a camel is a horse designed by a committee »
An expression critical of committees
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a closed mouth gathers no feet »
One who does not speak can be certain he won't say anything embarrassing.
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a day late and a dollar short »
Action that was taken too late and too feeble to be of any use.
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a friend in need is a friend indeed »
A true friend is one who helps you when you are in need.
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a man is known by the company he keeps »
People are similar in character to their friends.
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a new broom sweeps clean »
New management will often make radical changes.
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a picture paints a thousand words »
A visualisation is a better description than a verbal description.1971, David Gates (of Bread), If, from Manna album:If a picture paints a thousand wordsThen why can't I paint you;The words will never showThe you I've come to know.1989, Alan Kay, quoted in K?o-tung Huang, Timothy D. Huang, Introduction to Chinese, Japanese and Korean Computing, World Scientific, ISBN 9971506645, p. 9:Most human beings, no matter how familiar they are with abstract symbols, respond to voice and images better than written language. In other words, A picture paints a thousand words.2006, Paul Shakespeare, Building a Dune Buggy: The Essential Manual, ISBN 1904788734, p. 52:See accompanying diagram: a picture paints a thousand words, and all that!
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a rolling stone gathers no moss »
A person who never settles in one place will never be successful.A person who does not keep active will grow mouldy.
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a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down »
An otherwise unpleasant situation can be pleasant when a pleasant aspect is deliberately introduced.1999, Eli Yassif, The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning, Indiana University Press, ISBN 0253335833, page 372,One is known as the "sweetening parable," that is to say a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Thus, when the aim is to preach to the people, to guide them along the "bitter," arduous path of upholding burdensome precepts and prohibitions, a tale can lighten the load, make the "medicine" easier "to swallow."2001, Maureen Reagan, First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir, Little, Brown, ISBN 0316736368, page 319,It put some fun into the tedious business of preparing for a presidential debate. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?2004, John Hoover, How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive... Without Killing Your Boss, Career Press, ISBN 1564147045, page 11,If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, a barrel of laughs can wash down the big pills you might need to swallow.
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account for »
To explain by relating circumstances; to show that some one, thing or members of a group are present or have been processed.
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ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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act out »
To express one's feelings through disruptive actions.
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add fuel to the fire »
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
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after all »
In the end; anyway; referring to something that was believed to be the case, but has now been shown not to be.
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against all odds »
Despite seemingly insurmountable opposition or probability.
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against the clock »
In a time-restricted manner, to meet a deadline, hurriedly, timed.
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agree to disagree »
To tolerate each other's opinion and stop arguing; to acknowledge that an agreement will not be reached.
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albatross »
A double eagle, or three under par on any one hole.
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all clear »
permission to proceed
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all over but the shouting »
The substance of the contest is complete, leaving only the cheering.
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all right, my lover »
An informal affectionate greeting.
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all things come to those who wait »
(dated) A patient seeker will be satisfied in due time; patience is a virtue.
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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.
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all-over oneself »
Feeling self-satisfied.
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almost doesn't count »
Near success (or correctness) is not deemed success (or correctness).
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amber nectar »
Lager beer.
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an apple a day keeps the doctor away »
Apples are healthy and stave off illness.Eat healthy and you won't get sick.
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an offer one can't refuse »
An offer from one side in any transaction with terms so attractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
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an offer one can't refuse »
An offer from one side in any transaction with the results of failing to accept so unattractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
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angel's advocate »
Someone who sees what's good about an idea and supports it.
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answer for »
To guarantee.
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apple does not fall far from the stem »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
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apple does not fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.1842, E. A. Freidlaender (translator), Frederika Bremer (author), The Neighbours, ch. 10:It is impossible to look at Madam Rhen, without at once making the conclusion that she is pleasantness, hospitality, and loquacity itself; nor can one look upon her daughter Renetta without thinking, "the apple does not fall far from the tree!"1978, Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, "Doctor Asks Patient
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apple does not fall far from the trunk »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
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apple never falls far from the tree »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
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Après-ski »
A place "after skiing". Typically a bar or pub where people go after a day on the slopes to ease off and meet other people.
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argue out »
To discuss to reach an agreed conclusion, or decision.
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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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arm to the teeth »
To equip thoroughly with weapons.
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around the clock »
All the time or seemingly all the time; constantly.
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arsy varsey »
Tumbling upside down; head over heels.
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as all get-out »
Extremely; to a superlative degree; very much.
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as the crow flies »
In a straight line distance between two locations, as opposed to the road distance or over land distance.
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ask my arse »
A common reply to any question; still deemed wit at sea, and formerly at court, under the denomination of selling bargains.
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asleep at the switch »
Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.
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at a loss for words »
Having nothing to say; stunned to the point of speechlessness.
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at a moment's notice »
Immediately; instantaneously; without need of warning.
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at a pinch »
By the skin of one’s teeth; only just; Deo volente; perhaps; if you’re lucky..
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at all »
Indicating degree, quantity or frequency greater than zero; to the slightest degree, in any way, somewhat, rather.
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at all hours »
Late into the night or early morning; when people ought to be sleeping.
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at bay »
Cornered; unable to flee.
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At ease with nudity »
ISM free identification with nude recreation
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at full tilt »
At full speed; very quickly.
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at heart »
In spirit; according to one's beliefs, views or feelings; deep down, really, fundamentally.
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at large »
On the loose; roaming freely; not confined.
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at loggerheads »
Unable to agree; opposing.
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at odds »
In disagreement; conflicting.
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at peace »
Free of worries; peaceful.
|
at sixes and sevens »
In a state of dispute or disagreement.
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at that »
In addition to what has been said; furthermore; moreover.
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at that »
Now that it has been mentioned.
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at the wheel »
Driving; in control of a vehicle.
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at the wheel »
In control of the situation; in charge.
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at will »
At one's preference; as one sees fit.
|
autem diver »
Pickpockets who practice in churches; also churchwardens and overseers of the poor.
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baby blues »
Period and feeling of depressiveness after giving birth; a less severe form of postnatal depression.
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back at you »
Used to return a greeting.
|
back burner »
A section of a stove used to keep some pots warm while one focuses on others.
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bacon-faced »
Having a fat, sleek face.
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bad blood »
Feelings of hostility or ill will.
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bad taste in one's mouth »
A feeling of disappointment and frustration.
|
bad taste in one's mouth »
A feeling of guilt, responsibility, or embarrassment as to cause nausea.
|
bad taste in one's mouth »
A feeling something is morally despicable as to cause nausea.
|
badge bunny »
A woman who is romantically attracted to police officers and who seeks out their companionship.
|
baggage »
In a metaphorical sense, factors that restrict a person's freedom, often in an intellectual or psychological way: emotional baggage.
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baker's dozen »
Thirteen, a group of thirteen.
|
bakers dozen »
Thirteen.
|
balance the books »
To put or keep any closed or conservative system or its analysis in balance.
|
bang on about »
To keep talking endlessly about the same subject.
|
bang up cove »
A dashing fellow who spends his money freely.
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bankers' hours »
The period between 10am and 3pm.
|
banyan day »
In British naval tradition, this originally referred to a day of the week when galley kitchens served no meat on board ship.
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bare one's teeth »
Of an animal, to show one's teeth as a sign of aggression.
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bare one's teeth »
To show one's aggression.
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bark up the wrong tree »
To attempt or pursue the wrong thing; to take the wrong approach; to follow a false lead.
|
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.
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barrow man »
A man under sentence of transportation; alluding to the convicts at Woolwich, who are principally employed in wheeling barrows full of brick or dirt.
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be glad to see the back of »
To be glad to get rid of someone; to be glad someone has left.
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bear up »
To endure hardship cheerfully.
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beat feet »
To flee.
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beat feet »
To run.
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beat up »
To feel badly guilty and accuse oneself over something. Usually followed by over.
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beauty is only skin deep »
What matters is a person's character, rather than his/her appearance.
|
beauty sleep »
C. 1900, Ralph Connor, The Man From Glengarry, ch. 23.
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beauty sleep »
Extra sleep or a special nap.
|
beauty sleep »
Sleep before midnight, on the belief that early sleep hours conduce to health and beauty.[1].
|
bed down »
To lie down to sleep for the night, usually of livestock or machinery.
|
beddy-bye »
Bedtime for a toddler, going to sleep, going to bed.
|
bee in one's bonnet »
Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.
|
bee's knees »
Something excellent, outstanding.
|
beef to the hoof »
Fat, chubby, particularly with fat legs.
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beefed out »
Having been improved greatly or upgraded; beefed up.
|
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.
|
been there, done that, bought the T-shirt »
Expresses the speaker's complete familiarity with a situation, with overtones of cynicism or exhaustion.
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been there, done that, got the T-shirt »
Same as been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
|
been to the rodeo »
Exposed to conmen and hucksters; experienced.
|
been to the rodeo »
N.d., Alan Neff, Precious Tribes, Vicious Lies, page 72.
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beer and skittles »
Fun times.
|
beer and skittles »
Something pleasurable.
|
beer goggles »
The illusion that people are more attractive, brought on by alcohol consumption.
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behind the counter »
Of drugs, dispensed by a pharmacist without needing a doctor's prescription or other form of compliance.
|
bench jockey »
A baseball term for a player, coach or manager who is annoying and distracts opposition players and umpires from his team's dugout bench with verbal repartee.
|
best of both worlds »
A combination of two seemingly contradictory benefits.
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between a rock and a hard place »
Having the choice between two unpleasant or distasteful options; in a predicament or quandary.
|
between Scylla and Charybdis »
Similar in meaning to between a rock and a hard place.
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between the jigs and the reels »
Eventually, despite all the confusion.
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betwixt and between »
Neither one thing nor the other.
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bid fair »
seem probable
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bid fair »
seems probable
|
big cheese »
A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
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big fish in a small pond »
One who has achieved a high rank or is highly esteemed, but only in a small, relatively unimportant, or little known location or organization.
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big sleep »
Death.
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big wheel »
A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
|
big wheel »
Ferris wheel.
|
birds and bees »
Informal sex education, especially describing the sexual activity of animals rather than that of people.
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bite one's tongue »
An admonishment to someone who has said something unfeeling or harsh.
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bite the hand that feeds you »
To cause harm to a benefactor.
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black sheep »
A disliked person; one who is disfavored.
|
black sheep »
A nonconformist; an unusual or unconventional person.
|
black sheep »
A sheep that is black.
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black-on-black »
A reference to interactions between black people .
|
blanket term »
A word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things. The degree of relation may vary. Blanket terms often trade specificity for ease-of-use; in other words, a blanket term by itself gives little detail about the things that it describes or the relationships between them, but is easy to say and remember. Blanket terms often originate as slang, and eventually become integrated into the general vocabulary.
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blaze a trail »
To show the way or proceed rapidly.
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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.
|
blind »
A covering for a window to keep out light. The covering may be made of cloth or of narrow slats that can block light or allow it to pass.
|
blind date »
A romantic meeting between two people who have never met before.
|
blow hot and cold »
To behave inconsistently; to vacillate or to waver, as between extremes of opinion or emotion.
|
blow the whistle »
To make a piercing sound which signals a referee's action or the end of a game.
|
blow this popsicle stand »
To leave an establishment speedily.
|
blue moon »
The third full moon in a quarter that contains four rather than the usual three full moons.
|
bomb around »
The drive around at speed for pleasure.
|
bone of contention »
Something that continues to be disputed; something on which no agreement can be reached.
|
bottle up »
Keep suppressed and hidden.
|
bottom line »
The final balance; the amount of money or profit left after everything has been tallied.
|
bottoming the house »
The process by where someone cleans their house 'from top to bottom'. It is a very thorough clean indeed, even more so than 'spring cleaning'.
|
bounce back »
To recover from a negative without seemingly any damage.
|
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.
