuitous route.
|
as best one can »
In the best possible way, given the circumstances.
|
at a glance »
Upon cursory examination; an abbreviated review.
|
back burner »
A section of a stove used to keep some pots warm while one focuses on others.
|
back burner »
A state of low urgency; a state of low current importance.
|
back off »
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
|
back up »
As a security measure.
|
back-burner »
Having low urgency; not currently important.
|
baggage »
Heavy baggage; women and children. Also a familiar epithet for a woman; as, cunning baggage, wanton baggage, &c.
|
bail out »
To secure the release of an arrested person by providing bail money.
|
bail out »
To rescue, especially financially.
|
balum rancum »
A hop or dance, where the women are all prostitutes. N. B. The company dance in their birthday suits.
|
bang about »
To make a lot of percussive noise while doing an activity.
|
bang around »
To make a lot of percussive noise while doing an activity.
|
barrel »
The quantity which constitutes a full barrel. This varies for different articles and also in different places for the same article, being regulated by custom or by law. A barrel of wine is 31 1/2 gallons; a barrel of flour is 196 pounds; of beer 31 gallons; of ale 32 gallons; of crude oil 42 gallons.
|
bat around »
To discuss.
|
bat away »
To avoid by diverting the focus of a discussion.
|
be had up »
To be accused of, or arrested for a criminal act.
|
be there for »
To be available to provide comfort and support for someone, especially in a period of difficulty.
|
beat around the bush »
To delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant.
|
beat out »
To sound a rhythm on a percussion instrument such as a drum.
|
beat up »
To feel badly guilty and accuse oneself over something. Usually followed by over.
|
bee in one's bonnet »
Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.
|
beef to the hoof »
Fat, chubby, particularly with fat legs.
|
beefed out »
Muscular, often in an exaggerated way.
|
been there, done that »
An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is now bored.
|
better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness »
In the face of bad times or hopelessness, it is more worthwhile to do some good, however small, in response than to complain about the situation.
|
big deal »
Something very important, difficult, or of concern.
|
big top »
circus tent
|
bitter end »
The end of a long and difficult process.
|
bleeding edge »
Something very current, or modern where there may actually be a hazard or risk in using it, such as with potentially unstable software. The term relates to a sword.
|
bleep out »
To censor inappropriate spoken words by obscuring them with the sound of a bleep.
|
blessed event »
An occurrence or occasion which is particularly noteworthy and enjoyable.
|
blot out »
To obscure.
|
blow-by-blow »
Detailing every action or occurrence completely.
|
blue note »
Notes added to the major scale for expressive quality in jazz and blues music, particularly the flatted third, fifth and seventh.
|
bogged down »
Stuck; mired, as in detail, difficulty; delayed or made slower.
|
bottom of the line »
The worst, the most lackluster, or lowest quality currently on the market, especially among selections in a product line.
|
boys will be boys »
It is hard, often fruitless, to attempt to curb the natural playfulness and tendency to mischief of most growing boys.1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13But just then there was a slight altercation between Master Tommy and Master Jacky. Boys will be boys and our two twins were no exception to this golden rule.Even grown men usually remain somewhat boyish in heart"Boys will be boys", grinned grandpa while he joined his adult son playing with the fancy train-set he gave his grandson for Christmas while the kid was in school.
|
break ground »
To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation.
|
break new ground »
To begin excavating and levelling earth for a new building, or, originally, for cultivation.
|
breathe easy »
To relax or feel secure about something.
|
brick up »
To block by masonry, particularly using bricks.
|
bridge »
A particular form of one hand placed on the table to support the cue when making a shot in cue sports.
|
bridge »
A valence bond, atom or chain of atoms that connects two different parts of a molecule; the atoms so connected being bridgeheads.
|
bridge »
Any of several electrical devices that measure characteristics such as impedance and inductance by balancing different parts of a circuit.
|
bridge »
Cue for extended or tedious shots. Also called a spider.
|
bright-line rule »
A clear-cut, easy to make decision.
|
bring off »
To succeed in doing something considered to be very difficult.
|
bring out »
To elicit, evoke, or emphasize a particular quality.
|
buckle down »
To put forth the needed effort; to focus; become serious; apply oneself.
|
build up »
To accumulate, to pile up.
|
built like a tank »
Broad shouldered and of solid, muscular build.
|
bum rap »
A false accusation, or an injustice, especially one that leads to imprisonment.
|
business as usual »
The normal course of an activity, particularly in circumstances that are out of the ordinary.
|
busy work »
Work or activity performed with the intention or result of occupying time, and not necessarily to accomplish something productive; routine work of low priority undertaken for the sake of avoiding idleness.
|
call in »
To withdraw something from sale or circulation.
|
camel's nose »
A metaphor for a situation where the permitting of some small act will lead consequently to a larger undesirable act or circumstance.
|
can of worms »
A troublesome situation; an issue whose resolution is difficult or contentious, but not necessarily complex.
|
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.
|
carry a tune »
To produce music, especially to sing, with accurate pitch.
|
cast off »
To let go a cable or rope securing a vessel to a buoy, wharf etc so that she may proceed.
|
cast off »
To finish the last row of knitted stitches and remove them securely from the needle.
|
cast the first stone »
To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing that one is blameless.
|
caucus race »
A political competition; the game of campaigning and one-upmanship to get votes and be elected.
|
caucus race »
The competitive process in which a political party selects their candidate, esp. presidential; a primary election via caucus.
|
chat up »
In a friendly, open, or casual manner, sometimes also in a charming or affected manner, usually to curry favor, and sometimes flirtatiously with the intention of establishing a romantic or sexual encounter or relationship with that person.
|
cheat sheet »
Any summary or quick reference used as a shortcut or reminder, a crib sheet.
|
check is in the mail »
A common excuse used by debtors to put off creditors.
|
chew the cud »
To meditate or ponder before answering; to be deep in thought; to ruminate.
|
child's play »
Something particularly simple or easy.
|
chime in »
To talk; to join in conversation or discussion.
|
chip in »
To interrupt a discussion for the purpose of making a comment.
|
circuit slugger »
A talented baseball batter that hits home runs.
|
circular firing squad »
A political party or other group experiencing considerable disarray because the members are engaging in internal disputes and mutual recrimination.
|
city slicker »
One accustomed to a city or urban lifestyle or unsuited to life in the country.
|
clear cut »
Having had all vegetation removed.
|
clear cut »
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
|
clock up »
To accumulate a large amount of time.
|
clock up »
To accumulate a large distance.
|
close up »
To heal a cut or other wound.
|
come about »
To come to pass; to develop; to occur; to take place; to happen.
|
come out in the wash »
Of problems or difficulties, to work out, resolve, or become understood eventually and naturally.
