a cat may look at a king »
Even a purported inferior has certain abilities, even in the presence of a purported superior
|
a cold day in Hell »
An event that will never happen.
|
a dumb priest never got a parish »
(Irish) Those who fail to speak up fail to get what they want.
|
a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step »
even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point
|
a number of »
Several of.
|
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!
|
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.
|
a stopped clock is right twice a day »
A normally unreliable person or instrument can occasionally provide correct information, even if only by accident.
|
a watched kettle never boils »
Alternative form of a watched pot never boils.
|
a watched pot never boils »
A process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.
|
about turn »
An about face; a military command to a formation of soldiers to reverse the direction in which they are facing.
|
above the law »
Exempt from the laws that apply to everyone else.
|
accident waiting to happen »
A thing or situation which is almost certain to eventually lead to an accident.
|
according to »
According to him, every person was to be bought. - Thomas Babington Macaulay.
|
ace in the hole »
A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage.
|
ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
|
after all »
In the end; anyway; referring to something that was believed to be the case, but has now been shown not to be.
|
after all »
in spite of everything
|
all and sundry »
All, everyone.
|
all good things come to an end »
Nothing lasts forever.
|
all in all »
everything considered
|
all over hell's half acre »
All over the place; everywhere.
|
all over the place »
Everywhere, especially chaotically or in such a way as to make a mess.
|
all over the shop »
Everywhere, scattered, disorganised.
|
all that jazz »
Everything else related to something; other similar things.
|
all the marbles »
Everything; all that is to be had.
|
all the same »
Anyway; nevertheless; nonetheless.
|
all told »
With everything included, counted or summed.
|
any way one slices it »
From any perspective; in every case.
|
apple never falls far from the tree »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
|
at last »
After a long time; eventually.
|
at latter Lammas »
Never.
|
at sixes and sevens »
In a state of confusion.
|
at sixes and sevens »
In a state of dispute or disagreement.
|
autem cackler »
Dissenters of every denomination.
|
autem mort »
A married woman; also a female beggar with several children hired or borrowed to excite charity.
|
baby blues »
Period and feeling of depressiveness after giving birth; a less severe form of postnatal depression.
|
back into »
To reverse a vehicle into a space.
|
back onto »
To reverse a vehicle onto something.
|
back out »
To reverse a vehicle from a confined space.
|
back up »
So as to stop the ball, and prevent overthrows.
|
bad money drives out good »
Debased coinage (with low levels of precious metals) replaces purer coinage (with higher levels of precious metals).(metaphorically) Mediocre talent drives away real talent.
|
bad news »
News of unpleasant, unfortunate or sad events.
|
bank night »
An event where patrons are enticed to buy entry tickets into some venue, for example a movie theater, with the anticipation that they will be entered into a drawing to win an amount of money if their ticket is drawn and they are on-site at the time of the winning.
|
barking dogs never bite »
Alternative form of barking dogs seldom bite.
|
barking dogs seldom bite »
People who make big threats never usually carry them out.
|
barn burner »
Any successful or impressive event.
|
bat a thousand »
To achieve perfection.
|
bat a thousand »
To achieve success at each attempt.
|
bat a thousand »
To reach first base on every at-bat.
|
be that as it may »
Even if that is the case; whether that is true or not; nevertheless.
|
beat down »
To severely beat someone up.
|
beat someone's brains out »
To beat someone very severely.
|
beat up »
To give a severe beating to.
|
beg off »
To avoid, or cancel some event that one has previously arranged with someone.
|
beggars can't be choosers »
(proverb) When resources are limited, one must accept even substandard gifts.
|
believe in »
To ascribe existence to.
|
believe in »
To ascribe some powers or other attributes to.
|
believe you me »
An emphatic form of "believe me"; you [the subject] had better believe me [the speaker].
|
belt and suspenders »
Redundant systems, affording mutual backup in the event of one failing.
|
bend one's elbow »
To drink alcoholic beverages, especially at a public house or bar.
|
better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all »
Having experience of love, even if it ended, is better than having no experience of love.Love is worthwhile despite the pain involved in separation.
|
better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness »
In the face of bad times or hopelessness, it is more worthwhile to do some good, however small, in response than to complain about the situation.
|
between the jigs and the reels »
Eventually, despite all the confusion.
|
beyond one's pay grade »
Beyond one's level of authority.
|
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.
|
big mouth »
The mouth of someone who talks too much, especially by making exaggerated claims or by inappropriately revealing information.
|
bite one's tongue »
To forcibly prevent oneself from uttering a word.
|
bite someone's head off »
To severely berate someone.
|
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.
|
blessed event »
An occurrence or occasion which is particularly noteworthy and enjoyable.
|
blessed event »
The birth of a baby.
|
blind date »
A romantic meeting between two people who have never met before.
|
blow off steam »
To rant or shout in order to relieve stress; to vent.
|
blow one's chances »
To forfeit opportunities to achieve some goal.
|
blow-by-blow »
Detailing every action or occurrence completely.
|
blue note »
Notes added to the major scale for expressive quality in jazz and blues music, particularly the flatted third, fifth and seventh.
|
board up »
To block doors or windows with boards, either to prevent access or as protection from storms, etc.
|
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'.
|
box the compass »
To make a complete reversal in stance or opinion.
|
box-office bomb »
A motion picture that generates relatively low revenue at the box office, especially that which is less than the budget for the motion picture.
|
boys will be boys »
It is hard, often fruitless, to attempt to curb the natural playfulness and tendency to mischief of most growing boys.1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13But just then there was a slight altercation between Master Tommy and Master Jacky. Boys will be boys and our two twins were no exception to this golden rule.Even grown men usually remain somewhat boyish in heart"Boys will be boys", grinned grandpa while he joined his adult son playing with the fancy train-set he gave his grandson for Christmas while the kid was in school.