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brass monkey »
An Australian beer.
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brass neck »
Gall, shamelessness, cheek.
|
brass-necked »
Nervy; cheeky; shameless.
|
break someone's heart »
To cause a person to feel grief or sadness.
|
breakfast of champions »
An ironic appellation for beer, junk food, or other foods implied to be unhealthy.
|
breathe easy »
To relax or feel secure about something.
|
bridge »
A prosthesis replacing one or several adjacent teeth.
|
bridge »
An elevated platform above the upper deck of a mechanically propelled ship from which it is navigated and from which all activities on deck can be seen and controlled by the captain, etc; smaller ships have a wheelhouse, and sailing ships were controlled from a quarterdeck.
|
bridge »
An unintended solder connection between two or more components or pins.
|
brighten up »
To make cheerful.
|
bring back »
To reenact an old rule or law.
|
bring down »
To make someone feel bad emotionally.
|
bring home the bacon »
To have a job and earn money or to lead a successful career.
|
bring off »
To succeed in doing something considered to be very difficult.
|
bring owls to Athens »
Perhaps we have not been sufficiently aware that talking about access and its implications in Scandinavia is like bringing owls to Athens. — Herbert Burkert.
|
bring to heel »
To be forced to obey.
|
bring to heel »
To force someone to obey.
|
broken vessel »
A person who is destroyed or forgotten, or who feels flawed or broken.
|
broken-hearted »
Alternative spelling of brokenhearted. Feeling depressed, despondent, or hopeless, especially over losing a love.
|
buck up »
Cheer up; take courage; take heart.
|
buckle down »
To put forth the needed effort; to focus; become serious; apply oneself.
|
bugger off »
An expression of disagreement or disbelief.
|
bull session »
An informal meeting among men.
|
bull's eye »
sweet
|
bum steer »
Bad advice, regardless of intention.
|
bump into »
To meet someone by chance.
|
bunny hop »
A jump made where both wheels leave the ground.
|
buried treasure »
Something, having been concealed for a long time, which later is found and is profitable.
|
bury the hatchet »
To stop fighting or arguing; to reach an agreement, or at least a truce.
|
bustle with »
To teem with; abound with; to exhibit an energetic and active abundance of a thing; to be full of a certain activity or active beings.
|
butterfly upon a wheel »
An innocent person crushed by life's adversities.
|
button up »
To fasten all the buttons on a coat, or similar item of clothing, to keep warm.
|
by the skin of one's teeth »
Barely; closely; by a narrow margin; with nothing to spare.
|
by the way »
His mother will be coming for dinner tomorrow, and, by the way, she volunteered to bring dessert.
|
call 'em as one sees 'em »
To candidly and honestly express an opinion or viewpoint.
|
call it a night »
To cease what one has been doing for the night.
|
call it a night »
To go to bed to sleep.
|
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.
|
calls for »
Requires; needs to
|
camel through the eye of a needle »
Hyperbole to illustrate that something is almost impossible to do or to happen.
|
carry a torch for »
[2] To harbor feelings of love despite not being in a relationship; generally unrequited or after a relationship has ended, and sometimes implying secret feelings. There is the implication of keeping hope alive.
|
carry coals to Newcastle »
To do something that is unneeded or redundant.
|
carry on »
To continue or proceed as before.
|
carry the message to Garcia »
To perform a requisite task without having been informed specifically by what method to do so.
|
cash cow »
A product, service, or enterprise that generates ongoing, high net free cash flows.
|
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 on »
To start the first row of knitting by putting stitches on a needle.
|
cat and mouse game »
Two individuals and/or groups repeatedly keeping check on each other in a suspicious or self-protective way, often with the goal of one or both parties trying to gain a malicious advantage over the other.
|
catch some z's »
To sleep.
|
catch up »
To be reaching something that had been ahead.
|
catmeat »
Someone who has been badly beaten.
|
caught between the devil and the deep blue sea »
Having a choice between two alternatives, both undesirable.
|
center field »
A central role in some activity that requires speed.
|
ceterum censeo »
A formulaic expression used to end a speech by reinforcing one, often unrelated, major view.
|
charity mugger »
A person employed by a charity, or by an intermediary fundraising agency employed by the charity, who stands in the street and invites passersby to set up standing orders or direct debits to make regular donations to the charity.
|
cheat sheet »
A sheet of paper containing notes used to assist on a test.
|
cheat sheet »
Any summary or quick reference used as a shortcut or reminder, a crib sheet.
|
cheek by jowl »
In close proximity; crammed uncomfortably close together.
|
cheer on »
To cheer and support a team, to barrack, to root for.
|
cheer up »
To become happy.
|
cheer up »
To make someone happy.
|
cheese down »
To coil the tail of a rope on deck so as to present a neat appearance.
|
cheese it »
A minced oath used as a warning to stop, hide, or flee.
|
cheese off »
To annoy.
|
cheesed off »
Annoyed, upset, angry.
|
chew the cud »
To meditate or ponder before answering; to be deep in thought; to ruminate.
|
chicken feed »
A very small or insignificant quantity, especially of money.
|
chicken feed »
Food given to poultry.
|
children should be seen and not heard »
Children should behave well and be quiet, especially in the presence of adults.
|
chin up »
Be happy; cheer up.
|
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.
|
climb the walls »
To behave in a distressed or frantic manner; to feel very agitated.
|
clogs to clogs in three generations »
(UK) Wealth earned in one generation seldom lasts through the third (grandchild
|
cold comfort »
Much less reassurance, consolation, aid, or pleasure than one needs or desires.
|
Cold hands, warm heart; Dirty feet, no sweetheart! »
A few old timer's "fun" way to compliment a lady & to find out if she could be courted.
|
cold one »
A beer.
|
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.
|
come around »
To change one's mind, especially to begin to agree or appreciate what one was reluctant to accept at first.
|
come out of the closet »
To tell others about homosexuality, bisexuality or any minority or disapproved-of belief, preference, etc., where previously this had been kept secret.
|
come short »
Fail to meet (expectations or standards)
|
come through »
To succeed.
|
come through »
Not to let somebody down, keep one's promise.
|
come to »
To stop a sailing vessel, especially by turning into the wind. See also come about.
|
come to terms »
To reach an agreement or settle a dispute.
|
come up »
To begin to feel the effects of a recreational drug.
|
company »
A military unit, typically consisting of two or three platoons.
|
company »
Keep the house clean, I have company coming.
|
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.
|
conk out »
To fall fast asleep; to sleep soundly.
|
cop a feel »
To stealthily fondle someone in a sexual manner.
|
copious free time »
A hypothetical time set aside for performing time-consuming tasks, however insinuating that the speaker really has no free time.
|
copper beech »
tree
|
corner the market »
To have exclusive possession; to possess something to a high or excessive degree.
|
correlation does not imply causation »
(statistics) The observed correlation between two parameters, say, the growth of a market and the growth of a neighbor's child may, in fact, have nothing to do with each other's causation.
|
count sheep »
To attempt to go to sleep by thinking of something boring, traditionally by counting imaginary sheep.
|
covenant of salt »
A long-lasting agreement.
|
cramp someone's style »
To restrict someone's free actions, or to give the impression of such.
|
creep into »
To enter something or somewhere by creeping.
|
creep into »
To enter surreptitiously.
|
creep up »
To advance with stealth, unnoticed.
|
cross someone's path »
To meet by chance.
|
cry one's eyes out »
To weep for an elongated time, or in an excessive manner.
|
cry out for »
To say that a situation needs a thing, or a solution urgently.
|
cry someone a river »
To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.
|
crying shame »
It's a crying shame that so much money has been wasted on this pointless political campaign.
|
cup of joe »
A cup of coffee.
|
curry favor »
To seek to gain favor by flattery or attention.
|
cut a wide swath »
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
|
cut one's teeth »
To begin; to gain early experience.
|
cut the cheese »
To flatulate.
|
dark horse »
A candidate who is nominated unexpectedly, without previously having been discussed or considered as a likely choice.
|
dead men tell no tales »
Once someone is dead, they can no longer communicate, hence killing someone is the best way to keep him/her quiet.
|
dead tree edition »
Paper version of a publication that can be found online.
|
dead wood »
Dead limbs and branches still attached to a living tree.
|
deep down »
Fundamentally; in essence; in reality; really.
|
deep end »
A situation where expertise or experience is required.
|
deep end »
The part of a swimming pool with relatively deep water.
|
deep pockets »
An ample supply of money, especially money which one is willing to spend; the possessor of such money.
|
deep six »
To discard, cancel, halt; to completely put an end to something.
|
deep thinker »
A person whose thoughts are profound; an intellectual.
|
deep water »
A difficult or embarrassing situation.
|
deep water »
Waters suitable for deep-draft ships, especially ocean-going.
|
deep-six »
To get rid of something unwanted.
|
deep-six »
To throw something overboard from a ship.
|
deer in the headlights »
A mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety fear, panic, surpriseand/or confusion, or substance abuse. The behavioral signs are like a deer subjected to a car's headlights, such as widely opened eyes and a lack of motor reactions.
|
deliver the goods »
To keep one's promises.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
desperate times call for desperate measures »
In adverse circumstances actions that might have been rejected under other circumstances may become the best choice.
|
different as chalk and cheese »
Two things which are superficially alike but very different in substance.
|
dig deep »
Try especially hard.
|
discretion is the better part of valour »
It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.1597
|
do a bunk »
To escape or flee under incriminating circumstances.
|
do a slow burn »
To experience a gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
do someone proud »
To cause someone to feel pride, admiration, or satisfaction.
|
dogs »
Feet.
|
don't hold your breath »
"Don't wait." Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned to is unlikely to happen soon or at all.
|
don't let the bedbugs bite »
Used to wish a person a good night's sleep.
|
don't shit where you eat »
(idiomatic, vulgar) One should not cause trouble in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself.1998 April 14, Nelson Navarro, "Ever faithful, ever true," Manila Standard (Philippines) (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):The guiding principle is Don't shit where you eat. Office romances are always destructive of morale and objectivity.2003 Oct. 8, Jonathan Valania, "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Pussy," Philadelphia Weekly (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Limbaugh was scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the NAB convention in, of all places, Philadelphia, thus violating the cardinal law of the animal kingdom: Don't shit where you eat.2006 Sept. 19, Michael Musto, "NY Mirror," Village Voice (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Mitchell refused to indulge in on-set romances with either gender. "You don't shit where you eat," he told me, plainly.
|
done deal »
An agreement that has been finally resolved or decided.
|
doss down »
To sleep on someone's sofa or floor because there is no bed spare.
|
double up »
After a fly ball has been caught.
|
double-tongued »
Saying one thing to one person and something different to another; double talking; deceitful in speech.
|
down the road, not across the street »
Along the radial artery rather than across the wrist from side to side.
|
down to the short strokes »
In the final steps or decisive phase of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
|
doze off »
To fall asleep unintentionally.
|
drag »
To act or proceed slowly or without enthusiasm; to be reluctant.