|
come round »
To make a regular circuit.
|
come what may »
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
|
comfort woman »
A woman forced, or supposedly recruited, into brothels by the Japanese occupation forces during World War II.
|
cookie-cutter »
A solution to a problem that can be applied in many situations without modification.
|
cookie-cutter »
Of or pertaining to cookie cutters.
|
cookie-cutter »
Of or pertaining to identical looking things.
|
cop-out »
An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.
|
cream in one's jeans »
To ejaculate while wearing one's trousers.
|
crop up »
To occur, especially suddenly or unexpectedly.
|
cross the aisle »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
cross the floor »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
cube out »
To reach the volume limit of a container.
|
cuckoo clock »
ornate timepiece
|
cue up »
The act of taking aim on the cue ball with the cue in a game of snooker, or billiards, etc.
|
cup of joe »
A cup of coffee.
|
cup of tea »
A cup full of tea.
|
cup of tea »
Whatever suits or interests one.
|
curate's egg »
A thing which has good and bad parts.
|
cure all »
panacea
|
curiosity killed the cat »
One should not be curious about things that can be dangerous.
|
curry favor »
To seek to gain favor by flattery or attention.
|
curveball »
A forespin pitch thrown by rotating the index and middle fingers down and resulting in motion down "curve".
|
curveball »
An unexpected turn of events initiated by an opponent or chance.
|
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.
|
cut a swath »
Variant form of cut a wide swath.
|
cut a wide swath »
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
|
cut a wide swath »
To clear a broad track through a grassland, woodland, geographical region, or other area, either by natural means or by human action.
|
cut and dried »
Simple, straightforward, clear, or certain.
|
cut corners »
To do a less than thorough or complete job; to do something poorly or take short cuts.
|
cut down »
To bring down by cutting.
|
cut down »
To insult, to belittle.
|
cut down »
To reduce the amount of something.
|
cut in »
To intrude or interrupt.
|
cut in »
Especially, to dance with someone who is already dancing by replacing his or her partner.
|
cut in »
When painting, to paint edges, corners, or trim in preparation for rolling larger areas.
|
cut it »
To suffice; to be effective or successful.
|
cut it close »
To judge or finish something close to its limit.
|
cut it fine »
To achieve something at the last possible moment, or with no margin for error.
|
cut it out »
To stop; refrain from; halt.
|
cut of one's jib »
Someone’s general appearance or the implications thereof, especially in relation to making an impression or one’s style..
|
cut off »
To remove via cutting.
|
cut off »
To isolate or remove from contact.
|
cut off »
To end abruptly.
|
cut off »
To interrupt.
|
cut off one's nose to spite one's face »
To harm oneself as a result of attempting to harm an adversary.
|
cut one's coat according to one's cloth »
Live according to your means.
|
cut one's teeth »
To begin; to gain early experience.
|
cut out »
Well suited; appropriate; fit for a particular activity or purpose.
|
cut out »
delete
|
cut red tape »
To reduce bureaucracy.
|
cut short »
Interrupt and curtail before the planned end time.
|
cut short »
Make shorter by cutting.
|
cut somebody some slack »
To be patient or lenient with somebody; to relax standards or expectations.
|
cut the cheese »
To flatulate.
|
cut the mustard »
To suffice; to be good or effective enough.
|
cut to the chase »
To get to the point; to get on with it; to state something directly.
|
cut up »
To cut into smaller pieces.
|
cut up »
To aggressively move in front of another vehicle.
|
cut up »
To be upset.
|
cut up »
To behave like a clown.
|
cut up »
distress greatly
|
cut-and-thrust »
A vehement argument.
|
cutie pie »
A cute person.
|
cutie pie »
A small hand-held radiation meter.
|
cutting edge »
The forefront, or position of greatest advancement in some field.
|
cutting edge »
The sharp edge of the blade of a knife.
|
daily grind »
The difficult, routine, or monotonous tasks of daily work.
|
dark horse »
A candidate who is nominated unexpectedly, without previously having been discussed or considered as a likely choice.
|
dawn on »
To occur to somebody; to be realized.
|
day out »
An excursion, returning home on the same day.
|
deadweight »
A useless, usually encumbering factor.
|
deep water »
A difficult or embarrassing situation.
|
desperate times call for desperate measures »
In adverse circumstances actions that might have been rejected under other circumstances may become the best choice.
|
devil is in the details »
The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.
|
diamond in the rough »
An uncut diamond.
|
diamonds are a girl's best friend »
A statement that suggests, while love is a luxury, material wealth (particularly jewellery) is more valuable in the long run.
|
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.
|
dirty word »
The name of a topic that a person does not like to hear or discuss.
|
divide and conquer »
A combination of political, military and economic strategies that aim to gain and maintain power by breaking up larger concentrations of power into chunks that individually have less power than the one implementing the strategy.(computing) Applied to various algorithms, such as quicksort, that solve a problem by splitting it recursively into smaller problems until all of the remaining problems are trivial.(as imperative, proverb) In order to rule securely, don't allow alliances of your enemies.
|
do a bunk »
To escape or flee under incriminating circumstances.
|
do the hard yards »
To perform a difficult task or tasks.
|
do the math »
You can do the calculation yourself, with the implication that you don't have to trust someone else's assertions.
|
dog and pony show »
Originally, a small, traveling circus featuring animals as entertainment.
|
don't be penny wise and pound foolish »
Don't be careful when it comes to spending small amounts of money, but careless when spending much larger amounts.Don't focus on minutiae and lose sight of the big picture; don't obsess over tiny inconsequential efficiencies while glaring inefficiencies are going on elsewhere.
|
don't get me started »
About the subject currently being discussed.
|
dot the i's and cross the t's »
To take care of every detail, even minor ones; To be meticulous or thorough.
|
drag »
To move a mouse cursor while holding down a button on the mouse, often to move something on the screen.
|
drag »
To pull along a surface or through a medium, sometimes with difficulty.
|
drain the swamp when up to one's neck in alligators »
(idiomatic) When performing a long and complex task, and when you've gotten utterly immersed in secondary and tertiary unexpected tangential subtasks, it's easy to lose sight of the initial objective. This sort of distraction can be particularly problematic if the all-consuming subtask or sub-subtask is not, after all, particularly vital to the original, primary goal, but ends up sucking up time and resources (out of all proportion to its actual importance) only because it seems so urgent.
|
drown out »
To cover, obscure, or hide by being louder than.
|
drug of choice »
The best-choice medication to treat a particular medical problem.
|
due course »
Regular or appropriate passage or occurrence.
|
ears are burning »
Being the topic of discussion in another place; or sensing that this is happening.
|
eat out »
To perform cunnilingus.
|
eat pussy »
To perform cunnilingus.
|
elephant in the room »
A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.