|
brain-dead »
Having an irreversible loss of brain function and cessation of brain activity.
|
break even »
To neither gain nor lose money.
|
break even »
To stay the same; to neither advance nor regress.
|
break ground »
To initiate a new venture, or to advance beyond previous achievements.
|
break new ground »
To begin excavating and levelling earth for a new building, or, originally, for cultivation.
|
break the back of »
To achieve the greater part of some project.
|
bridge »
A prosthesis replacing one or several adjacent teeth.
|
bridge »
Any of several electrical devices that measure characteristics such as impedance and inductance by balancing different parts of a circuit.
|
bring about »
To accomplish, achieve.
|
brush up »
To review; to improve an existing but rusty or under-developed skill.
|
built like a brick shithouse »
Of a person, with an exceptionally well-developed chest.
|
bush league »
A low-ranking or inferior level among groups, professions, organizations, etc.
|
bush league »
A professional sports association at the lower levels of minor league organization.
|
bush telegraph »
A system used by undeveloped societies in remote regions for communication over long distances, such as drum sounds, word-of-mouth relay, or smoke signals.
|
buy time »
Purposefully cause a delay to something, in order to achieve something else.
|
call it even »
To declare debts resolved or favors or other exchange equitable.
|
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.
|
can't wait »
To eagerly anticipate; to find it unbearable to wait for a forthcoming pleasurable event.
|
castle in the air »
A visionary project or scheme; a day-dream; an idle fancy; a pipe dream; any plan, desire, or idea that is unlikely to be ever realized; a near impossibility.
|
catch hell »
Be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
|
catch it »
Be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
|
catch up »
get level with
|
chain reaction »
A series of events, each one causing the next.
|
chalkface »
A musical concept or genre in which music is completely improvised and never played twice. Most often mixing elements of hip-hop, metal, punk and avant-garde jazz.
|
che sera sera »
Used to express a personal philosophy of fatalism1604, Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus:Why then belike we must sin, / And so consequently die. / Aye, we must die an everlasting death. / What doctrine call you this ? Che, sera, sera: / What will be*, shall be; Divinity adieu. / These Metaphysics of Magicians, / And necromantic books, are heavenly.
|
cheaters never prosper »
One does not gain from cheating.
|
close the stable door after the horse has bolted »
To attempt to prevent a problem only to find it has already happened.
|
come about »
To come to pass; to develop; to occur; to take place; to happen.
|
come of age »
To mature, or become fully developed.
|
come on »
To progress, to develop.
|
come out »
To be discovered, be revealed.
|
come out in the wash »
Of problems or difficulties, to work out, resolve, or become understood eventually and naturally.
|
come out of one's shell »
To reveal one's true self.
|
come to a head »
To suddenly reveal that which has lain latent for a time.
|
come what may »
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
|
consume mass quantities »
To eat or drink abundant amounts of food or beverage.
|
copious free time »
A hypothetical time set aside for performing time-consuming tasks, however insinuating that the speaker really has no free time.
|
coug it »
To suddenly lose a contest through reversal of fortune, mistakes, or bad judgment. The phrase is analogous to "blow it", or "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory".
|
cross the aisle »
To vote, unite, or otherwise co-operate with members of another political party in order to achieve governmental or political action.
|
cross the Rubicon »
To make an irreversible decision or to take an action with consequences.
|
cup of tea »
Whatever suits or interests one.
|
curveball »
An unexpected turn of events initiated by an opponent or chance.
|
cut it fine »
To achieve something at the last possible moment, or with no margin for error.
|
date with destiny »
An inevitable future event or encounter, especially one which is likely to be momentous.
|
day in, day out »
Every day; daily; constantly or continuously; especially, of something that has become routine or monotonous.
|
deathblow »
Something that prevents the completion, or ends the existence of some project etc.
|
debris field »
Any area, non-dependent of locale, space, or contour, that contains the debris of wreckage, impact, sinking, or other material that once constituted a complete object. Debris fields can be found at the site of air crashes, water vessel sinking, explosions of buildings, collapses, and other events that render a whole entity into components, pieces, or other non-whole items.
|
developments »
A group of building complexes or apartments. Often used for low income housing.
|
developments »
Plural form of development.
|
dimber damber upright man »
The chief of a gang of thieves or gypsies.
|
dirty money »
Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized. Especially money gained through forgery, bribery, or thievery.
|
do one's damnedest »
To do one's utmost; to make every effort or to try every possible approach or way.
|
do one's darnedest »
To do one's utmost; to make every effort or to try every possible approach or way.
|
dogs »
With the, a greyhound racing event.
|
don't cry over spilt milk »
It is no use worrying about unfortunate events which have already happened and which cannot be changed.
|
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.
|
dot the i's and cross the t's »
To take care of every detail, even minor ones; To be meticulous or thorough.
|
draw on »
To approach, come nearer, as evening.
|
drill down »
To examine information at another level or in greater detail; especially in a database, to navigate to a more detailed level or record.
|
drop a hint »
To reveal a clue or hint about something.
|
dusty miller »
One of several species of plants with leaves of a dusty appearance: Centaurea cineraria, Senecio cineraria, and Lychnis coronaria.
|
each to his own »
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion or tastes.My housemate is a strict vegan. I personally could never not eat meat, but each to his own.
|
eat one's heart out »
To feel overwhelming sorrow, jealousy or longing, to grieve.
|
eat up »
To accept or believe entirely, immediately, and without questioning.
|
eleventh hour »
Nearly too late; the last minute.
|
end up »
To eventually do.
|
even handed »
impartial
|
even Homer nods »
Not even the most vigilant and expert are immune from erring.
|
even Jove nods »
Alternative form of even Homer nods.
|
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.