|
drag »
To move a mouse cursor while holding down a button on the mouse, often to move something on the screen.
|
drag one's feet »
To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.
|
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.
|
drama queen »
Any exaggeratedly dramatic person.
|
drama queen »
Who behaves and speaks in an overly dramatic manner so as to garner attention.
|
drift off »
To fall asleep in a gradual manner.
|
drop off »
To fall asleep.
|
dyed-in-the-wool »
Firmly established in a person's beliefs or habits; deeply ingrained in the nature of a person or thing.
|
ear tunnel »
A piece of jewelry that fits into a stretched earlobe hole and makes it seem like a peephole and makes it see-through.
|
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.
|
easy street »
A carefree situation or lifestyle, especially as resulting from possession of wealth.
|
eat crow »
To recognize that one has been shown to be mistaken or outdone, especially by admitting that one has made a humiliating error.
|
eat one's heart out »
To feel overwhelming sorrow, jealousy or longing, to grieve.
|
elbow room »
Freedom or leeway.
|
end of the world »
Any change that seems catastrophic or devastating.
|
enough to make the angels weep »
Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.
|
even keel »
A situation in which the boat is level and balanced for a smooth ride.
|
even keel »
A state of having one's emotions under control and balanced.
|
even keel »
Of a business or other activity which is under control and running smoothly.
|
every cloud has a silver lining »
In every bad situation there is an element of good1881, National Academy of Code Administration (U.S.), Folio, page 417:Every cloud has a silver lining; but in the old-fashioned meeting-houses every cloud of hymnal melody generally had a nasal lining before the congregation...1887, Shakers, Religion, page 36:that "a little reserve and thou'lt fail surely," will prove to be true in our experience. Every cloud has a silver lining and so has every sorrow,1918, George Jean Nathan, Performing Arts, page 222:But the most popular attitude toward what we may call "sad" plays is the peculiar one of believing that, since every cloud has a silver lining,
|
every king needs a queen »
Every man needs a woman to be with for the rest of his life.
|
Every rose has it's thorns »
everything, even if it seems perfect, has faults
|
everything but the kitchen sink »
Almost everything, whether needed or not.
|
everything happens for a reason »
All events are purposeful.Everything happens for a reason, so there is no such thing as failure. Mary-Kate OlsenPeople like to say "everything happens for a reason." If you repeat that in your head long enough that starts to sound like "anything can happen with a razor." Laura KightlingerI believe that everything happens for a reason, but I think it's important to seek out that reason - that's how we learn. Drew Barrymore
|
eye of the beholder »
The evaluation depending on perception of person who sees and considers.
|
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.
|
fall between two stools »
To attempt two tasks and fail at both, when either one could have been accomplished singly.
|
fall in line »
C. 2004, Career Soldiers, "Won't Waste My Life".
|
fall in with »
To accept a set of generally agreed rules, or a suggestion.
|
fall off a truck »
Of an item of merchandise, to come into a person's possession without having been paid for; to be acquired illegally.
|
fall off the back of a lorry »
Of an item of merchandise, to come into a perons's possession without having been paid for; to have been acquired illegally.
|
fall through »
To be unsuccessful, abort, come to nothing/naught; to be cancelled; not to proceed.
|
falling out »
A disagreement; a major difference of opinion.
|
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.
|
far and away »
By a large degree or margin; greatly.
|
fare thee well »
Goodbye, farewell.
|
farmer's tan »
The tan line left by clothing, especially, by a short-sleeved shirt.
|
fast asleep »
Sleeping, in a deep sleep.
|
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.
|
feed into »
To be a tributary of another river or waterway.
|
feed out of »
To feed from.
|
feed the dragon »
To buy or sell products labeled as "Made in China.".
|
feed the dragon »
To the People's Republic of China.
|
feel around »
To grope.
|
feel for »
To express sympathy for, to sympathise with.
|
feel free »
Don't be ashamed, be my guest.
|
feel one's oats »
To feel energetic or frisky; to behave in a vigorous or bold manner.
|
feel one's oats »
To feel important; to be empowered.
|
feel up »
To grope someone in a sexual manner.
|
feel up to »
To be confident in being able to do something.
|
feel up to »
To have an inclination to do something.
|
feet of clay »
To say that someone, who appears strong or invincible, in fact has a hidden weak point which could cause their fall.
|
fence in »
To restrict freedom.
|
few and far between »
Rare and scarce.
|
fifteen minutes of fame »
A very short time in the spotlight or brief flurry with fame, after which the person or subject involved is quickly forgotten.
|
fifteen minutes of fame »
Alternate form of 15 minutes of fame.
|
fifth wheel »
A type of trailer hitch, which consists of a horseshoe-shaped plate on a multi-directional pivot, with a locking pin to couple with the kingpin of a truck trailer.
|
fifth wheel »
A very large trailer that is towed with a pickup truck.
|
fifth wheel »
A very large truck trailer; an 18-wheeler.
|
fifth wheel »
Anything superfluous or unnecessary.
|
fight off »
To succeed in defeating a challenge, or an attack.
|
fill in »
To fill; to replace material that is absent or has been removed.
|
fill the bill »
To satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements.
|
find one's feet »
To grow in confidence in a new situation as one gains experience.
|
finders keepers »
The doctrine that whoever finds something is allowed to keep it
|
fish or cut bait »
To choose between taking action now, or forgoing the opportunity and putting that energy into another endeavor; to decide.
|
flash in the pan »
A career notable for early success not followed by significant accomplishment.
|
flat chat »
At maximum capability or speed.
|
flat out »
At top speed.
|
flat-footed »
Having feet which are flat.
|
flat-footed »
Having the specific physical condition of flat feet.
|
flipside »
A necessary consequence or corollary of something; especially one seen as opposite, or as pro versus con.
|
fly in the ointment »
Something which ruins or spoils everything else; a nuisance or problem; an unpleasant or disagreeable detail.
|
fly on the wall »
A quiet, non-participating, or unseen observer; an eavesdropper or witness.
|
fly the coop »
To depart hastily or unannounced; to escape or flee.
|
fly-by-night »
One who departs or flees at night in order to avoid creditors, law enforcement etc. .
|
fold one's tent »
To withdraw, especially in a discreet manner; to disengage; to quit.
|
food chain »
The feeding relationships between species in a biotic community.
|
footloose and fancy free »
Able to do as one pleases, unconstrained by social ties or responsibilities.
|
for keeps »
Permanently.
|
for keeps »
To compete seriously, with a strong resolve to win or succeed, as in sports or business.
|
for keeps »
With an agreement or intention to retain what one gains or receives.
|
forbidden fruit is the sweetest »
Forbidden things have more worthwhile short-term consequences.
|
force of habit »
An act that has been repeated to the point where the performance of the act becomes automatic.
|
forty winks »
Sleep, extra sleep, or a nap.
|
four-leaf clover »
An uncommon variation of the clover, having four leaves instead of the usual three.
|
four-on-the-floor »
Relating to a vehicle with a four-speed manual transmission mounted beside the driver on the floor of the vehicle.
|
fourth wall »
The boundary between the fiction and the audience.
|
fourth wall »
The imaginary invisible wall at the front of the stage in a proscenium theatre, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play.
|
fox in the henhouse »
A relationships wherein a predator is granted free reign within the prey's home confinement, often used in the political sense.
|
free lunch »
Something obtained without any payment, obligation or effort.
|
free range »
not intensively farmed
|
free rein »
Loose rein, as of a horse.
|
free rein »
The absence of constraints; freedom to make decisions.
|
free ride »
An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.
|
free-for-all »
Chaos; a chaotic situation lacking rules or control.
|
frog in one's throat »
Hoarseness or the need to cough.
|
from the bottom of one's heart »
In earnest; sincerely; with one's full feeling.
|
from the Department of the Bleeding Obvious »
So obvious it was unnecessary to say.
|
fruit of the poisonous tree »
And which is therefore excluded from being admitted as evidence in a trial.
|
full speed ahead »
A command, especially on military vessels, to move forward at maximum speed.
|
full speed ahead »
Maximum effort without reservations or delay.
|
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 by »
To subsist; to succeed, survive, or manage, at least at a minimum level.
|
get cold feet »
To become nervous or anxious and reconsider a decision about an upcoming event.
|
get it »
To "get what's coming to him/her"; to feel one's wrath; to receive punishment; to receive a retaliation; to receive a beating.
|
get off »
To fall asleep.
|
get off the ground »
To succeed or begin to succeed.
|
get on someone's wick »
To annoy or upset someone, usually by repeated disagreeable actions.
|
get one's feet wet »
To begin gaining experience; To take a risk and try something new.
|
get one's finger out »
To free one's finger.
|
get one's finger out »
To proceed with the matter in hand.
|
ginger beer »
soft drink
|
give a man a fish »
Shortened form of give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime
|
give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime »
It is more worthwhile to teach someone to do something, than to do something for them.
|
give heed »
Pay attention to.
|
give him enough rope and he'll hang himself »
If one gives someone enough freedom of action, they may destroy themselves by foolish actions.
|
give some skin »
To greet or congratulate someone by slapping his or her palm; see slap me five.
|
give somebody a piece of one's mind »
To express one's opinion strongly; to voice one's disagreement or dissatisfaction.
|
give somebody the creeps »
To give someone a feeling of uneasiness or mild fright.
|
glow worm »
beetle
|
go ahead »
To proceed; to begin.
|
go back on »
To fail to keep; to renege on; as, to go back on one's promises.
|
go between »
an intermediary
|
go large »
To have the wind at such an angle to the sail that the vessel gains its highest speed.
|
go native »
Of a contractor or consultant, to begin working directly as an employee for a company and cease to work through a contracting firm or agency.
|
go the distance »
To have the endurance to see a difficult sustained challenge to its natural end without faltering.
|
go through the mill »
To experience the suffering or discipline necessary to bring one to a certain degree of knowledge or skill, or to a certain mental state.
|
go through with »
To proceed; to continue.
|
go to seed »
To deteriorate; to decline into an unkempt or debased condition.
|
go to seed »
To pass from flowering or ripening to the formation of seeds.
|
go to sleep »
An expression used to dismiss an extremely foolish statement, or to dismiss somebody that one does not feel like talking to.
|
go to town »
To proceed enthusiastically, vigorously, or expertly.
|
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 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 drunk »
A person who is cheerful and companionable when intoxicated, retaining reasonable control of his or her mental and emotional faculties.
|
good evening »
greeting
|
good things come to those who wait »
A patient seeker will be satisfied in due time; patience is a virtue.
|
good turn »
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
|
granary »
A storage facility for grain or sometimes animal feed.
|
grass widow »
A divorcée..
|
green about the gills »
Having the appearance of being ill.
|
green fingers »
A seemingly natural gardening ability.
|
green light »
A traffic light in its green state .
|
green light »
Approval, or permission to proceed.
|
green state »
A state that is, or is perceived as, environmentally friendly.
|
green thumb »
A natural skill for gardening.
|
green thumb »
A person with this skill.
|
green with envy »
Consumed by envy; envious to the point where it is noticeable to others.
|
greener pastures »
Any place or condition that is more favorable or beneficial.
|
greenwash »
A false or misleading picture of environmental friendliness used to conceal or obscure damaging activities.
|
grey area »
An area intermediate between two mutually exclusive states or categories where the border between the two is fuzzy.