|
every cloud has a silver lining »
In every bad situation there is an element of good1881, National Academy of Code Administration (U.S.), Folio, page 417:Every cloud has a silver lining; but in the old-fashioned meeting-houses every cloud of hymnal melody generally had a nasal lining before the congregation...1887, Shakers, Religion, page 36:that "a little reserve and thou'lt fail surely," will prove to be true in our experience. Every cloud has a silver lining and so has every sorrow,1918, George Jean Nathan, Performing Arts, page 222:But the most popular attitude toward what we may call "sad" plays is the peculiar one of believing that, since every cloud has a silver lining,
|
execution style »
Resembling an execution; with the victim aware, but unable to defend himself or resist.
|
facts on the ground »
A euphemism, similar to fait accompli, used as an oblique way of saying that discussions over the possession of a given piece of territory has been rendered moot by the presence of military forces.
|
facts on the ground »
Some aspects of the situation in a particular location.
|
fade out »
A type of transition used in movies usually at the end of a scene, in which the transition fades to black from the cut.
|
fall by the wayside »
To fail to be completed, particularly for lack of interest; to be left out.
|
fall on one's face »
To fail, especially in a dramatic or particularly decisive manner.
|
familiarity breeds contempt »
The more acquainted one becomes with a person, the more one knows about his or her shortcomings and, hence, the easier it is to dislike that person.1894, H. Rider Haggard, The People Of The Mist, ch. 25:This was the beginning of evil, for if no man is a hero to his valet de chambre, much less can he remain a god for long in the eyes of a curious woman. Here, as in other matters, familiarity breeds contempt.
|
fat chance »
Little or no likelihood of occurrence or success.
|
feather in one's cap »
An accomplishment; particularly one that is flaunted or boasted of.
|
feed a cold, starve a fever »
Eating more will cure the common cold, and eating less will cure a fever.1887, J. H. Whelan, "The Treatment of Colds.", The Practitioner, vol. 38, pg. 180:"Feed a cold, starve a fever." There is a deal of wisdom in the first part of this advice. A person with a catarrh should take an abundance of light nutritious food, and some light wine, but avoid spirits, and above all tobacco.1968, Katinka Loeser, The Archers at Home, publ. Atheneum, New York, pg. 60:I have a cold. 'Feed a cold, starve a fever.' You certainly know that.2009, Shelly Reuben, Tabula Rasa, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN 015101079X, pg. 60:They say feed a cold, starve a fever, but they don't tell you what to do when you got both, so I figured scrambled eggs, tea, and toast.
|
fight a losing battle »
To try to do something so difficult that it will probably end in failure.
|
fight off »
To resist, particularly an infection or an emotion.
|
fight tooth and nail »
To use every means possible to overcome a difficult opposition.
|
final curtain »
The end to something which has longed for a long time.
|
final cut »
A group, after a selection process getting rid of other candidates.
|
final cut »
In the movie industry, the final released version of the film.
|
fine line »
A difference, albeit vague and difficult to discern.
|
fire drill »
An organised practice to prepare occupants of an office, school or other public building for evacuation in the event of a fire.
|
fish or cut bait »
To choose between taking action now, or forgoing the opportunity and putting that energy into another endeavor; to decide.
|
fit into »
To be of similar cultural or social status as the members of a group of people.
|
flash in the pan »
A transient occurrence with no long-term effect.
|
flight of fancy »
An idea, narrative, suggestion, etc. which is extremely imaginative and which appears to be entirely unrealistic, untrue, or impractical; thinking which is very speculative.
|
flogging the land »
Damaging agricultural land through excessive grazing or clearing.
|
flower »
Typically including sepals, petals, stamens, and ovaries; often conspicuously colourful.
|
for the heck of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for the hell of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for the sake of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for XYZ reasons »
For reasons unknown and not worth speculating on.
|
force someone's hand »
Bring about a situation which necessitates an agent to act, often causing a plan to be executed prematurely.
|
four score and seven years ago »
As an opener, a sometimes sarcastic indicator to indicate a past event being mentioned is particularly important.
|
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.
|
frog in one's throat »
Any temporary physical difficulty in speaking.
|
full of oneself »
Egotistical, believing oneself to be superior to others; preoccupied with one's own work, interests, point of view, etc.
|
full tilt boogie »
In an extremely focused manner.
|
funny money »
A highly inflated currency.
|
funny money »
Bills of any foreign currency or of counterfeit origin.
|
game face »
The expression of one who is prepared for or is facing a lot of difficult and/or undesirable work, especially when it is imminent.
|
garbage in, garbage out »
(computing, information technology) If input data is not complete, accurate, and timely, then the resulting output is unreliable and of no useful value.1963, Raymond Crowley, "Robot Tax Collector Seeks Indications of 'Fudging'," Times Daily (Alabama, USA), 1 April (retrieved 26 July 2010):Officials explained that the quality of the computer's work depends on the quality of the data fed into it. Neil Hoke, administrative assistant to Stewart, quoted an adage of computer men: "Garbage in, garbage out."2008, Roger K. Lewis, "'In Architectural Design, Brains and Talent Trump the Best Software," Washington Post, 19 July (retrieved 26 July 2010):The old caveat "GIGO"
|
get »
A difficult return or block of a shot.
|
get a room »
A jocular or sarcastic expression commanding a couple to stop displaying affection in public, and to rent a hotel or motel room to continue amorous activities in private.
|
get in »
To secure membership at a selective school.
|
get one's hands on »
To get; to obtain; to secure.
|
get out of Dodge »
To leave; in particular to leave a difficult or dangerous environment with all possible haste.
|
get stuck into »
Get busy with; become occupied with; become immersed in.
|
ginger snap »
biscuit
|
give curry »
Angrily.
|
give over »
To devote oneself to a particular activity.
|
give somebody the brush-off »
To rebuff, snub or curtly reject someone.
|
give someone the chair »
To execute a person by means of the electric chair.
|
go down that road »
To settle a way of doing something; do decide to do something in a particular way.
|
go down the road »
A way of doing something; to do something in a particular way.
|
go in off »
To pot the cue ball accidentally after hitting the object ball.
|
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 the distance »
To have the endurance to see a difficult sustained challenge to its natural end without faltering.
|
go the extra mile »
To make an extra effort; to do a particularly good job.
|
go to someone's head »
To strongly affect a person, especially to the detriment of their senses or mental faculties.
|
going rate »
The current standard or usual price, rate, or salary for something.
|
gold standard »
A monetary system where the value of circulating money is linked to the value of gold.
|
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 hello »
A payment offered to an employee as an inducement to join, especially if currently working for a competitor.
|
good drunk »
A person who is cheerful and companionable when intoxicated, retaining reasonable control of his or her mental and emotional faculties.