|
even money »
A bet which offers odds of 1 to 1.
|
even money »
By extension, an event that is somewhat likely to happen, but far from inevitable.
|
even so »
nevertheless
|
even up »
To make even; to make level
|
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 day is a school day »
You learn something new every day.
|
every dog has its day »
Everyone has a time of success and satisfaction.
|
every Jack has his Jill »
everybody will find someone to have a romantic relationship with at some point in their life
|
every king needs a queen »
Every man needs a woman to be with for the rest of his life.
|
every last »
Every; without exception; used for emphasis.
|
every little helps »
Even the smallest things are helpful when towards a goal.
|
every man has a price »
Everyone can be bribed or corrupted for a certain price.
|
every man Jack »
All the members of a group with no exceptions.
|
every nook and cranny »
Everywhere.
|
Every rose has it's thorns »
everything, even if it seems perfect, has faults
|
every rule has an exception »
Alternative form of there is an exception to every rule.
|
every silver lining has a cloud »
Every good situation has the potential to turn bad.2007, Diab A. Shetayh, Actuality : The Reality RequiemA great partnership isn't a self-maintaining entity. Perseverance and persistence make it thrive. For every silver lining has a cloud. Ignorance of this reality is not an option.
|
every time »
At each occasion that.
|
every time »
Used to express a strong preference for something.
|
every which way »
All over; in every direction.
|
every which way »
In all sorts of ways or manners.
|
every which where »
A more emphatic version of everywhere.
|
everybody and his cousin »
Everybody; a huge crowd; too many people.
|
everybody and their brother »
A large number of people; most people.
|
everyone and their brother »
A large number of people; most people.
|
everything and the kitchen sink »
Alternative form of everything but the kitchen sink.
|
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
|
f** this »
The phrase emphatically diminishes the activity or event referred to and expresses that the speaker will have no more to do with it.
|
far and wide »
Over a great distance, or large area; nearly everywhere.
|
farmer's tan »
The tan line left by clothing, especially, by a short-sleeved shirt.
|
feather one's nest »
To achieve benefits, especially financial ones, by taking advantage of the opportunities with which one is presented; to amass a comfortable amount of personal wealth.
|
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.
|
field day »
A school day for athletic events; a sports day.
|
fight tooth and nail »
To use every means possible to overcome a difficult opposition.
|
filter down »
Of a liquid; to move slowly down to lower substrate levels.
|
filter down »
Of information, or resources; to move slowly down to lower levels of an organisation, or population.
|
finders keepers »
The doctrine that whoever finds something is allowed to keep it
|
fire drill »
An organised practice to prepare occupants of an office, school or other public building for evacuation in the event of a fire.
|
five will get you ten »
I strongly believe.
|
flat-earther »
A person who believes or advocates an outlandish, discredited theory; a person who refuses to acknowledge the truth despite overwhelming evidence.
|
flat-earther »
A person who believes or advocates the theory that the earth is flat.
|
fly in the ointment »
Something which ruins or spoils everything else; a nuisance or problem; an unpleasant or disagreeable detail.
|
for all intents and purposes »
For every functional purpose; in every practical sense; in every important respect; practically speaking.
|
for good »
Forever; permanently.
|
for good and all »
Permanently, forever.
|
for the heck of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for the hell of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for the sake of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
forewarned is forearmed »
Advance awareness of a situation, especially a risky one, prepares one to deal with it.1863, Charles Reade, Hard Cash, ch. 4:[W]hatever a young gentleman of that age says to you, he says to many other ladies; but your experience is not equal to your sense; so profit by mine . . . forewarned is forearmed.1885, G. A. Henty, Saint George for England, ch. 4:Sometimes, they say, it is wiser to remain in ignorance; at other times forewarned is forearmed.circa 1903, Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Why Mr. Cropper Changed His Mind":"Well, Miss Maxwell, I think it only fair to tell you that you may have trouble with those boys when they do come. Forewarned is forearmed, you know."
|
four score and seven years ago »
87 years prior to today.
|
four score and seven years ago »
As an opener, a sometimes sarcastic indicator to indicate a past event being mentioned is particularly important.
|
from here to Sunday »
Everywhere; all over the place.
|
full tilt boogie »
At the most extreme level.
|
garbage in, garbage out »
(computing, information technology) If input data is not complete, accurate, and timely, then the resulting output is unreliable and of no useful value.1963, Raymond Crowley, "Robot Tax Collector Seeks Indications of 'Fudging'," Times Daily (Alabama, USA), 1 April (retrieved 26 July 2010):Officials explained that the quality of the computer's work depends on the quality of the data fed into it. Neil Hoke, administrative assistant to Stewart, quoted an adage of computer men: "Garbage in, garbage out."2008, Roger K. Lewis, "'In Architectural Design, Brains and Talent Trump the Best Software," Washington Post, 19 July (retrieved 26 July 2010):The old caveat "GIGO"
|
get a handle on »
To build or acquire a basic level of understanding or control.
|
get back at »
To retaliate; to take revenge.
|
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 even »
To get revenge.
|
get it »
To get, retrieve, or receive something.
|
get one's foot in the door »
To initiate contact or a relationship; to gain access, especially to an entry-level job.
|
get the drift »
To understand, at least at some basic or general level.
|
getting even »
retaliating
|
give ear »
To listen: to devote one's attention to an auditory event.
|
go along with »
To comply with something, even if reluctantly; to accept or tolerate.
|
go for broke »
To try everything possible or do last thing possible in a final attempt.
|
go for broke »
To wager everything.
|
go for the gold »
To attempt to achieve the maximum reward or result in an endeavor.
|
go places »
To make progress or achieve success.
|
golden handshake »
A generous severance payment, especially as an inducement to leave employment.
|
golden ticket »
A philosophy that a quick fix can be achieved.