|
ground rules »
The basic rules or standards; whatever someone must know before proceeding.
|
guilt trip »
A feeling of shame or embarrassment, especially if self-indulgent, unwarranted, exaggerated or felt over a significant period of time.
|
guilt trip »
Remarks intended to produce such a feeling.
|
gun it »
To accelerate or speed up quickly or suddenly.
|
gut factor »
Feelings about what feels right or wrong, good or bad. An inner persuasion that one may feel convinced is the appropriate decision.
|
gut feeling »
An instinct or intuition; an immediate or basic feeling or reaction without a logical rationale.
|
had better »
Should; ought to; need to.
|
hair-splitting »
The act of finding exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hair-splittingly »
With exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hammer out »
To come to an agreement after much arguing.
|
hang on »
To keep; to store something for someone.
|
hang out to dry »
To abandon someone who is in need or in danger.
|
happy go lucky »
carefree
|
happy medium »
A balanced position between two opposite extremes.
|
hard cheese »
Expressed to someone suffering misfortune.
|
hard feelings »
Resentment, anger.
|
hard-hearted »
unfeeling
|
harsh one's mellow »
To make someone feel bad emotionally.
|
has-been »
A formerly popular or influential person whose popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline. Typically said of professionals or celebrities whose primary success is behind them.
|
hatchet man »
Someone who carries out brutal and unpleasant duties on behalf of another, such as firing dead wood employees.
|
have a frog in one's throat »
To feel the need to cough; to have a tickle in one's throat; to have a scratchy or uneven voice.
|
have a green thumb »
A person with a green thumb, a natural skill for gardening.
|
have a look-see »
Take a look.
|
have a seat »
See have; seat.
|
have been around »
To be experienced in worldly matters; to be seasoned, not naive.
|
have eyes bigger than one's belly »
To take more food on one's plate than one can eat; to be greedy.
|
have eyes bigger than one's stomach »
To take more food on one's plate than one can eat; to be greedy.
|
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 large »
To engage intensely in pleasure-seeking activities.
|
have one's heart set on »
To want or desire deeply, regardless of practicality or rationality.
|
have the run of »
To have permission or freedom to move around throughout an area or to use something at will.
|
have to do with »
See "have to do".
|
head and shoulders »
To a considerable degree; better; outstanding.
|
head for the hills »
To go to a safe place; to seek refuge; to flee.
|
head over heels »
At top speed; frantically.
|
head over heels »
Hopelessly smitten.
|
head over heels »
Tumbling upside down.
|
hear, hear »
Let us hear and applaud the previous speaker; I endorse the previous statement; Expression of support, agreement, or enthusiasm for what has just been said.
|
hedge one's bets »
To reduce the risk of making a mistake, by keeping one's options open.
|
heebie-jeebies »
A general feeling of anxiety, fear, uneasiness, or nausea.
|
hell raiser »
wild pleasure seeker
|
help oneself »
Take freely.
|
hen's teeth »
Anything very rare or impossible to obtain is said to be like finding hen’s teeth.
|
hen's teeth »
Plural form of hen's tooth.
|
hens' teeth »
Alternative form of hen's teeth.
|
hide and seek »
children's game
|
hide one's light under a bushel »
For a person to keep some talent or skill hidden from other people. The tone is that a person having a talent which they can be proud of ought not hide it.
|
hightail it »
To hurry or run; often, to flee.
|
his back is up »
He is offended or angry; an expression or idea taken from a cat; that animal, when angry, always raising its back. An allusion also sometimes used to jeer a crooked man.
|
hit on »
To flirt with; to approach and speak to (someone), seeking romance, love, sex, etc.
|
hold off »
To delay someone or something temporarily; to keep at bay.
|
hold on »
To keep; to store something for someone.
|
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 that thought »
Used to acknowledge that one's attention needs to be diverted from what an speaker was saying.
|
hold up »
To fulfil / fulfill or complete one's part of an agreement.
|
hold your fire »
Do not discharge your weapon. Used originally for weapons needing a spark or lighting of a fuse to ignite gunpowder, now sometimes used to mean any weapon launching a projectile.
|
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.
|
home is where the heart is »
One's true home is where one feels happiest.
|
home is where you hang your hat »
Rather than feeling nostalgic or sentimental, one should simply accept any place where one happens to reside as one's home.1948, Ruth L. Yorck, "D.P.
|
home stretch »
The final part of a distance or the final effort needed to finish.
|
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.
|
hot button »
The principal desire that a salesman needs to "hit" in order to make a sale.
|
hot desking »
The working practice of sharing desks or workstations between workers, as a means of saving space and resources.
|
hot mess »
Refers to a person, thing, or situation in such a state of disarray or disapproval by peers, often in reference to physical appearance, perceived to be disastrously embarrassing, pitiful, or beyond repair.
|
hot on somebody's heels »
Close behind; pursuing or following closely.
|
hot potato »
A child's game in which players pass a ball or other item between them, with the object of avoiding being left holding the item when time expires.
|
hothouse »
A heated greenhouse.
|
how are you »
An informal greeting, not requiring a literal response. Typical responses include.
|
how do I get to Carnegie Hall »
A set phrase, spoken as a rhetorical question, which is answered "Practice, practice, practice!" or sometimes with the humorous literal directions to Seventh Avenue between 56th and 57th.
|
how's tricks »
Informal greeting roughly equivalent to How are you?.
|
humble pie »
A pie made from the offal of deer or hog.
|
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.
|
hurt someone's feelings »
To offend or hurt someone.
|
idiot mittens »
Mittens connected by yarn or string running through one sleeve, along the back and out the other sleeve of a coat, to prevent the mittens becoming lost. Generally worn by small children.
|
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!"
|
if need be »
If necessary; if there is a need.
|
if needs be »
If need be; if there is a need.
|
if you love somebody, set them free »
One should be willing to let go of someone they love if they truly love them.
|
in bed »
Lying on a bed, especially under some bedsheets.
|
in business »
Ready to proceed in a desired activity.
|
in case »
In the event; should there be a need.
|
in cold blood »
In a ruthless and unfeeling manner; premeditated and deliberate.
|
in for a penny, in for a pound »
Expressing recognition that one must, having started something, see it through to its end, rather than stopping short thereof; accepting that one must
|
in full swing »
Proceeding fully, quickly, or completely; thoroughly begun and in progress.
|
in line »
Suitable or appropriate; keeping with expectations, norms, ideals, or rules.
|
in one's stockinged feet »
Wearing socks, stockings or other hosiery on one's feet but no shoes.
|
in order »
In accordance with the procedural rules governing formal meetings of a deliberative body.
|
in the cards »
Destined or fated to happen; predicted or foreseen.
|
in the reign of Queen Dick »
When pigs fly; never.
|
in too deep »
In a situation where one can't cope.
|
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God »
The rich can afford more immoral behavior than the poor.
|
it takes two to tango »
Some things need the active cooperation of two parties; blame is to be laid on both parties in a conflict.
|
it's all Greek to me »
I don’t understand any of it; it makes no sense..
|
it's all Greek to me »
I tried reading the instructions, but it’s all Greek to me..
|
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
|
jack up »
To raise, increase, or accelerate; often said of prices, fees, or rates. See also jack up the price.
|
jump for joy »
Exalt, [rejoice]], feel elation.
|
jump rope »
The activity, game or exercise in which a person must jump, bounce or skip repeatedly while a length of rope is swung over and under, both ends held in the hands of the jumper, or alternately, held by two other participants. Often used for athletic training and among schoolchildren. Variations involve speed, chants, varied rope and jumper movement patterns, multiple jumpers and/or multiple ropes.
|
jump the queue »
To move into a queue ahead of others who have been waiting longer or that have a higher priority; push in.
|
jump the shark »
To undergo a storyline development which is so ridiculous that previous quality is considered to have been lost.
|
jumped-up »
Describes a person who thinks he is superior in some way that the speaker disagrees with. For instance, of a higher class, or has more authority than they have in reality.
|
jumped-up »
We're doomed if this wee jumped-up monkey gets Gordon Smith's blessing.
|
just in case »
In the event; should there be a need.
|
kangaroo court »
A judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding, or a group which conducts such proceedings, which is without proper authority, abusive, or otherwise unjust.
|
keel over »
Of a vessel: to roll so far on its side that it cannot recover; to capsize.
|
keel over »
To collapse in a faint; to black out; to die.
|
keep a close watch on »
To pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.
|
keep a lid on »
To keep something secret.
|
keep a weather eye open »
To be alert; to concentrate on a matter in hand.
|
keep a weather eye open »
To maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying your full attention.
|
keep an eye on »
To watch and pay attention to.
|
keep an eye open »
To maintain vigilance for a possibly dangerous situation.
|
keep an eye open »
To maintain vigilance for someone or something.
|
keep an eye out »
To watch for, look for, or search for.
|
keep an eye peeled »
To look out attentively.
|
keep at »
To persist in.
|
keep at »
preserve with
|
keep away from »
To avoid.
|
keep away from »
To evade.
|
keep away from »
To deny access to.
|
keep buggin on »
Never quit; go on
|
keep down »
To repress.
|
keep down »
To restrain or control.
|
keep down »
To cause not to increase or rise.
|
keep down »
Not to vomit.
|
keep down »
To lie low. To stay concealed by not standing up.
|
keep from »
To prevent or restrain ; refrain or cause refrain.
|
keep from »
To protect or preserve from.
|
keep it down »
To be quiet.
|
keep it real »
In the imperative, an exhortation used as a departing salutation.
|
keep it real »
To be authentic, true to oneself; to be cool.
|
keep it up »
To maintain one's erection.
|
keep it up »
To maintain or continue a positive streak.
|
keep mum »
Do not talk; especially keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
|
keep on »
Persist or continue.
|
keep on »
To remain in an existing position.
|
keep on truckin' »
To continue or persist, regardless of circumstances or setbacks; to keep trying or striving.
|
keep one on one's toes »
To keep one attentive, active, busy or alert.
|
keep one's cards close to one's chest »
To avoid revealing one's thoughts, circumstances, or plans.
|
keep one's cool »
To remain composed, calm, and even-tempered, especially in a provocative situation.
|
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 one's eye on the ball »
To maintain one's concentration fixed on one important theme.
|
keep one's eyes peeled »
To watch closely; to look for.
|
keep one's lips sealed »
To keep quiet; to keep a secret; to not tell.
|
keep one's mouth shut »
To keep a secret; to refrain from speaking indiscreetly or carelessly.
|
keep one's options open »
To not commit to a decision, to keep various options available.
|
keep one's pecker up »
Remain cheerful; keep smiling.
|
keep oneself to oneself »
To be introverted; to stay away from others.
|
keep out »
To refrain from entering a place or condition.
|
keep out »
After being warned, he kept out.
|
keep out »
To restrain someone or something from entering a place or condition.
|
keep out »
The warning kept him out.
|
keep out of »
To stay away from a place or condition.
|
keep out of »
To restrain someone or something from entering a place or condition.
|
keep quiet »
Remain silent.
|
keep quiet »
To refrain from talking about something; to keep a secret.
|
keep shtum »
Don't tell anyone; especially, keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
|
keep somebody in stitches »
To keep somebody laughing hard or amused.
|
keep somebody posted »
To inform or to keep somebody up to date.
|
keep straight »
To avoid confusing or mixing up something; to keep something clear or organized.
|
keep tabs on »
To monitor; to keep track of; to watch.