|
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.
|
gravy train »
An occupation or any lucrative endeavor that generates considerable income whilst requiring little effort and carrying little risk.
|
great unwashed »
A contemptuous term for the populace, particularly the working class.
|
greenwash »
A false or misleading picture of environmental friendliness used to conceal or obscure damaging activities.
|
gunboat diplomacy »
The pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of military power.
|
hack into »
To reduce something to by hacking with a cutting instrument.
|
hack into »
To gain unauthorized entry to, particularly by exploiting little-known weaknesses.
|
hair of the dog »
An alcoholic drink taken the morning after to cure a hangover or withdrawal symptoms.
|
halcyon days »
Period of calm during the winter, when storms do not occur.
|
hand waving »
Discussion or argumentation involving approximation, vagueness, educated guessing, or the attempt to explain or excuse vagaries.
|
hang out »
To spend time doing nothing in particular.
|
hang out with »
To spend time with friends, doing nothing in particular.
|
hard of hearing »
Having difficulty hearing; somewhat deaf.
|
hard pressed »
Having or likely to have difficulty or to find a task almost impossible.
|
hash out »
To work through the details of something; especially to work through difficulties.
|
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 it made »
To have accomplished all there is to do; to have no further work or difficulty; to have achieved a lifestyle characterized by good fortune and comfort.
|
have one's ears lowered »
To get a haircut.
|
have one's hands full »
To be busy or thoroughly preoccupied.
|
have one's work cut out for one »
To face a large task or project.
|
have someone by the short hairs »
To have someone in a difficult situation in which he or she is without alternatives and can be controlled.
|
have the biscuit »
To be of no further use; to be near death.
|
he who laughs last laughs best »
success is better after having previously endured ridicule.
|
head scratcher »
A particularly puzzling or confusing event.
|
hell on earth »
A very unpleasant situation; torment, particularly when widespread.
|
hell or high water »
Highly adverse circumstances; acts of God.
|
hem and haw »
To discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action.
|
hen's tooth »
Anything not naturally occuring.
|
hereinabove »
Above this, in this document.
|
hit home »
To do something particularly great.
|
hit one out of the ballpark »
To produce a spectacular achievement.
|
hit the books »
To study, especially with particular intensity.
|
hit the bottle »
To continually drink alcohol to excess, particularly in response to a setback.
|
hit the spot »
To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.
|
hocus pocus »
chicanery
|
hold the fort »
To maintain a secure position.
|
home in on »
To focus or narrow down to something; to find or draw closer, as by trial and error or a gradual seeking process.
|
homeless dumping »
The practice of hospital employees or emergency workers releasing homeless patients on the streets instead of placing them into the custody of a relative or shelter or retaining them in a hospital where they may require expensive medical care.
|
hoover up »
Into a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand.
|
hoover up »
Quickly, especially by taking it into the mouth directly from the plate rather than using cutlery.
|
horse opera »
An equestrian show, as in a circus.
|
horses for courses »
The practice of choosing the best person for a particular job.
|
hospital pass »
A poorly executed pass to a team-mate causing the receiver to present an easy target for a defender, and thus be tackled hard.
|
house of cards »
A structure made by laying cards perpendicularly on top of each other.
|
how do you like them apples »
Directed jestingly or mockingly at someone who has received surprising information, ridiculing the situation.
|
hunger is a good sauce »
(dated) Being hungry makes one less concerned about the taste of one's food.1854, Mark Lemon, Henry Mayhew, Tom Taylor, Shirley Brooks, Francis Cowley Burnand, Owen Seaman, Punch, Vol. XXVI, Punch Publications Ltd., page 74:His bread and cheese were somewhat dry, to be sure; his ale had become flat, and considerably warmer than was desirable; but hunger is a good sauce, and thirst is not particular.
|
hunker down »
To take shelter; to prepare oneself for some eventuality; to focus on a task.
|
if looks could kill »
A phrase said upon catching sight of someone's giving you a particularly nasty look of discontent or disapproval.
|
if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle »
(colloquial, vulgar, humorous) It is fruitless to speculate about counterfactual situations."We would have won the match if we'd had a decent goalkeeper.""And if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle!"
|
in a bind »
In a difficult situation, usually of one's own making; having a dilemma; faced with a problem or a set of problems for which there is no easy solution.
|
in a pinch »
In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.
|
in focus »
Clearly perceived.
|
in focus »
Sharp and clear with no fuzziness.
|
in one's cups »
Drunk.
|
in particular »
specially
|
in the fast lane »
In a lifestyle, employment position, or other set of circumstances where the rapid pace is exciting, frantic, or risky.
|
in the limelight »
In the focus of attention, especially from the media.
|
in the loop »
Informed; up to date; current; part of the discussion.
|
in this day and age »
In the current time period of years.
|
in thunderation »
In any set of circumstances whatsoever.
|
installed base »
The number of units of a system or product that are currently in use.
|
it is what it is »
This circumstance is simply a fact and must be accepted or dealt with as it exists.
|
it never rains but it pours »
Unfortunate events occur in quantity.
|
it's about time »
Used to express impatience at the eventual occurrence of something that the speaker or writer considered to be long overdue.
|
itsy bitsy »
Minuscule.
|
jump the gun »
To trade securities based on information that is not yet public; to trade on inside information.
|
jump the shark »
To undergo a storyline development which is so ridiculous that previous quality is considered to have been lost.
|
jungle telegraph »
A system used by primitive cultures in remote tropical regions for communication over long distances, such as drum sounds or a relay of runners.
|
just for fun »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
keep a weather eye open »
To maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying your full attention.
|
keep on truckin' »
To continue or persist, regardless of circumstances or setbacks; to keep trying or striving.
|
keep one's cards close to one's chest »
To avoid revealing one's thoughts, circumstances, or plans.
|
keep one's eye on the ball »
My ethos has always been to be very straight with people, tell it as it is. It doesn't often make people happy but I found that over a period of time it's better to be that way. So being straight, also being very focused on your objectives, keep your eye on the ball and not get deflected away from it.
|
keep the wolf from the door »
To delay sexual ejaculation.
|
kernel of truth »
A core accuracy at the heart of a claim or narrative which also contains dubious or fictitious elements.
|
kick someone when they are down »
To make it worse for someone who is going through a difficult time.
|
kiss up »
To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.
|
knight in shining armor »
A person who will rescue a dangerous situation; a hero.
|
knock on wood »
A self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.
|
knock on wood »
To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted my a presumptuous statement.
|
knock up »
To put together, fabricate, or assemble, particularly if done hastily or temporarily. See also knock together.
|
knuckle down »
To get to work; to focus on a task.
|
land on one's feet »
To be lucky, or successful, often in difficult situations.