|
good evening »
greeting
|
grasp all, lose all »
one who wants everything, may lose it all
|
grass roots »
People and society at the local level rather than at the national centre of political activity.
|
grease payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
|
ground rules »
The basic rules or standards; whatever someone must know before proceeding.
|
happily ever after »
Living happily until death. Typically associated with fairy tales.
|
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 it made »
To have accomplished all there is to do; to have no further work or difficulty; to have achieved a lifestyle characterized by good fortune and comfort.
|
have someone's guts for garters »
To reprimand severely.
|
have the time of one's life »
To enjoy oneself more than ever before.
|
have to do with the price of tea in China »
To have any relation or bearing whatsoever on the topic at hand, usually used to emphasize the lack of relationship of a non sequitur.
|
head scratcher »
A particularly puzzling or confusing event.
|
hear the grass grow »
To be very aware or discerning; to pay attention to every small detail.
|
hell and half of Georgia »
A very large region; everywhere.
|
high and low »
everywhere
|
hit home »
To be especially memorable or meaningful; to be fully understood, believed or appreciated.
|
hit one out of the ballpark »
To produce a spectacular achievement.
|
hit one's stride »
To reach a full level of efficiency, competence, comfort, etc.; to get going.
|
hold a candle »
To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another.
|
hold off »
To delay commencing an action (until some specified time or event has passed).
|
hold one's liquor »
To be resistant to intoxication or to show few signs of intoxication, even after consuming a significant amount of alcohol.
|
honey trap »
The use of a seductive woman to entice a man into revealing secret information.
|
hothouse »
An environment in which growth or development is encouraged; a hotbed.
|
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.
|
hung the moon »
To view or be viewed with uncritical or excessive awe, reverence, or infatuation.
|
hunker down »
To take shelter; to prepare oneself for some eventuality; to focus on a task.
|
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 all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail »
With limited tools, single-minded people apply them inappropriately or indiscriminatelyIf a person is familiar with a certain, single subject/has with them a certain, single instrument, they may have a confirmation bias to believe that it is the answer to/involved in everything.
|
if pigs had wings »
Never.
|
in a league of one's own »
Far excelling even the closest contender; not having any worthy competition.
|
in a pig's eye »
Very unlikely; probably never.
|
in all my born days »
Ever.
|
in any way, shape, or form »
In any way at all; whatsoever.
|
in case »
In the event; should there be a need.
|
in detail »
Thoroughly; including every detail.
|
in for a dime, in for a dollar »
Americanised form of in for a penny, in for a pound.1983, Allen Drury, Decision, p. 356:In for a dime, in for a dollar, he thought crazily, and said what he had to say in a voice he forced to stay level and calm.1998, Ellen Miller, Like Being Killed, p. 47:In for a dime, in for a dollar. I whispered to Gerry,
|
in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king »
Among others with a disadvantage or disability, the one with the mildest disadvantage or disability is regarded as the greatest.Even someone without much talent or ability is considered special by those with no talent or ability at all.
|
in the long run »
After a very long time; eventually; over a long period of time; more generally.
|
in the making »
In development; in the process of being made.
|
in the reign of Queen Dick »
When pigs fly; never.
|
in the swim »
Actively participating in the flow of events; very involved.
|
in thunderation »
In any set of circumstances whatsoever.
|
into detail »
Thoroughly; including every detail.
|
it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings »
There are more developments yet to come.
|
it never rains but it pours »
Unfortunate events occur in quantity.
|
it takes all kinds to make a world »
Diversity is essential: the world would be incomplete if everyone were alike.He irons his clothes how?! That's crazy! Well, I guess it takes all kinds.
|
it's a long road that has no turning »
encouragement when things are not going well. Just as a long road eventually has a turning, problems also eventually have a solution, even though one might have to wait.
|
it's about time »
Used to express impatience at the eventual occurrence of something that the speaker or writer considered to be long overdue.
|
it's all grist to the mill »
Everything referred to in the present context has some sort of use.1999, Simon Blackburn, Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press paperback, ISBN 0199690871), ch. 7 section 6: "Kant
|
it's never too late to mend »
You
|
it's not the whistle that pulls the train »
Boasting and loud talk should not be mistaken for the work that produces real achievements; bravado is no proof of action.1956, James Reston, "Washington: It's Not the Whistle that Pulls the Train," New York Times, 1 July, p. E8:
|
joe job »
An uninteresting, low-level, low-paying job.
|
jumble sale »
fundraising event
|
jump off »
To participate in the final round of an equestrian showjumping event.
|
jump rope »
A single jump in this game or activity, counted as a measure of achievement.
|
jump the shark »
To undergo a storyline development which is so ridiculous that previous quality is considered to have been lost.
|
just for fun »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
just in case »
In the event; should there be a need.
|
keep buggin on »
Never quit; go on
|
keep from »
To prevent or restrain ; refrain or cause refrain.
|
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 up »
To maintain; to preserve; to prevent from deteriorating.
|
keep up »
To stay even or ahead.
|
keep up appearances »
To pretend to be all right or that everything is going well.
|
kick up the arse »
A severe reprimand, especially one to motivate someone into doing something.
|
kill the messenger »
To blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable a problem because he/she brought attention to it.
|
kit and caboodle »
Everything entirely, the whole lot.
|
kit and kaboodle »
Everything; the lot.
|
kitchen table software »
Especially in the early years of personal computers, a set of computer programs developed by an entrepreneurial advanced amateur or self-employed professional computer programmer in his or her own home; software developed by a small business using the services of such programmers.
|
knock back »
To drink an alcoholic beverage swiftly or often.
|
knock on wood »
To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted my a presumptuous statement.
|
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.
|
lap up »
To revel in, to overtly enjoy.