|
keep the wolf from the door »
To delay sexual ejaculation.
|
keep the wolf from the door »
To ward off poverty or hunger.
|
keep up »
To maintain; to preserve; to prevent from deteriorating.
|
keep up »
To stay even or ahead.
|
keep up »
To ensure that one remains well-informed about something.
|
keep up appearances »
To pretend to be all right or that everything is going well.
|
keep up with »
To manage to remain beside or just behind that is moving away from one.
|
keep up with »
To manage to follow .
|
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.
|
keep your friends close, and your enemies closer »
One should be on their toes and alert of their surroundings if malicious people are around, to ensure such people can't wreak havoc in one's life.
|
keep your hair on »
An admonition to stay calm.
|
keep your shirt on »
An admonition to be more patient or to calm down.
|
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs »
To seek short term gain at the sacrifice of long term profit.
|
kindred soul »
Someone with the same feelings or attitudes as oneself; kindred spirit.
|
kindred spirit »
Someone with the same feelings or attitudes as oneself.
|
kiss of death »
A kiss on the cheek that signifies the death of the receiver, as delivered by a mob boss or one with such influence.
|
kiss of death »
Something that may seem good and favourable but that actually brings ruin to hopes, plans, etc.
|
knee high to a grasshopper »
Short; especially relating to when the subject was a small child.
|
kneel before »
To kneel in front of someone or something, especially in order to worship or supplicate.
|
knock out »
To put someone to sleep.
|
knock up »
To impregnate, especially out of wedlock. See knocked up.
|
knock up »
To put together, fabricate, or assemble, particularly if done hastily or temporarily. See also knock together.
|
knock up »
In the morning as by knocking at the door; rouse; call; summon; also, to go door-to-door on election day to persuade a candidate's supporters to go to the polling station and vote. See also knocker up.
|
knock up »
To gently hit the ball back and forth before a tennis match, as practice or warm-up, and to gauge the state of the playing surface, lighting, etc. See knock-up.
|
knock-on effect »
The continued running of an engine after the ignition has been turned off; dieseling.
|
knowledge is power »
With knowledge and/or education, one's potential or ability to succeed in the pursuit of his objectives will certainly increase.
|
lame joke »
An attempt at humor which is perceived to have been used previously to the point of being cliche, or was never funny to begin with.
|
land on one's feet »
To be lucky, or successful, often in difficult situations.
|
latch onto »
To obtain, acquire or get and keep hold of something.
|
late bloomer »
A person who lives a child's life comparatively later than their peers.
|
late bloomer »
A person who reaches puberty comparatively later than their peers.
|
laundry list »
Originally, a list of articles of clothing that had been sent to be laundered.
|
lay down »
To stock, store for the future. See also lay by.
|
lead »
A roof covered with lead sheets or terne plates.
|
lead »
Sheets or plates of lead used as a covering for roofs.
|
lead »
Vertical space in advance of a row or between rows of text. Also known as leading.
|
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.
|
leader of the free world »
The President of the United States.
|
lean and mean »
Efficient because of having nothing in excess of what is needed, and single-minded in one's objective.
|
leave nothing to the imagination »
He stripped down to a pair of see-through briefs that left nothing to the imagination.
|
lemon drop »
boiled sweet
|
let go an anchor to the windward of the law »
To keep within the letter of the law.
|
let go and let God »
To consciously surrender one's free will to the will of God.
|
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.
|
let the good times roll »
To have fun or live fully; may imply letting things that are going well proceed.
|
lie doggo »
keep quiet
|
lie through one's teeth »
To tell a gross or egregious untruth.
|
life of Riley »
An ideal life of carefree prosperity and contentment.
|
life's a bitch »
An expression of acceptance of misfortune.1950, Joy Davidman, Weeping Bay, page 184:She'd have been willing enough to use them, poor dead little bitch. Life's a bitch. Life's a bad joke.
|
life's not all skittles and beer »
Skittles and Beer refers to the carefree, indulgent bar life; skittles being a British pub game. Thus, life's not all skittles and beer means that not everything is about pleasure.
|
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.
|
lighten up »
To become less serious and more cheerful or casual; to relax.
|
like crazy »
To a great or excessive degree; with great speed, output, enthusiasm, etc.
|
like it or lump it »
To accept a situation whether one agrees with it or not.
|
like it's going out of style »
Enthusiastically, to an excessive degree.
|
lion »
The arms of the University of the West Indies are Barry wavy of six Argent and Azure an open Book proper bound Gules garnished Or on a Chief of the third a Lion passant guardant Erminois. Crest: A Pelican proper. . See talk page.
|
liquid courage »
Alcohol drunk to induce a feeling of courage in the drinker.
|
little pitchers have big ears »
Small children often overhear more of what is said than adults realize or desire.1844, Charlotte M. Yonge, Abbeychurch, ch. 2:Seeing me listening to something she was saying to Mamma, she turned round upon me with that odious proverb, "Little pitchers have long ears."1939, "Bedtime Bedlam," Time, 17 Apr.:A caution to U. S. parents, but a joy to radio merchandising, is the dread truth that little pitchers have big ears.2002, Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, ISBN 9780743455961, p. 185:I suppose he might say pushed or went woowoo, but took a shit is, I fear, very much in the ballpark (little pitchers have big ears, after all).
|
lock up »
To cease responding, to freeze.
|
long absent, soon forgotten »
Love fades away when people are distant and don't keep close physical contact.
|
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.
|
long time »
Used as part of greeting of two people who have not been in contact for a long time.
|
long time no see »
I haven't seen you for a long time.
|
look after »
To watch or protect; to keep safe.
|
look for »
To search; to seek.
|
look forward to »
To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure.
|
look like »
To seem.
|
look to »
To seek inspiration or advice from someone.
|
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.
|
look-in »
A chance to participate, compete, or succeed.
|
loose end »
A small job that needs to be done, or minor problem that needs to be resolved, before a task can be considered complete.
|
loose end »
The end of a rope that has not been fastened.
|
loose ends »
Leftover items that have not been addressed or attended to.
|
love is blind »
A person who is in love can see no faults or imperfections in the person who is loved.
|
low road »
A course of action which is undignified, wrongful, or otherwise unseemly.
|
lump in one's throat »
A feeling of emotional sadness. On the point of crying.
|
lump to one's throat »
A feeling of emotional sadness. On the point of crying.
|
main verte »
Green thumb.
|
make a leg »
To make a deep bow with the right leg drawn back.
|
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 out »
To succeed; to turn out or end up.
|
make someone's teeth itch »
To bother or unsettle a person; to put someone on edge.
|
make the cut »
To succeed; to be chosen out of a field of candidates or possibilities.
|
man up »
To staff adequately; to staff up; to successfully fill all needed labor positions.
|
managerial inbreeding »
Bad management, caused by managers making poor selection choices in recruitment, rewards, and promotions of the staff that report to them, leading to another generation of managers who lack the necessary skill sets to reward and promote the most effective staff.
|
many happy returns »
A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!.
|
mark up »
To increase the price of something between its wholesale and retail phase.
|
me three »
Used to express agreement, after someone has already said "me too".
|
meals on wheels »
Food delivered to the homes of those unable to cook for themselves.
|
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 up »
To meet expectations; to be as good as.
|
meat rack »
A place where people can meet looking for sexual partners.
|
meet one's maker »
To die or to pass into the afterlife.
|
meet up »
To meet somebody, by arrangement.
|
memory lane »
A set of recollections available to be reviewed, especially accompanied by a feeling of nostalgia.
|
mend fences »
To repair damage to a friendship or relationship after a disagreement or other mishap.
|
middle ground »
A compromise position between extremes.
|
moment of truth »
A deciding instant; the time when a test determines or makes it apparent whether something will succeed.
|
money doesn't grow on trees »
You must work in order to have money.
|
more haste, less speed »
When we are in a hurry, we often end up completing our task slower.
|
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.
|
much of a muchness »
Of two or more things, having little difference of any significance between them.
|
mull over »
To think deeply about something; to ponder, deliberate or ruminate.
|
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.
|
my eye »
Cheech and Chong.
|
my lips are sealed »
See keep one's lips sealed.
|
necessity is the mother of invention »
A person who is in great need of something will find a way to get it.
|
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.
|
needle in a haystack »
Something that is difficult or impossible to locate; something impossibly complex or intractable.
|
nice guy »
An adult male who seeks sexual attraction and romantic intimacy, but only finds cordial friendship and platonic love.
|
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.
|
nightcap »
A warm cloth cap worn while sleeping, often with pajamas. Nightcaps were common in northern Europe before central heating was available, when homes were cold at night.
|
no good deed ever goes unpunished »
Used to express the idea that beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility.
|
no good deed goes unpunished »
Used to express the idea that beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility.
|
no sweat »
See: no problem.
|
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.
|
nosebleed seat »
A seat high in the back of bleachers, stands, or the balcony at a theater.
|
not leave one's thoughts »
Said when one keeps thinking about something.
|
not the end of the world »
It's of minor importance, at least not as important as it first seemed.
|
nothing to sneeze at »
Not bad; decent; acceptable; worthwhile.
|
now you're talking »
A phrase indicating agreement with a previously stated suggestion to change a course of action.
|
of course »
Indicates enthusiastic agreement.
|
off one's game »
Performing in any activity below one's usual level; behaving in an irregular, inept, or awkward manner; feeling unwell.
|
off the chain »
Free from work or direct supervision. In reference to slave labor, where workers are chained, or to the figurative chain of workers of an assembly line.
|
off the deep end »
Crazy, erratic, or irrational.
|
offer affordances »
To give elbow room or leeway for something to happen.
|
old money »
Families that have been wealthy for generations or members of such families.
|
on all fours »
On one's hands and knees.
|
on board »
Agreeing or supporting.
|
on board »
Even when I am on board the plane, I can never feel secure that my luggage is, too.
|
on board »
It's a good idea, but let's see if we can get a few more of the management team on board.
|
on course »
Proceeding smoothly as planned.
|
on demand »
When needed or required.
|
on one's feet »
Being stable or capable, especially in a financial or emotional sense.
|
on one's feet »
Being standing up.
|
on one's feet »
Being well again after a bout of illness.
|
on one's high horse »
Self-righteous; proceeding on the belief one is more correct or proper than others.
|
on pins and needles »
Feeling sharp anticipation or anxiety; in a state of suspense.
|
on steroids »
To a greater degree, exaggerating the characteristics of the previously named object.
|
on sufferance »
Unwillingly agreed to or barely tolerated.
|
on the face of it »
Apparently; as far as can be seen or determined.
|
on the house »
Free, complimentary.
|
on the level »
A discreet reference to freemasonry.
|
on the make »
Actively seeking a romantic encounter or relationship.
|
on the make »
Actively seeking an opportunity for self-advancement; eager to ingratiate oneself to others in order to secure some advantage.
|
on the prowl »
Hunting or seeking.
|
on the pull »
Seeking the intimate company of a member of the opposite sex.
|
on the run »
Fleeing.
|
on the sly »
Slyly, in an inconspicuous manner, so as not to be seen; secretly; stealthily.
|
on the square »
A discrete, unassuming reference to freemasonry.
|
on the straight and narrow »
Honest; proceeding according to rules and plans.
|
on top of »
Fully informed about, and in control of something; up to speed with.
|
on track »
Proceeding as planned, as expected, or in a manner consistent with an established pattern.