|
landing strip »
A cultivated pubic hair pattern in which much of the pubic hair is removed, leaving only a central vertical line or rectangle.
|
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.
|
laughing stock »
An object of ridicule, someone who is publicly ridiculed; a butt of sport.
|
law of the jungle »
The survival of the fittest, strongest or most cunning.
|
lay hands on »
To find, obtain or procure.
|
lead time »
The amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion, e.g. the time required to manufacture or procure a product; the time required before something can be provided or delivered.
|
leave somebody in the lurch »
To abandon somebody; especially, to abandon somebody and leave him or her in a difficult situation.
|
licence to print money »
The authority to print money, usually given to a central bank exclusively as the issuer of currency.
|
lick out »
To perform cunnilingus on.
|
life and limb »
Existence together with bodily faculties.
|
line in the sand »
A defining moment, a cutoff point.
|
line one's pockets »
To accumulate personal wealth, especially in an illegal or morally objectionable manner.
|
live one »
A person, thing, or situation which is particularly interesting, noteworthy, or urgent.
|
live one »
Someone who is easily fooled, victimized, or ridiculed.
|
live one »
Someone who is eccentric, nonconformist, or otherwise peculiar.
|
live wire »
An electrical wire through which there is a flow of electrical current.
|
lock up »
To close all doors and windows of a place securely.
|
long row to hoe »
A difficult or arduous task.
|
long shot »
Something unlikely; something that has little chance of happening or working. The term arose from the accuracy of early ship guns, which were effective only at close range and unlikely to hit the mark at any great distance.
|
look before you leap »
Don't jump into something too precipitously; be at least a bit foresightful or circumspect.
|
lose one's touch »
To lose one's special mastery of or knack for a particular skill or activity.
|
lot lizard »
A customer or salesperson at a used car lot.
|
lucky break »
A stroke of luck; a fortunate event, particularly of the sort that propels one to success, fame, etc.
|
magic bullet »
A simple remedy to a difficult or complex problem, especially a cure for a disease.
|
make a monkey out of »
To cause a person, organization, or action to appear foolish or inferior; to subject someone or something to ridicule..
|
make a virtue of necessity »
To make the best of a difficult situation; to recast or portray an action or situation in which one has no alternatives as an action or situation which was deliberately chosen on its merits.
|
make fun of »
To tease, ridicule or make jokes about.
|
make game of »
To ridicule; to jest.
|
make hay »
To cut grass to turn into hay for animal feed.
|
make no bones about »
To see no difficulty in, have no objection to.
|
make over »
To transfer ownership, especially by means of a legal document.
|
make the cut »
To succeed; to be chosen out of a field of candidates or possibilities.
|
matter of course »
An expected or customary outcome.
|
may the Force be with you »
Used to wish someone luck with a difficult endeavor.
|
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
|
measure twice, cut once »
Alternative form of measure twice and cut once.
|
mercury »
A silvery-colored metallic chemical element, liquid at room temperature, with atomic number 80 and symbol Hg.
|
mill around »
To move or circulate in a confused or disorderly manner within a limited area.
|
mind the store »
To remain present in a retail business, in order to maintain the security of the premises and to serve customers.
|
morning person »
A person whose who wakes up without difficulty early each morning and who is alert and active during the first part of the day.
|
necktie party »
An execution by hanging, especially a lynching.
|
needle in a haystack »
Something that is difficult or impossible to locate; something impossibly complex or intractable.
|
new school »
A style, way of thinking, or method for accomplishing a task that is typical of the current era, as opposed to former eras.
|
night person »
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours, and who usually sleeps during part of the daytime.
|
nighthawk »
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours.
|
no screaming hell »
Something that is not particularly effective or impressive; something that is below expectations.
|
no smoke without fire »
Indicative of the fact that gossip or accusations are often substantiated by fact.
|
no spring chicken »
Said of a person who is no longer particularly young.
|
noarch »
Short for "no architecture". It is a term used mainly in package management systems to mark packages which are architecture independent. Such packages usually contain graphics, documentation or similar data that can be used on any architecture.
|
nobody's perfect »
Used when someone's mistakes or flaws are acknowledged, to remind that everyone else makes mistakes and has flaws1995, New York Magazine Vol. 28, No. 5, 30 January 1995, The de-moralization of society (Book Review)Hypocrisy, particularly in sexual matters, is excused on the grounds that hey, nobody's perfect, and at least folks back then felt bad enough to lie.2000, Madonna, Nobody's PerfectI feel so sad. What I did wasn't right. I feel so bad and I must say to you: Sorry, but nobody's perfect. Nobody's perfect. What did you expect? I'm doing my best
|
nod off »
To fall asleep, especially while in a seated position or in inappropriate circumstances.
|
nod's as good as a wink to a blind bat »
The idea/proposed action is inconsequential to the current situation.
|
nose test »
An inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties.
|
nose-picking »
To insert a finger into one's nostril, especially to remove mucus.
|
not on your life »
Absolutely not; under no circumstances.
|
nut-cutting time »
Time to exert maximum effort, for example, due to an approaching deadline or a looming competitive situation.
|
nut-cutting time »
Time to gather nuts before they are taken by other animals or buried in snow.
|
object lesson »
A lesson taught using a familiar or unusual object as a focus.
|
object lesson »
Anything used an example or lesson which serves to warn others as to the outcomes that result from a particular action or behavior, as exemplified by the fates of those who followed that course.
|
odd and curious »
A way to designate special coins, namely coins that are both odd and imperfect or seriously damaged.
|
odd and curious »
On the Isle of Man, the common or general man.
|
of course »
Asserts that the associated phrase should not be argued, particularly if it is obvious or there is no choice in the matter.
|
off the mark »
Inaccurate; not correct or appropriate.
|
off-the-cuff »
Extemporaneous; without prior preparation; impromptu.
|
off-the-shelf »
As purchased or as commonly available, without modification or customization.
|
old school »
Characteristic of a style, outlook, or method employed in a former era, remembered either as inferior to the current style, or alternately, remembered nostalgically as superior or preferable to the new style, the older denoting something that would be considered out of date or out of fashion to some, but as such, is considered by others as cool and hip.
|
on a regular basis »
Regularly, occurring in regular time intervals or patterns.
|
on an irregular basis »
Irregularly, occurring in irregular time intervals or patterns.
|
on board »
Even when I am on board the plane, I can never feel secure that my luggage is, too.
|
on spec »
Short form of "on speculation": Creating a work with the hope of selling it, as opposed to creating a work "on commission" for hire.
|
on the bounce »
Consecutively, in succession.
|
on the clock »
Working at one's job; occupied in some manner during one's hours of remunerated employment.
|
on the cuff »
On credit, with payment to be made later.