|
last burst of fire »
A state of exertion where one gives one's all; expending all of one's remaining energy in a final effort to achieve one's goal.
|
last trump »
Forever.
|
lay off »
From employment, e.g. at a time of low business volume, often with a severance package.
|
lay open »
reveal
|
leave no stone unturned »
To search thoroughly for something, looking in every conceivable place.
|
less is more »
That which is less complicated is often better understood and more appreciated than what is more complicated; simplicity is preferable to complexity; brevity in communication is more effective than verbosity.1855, Robert Browning, "Men and Women":Well, less is more, Lucrezia: I am judged.1954, "'Less Is More'," Time, 14 Jun.:The essence of Mies's architectural philosophy is in his famous and sometimes derided phrase, "Less is more." This means, he says, having "the greatest effect with the least means."2007, Gia Kourlas, "Dance Review: An Ordered World Defined With Soothing Spareness," New York Times, 3 Mar. (retrieved 22 Oct. 2008):The program, which features two premieres
|
let alone »
Or even.
|
let on »
To reveal, disclose, or divulge.
|
letters after one's name »
A list of abbreviations, separated by commas, representing the academic qualifications and civil or military honours achieved by a person.
|
level best »
The very best that one can do.
|
level up »
To progress to the next level of player character stats and abilities. Often used in role-playing games when the character has aquired enough experience points.
|
level-headed »
Sensible; rational; possessing sound judgment.
|
life is like a box of chocolates »
Life is full of surprises, you never know what will happen next.
|
life of the party »
A person who participates in entertainment events in a very enthusiastic manner and who has a leading role in inspiring others to join in the spirit of festivity.
|
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.
|
live by the sword, die by the sword »
One who uses violence can expect a violent response. It is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.(figuratively) One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey poetic justice.
|
lose the plot »
To have one's results decline severely in quality or suddenly fall below an acceptable standard, especially when compared to past excellence.
|
lubrication payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
|
lucky break »
A stroke of luck; a fortunate event, particularly of the sort that propels one to success, fame, etc.
|
mad money »
A sum of money kept in reserve or to insulate oneself financially in the event of the sudden breakdown of a relationship in which one is economically dependent.
|
make a meal of »
That is the eleventh edit that you have made to that word, you are really making a meal of it.
|
make an exhibition of oneself »
She had far too much to drink and made an exhibition of herself by flirting with everyone.
|
make believe »
To pretend or imagine.
|
make do with »
To get along with whatever is available.
|
make head or tail of »
To understand even minimally.
|
make the welkin ring »
By extension of , to celebrate or revel.
|
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
|
miner's canary »
A caged bird kept caged in mines because its demise provided a warning of dangerous levels of toxic gases.
|
miners' canary »
A caged bird kept caged in mines because its demise provided a warning of dangerous levels of toxic gases.
|
misfortunes never come singly »
bad things or situations always come in groups, they never come in a single way.
|
mix up »
To confuse or reverse.
|
move heaven and earth »
To do whatever is necessary, including extreme or unusual actions; to go to extremes.
|
murder will out »
Secrets or hidden crimes will eventually be exposed or discovered.
|
nearly never bulled a cow »
(Irish) Near enough is not good enough.
|
never change a running system »
Don't change something that is working
|
never in a million years »
Absolutely not.
|
never in a month of Sundays »
At no time whatsoever.
|
never in a month of Sundays »
Never in a month of Sundays would I have imagined that you'd be this tall in real life!.
|
never look a gift horse in the mouth »
Alternative form of don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
|
never mind »
Do not be concerned.
|
never mind »
I withdraw my previous statement.
|
never mind »
It is not important; do not fret.
|
never you mind »
Do not concern yourself with it; it is none of your business.
|
nightcap »
A beverage drunk before bed that is usually alcoholic.
|
nip and tuck »
So evenly matched that the advantage shifts from one to the other, and the outcome is uncertain.
|
nip in the bud »
To remove a bud from a plant to prevent flower and fruit from forming.
|
no brainer »
Something that supposedly doesn’t take much intellectual thought. Whoever says that something is a no brainer is usually the one with no brains.
|
no good deed ever goes unpunished »
Used to express the idea that beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility.
|
no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney »
Regardless of how many clever points or fine distinctions one makes, what one is saying is still false or is still nonsense.
|
no nevermind »
No difference.
|
no pain, no gain »
One must be willing to endure some inconvenience or discomfort in order to achieve worthwhile goals.
|
no score »
In a sporting event, a score of zero to zero.
|
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
|
notch up »
To achieve something.
|
nuts and bolts »
The basic, inner workings of something; the fundamentals or basics; that which makes something operate, on a basic level.
|
of a »
Every.
|
off one's game »
Performing in any activity below one's usual level; behaving in an irregular, inept, or awkward manner; feeling unwell.
|
off one's game »
Playing or competing below one's usual level of performance.
|
off the hook »
Relieved of a duty, burden, responsibility, or pressure.
|
on board »
Even when I am on board the plane, I can never feel secure that my luggage is, too.
|
on the bubble »
Having qualification for an event depend on the upcoming performances of other competitors.
|
on the clock »
In the official time expired in a game or other sporting event.
|
on the clock »
In the official time remaining in a game or other sporting event.
|
on the level »
A discreet reference to freemasonry.
|
on the level »
Honest, sincere, straightforward.
|
on the line »
On a level with the eye of the spectator; said of a picture, as hung in an exhibition of pictures.
|
once in a blue moon »
Never.
|
once you go black, you never go back »
An expression assuming that once a person of another race gets in a sexual relationship with a black person they won't return to their own race.
|
one and all »
All, everyone.
|
one fell swoop »
One stroke; one action or event with many results.