|
on wheels »
Having wheels affixed to the bottom, and so transportable.
|
on wheels »
Mobile; able to be moved.
|
on wheels »
To a large degree, excessive.
|
once bitten, twice shy »
One is cautious in the future if one has been hurt in the past.
|
one step at a time »
Slowly and carefully, ensuring that each action has been completed successfully before taking the next.
|
one who hesitates is lost »
A person who spends too much time contemplating what to do may miss a valuable but fleeting opportunity.
|
one-night stand »
A single sexual encounter between two individuals, where at least one of the parties has no immediate intention or expectation of establishing a longer-term sexual or romantic relationship. As the phrase implies, the relationship lasts for only one night.
|
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 character »
Not in character; not successfully performing within the mindset of a given character in a theatrical performance. See also break character, drop character.
|
out of the box »
See outside the box.
|
out on the tiles »
I've had a pint of bitter and now I'm feeling better and I'm out on the tiles." Led Zeppelin in their song "Out on the tiles", 1970.
|
overkill »
A destructive capacity that exceeds that needed to destroy an enemy; especially with nuclear weapons.
|
overkill »
An unnecessary excess of whatever is needed to achieve a goal.
|
pan out »
By swirling dirt or crushed rock in a pan of water, in the manner of a traditional prospector seeking gold.
|
pan out »
To succeed; to proceed according to plan; to result or end up.
|
paper »
A sheet material used for writing on or printing on , usually made by draining cellulose fibres from a suspension in water.
|
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 .
|
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 by »
To proceed past something.
|
pass out »
To faint; fall asleep.
|
pay one's dues »
To outlay money which is owed as a membership fee or price of admission.
|
peace and quiet »
Tranquility; freedom from stress or interruptions.
|
peachy keen »
Extremely good, exactly right; all right. Often used in the negative or with an ironic or sarcastic connotation to mean the opposite.
|
pee off »
Euphemistic variant of piss off.
|
peed off »
Simple past tense and past participle of pee off.
|
peel grapes »
To perform a menial task, eliminating trivial inconveniences.
|
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.
|
physical break »
A short break in a meeting or in a classroom setting, intended to improve attention.
|
pi%C3%A8ce de r%C3%A9sistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
|
pick somebody's brain »
To seek information from someone knowledgeable; to ask questions of someone.
|
pick up »
To improve, increase, or speed up.
|
pick up »
To meet and seduce somebody for romantic purposes, especially in a social situation, sometimes used with "on".
|
pick up »
To answer a telephone. See pick up the phone.
|
pick up speed »
accelerate
|
pick up stitches »
Stitches to the knitting needle that were previously bound off, or that belong to the selvage, during the process of knitting or entrelac.
|
pickle »
A children’s game with three participants that emulates a baseball rundown.
|
piece de resistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
|
piss and moan »
To complain, especially needlessly and loudly.
|
piss and vinegar »
Exuberance or enthusiasm, especially to an excessive degree; bravado; youthful energy.
|
pitched battle »
A hostile engagement involving sustained, full-scale fighting between opposing forces in close combat.
|
play down »
To make or attempt to make something seem less important, likely, or obvious.
|
play it safe »
To take a cautious, risk-free approach.
|
play Old Harry »
Blenkiron and I have been moving in the best circles as skilled American engineers who are going to play Old Harry with the British on the Tigris. — John Buchan, "Greenmantle", 1916..
|
play possum »
To feign sleep, illness, etc.
|
poacher turned gamekeeper »
A person who now works against the same people they once supported.
|
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.
|
poison tree bears poison fruit »
Unethical actions in the service of good intentions will have immoral or unethical consequences.
|
poster boy »
See poster child.
|
poster girl »
See poster child.
|
pound the pavement »
To campaign diligently; to seek something, such as business, employment, or answers.
|
pour out »
To talk volubly and deeply. Usually implies telling the truth.
|
power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely »
The corrupting influence of power is total when one's power is total.Lord Acton see: Wikiquote
|
powers that be »
The holders of power or the authorities in a given situation, especially as seen as being faceless or unreasonably bureaucratic.
|
proverbs run in pairs »
Every proverb seems to be contradicted by another proverb with an opposed message, such as "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "many hands make light work."1863, Sir Richard Burton, Abeokuta and the Camaroons Mountains, vol. 1, Tinsley (London), p. 309:Moreover, all the world over, proverbs run in pairs, and pull both ways: for the most part one neutralizes, by contradiction, the other.
|
pull my finger »
A phrase used when playing a prank regarding flatulence, in which a mark is asked to pull the finger of the person playing the prank, who simultaneously flatulates so as to suggest a causal relationship between the pulling of the finger and the resulting expulsion of gas.
|
pull off »
To achieve; to succeed at something difficult.
|
pull oneself up by one's bootstraps »
To begin an enterprise or recover from a setback without any outside help; to succeed only on one's own effort or abilities.
|
pull rank »
To assert one's authority over a subordinate who disagrees.
|
pull teeth »
To do something that is especially difficult or effortful.
|
pull teeth »
To remove teeth, usually because they are diseased or damaged.
|
pull the other one, it's got bells on »
The implication is that one leg has been pulled, and the joker will have more fun with the other one due to the bells.
|
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 envelope »
To go beyond established limits; to pioneer.
|
put by »
To preserve food by canning, freezing, drying, etc.
|
put down »
To place a baby somewhere to sleep.
|
put down roots »
To feel that one belong in a place.
|
put one's feet up »
To relax.
|
put one's shoulder to the wheel »
To work or exert oneself heavily or with full effort.
|
put out feelers »
To explore or watch for; ask around; investigate.
|
put the bee on »
To beg; to borrow money from.
|
put the bee on »
To finish off, to beat.
|
put the cat among the pigeons »
Professor Stephen Hawking put the cat among the pigeons last week with his cheery remarks about comet Machholz-2, which some astronomers believe could be heading our way. — The Times, 19 September 1994.
|
put the feedbag on »
To dine; to eat.
|
quarter of »
"I need twenty minutes to get to the shop." "You'll be late. It's already a quarter of.".
|
quarter of »
Fifteen minutes before the next hour.
|
quarter past »
Fifteen minutes past any hour.
|
queer fish »
An odd or eccentric person.
|
queer one's pitch »
To make a task more difficult for the speaker.
|
quicumque vult »
The Athanasian Creed.
|
rag the puck »
To proceed slowly at any activity in order to use up time; to stall for time.
|
rainy day »
A difficult period of need, when things do not go right.
|
raise a hand »
To volunteer.
|
raise one's hand »
To volunteer.
|
raise the flag and see who salutes »
It generates, usually as a preliminary step.
|
rake »
A garden tool with a row of pointed teeth fixed to a long handle, used for collecting grass or debris, or for loosening soil.
|
read between the lines »
To infer a meaning that is not stated explicitly.
|
real job »
A hobby that takes all of a person's free time.
|
real job »
A job which requires the employee to, work regular hours for a consistent wage that often exceeds the provisions of applicable minimum wage legislation. A job that produces a living wage.
|
rebound relationship »
A relationship proceeding a longterm relationship, usually short in duration and used to help mend the "broken heart".
|
red card »
referee's item
|
red herring »
A clue that is misleading or that has been falsified, intended to divert attention.
|
red hot »
to be keen; he is the favourite to win
|
red light »
Denial to proceed. Ruling out of any possibility.
|
rediscover fire »
To relearn fundamental concepts, principles or practices that had been previously well known and widely practiced at a prior time in human society.
|
redolent »
Fragrant or aromatic; having a sweet scent.
|
reinvent the wheel »
To redo work unnecessarily when it has already been done satisfactorily; to rethink an already working system, technique, etc. in a pointless attempt to improve it.
|
remains to be seen »
Is not yet known.
|
rest assured »
Be sure; no need to worry; trust.
|
rev up »
To increase the speed of an engine, especially that of a stationary motor car.
|
revenge is a dish best served cold »
An expression that emotional detachment is ideal when taking revenge, as one is righting the wrongs that have been done to the doer.
|
ride the short bus »
To have a need for a special education program, as because learning disabled.
|
ring a bell »
To seem at least vaguely familiar.
|
ring false »
To seem to be incorrect, or implausible.
|
ring hollow »
To seem to be false or implausible; to be unconvincing.
|
rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
|
robber baron »
In Europe, an aristocrat who charged exorbitant fees or otherwise exacted money from people who journeyed across land or waterways which he controlled.
|
rocking horse shit »
A metaphor for something exceedingly rare or, more likely, nonexistent.
|
roll up one's sleeves »
To prepare to work.
|
rose-colored glasses »
An optimistic perception of something; a positive opinion; seeing something in a positive way, often thinking of it as better than it actually is.
|
rose-coloured »
Cheerfully optimistic.
|
rough around the edges »
In need of refinement; unsophisticated.
|
rub salt in the wound »
To make an injury feel worse.
|
rub up against »
Of pets. To touch a person's body in a friendly manner, seeking attention.
|
rum go »
An odd affair; a surprising event; a confusing experience; a queer thing.
|
run a mile »
To escape, flee or leave a situation or relationship, usually as a result of a shocking or sudden announcement or revelation.
|
run away »
To flee by running.
|
run for office »
To seek political power.
|
run for one's money »
A reasonable opportunity to succeed, perform acceptably, or escape harm, especially in a difficult situation.
|
run for the hills »
Flee.
|
run hot and cold »
To alternate between two opposite extremes, such as enthusiasm and disinterest or success and failure.
|
run off »
To flee or depart quickly.
|
run over »
To exceed the allotted time.
|
sack out »
To fall asleep, usually from implied exhaustion.
|
sacked out »
Sound asleep, usually from a healthy exhaustion.
|
said and done »
Agreed to and accomplished or finished.
|
scare the bejeebers out of »
To thoroughly terrify.
|
scratch the surface »
To barely begin; to see or do only a fraction of what is possible.
|
screen out »
To use a screen, grate, sieve or similar means to separate large from small objects or particles.
|
screen out »
Figuratively, to exclude.
|
screen test »
movie audition
|
scrounge up »
To seek or find despite a lack of apparent resources or availability.
|
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.
|
seat-of-the-pants »
Done by feel, guess, or trial and error rather than by careful planning, thought or technique.
|
second nature »
A mindset, skill, or type of behavior so ingrained through habit or practice that it seems natural, automatic, or without a basis in conscious thought.
|
see a man »
A bland euphemism to conceal one's true purpose.
|
see a man »
To go have a drink or to meet one's bootlegger.
|
see a man »
To take one's leave for some urgent purpose, especially to go to the bathroom.
|
see a man about a horse »
A message signaling one needs to go missing for a short while, for any reason, without giving a real explanation.
|
see eye to eye »
To agree with someone; to concur; to get along.
|
see red »
To be angry or irritated.
|
see red »
To receive a red card, and be dismissed from the playing field.
|
see someone through »
To constitute ample supply for one for.
|
see someone through »
To suffice for a time.
|
see someone's point »
To comprehend the meaning that someone is trying to convey.
|
see something through »
To fulfill a commitment.
|
see the forest for the trees »
To discern an overall pattern from a mass of detail; to see the bigger picture, or the broader, more general situation. Generally used in the negative.
|
see the light »
To gain an understanding of something previously not understood, especially in a sudden insight.
|
see the light »
To undergo a spiritual conversion.