|
on the make »
Actively seeking an opportunity for self-advancement; eager to ingratiate oneself to others in order to secure some advantage.
|
on the right track »
Using the correct general approach to a particular task or problem; pursuing something in a promising way.
|
on the sly »
Slyly, in an inconspicuous manner, so as not to be seen; secretly; stealthily.
|
on the spot »
In a particular place.
|
one-off »
Occurring once; one-time.
|
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.
|
out of date »
Not current, outmoded, out of style, or too old to be used.
|
out of nowhere »
In an unexpected or inexplicable manner of arrival or occurrence.
|
out of place »
Not in the proper situation or arrangement, or inappropriate for the circumstances.
|
out of the box »
Immediately, without intervention from the customer.
|
out of the loop »
Not informed up to date; current; not kept part of the discussion.
|
over my dead body »
Under no circumstances; absolutely not.
|
paper »
A written document that reports scientific or academic research and is usually subjected to peer review before publication in a scientific journal or in the proceedings of a scientific or academic meeting .
|
paper »
A written document, generally shorter than a book , in particular one written for the Government.
|
pardon my French »
Please excuse my swearing or bad language.
|
pass muster »
To measure up to a particular standard.
|
pay attention »
To be attentive; to focus one's attention.
|
pencil whip »
To approve a document without actually knowing or reviewing what it is that is being approved.
|
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.
|
pickle »
A cucumber preserved in a solution, usually a brine or a vinegar syrup.
|
pickle »
A difficult situation, peril.
|
pile up »
To collect or accumulate, as a backlog.
|
pin down »
To attach or secure with pins.
|
play fast and loose »
To be recklessly inaccurate, inappropriate, or otherwise ignoring guidelines and conventions.
|
play hooky »
To miss school, work, or other duties without permission or an excuse.
|
play it by ear »
To do something by guessing, intuition, or trial and error; to react to events as they occur.
|
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.
|
point blank »
The distance between a gun and a target such that it requires minimal effort in aiming it. In particular no allowance needs to be made for the effects of gravity, target movement or wind in aiming the projectile.
|
point the finger »
To accuse; to direct or imply blame.
|
point the finger at »
To accuse or blame.
|
pot calling the kettle black »
A situation in which somebody comments on or accuses someone else of a fault which the accuser shares.
|
pound of flesh »
Something which is owed and which will be hurtful or difficult to provide; a debt owed to someone who is merciless and demanding.
|
pour out »
To serve a drink into a cup or glass.
|
pre-war »
Describing the most recent or significant war in a culture's history.
|
present day »
current
|
prevention is better than cure »
it is better to prevent the creation of a bad thing, than to destroy it.
|
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.
|
problem child »
Someone or something persistently difficult or vexing; a frequent source of trouble or annoyance.
|
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.
|
pull off »
To achieve; to succeed at something difficult.
|
pull one's head in »
To withdraw as a turtle might; to discontinue support of a particular argument.
|
pull oneself together »
To become mentally focused after a period of being unfocused.
|
pull teeth »
To do something that is especially difficult or effortful.
|
pull the plug »
To unplug or cut power.
|
pull up »
Drive close to something, especially a curb.
|
pump up »
To cause one's muscles to swell by means of focussed weightlifting.
|
push the boat out »
To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.
|
put down »
To administer euthanasia to, as an animal too old or ill to cure.
|
put hair on somebody's chest »
To make a person stronger or more masculine.
|
put on »
To record, to add to a record or document.
|
put someone down as »
To assume someone has a particular character from very little information.
|
put something into perspective »
To compare with something similar to give a clearer, more accurate idea.
|
put words in somebody's mouth »
To attribute to somebody something he or she did not say; to claim inaccurately that somebody said or intended something.
|
queer one's pitch »
To make a task more difficult for the speaker.
|
quicumque vult »
A forward girl, ready to oblige every man that shall ask her.
|
quicumque vult »
The Athanasian Creed.
|
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.
|
rain or shine »
Regardless of what the circumstances are, and how the weather is.
|
rainy day »
A difficult period of need, when things do not go right.
|
rank and file »
Those lacking any particular title or status; those having no station.
|
rat run »
A small road that people venture down when they want to sneak off the motorway and take a short cut.
|
rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic »
To do something pointless or insignificant that will soon be overtaken by events, or that contributes nothing to the solution of a current problem.
|
red flag »
A cue, warning, or alert; a sign or signal that something is wrong.
|
red herring »
A smoke-cured herring.
|
ride out »
To tackle a difficult problem and survive.
|
right as rain »
Correct; factually accurate.
|
rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
|
road to Damascus »
A road to Damascus moment, or change, is an important point in someone's life where a great change, or reversal, of ideas or beliefs occurs.
|
road to Damascus »
That was my Road to Damascus moment. They played one hit after another and this is the song I remember most clearly.
|
roll down the windows »
To flail one's arms in a circular motion when off-balance, as to mimic the act of rolling down a car window.
|
rough sledding »
A difficult period of time.
|
rough trot »
A series of difficult circumstances.
|
round off »
To change the shape of an object to make it more circular.
|
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 discuss ad nauseam.
|
run off »
To operate by a particular energy source.
|
run on »
To operate with a particular energy source.
|
run to »
To reach a particular maximum amount, size, value, etc.
|
run up »
To accumulate a debt.
|
save the day »
To rescue the situation.
|
scrape together »
To collect, assemble or gather small amounts , from various sources, with some difficulty.
|
screw back »
To cue the cue ball in such a way as to impart backspin. On impact, the ball will follow a reverse trajectory according to the spin.
|
scrimp and save »
To scrimp greatly; to economize; to live very frugally, particularly when saving for something.
|
seagull approach »
The occurence of casual, ill-informed and hasty decisions or comments made by outside authorities who lack an understanding of the local issues or a real understanding of the facts of a particular situ.
|
see eye to eye »
To agree with someone; to concur; to get along.
|
see you next Tuesday »
A euphemism for cunt.
|
sell »
To promote a particular viewpoint; to manipulate towards a desired end.
|
sell down the river »
To betray, especially in a manner which causes serious difficulty for the one betrayed.
|
send away »
To send to a particular place for a long time, as a family member, an employee, etc.
|
senior note »
A bond that takes priority over other debt securities sold by the issuer. In the event the issuer goes bankrupt, senior debt must be repaid before other creditors receive any payment.
|
serpentine »
Sinuous; curving in alternate directions.
|
set in one's ways »
Driven by habit; inclined or determined to continue according to one's custom or established preferences.
|
shell out »
To use a program's "shell escape" function to execute an unrelated command or to invoke a subsidiary, interactive shell.
|
short cut »
quicker route
|
shotgun approach »
An approach in which the subject is indiscriminate and haphazard, using breadth, spread, or quantity in lieu of accuracy, planning, etc.