|
one in the eye for »
An event or achievement which is unpleasant for someone, especially for those who considered it impossible or unwelcome; an annoyance.
|
one step forward, two steps back »
A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.
|
one swallow does not a summer make »
One sighting or instance of an event does not necessarily indicate a trend.
|
one swallow doesn't make a summer »
One sighting or instance of an event does not necessarily indicate a trend.
|
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.
|
out of the question »
Impossible to even contemplate.
|
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.
|
pave the way »
To make future development easier.
|
pay out »
To repay, take revenge.
|
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.
|
play it by ear »
To do something by guessing, intuition, or trial and error; to react to events as they occur.
|
play the race card »
To assert that race or racism is responsible for a course of events, especially when race is not of particular significance to the issue in question; to attempt to inspire a particular reaction by raising the issue of race.
|
pleased as Punch »
Pleased with one's actions or achievements.
|
plump up »
To shake or arrange so as to be fatter or more evenly distributed.
|
point of no return »
The point in an aircraft's flight when there is insufficient fuel to reverse direction and return to the place of origin.
|
point of no return »
The point in any journey, process, or sequence of events when it is no longer possible to reverse course or stop the process.
|
power chord »
A chord or combination of notes used in rock music and typically selected to sound good at high volume and high levels of distortion. Power chords make extensive use of intervals such as open fourths and fifths.
|
practice makes perfect »
If one practices an activity enough, one will eventually master it.
|
preach to the choir »
Speaking as if to convince a person or group of something which that person or group already believes.
|
prevention is better than cure »
it is better to prevent the creation of a bad thing, than to destroy it.
|
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 off »
To achieve; to succeed at something difficult.
|
pull the other leg »
In imperative/precative form, used to imply that the speaker does not accept or believe what another has just said.
|
pull up »
Retrieve; get.
|
put back »
To postpone an arranged event or appointment.
|
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.
|
quantum mechanics »
The branch of physics which studies matter and energy at the level of atoms and other elementary particles, and substitutes probabilistic mechanisms for classical Newtonian ones.
|
quicumque vult »
A forward girl, ready to oblige every man that shall ask her.
|
rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic »
To do something pointless or insignificant that will soon be overtaken by events, or that contributes nothing to the solution of a current problem.
|
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.
|
right back »
Used in several informal constructions to indicate return -- especially imminent return to a point of origin.
|
rip to shreds »
To severely devalue, to refute.
|
road to Damascus »
A road to Damascus moment, or change, is an important point in someone's life where a great change, or reversal, of ideas or beliefs occurs.
|
rock bottom »
The very lowest possible level.
|
roll up one's sleeves »
To prepare to work.
|
rolling stone »
A person who moves around a lot and never settles down.
|
root cause »
An initiating cause of a chain of events which leads to an outcome or effect of interest.
|
rubber-chicken dinner »
A formal dinner or event thrown by politicians to raise funds.
|
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 down »
To reduce the size or stock levels of a business, often with a view to closure.
|
run scared »
To try everything to avoid defeat.
|
screen out »
To use a screen, grate, sieve or similar means to separate large from small objects or particles.
|
screw back »
To cue the cue ball in such a way as to impart backspin. On impact, the ball will follow a reverse trajectory according to the spin.
|
screw it »
"I don't care enough to continue"; whatever.
|
screw this »
"I don't care enough to continue"; "This is too stressful for me"; whatever.
|
seeing is believing »
You need to see something to believe it; visible facts cannot be denied.
|
senior note »
A bond that takes priority over other debt securities sold by the issuer. In the event the issuer goes bankrupt, senior debt must be repaid before other creditors receive any payment.
|
set the Thames on fire »
To achieve something amazing; to do something which brings great public acclaim.
|
she'll be apples »
Everything will be all right.
|
she'll be right »
OK, no problem, everything will be all right.
|
shoot the messenger »
To blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable a problem because he/she brought attention to it.
|
shoot the moon »
To achieve the lowest score possible, such that the player is usually rewarded with bonus points.
|
show one's true colors »
To reveal how one really is, as opposed to how one has been portrayed.
|
showstopper »
Any impediment that prevents all further progress.
|
sign on »
The time of day when a radio or television station begins broadcasting, usually after being off the air for several hours.
|
silver-tongue »
The trait of being clever at speaking, often in a deceitful way.
|
sing along »
A gathering or event where participants are encouraged to add their voices in song.
|
sit through »
To unwillingly stay seated until the end of an event.
|
sleeves from one's vest »
Something non-existent; something of no value or cost.
|
slippery slope »
A chain of events that, once initiated, cannot be halted; especially one in which the final outcome is undesirable or precarious.
|
slippery slope »
A logical argument that follows a chain of events or causes and effects to some conclusion.
|
smoke signal »
A method of long-distance communication sometimes used in ancient and undeveloped societies, consisting of messages conveyed by means of columns or intermittent puffs of smoke.
|
smoke signal »
An indirect message or indication, especially concerning a future event.
|
smooth operator »
A skillful, manipulative person, con artist, or clever scoundrel.
|
snappy comeback »
A prompt, clever retort.
|
so much as »
Even; suggests a minimum, especially regarding what might be expected.
|
soapbox »
A crate for packing soap, or, by extension, any inexpensive crude platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it, especially when used for speeches.
|
somewhere along the line »
At some unspecified time; eventually or once; at some point.
|
sow the wind, reap the whirlwind »
Every decision has consequences; a person's actions will come back to him.
|
spare the rod and spoil the child »
If one does not discipline a child, he or she will never learn obedience and good manners.
|
spill the beans »
To reveal a secret; to disclose.
|
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.
|
stand by »
To wait in expectation of some event; to make ready.
|
stand off »
To prevent any would-be attacker from coming close by adopting an offensive posture.
|
stave off »
To prevent something from happening; to obviate or avert.
