one-man band» A musician who plays several musical instruments at once.
one-night stand» An occasion when a performer or team of them expects to perform at a theater for a single evening.
one-trick pony» A person or group noteworthy for only a single achievement, skill, or characteristic.
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 one's league» In a situation in which one is mismatched with one or more others, whose accomplishments, preparedness, or other characteristics are on a significantly higher or lower level than one's own.
over one's head» Performing at a level greatly superior to one's usual level of performance.
overkill» An unnecessary excess of whatever is needed to achieve a goal.
painting rocks» Pointless or futile work organised by the government, supposedly to increase employment but in fact merely disguising the unemployment level.
palace politics» The relationships and interactions of top-level officials, advisors and other powerbrokers within a government, especially as involving internal rivalry and intrigue.
payback's a bitch» Usually a complete sentence as an interjection: I am amused that someone got their revenge on you...but you certainly had it coming.
payback's a bitch» Usually a complete sentence: I will get revenge when you least expect it.
play hardball» To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