|
sign in »
In order to get into the office after hours, you'll have to sign in at the security desk.
|
sign in »
To take some action to access a secured program or web page on a computer; to log in.
|
silver bullet »
Any straightforward solution perceived to have great effectiveness or bring miraculous results.
|
silver-tongued »
Eloquent and articulate.
|
sink one's teeth into »
To become involved in; particularly in an enthusiastic manner.
|
sirloin steak »
cut of beef
|
sit out »
To decline to participate; particularly, to decline to dance.
|
size up »
To evaluate; to estimate or anticipate the magnitude, difficulty, or strength of something.
|
slam dunk »
A task expected to present no difficulty.
|
sleep in »
To sleep late; to go on sleeping past one's customary or planned hour.
|
slim chance »
Little or no likelihood of occurrence or success.
|
slippery as an eel »
So crafty, or cunning that they cannot be caught by the police, although it is known that they are acting illegally.
|
slop bowl »
One of the four components of the traditional tea set. Tea drinkers emptied their unwanted, cold tea into the slop bowl before refilling their cups with fresh, hot tea.
|
smart arse »
One who is particularly flippant or insolent or tends to make snide remarks or jokes.
|
smoking gun »
Evidence, particularly of a crime, that is difficult or impossible to dispute.
|
snowball's chance in hell »
Little or no likelihood of occurrence or success.
|
soapbox »
Especially when only tangentially relevant to an ongoing discussion.
|
soft touch »
A comfortable situation; an easy task or undemanding occupation, especially one which is comfortably remunerative.
|
soldier on »
To continue or persist, despite adversity or difficulty.
|
song and dance »
An excessively elaborate story or excuse used to justify something.
|
sow one's wild oats »
To indulge in a period of irresponsible behavior, particularly sexually; Often used in reference to young adults or to the recently divorced.
|
space out »
To stupefy, intoxicate, disorient, or lose attention or focus, especially by the use of drugs.
|
space out »
To plant seedlings etc at regular intervals with a calculated space between them.
|
spare tire »
Excess weight or fat accumulated near the waist.
|
speak for »
To claim, reserve, or occupy.
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speak of the devil »
An expression sometimes used when a person mentioned in the current conversation happens to arrive on the scene.
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speak to »
To address a particular topic.
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spill one's seed »
To masturbate or to ejaculate when the penis has been withdrawn from one's partner.
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spit it out »
To overcome reluctance to say something particular or to speak in general.
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spot check »
A cursory inspection or examination or the inspection or examination of a sample of something.
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square cut »
cricket stroke
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squirrel away »
To stash or hide; to hoard, collect, save, or accumulate; to create a reserve, stash, or hoard of some supply, so as to recall a squirrel's burying of nuts.
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stamp duty »
tax on documents
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stand out »
To be obvious or conspicuous, in contrast to one's surroundings.
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state of affairs »
A specific situation; a set of circumstances.
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stop press »
The event or news article important enough to delay or interrupt the print, or require a reprint, of a publication, particularly of a newspaper edition.
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stretch the truth »
To exaggerate, often to the point where the truth is obscured or lost.
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strip away »
To ignore a factor which obscures the reality.
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suck off »
To fellate a man until he ejaculates.
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sweat »
Fluid that exits the body through pores in the skin usually due to physical stress and/or high temperature for the purpose of regulating body temperature and removing certain compounds from the circulation.
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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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swot up on »
To study particularly hard to learn a subject quickly.
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take something in one's stride »
Not to allow oneself to be set back, daunted, upset or embarrassed by unpleasant or undesirable circumstances.
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take the biscuit »
To be of no further use; to be near death.
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take the biscuit »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
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take the bull by the horns »
To confront a difficulty, rather than avoiding it.
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take the cake »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
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take the heat »
To take the blame; to be the focus of anger or scrutiny; to take the consequences.
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take the mickey »
To ridicule or mock.
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take the piss »
To ridicule or mock.
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take things as they come »
To accept and deal with events as they occur, with a composed state of mind.
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take up the cudgel for »
To make a defense for in lieu of another person.
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talk of the town »
A subject discussed by many people.
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talk over »
To discuss.
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talking head »
A pundit who discusses issues of the day, especially one on TV.
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tall order »
A big job; a difficult challenge.
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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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tell all »
To reveal everything, particularly information that is normally withheld.
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that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger »
Used to express the sentiment that hardship or difficult experiences build moral character.
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that's what's up »
Used to express acquiescence or concurrence.
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the bigger they are, the harder they fall »
The larger something is, the more disastrous and spectacular its downfall
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the grass is always greener on the other side »
Other circumstances seem more desirable than one's own but in reality are often not
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there's many a slip twixt cup and lip »
In any situation, however well planned, something can always go wrong.
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there's no I in team »
A team game is focused on the team, not on the individual.
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there's no time like the present »
Now (i.e., the present time) is an appropriate time to take a particular action.
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thief in the night »
Something stealthy or that occurs without warning.
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thorn in the flesh »
A persistent difficulty or something very annoying that will not go away.
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thrash out »
To discuss something so fully as to resolve a problem or conflict; to hammer out.
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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 and some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2005, Mike Busson (poster on UKScreen forum) Re: Voiceovers!, read at [1] on 02 Nov 06,In terms of places to send your URL or CD's, there's no easy answer. It really is a case of throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.2005, "forwardone" (administrator posting on the HYIPForum), re: Alertpay phishing email, read at [2] on 02 Nov 06,I also think that sometimes they send out phishing e-mails in the hope that it`ll hit people who do have an account with a particular organization. You know, throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick theory.2006, Rob Manuel, How to be funny, read in Comedy Soup on the BBC website at [3] on 02 Nov 06,Throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick. Be prolific and don't be afraid to make stuff that's rubbish. If you keep trying eventually you'll get there.2006, Rex Pierce, Re: [303rd-Talk] D Day read on 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Believe the planners worked on the principle of "throw enough mud at the wall, and some of it will stick".If enough (perhaps false or reckless) accusations are made against someone, his reputation will suffer, whether or not this is deserved2006, "money" (poster on eTalk Money), Some thoughts about compact surfing, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,Word of advice NVUS time to distance yourself from LuukH as quickly as possible and dish some dirt, otherwise well the saying goes - throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.