|
stick in the mud »
A person unwilling to participate in activities, often because he or she believes the activity is not wholly kosher; a party pooper.
|
sticks and stones »
Evocative of the saying "sticks and stones may (or will) break my bones, but words (or names) will never hurt (or harm) me".1957, Brendan Gill, The Day the Money Stopped
|
sticky fingers »
A petty thief or petty thieves.
|
stop press »
The event or news article important enough to delay or interrupt the print, or require a reprint, of a publication, particularly of a newspaper edition.
|
stop someone in his tracks »
To prevent someone from continuing along a path or way, literal or figurative, he has begun going along.
|
stop the presses »
An imperative form used to introduce especially new, important, surprising, or recent developments.
|
streak of good luck »
A series of lucky events.
|
take away »
To prevent, or limit, someone from being somewhere, or from doing something.
|
take back »
To cause to remember some past event or time.
|
take it from me »
Believe me, rest assured.
|
take over »
To relieve someone temporarily.
|
take somebody's word for it »
To believe what somebody tells one.
|
take the piss »
Everyone takes the piss out of the bankers these days.
|
take things as they come »
To accept and deal with events as they occur, with a composed state of mind.
|
tell all »
To reveal everything, particularly information that is normally withheld.
|
tell all »
To tell everyone.
|
tell it to Sweeney »
I do not believe what you said.
|
tell it to the marines »
I do not believe what you said.
|
that'll be the day »
Said in reply to something that one believes will never happen.
|
that's the way life is »
That is the way things happenCertain things cannot be changed, helped or improved; struggle and objection are pointless.1935, Louis Bromfield, The Man Who Had Everything [1], page 279:That's the way life is, and there's no use trying to go against it.1979, Jay Edward Abrams, A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption [2], ISBN 0310511011, page 45:There are no standards, no values; that's the way life is. Learn to accept it and slide with it. Stop fighting it.2002, B. Eugene Ellison, Rings of the Templars, ISBN 059524050X, page 337:Shit happens; that's the way life is. In fact, I want you to take an additional thousand for your efforts.
|
the course of true love never did run smooth »
There will always be problems in a relationship.
|
the die is cast »
The future is determined; there are no more options; events will proceed in an irreversible manner.
|
the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on »
Life goes on, even if some will try to stop or talk against progress.
|
the early bird gets the worm »
Whoever arrives first has the best chance of success; some opportunities are only available to the first competitors.
|
the end justifies the means »
Morally wrong actions are sometimes necessary to achieve morally right outcomes; actions can only be considered morally right or wrong by virtue of the morality of the outcome.
|
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 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 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 spirit is willing but the flesh is weak »
(proverbs) For much as one wishes to achieve something, the frailties of the human body often make it impossible.
|
the whole nine yards »
All the way; with everything done completely or thoroughly.
|
the whole nine yards »
And everything. Often used, like etc., to finish out a list.
|
the whole shooting match »
Everything; the entire collection, endeavor, or activity.
|
the whole world and his dog »
Everybody; too many people; a huge crowd.
|
the world is one's oyster »
In order to achieve something in this world, one has to grab the opportunity.
|
there are two sides to every question »
One should not make a judgement until one hears the other side.
|
there is an exception to every rule »
Usually said in a situation when the rule is incorrect and unusable.
|
there is nothing new under the sun »
There is nothing truly novel in existence. Every new idea has some sort of precedent or echo from the past.
|
there may be snow on the rooftop but there is fire in the furnace »
Even if a person is in his or her senior years, with gray hair, he or she can still have ambition and energy, especially sexual energy.
|
there's a sucker born every minute »
There are a great number of fools in the world, and there always be.
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there's many a slip twixt cup and lip »
In any situation, however well planned, something can always go wrong.
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there's no such thing as a free lunch »
Nothing is free; everything has a price.
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thick as thieves »
Intimate, close-knit.
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thieve out »
To walk out of a place stealthily.
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think tank »
A group of which performs research and develops reports and recommendations on topics relating to strategic planning or public policy, and which is usually funded by corporations, interest groups, or government.
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third time's a charm »
One is sure to succeed at a task or event on the third try.
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three-on-the-tree »
On an automobile, describing the gearshift lever of a steering column-mounted three-speed manual transmission.
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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
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throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2005, Mike Busson (poster on UKScreen forum) Re: Voiceovers!, read at [1] on 02 Nov 06,In terms of places to send your URL or CD's, there's no easy answer. It really is a case of throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.2005, "forwardone" (administrator posting on the HYIPForum), re: Alertpay phishing email, read at [2] on 02 Nov 06,I also think that sometimes they send out phishing e-mails in the hope that it`ll hit people who do have an account with a particular organization. You know, throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick theory.2006, Rob Manuel, How to be funny, read in Comedy Soup on the BBC website at [3] on 02 Nov 06,Throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick. Be prolific and don't be afraid to make stuff that's rubbish. If you keep trying eventually you'll get there.2006, Rex Pierce, Re: [303rd-Talk] D Day read on 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Believe the planners worked on the principle of "throw enough mud at the wall, and some of it will stick".If enough (perhaps false or reckless) accusations are made against someone, his reputation will suffer, whether or not this is deserved2006, "money" (poster on eTalk Money), Some thoughts about compact surfing, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,Word of advice NVUS time to distance yourself from LuukH as quickly as possible and dish some dirt, otherwise well the saying goes - throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.