|
see through »
To be able to predict or read someone.
|
see yellow »
To receive a yellow card.
|
see you later »
A phrase used at parting, and not necessarily implying that the person being addressed will be seen later by the speaker.
|
see you next Tuesday »
A euphemism for cunt.
|
seeing is believing »
You need to see something to believe it; visible facts cannot be denied.
|
seek and ye shall find »
something can be found if it is looked for.
|
sell »
To agree to transfer goods or provide services in exchange for money.
|
sell a bargain »
A species of wit, much in vogue about the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, and frequently alluded to by Dean Swift, who says the maids of honour often amused themselves with it. It consisted in the seller naming his or her hinder parts, in answer to the question, What? which the buyer was artfully led to ask. As a specimen, take the following instance: A lady would come into a room full of company, apparently frightened, crying out "It is white, and follows me!" As soon as someone responded "What?" she sold him the bargain, by saying "Mine arse".
|
sell out »
To abandon one's supporters or principles to seek profit or other personal advantage.
|
send away »
To send to a particular place for a long time, as a family member, an employee, etc.
|
set aside »
To disagree with something and reject or overturn it.
|
sexual relation »
Behaviour of a sexual nature between one or more individuals.
|
sexual tension »
Physically induced libidinal unrest arising between two individuals when aware of each other's presence.
|
shake on it »
To agree; to close a deal.
|
shake the pagoda tree »
To find a source of easy enrichment; to become absurdly rich in a short time.
|
shit or get off the pot »
To choose between taking action now, or foregoing the opportunity until a later date.
|
shoo-in »
A candidate or contestant generally agreed upon as the presumptive winner; somebody who is well-liked or widely agreed upon.
|
shoot the breeze »
To chat idly or generally waste time talking.
|
shoot the moon »
To take a risk which may result in great rewards; to succeed after taking such a risk.
|
short strokes »
The final steps of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
|
shotgun »
A play formation in which the quarterback is a few feet behind the snapper when the ball is hiked, ideally allowing for an easier pass play.
|
shotgun shack »
A house with no internal barrier between the front and back doors.
|
show one's true colors »
To reveal how one really is, as opposed to how one has been portrayed.
|
shroud »
Especially, the dress for the dead; a winding sheet.
|
shroud »
One of the two annular plates at the periphery of a water wheel, which form the sides of the buckets; a shroud plate.
|
shroud »
See also Wikipedia article on Shroud.
|
shroud »
The branching top of a tree; foliage.
|
shuffle »
An instance of walking without lifting one's feet.
|
sight unseen »
Not having seen the object beforehand.
|
sign on the dotted line »
To formalize an agreement.
|
silver screen »
By extension, the movies or that related to movies or cinema.
|
silver screen »
The cinema screen onto which movies are projected.
|
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.
|
sink one's teeth into »
To become involved in; particularly in an enthusiastic manner.
|
sink or swim »
To fail or succeed, no matter what.
|
sirloin steak »
cut of beef
|
six feet under »
Buried six feet underground; not alive; dead.
|
skeleton crew »
The minimum number of personnel needed to operate and maintain an item at its most simple operating requirements, such as a ship or business, during an emergency or shut down, and at the same time, to keep vital functions operating.
|
skin deep »
superficial
|
skip rope »
To jump over a rope, both of whose ends are held by the jumper or by two others, while the rope is moved under the jumper's feet in a continual rhythm; to play the game of jump rope or exercise by jumping rope.
|
skirt chaser »
A man with amorous intentions who habitually seeks out female companionship.
|
sleep around »
To have numerous sexual partners.
|
sleep in »
To sleep late; to go on sleeping past one's customary or planned hour.
|
sleep on »
To consider after a period of sleep, implying a decision will be made the next day.
|
sleep on it »
To postpone a decision until the following day to avoid making a hasty choice.
|
sleep together »
To be intimate with another person in the same bed.
|
sleep together »
To have sex with.
|
sleep with »
To have sexual intercourse with.
|
sleep with »
To share a bed or bedroom with.
|
sleep with the fishes »
To be killed and have one's body disposed off in the sea or other body of water.
|
sleeping at the switch »
Variant form of asleep at the switch.
|
sleeping policeman »
A speed bump.
|
sleepy head »
A very tired person.
|
sleeves from one's vest »
Something non-existent; something of no value or cost.
|
slip of the tongue »
A mistake in speech.
|
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.
|
slippery as an eel »
So slippery that it is almost impossible to hold with one's hands.
|
slow burn »
A gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
smack of »
To seem like; to appear or give an impression or feeling of; to arouse suspicion of.
|
smell the barn »
To experience heightened anticipation or to act with renewed speed or energy as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome, like a livestock animal at day's end returning to its barn.
|
sneak off »
To leave a place, or a meeting, without being seen or heard.
|
sneak up »
To approach a person or animal without being seen or heard.
|
sneak up on »
To approach a person or animal without being seen or heard.
|
sniff out »
To find, especially to find something that cannot be seen.
|
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.
|
sob story »
A sad story told to make others feel sympathy for the teller.
|
socialized medicine »
A politically charged term used to contrast such systems with free market alternatives and emphasize the perceived link to socialism.
|
soft shoe »
A speech, explanation, sales pitch, or other set of remarks delivered in a restrained or conciliatory manner in order to persuade, distract, or otherwise influence someone.
|
softly softly »
Discreet, low-key, careful.
|
softroader »
. This involves increased ground clearance with tyre, wheel, and suspension tweaks, skid plates and refers to mini SUV or wagons.
|
sound asleep »
Sleeping still and silently.
|
space out »
To plant seedlings etc at regular intervals with a calculated space between them.
|
spanner »
A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
|
spare tire »
An extra wheel or tire carried as a replacement in case of a flat.
|
spark spread »
The difference between the cost of the fuel required to produce a unit of electricity, and the price of that same unit of electricity.
|
speak for oneself »
Expressing disagreement with an opinion expressed by another.
|
special needs »
Needs for special care, services or accommodations.
|
speed up »
To accelerate, to increase speed.
|
spill one's guts »
To confess, or to divulge secrets, typically speaking freely and at length after a change of motive or an incentive.
|
spill one's seed »
To masturbate or to ejaculate when the penis has been withdrawn from one's partner.
|
spin one's wheels »
To make no progress despite making an effort; to get nowhere.
|
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.
|
spring in one's step »
Enthusiasm, energy or a positive outlook or cheerful attitude.
|
squeaky wheel gets the grease »
The person who complains or speaks up most loudly receives the redress or attention which he or she seeks.
|
stand in someone's shoes »
To see from another's point of view; to feel what another feels.
|
stand on one's own two feet »
To be independent. To survive without any help.
|
stand to reason »
To make sense; to seem logical, reasonable, or rational.
|
steer clear »
To avoid; to dodge; to sidestep.
|
step up »
To increase speed or rate.
|
stepping stone »
A stone that can be stepped on in crossing something, especially a marsh or creek.
|
stick in someone's craw »
To cause lasting annoyance, irritation, or hard feelings.
|
stick out »
To persist. See stick it out.
|
still water runs deep »
A person with a calm appearance has, or may have, considerable inner emotion, character, or intellect
|
still waters run deep »
A person with a calm appearance has, or may have, considerable inner emotion, character, or intellect.
|
stumble across »
To meet somebody by chance.
|
stumble on »
To meet somebody by chance.
|
stumble upon »
To meet somebody by chance.
|
success has many fathers, failure is an orphan »
Many will seek credit for success, few will accept responsibility for failure.
|
suck face »
To kiss, especially deeply and for a prolonged time.
|
suck hind tit »
To feed from an inferior source of food.
|
sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof »
No need to worry about the future; the present provides enough to worry about.
|
swallow one's pride »
To set aside one's feelings of pride and adopt a more humble or appropriate stance.
|
sweep someone off their feet »
To seduce someone romantically.
|
sweet dreams »
Phrase said to someone before they fall asleep, wishing them a good sleep.
|
sweet hereafter »
Heaven; paradise as enjoyed in the afterlife.
|
sweet tooth »
A liking for foods that are sweet; a weakness for sweets.
|
sweet william »
flower
|
sweeten the pot »
To increase a wager.
|
sweeten the pot »
To make something more desirable.
|
sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
|
switch off »
To alternate between; to trade.
|
tail between one's legs »
A reaction to a confrontation, specifically one with excessive shame and hurt pride.
|
take a walk in the snow »
See walk in the snow.
|
take away from »
To make something seem not so good or interesting.
|
take flight »
To flee.
|
take in »
To receive into your home for the purpose of processing for a fee.
|
take it easy »
An informal greeting for parting or closing.
|
take someone's point »
To agree with what a person says; to understand a person's argument and be persuaded by it.
|
take the wheel »
To assume control of a situation.
|
take the wheel »
To be in control of the steering wheel of a vehicle or a vessel.
|
take to one's heels »
To leave; especially, to flee or run away.
|
take to the hills »
To flee or vanish; to run away.
|
take up »
That which takes up or tightens; specifically, a device in a sewing machine for drawing up the slack thread as the needle rises, in completing a stitch.
|
taking to ones heels »
running away
|
talk back »
To reply impertinently; to answer in a cheeky manner.
|
talk out of turn »
To make a remark or provide information when it is inappropriate or indiscreet to do so, or when one does not have permission or the authority to do so.
|
tee off »
To hit the first shot of the hole.
|
tee off »
To irritate, vex, or annoy.
|
teed off »
Annoyed, upset, angry.
|
teeny weeny »
minute
|
teething troubles »
Small problems such as are to be expected with some any new and untried system or product.
|
tell apart »
To be able to know the difference between things; to distinguish.
|
tell it to Sweeney »
I do not believe what you said.
|
ten foot pole »
See not touch something with a ten foot pole.
|
that's the ticket »
That's just right; that's just what is needed.
|
the apple doesn't fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents in the way they act and in their physical abilities.
|
the bee's knees »
Most excellent; surpassingly wonderful; cool.
|
the die is cast »
The future is determined; there are no more options; events will proceed in an irreversible manner.
|
the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get »
(vulgar) The sexual satisfactions that one receives from a spouse or romantic partner are not sufficient to compensate for the significant periods of bad faith and unpleasant treatment which such relationships routinely involve.1971, Allen Churchill, The Literary Decade, ISBN 9780135375228:Years later she expressed her disillusionment with sex by saying, "The fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."1999, Ben Sonnenberg, Lost Property: Memoirs and Confessions of a Bad Boy, ISBN 9781582430454, p. 93:Maitland got drunk at his parties and threw his arm around you and pulled you over to his wife and made you look down her dress, saying, "The trouble with marriage is that the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."2008, Joseph Heywood, Blue Wolf In Green Fire, ISBN 9781599213590, p. 63:"I can't believe a little pussy got me into dis mess." "Shit happens," Service said. "Sometimes the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."
|
the grass is always greener on the other side »
Other circumstances seem more desirable than one's own but in reality are often not
|
the jig is up »
An expression used to mean "We have been caught out and have no defence", or if spoken to a person who's just been found out as the perpetrator of an offense, it means "You've been discovered.".
|
the man in the street »
average person
|
the more things change, the more they stay the same »
A proverb making the observation that turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to cement the status quo.
|
the nose knows »
Despite the addressee's belief that the speaker was unaware of something, the speaker, in fact, was already aware.