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throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2001, And still no one is shouting stop. read in The Kingdom archives at [1] on 02 Nov 06,Many team managers are of the philosophy that if you throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick. They believe that team preparation is all about physical fitness. They run the players into the ground and they believe they will be "flying on the day".2001, Robert McCrum, Let them eat cake, in The Observer 16 Dec 01, read on Guardian Unlimited site at [2] on 02 Nov 06,Australian publishing boomed and in the past 10 years the country's literary culture has undergone a mini golden age, capped by Carey's triumph at the 2001 Booker Prize. As one Australian arts administrator said to me many years ago: 'Listen, mate, if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.'2001, Chris Collin, Re: 2-cp speys on The Strathspey Server mailing list archive at [3] on 02 Nov 06,I am finding that "if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick". It doesn't always work of course (especially on the nights when the class is mostly the beginners), but the class seems to thrive on the challange.2005, Ray Craft (poster on The right scale blog), Fitzhooie and his Burden, read at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Prosecutors everywhere have bad habits of overcharging lots of cases, knowing that if the throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick.2005, Sean Kelleher, Spike Milligan: His part in our downfall in Business 07 Aug 05, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,As long as there is negligible regulation and enforcement anyone can actually try and do the job...Weak regulation allows the industry to build strategies on full time recruitment. The theory goes: throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.c2005, Everything You've Learned About Marketing Is Wrong, read on LINC Performance website at [6] on 02 Nov 06,They have the money to continue to believe in the repetition side of the equation. You throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick. But it still isn
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throw off »
To introduce errors or inaccuracies; to skew.
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throw smoke »
To consistently pitch fastballs that are difficult to hit.
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throw somebody a curve »
To pitch a curve ball.
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throw somebody a curve »
To surprise; to introduce something unexpected or requiring a quick reaction or correction.
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thumb a ride »
To flag or signal a passing vehicle in hopes of securing passage.
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thumb a ride »
To secure a ride by flagging down a vehicle.
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tie up »
To occupy, detain, keep busy, or delay.
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tie up »
To secure with rope, string, etc.
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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.
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tiger team »
An engineering or other group assembled to tackle especially difficult or critical problems, often outside the normal chain of command.
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tight spot »
A difficult position.
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timeserver »
A person who conforms to current opinions, especially for reasons of personal advantage; an opportunist.
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tip one's hand »
To inadvertently reveal any secret, particularly a secret that puts one at an advantage or disadvantage.
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to die for »
Very good; exquisite; excellent; particularly desirable.
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tongue-in-cheek »
Not intended seriously; jocular or humorous.
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totus porcus »
Completely; unreservedly: swallowed the official version totus porcus.
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tough call »
A choice or judgment which is difficult to make, especially one involving only two alternatives.
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tough nut to crack »
A difficult or sticky problem.
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tough row to hoe »
A difficult or arduous task.
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trench mouth »
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, a severe bacterial infection of the gums, typically characterized by inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration, necrotized tissue, pain, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, and halitosis.
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trick of the trade »
A shortcut or other quick, or very effective way of doing things, that professional workers learn from experience.
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trick out »
To trick out; to mod or customize an object, typically for the purpose of both personalization as well as enhancing the object's performance capabilities and more particularly for the purpose of performing stunts with that object.
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tuits »
Virtual tokens for an amount of time or attention that a particular issue would need to resolve.
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turn a phrase »
To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.
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turn a trick »
To perform a sexual service for a customer.
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turn into a pumpkin »
Used to indicate a curfew, or the time by which one must depart.
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turn the air blue »
To speak a stream of bad language; to curse and swear.
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twelve-ounce curls »
Drinking beer.
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twiddle one's thumbs »
To wait or dawdle; to accomplish nothing useful or lack a useful occupation.
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two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
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up a creek »
In trouble; in a difficult situation.
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up a creek without a paddle »
In a difficult situation, without any help. Superlative form of up a creek: most up a creek.
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up the creek without a paddle »
In a difficult situation with no means of rectifying it.
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up to speed »
Fully informed; current.
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up-to-date »
Current; recent; the latest.
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uphill battle »
difficult struggle
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urban fabric »
The physical aspect of urbanism, emphasizing building types, thoroughfares, open space, frontages, and streetscapes; while excluding without prejudice to this useful term, environmental, functional, economic and sociocultural aspects.
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used to »
Accustomed to; in the habit of.
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variable tandem repeat locus »
Any DNA sequence that exists in multiple copies strung together in various tandem lengths.
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walk the line »
To mark or secure a boundary by walking along it.
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warm up »
To prepare for executing an already-learned activity by a limited amount of additional practice.
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washed up »
Finished; having no future in a particular role.
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waste breath »
To speak in a manner which is needless or futile; in discussion or argument to make points which are not appreciated or heeded.
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water down »
To simplify or oversimplify; to make easier; to make less difficult.
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wear down »
To have one's long hair styled in a free, low-hanging, unencumbered style; i.e., not in an up-do or ponytail.
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weather the storm »
To reach the end of a very difficult situation without too much harm or damage.
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whack-a-mole »
The practice of trying to stop something that persistently occurs in an apparently random manner at the point where the occurrence is noticed, such as terminating spammers' e-mail accounts or closing pop-up advertisement windows.
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what doesn't kill you makes you stronger »
Used to express the sentiment that hardship or difficult experiences build moral character.
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what's up with »
Used to express disbelief or curiosity.
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when in Rome »
Adjust to local customs.
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when push comes to shove »
When the pressure is on; when the situation is critical or urgent; when the time has come for action, even if it is difficult.
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when the cat's away the mice will play »
In the absence of a controlling entity, subordinates will take advantage of circumstances.
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when the going gets tough, the tough get going »
in difficult times, it is the strong-willed who take action.
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where there's smoke, there's fire »
If there is telltale evidence of some event, the event is probably occurring.
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whomp up »
To produce quickly, particularly a meal.
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wide of the mark »
Inaccurate.
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wild-goose chase »
A task whose execution is inordinately complex relative to the value of the outcome.
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winkle out »
To acquire something or someone with difficulty.
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work out »
To calculate.
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wrap up »
To fold and secure something to be the cover or protection for something.
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write up »
To document the faults of.
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yak shaving »
Any apparently useless activity which, by allowing you to overcome intermediate difficulties, allows you to solve a larger problem.
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yellow journalism »
Material published in a broadcast or periodical, such as a tabloid newspaper or magazine, which is sensationalistic and of questionable accuracy and taste.
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you can't get a quart into a pint pot »
What is being discussed is not possible.They've asked me to get to New York by five o'clock, but you can't get a quart into a pint pot!
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you make the bed you lie in »
A person's circumstances are normally the result of his or her own actions.
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zero in »
To focus one's aim; to zoom in and center on something.
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zero in on »
To concentrate or focus one's attention on at task.
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zoom down »
To move quickly along a particular route, list, etc.
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zoom in »
To focus a zoom lens in order to obtain a larger image, or a closer view.
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zoom out »
To focus a zoom lens in order to obtain a smaller image, or a more distant view.
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| BTW, Why won't you become an editor? |
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