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throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2001, And still no one is shouting stop. read in The Kingdom archives at [1] on 02 Nov 06,Many team managers are of the philosophy that if you throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick. They believe that team preparation is all about physical fitness. They run the players into the ground and they believe they will be "flying on the day".2001, Robert McCrum, Let them eat cake, in The Observer 16 Dec 01, read on Guardian Unlimited site at [2] on 02 Nov 06,Australian publishing boomed and in the past 10 years the country's literary culture has undergone a mini golden age, capped by Carey's triumph at the 2001 Booker Prize. As one Australian arts administrator said to me many years ago: 'Listen, mate, if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.'2001, Chris Collin, Re: 2-cp speys on The Strathspey Server mailing list archive at [3] on 02 Nov 06,I am finding that "if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick". It doesn't always work of course (especially on the nights when the class is mostly the beginners), but the class seems to thrive on the challange.2005, Ray Craft (poster on The right scale blog), Fitzhooie and his Burden, read at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Prosecutors everywhere have bad habits of overcharging lots of cases, knowing that if the throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick.2005, Sean Kelleher, Spike Milligan: His part in our downfall in Business 07 Aug 05, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,As long as there is negligible regulation and enforcement anyone can actually try and do the job...Weak regulation allows the industry to build strategies on full time recruitment. The theory goes: throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.c2005, Everything You've Learned About Marketing Is Wrong, read on LINC Performance website at [6] on 02 Nov 06,They have the money to continue to believe in the repetition side of the equation. You throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick. But it still isn
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time after time »
Again and again; repeatedly; every time; always.
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time heals all wounds »
Negative feelings eventually erode away
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timing is everything »
Consideration of other events can greatly influence some desired outcome (such as an audience laughing to a comedian's joke).Telling the old joke about a butt-crack was not a good idea, just as the plumber arrived, Bob.You know what they say: "timing is everything." I'm sure we can find another plumber before the house floods.
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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 one's hand »
In card playing, to accidentally reveal one's cards or hand.
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tip one's hand »
To inadvertently reveal any secret, particularly a secret that puts one at an advantage or disadvantage.
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to all intents and purposes »
For every functional purpose; in every practical sense; in every important respect; practically speaking.
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to each his own »
Every person is entitled to his or her personal preferences and tastes.
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to err is human »
Everyone makes mistakes.
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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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top it all off »
To emphasize or underscore; to make something even better or worse.
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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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trip balls »
Experiencing severe drug-induced hallucinatory trip.
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true believer »
A strict follower of a religious doctrine.
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truth will out »
A mystery will always be solved, or a truth will always be discoveredTruth will eventually and inevitably be discovered.
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turn back »
To reverse one's direction and retrace one's steps.
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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 tables »
To reverse a situation, such that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged.
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twenty-twenty hindsight »
Perfect understanding of events only after they have happened.
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twist of fate »
An unfortunate turn of events.
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unring a bell »
To reverse the irreversible.
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unring a bell »
To reverse the ringing of a bell.
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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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until one is blue in the face »
Forever; for a hopelessly long time.
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up hill and down dale »
Here and there; everywhere.
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up one's sleeve »
Hidden, in reserve.
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up to eleven »
Beyond the maximum possible threshold.
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up-and-comer »
Someone who is up-and-coming, who has begun to be successful in some field and is likely to become even more successful in the future.
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up-to-date »
Informed about the latest news or developments.
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ups and downs »
Periods of positive and negative events, moods, or interactions; highs and lows.
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valley of death »
The phase of a startup business beginning with the entrepreneur's fulltime commitment to it and ending when the business has achieved sustainable cash flow.
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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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wait for the other shoe to drop »
To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one which is not desirable.
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walk it off »
To deal with an negative emotional event without complaint; to take it like a man.
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walk it off »
To walk or pace in order to relieve a pain or cramp.
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ward off »
To avert or prevent.
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warts and all »
Of or pertaining to a description or other depiction which reveals the full range of characteristics of a person or thing, including the shortcomings and imperfections.
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watch this space »
An indication that a development will follow.
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water over the dam »
An event or set of events which has already happened and cannot be changed.
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way out of a paper bag »
A minimal level of competence or effectiveness, as used in phrases where one is unable to perform such.
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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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wee small hours »
He worked into the wee small hours to get everything perfect for the opening day.
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well, I never »
An exclamation of great surprise.
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what goes around comes around »
The status eventually returns to its original value after completing some sort of cycle.A person's actions, whether good or bad, will often have consequences for that person.
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whatever creams your twinkie »
Do what you will, whatever makes you happy.
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whatever floats your boat »
What makes you happy; what stimulates you.
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whatever it takes »
Anything that may be required to achieve an objective.
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when Hell freezes over »
Never; not in this lifetime; not a chance.
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when it's at home »
Plainly; in plain English; when it comes down to it; at it's most basic level.
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when pigs fly »
Never.
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when push comes to shove »
When the pressure is on; when the situation is critical or urgent; when the time has come for action, even if it is difficult.
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where there's smoke, there's fire »
If there is telltale evidence of some event, the event is probably occurring.
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wherever you go, there you are »
(colloquial, clich
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whole shebang »
A building or house and everything in it.
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whole shebang »
Everything; the entire thing.
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whoop it up »
To have a great time; to party or revel excessively or noisily.
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winkle out »
Tom managed to winkle the truth out of John eventually.
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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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worth every penny »
Completely worthwhile.
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write one's own ticket »
To be empowered to choose whatever job, financial arrangement, or course of action one desires.
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year in, year out »
During every year; always.
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you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs »
In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that something should be destroyed.
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you can't take it with you »
It is not possible to take one's material wealth to whatever world may await one after death.1900, E. Phillips Oppenheim, A Millionaire of Yesterday, ch. 6:"The clause which
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you never know what you've got till it's gone »
Good friends and acquaintances shouldn't be taken for granted.
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you're never too old to learn »
It is possible to learn new things, at any age; (implying) follow your desires and dreams
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you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette »
In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that something should be destroyed.
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| BTW, Why won't you become an editor? |
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