|
the shoe is on the other foot »
The roles of people in a situation have been reversed, such the advantage has shifted to a party which was previously disadvantaged.
|
the straw that broke the camel's back »
A small and seemingly insignificant addition to a burden that renders it too much to bear; the small thing which causes failure, or causes inability or unwillingness to endure any more of something.
|
the terrorists will have won »
Phrase used following a description of an activity to indicate that if that activity is not continued or carried out, those who seek to disrupt normal activities through terror will have succeeded, an which is an unacceptable result.
|
there you have it »
Used to introduce a speaker's interpretation of what has just transpired or been described.
|
there's no accounting for taste »
When it comes to subjective matters of taste, people have wildly different opinions.Disagreements about matters of taste can't be objectively resolved.
|
there's no place like home »
one feels the most comfortable at home
|
there's no such thing as a free lunch »
Nothing is free; everything has a price.
|
there's nowt so queer as folk »
Nothing is as strange as people can be.
|
thin end of the wedge »
Something that if allowed or accepted to a small degree would lead to systematic encroachment.
|
think one's shit doesn't stink »
To be arrogant or snobbish; to feel superior to others.
|
think the world of »
To have a good opinion; to esteem; to admire.
|
think twice »
To reconsider, use judgement; to proceed with caution or thought.
|
third degree »
Intensive rough interrogation in order to extract information or a confession.
|
third time's a charm »
One is sure to succeed at a task or event on the third try.
|
third wheel »
A person or thing that serves no useful purpose.
|
three Rs »
The basic education any child can expect to receive, but not necessarily limited to reading, writing and arithmetic.
|
three Rs »
The basic education received in primary schools. Literally; reading, writing and arithmetic.
|
three Rs »
The basic precepts of any subject matter.
|
three sheets to the wind »
Drunk.
|
three skips of a louse »
Said about some trifling or insignificant matter.
|
three-martini lunch »
A leisurely, expensive, midday meal associated with drinking, which is tax-deductible because business is discussed.
|
three-on-the-tree »
On an automobile, describing the gearshift lever of a steering column-mounted three-speed manual transmission.
|
throw dirt enough, and some will stick »
If enough allegations are made about someone or something, then even if they are all untrue, people's opinion of the person or thing will be diminished.1759, John Wesley, letter to John Downes, Rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, read at Wesley Center Online at [1] on 14 Oct 06.I hope...that you are ignorant of the whole affair, and are so bold only because you are blind...And blind enough; so that you blunder on through thick and thin, bespattering all that come in your way, according to the old, laudable maxim, 'Throw dirt enough, and some will stick.'1857, Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown's Schooldays, read at fullbooks.com on 14 Oct 06,But whatever harm a spiteful tongue could do them, he took care should be done. Only throw dirt enough, and some will stick.1864, John Henry Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, Penguin Classics (1994), p. 10,Archbishop Whately used to say
|
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 in at the deep end »
To introduce a person to a new situation without adequately preparing him or her.
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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 dogs »
To remove or cast out someone or something out of one's protection, such as into the streets.
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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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tie up »
To occupy, detain, keep busy, or delay.
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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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time and material »
A form of contractual compensation involving payment for materials used and at agreed rates for the those involved in performing the services.
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time flies »
Time seems to pass quickly. Time flies when you're having fun.
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time flies when you're having fun »
Time seems to pass quicker when one is enjoying oneself.
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time heals all wounds »
Negative feelings eventually erode away
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tin god »
An individual that abuses or exceeds his authority over others, frequently in petty ways; for example a low-level manager in situational comedies and other entertainment.
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tip of the iceberg »
Only the beginning; just a small indication of a larger possibility; a problem is much bigger than it seems.
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tip one's hat »
To briefly remove or tap one's hat as a gesture of greeting, deference, or respect.
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to a fare-thee-well »
To the greatest extent or to completion; to a state of refinement or perfection.
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to a fault »
To an excessive degree; extremely.
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to beat the band »
Very vigorously; at a frantic pace; to a high degree; in large quantities.
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to death »
To a great degree.
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to go »
Belonging to the subgroup that have not passed or have not been finished or have not been addressed yet.
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to the gills »
Entirely or extremely; to the greatest degree possible.
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to the max »
To a great degree or extent; very.
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to the max »
To the maximum possible degree or extent.
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tomorrow is another day »
Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a fresh start for one's endeavors.1600, author unknown, "Phillidaes Love-call to her Coridon, and his replying" (song), in England's Helicon, printed at London by I.R. for John Flasket:Phil. Yonder comes my Mother, Coridon,whether shall I flie?Cor. Under yonder Beech my lovely one,while she passeth by.Say to her thy true-Love was not heere,remember, remember,to morrow is another day:1896, Amelia E. Barr, A Knight of the Nets, ch. 8:"Well, well, my dear lass, to-night we cannot work, but we may sleep. . . . Keep a still heart tonight, and tomorrow is another day."1936, Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, ch. 63:"Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."2005, Fran Schumer, "JERSEY: In Princeton, Taking On Harvard's Fuss About Women," New York Times, 19 June (retrieved 18 Aug. 2009):"Half of me is depressed
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tongue-in-cheek »
Not intended seriously; jocular or humorous.
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top of the morning »
A generic greeting said to someone in the morning.
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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.
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touchy-feely »
Driven by intuition or emotion, with a connotation of de-emphasis of rational thought or logic.
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touchy-feely »
Having a fondness for physical contact with other people, especially to an excessive degree.
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travel junkie »
Who are using their time and money to seek out adventure holidays and travel.
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tread lightly »
To proceed carefully; especially, to seek to avoid causing offense.
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treat them mean, keep them keen »
A woman will be more interested in a man if he is not kind to her.
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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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tried and true »
Well-established and tested; known to work or succeed based on extensive experience.
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truth be told »
Used when admitting something one might otherwise lie about, e.g. to keep up appearances or be polite.
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try out »
To test something in order to see if it works.
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tuits »
"tricky": Needs many tuits. [2].
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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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turf war »
A dispute over territory between rival gangs.
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turf war »
A fight or confrontation between two divisions or parties for access to resources or capital.
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turn in »
To go to sleep; retire to bed.
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turn loose »
To roam freely or to act freely.
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turn tail »
To flee; to run away; to leave.
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turn the other cheek »
To accept a punishment or an injury and not act out revenge or retaliate.
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turn the page »
To proceed to the next page in a book.
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turn up one's nose »
To sneer.
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twelve-ounce curls »
Drinking beer.
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two for two »
In baseball, meeting two out of two attempts at-bat. Specifically, it means the batter has reached base safely two out of two times.
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two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
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two's company, three's a crowd »
One companion is better than two.
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until hell freezes over »
Forever; One will never in their life get the results that they want, no matter what they're doing involving the situation.
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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 one's sleeve »
Hidden, in reserve.
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up shit creek »
Alternative form of up the creek.
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up shit creek without a paddle »
Alternative form of up the creek without a paddle.
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up the creek »
In trouble.
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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 the ying yang »
Far more than one needs.
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up to speed »
Fully informed; current.
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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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virgin territory »
By extension, ideas or concepts or activities that have not yet been tried, explored or developed.
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virgin territory »
Land that has never been explored or developed.
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vote in »
To collectively approve a nominee into an office or position as a result of voting.
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vote with one's feet »
To show a lack of support for something by departing or otherwise absenting oneself.
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vote with one's feet »
To show support for something by going to or otherwise being present somewhere.
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wait for the other shoe to drop »
To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one which is not desirable.
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wake up and smell the coffee »
To face reality and stop deluding oneself.
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wake up on the wrong side of bed »
To feel grumpy, irritable; to be easily annoyed.
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walk in the snow »
An occasion when a momentous career decision is made, especially a decision to resign or retire.
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walk into »
meet with unwittingly
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walk the line »
To maintain an intermediate position between contrasting choices, opinions, etc..
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warm fuzzy »
A good impression; a feeling of comfort or trust.
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warm the cockles of someone's heart »
To provide happiness, to bring a deeply-felt contentment.
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waste away »
To lose energy and become weak and feeble.
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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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waste not, want not »
If one is not wasteful then one will not be needy.
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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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wear one's heart on one's sleeve »
To be extremely transparent, open, or forthright about one's emotions.
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wear rose-colored glasses »
To see the positive in things while being oblivious to the negative.
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wee small hours »
He worked into the wee small hours to get everything perfect for the opening day.
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wee small hours »
The very early morning, just after midnight, when most people are asleep.
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weed out »
To remove unwanted elements from a group.
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weekend warrior »
A part-time soldier, or reservist.
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weekend warrior »
A person who indulges in a sport or pastime on an infrequent basis, usually on weekends when work commitments are not present.
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what you see is what you get »
The image corresponds to the reality.
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what you see is what you get »
The screen image resembles the printed output.
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what's up »
A casual greeting with usage similar to "How are you?" or "Nice to meet you".
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wheel around »
To transport someone or something to various locations by pushing a wheeled transporter such as a wheelchair or a wheelbarrow or trolley.
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when Hell freezes over »
Never; not in this lifetime; not a chance.
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when you're up to your neck in alligators, it's easy to forget that the initial objective was to drain the swamp »
Only because it seems so urgent.
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where's the beef »
Where is the content? So what?.
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whistle past the graveyard »
To attempt to stay cheerful in a dire situation; To proceed with a task, ignoring an upcoming hazard, hoping for a good outcome.
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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.
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white coat hypertension »
Elevated blood pressure measured by a medical practitioner and deemed to result from the patient's emotional response to the medical environment.
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white on rice »
A descriptive analogy of closeness. See like white on rice.
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will on »
To wish intensely that someone succeeds in what they are doing. Often implies a silent, or almost inaudible wish.
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willy nilly »
Seemingly at random, haphazardly.
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wipe the slate clean »
To forget about previous differences and disagreements, and make a fresh start.
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wolf in sheep's clothing »
Something harmful or problematic disguised as something peaceful or pleasant.
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word on the street »
The rumour or news going around on the street.
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word on the wire »
The rumour or news going around on the Internet, in business, on the street, or in social circles.
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work out »
To succeed.
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work spouse »
A man or woman in the workplace with whom one shares a special relationship having bonds similar to those of a marriage: special confidences, loyalties, shared jokes and experiences, and unusual degree of honesty or openness.
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work the room »
To interact enthusiastically with the attendees at an event, by moving among them, greeting them, and engaging them in conversation.
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wrap up »
To form a cylinder by rolling a sheet of something.
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wring out »
To squeeze a wet material, either by twisting with one's hands, or by passing it through a wringer, to remove the water.
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yes man »
A person who always agrees with his employer or superior.
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yes to death »
To agree with someone, often sarcastically.
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you are what you eat »
If you eat well, you will be well; but if you eat badly you will feel bad
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you bet »
Expresses support, agreement, certainty or emphasis.
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you can't fight city hall »
(chiefly US) Nothing can be done to change the situation, because it is a governmental decision.I see they're going to build the airport after all. I suppose you can't fight city hall.
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you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows »
You don't need an expert to tell you what you already know.
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you know it »
Indicates agreement, approval, encouragement.
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you knows it »
Indicates agreement, approval, encouragement.
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you knows it »
You're right; I wholeheartedly agree with your statement.
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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.
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you only get what you give »
There is a positive correlation between the effort one puts in and the benefits one receives.
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zonk out »
To fall suddenly into a very deep sleep.
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zoom along »
To proceed quickly a long distance.
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