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 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 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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absence makes the heart grow fonder »
When someone or something is faraway, you realise how much you love (or miss) them or it.
|
allow for »
To take into account when making plans.
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and then some »
Used to confirm preceding utterance, while implying that what was said or asked is an understatement.
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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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April showers bring May flowers »
April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains.By extension, that a period of discomfort can provide the basis for a period of happiness.
|
at all hours »
Late into the night or early morning; when people ought to be sleeping.
|
back off »
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
|
bad egg »
Someone whose behaviour is reprehensible or irresponsible; a rogue.
|
banyan day »
In British naval tradition, this originally referred to a day of the week when galley kitchens served no meat on board ship.
|
bat around »
When at least nine batters bat in a half inning.
|
battle cry »
Something the troops yell out when going to war or battle.
|
bear down »
When giving birth, to push.
|
beggars can't be choosers »
(proverb) When resources are limited, one must accept even substandard gifts.
|
best laid plans »
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the outcome is uncertain.
|
better an egg today than a hen tomorrow »
It is better to have a sure thing now than a possibility of more later.
|
bitter end »
That part of an anchor cable which is abaft the bitts and thus remains onboard when a ship is riding at anchor.
|
blow a kiss »
To kiss one's hand, then blow on the hand in a direction towards the recipient.
|
borganism »
An organization of autonomous organisms that exhibit collectivism: individual "units" that have merged to yield a unified construct. Such an amalgam may possess a collective consciousness, arguably an emergent phenomenon of social networking.
|
born in a barn »
Of humble birth, especially when referring to Jesus Christ.
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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.
|
brass monkey »
Said of the weather when it is very cold.
|
break ground »
To lift off the sea bottom when being weighed.
|
bridge »
A particular form of one hand placed on the table to support the cue when making a shot in cue sports.
|
bring owls to Athens »
Forgive me, then, for bringing owls to Athens as a thanks-offering. — Goethe, in a letter to Wilhelm von Humboldt.
|
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 owls to Athens »
To undertake a pointless venture, one that is redundant, unnecessary, superfluous, or highly uneconomical.
|
bring owls to Athens »
Who brings owls to Athens? — Euelpides, in Aristophanes' Birds.
|
bring round »
To bring something when coming.
|
build up »
To strengthen.
|
but then »
Then again, on the other hand; used to show that the opposite viewpoint is possible.
|
buy straw hats in winter »
Of stocks, to buy when both demand and price is low, sell when demand and price is high.
|
by the time »
When.
|
calling card »
A prepaid card or credit card, usually electronically readable, used to pay the charges when making a telephone call.
|
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 of worms »
A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
|
Cannon fodder »
Military personnel who are regarded as expendable when attacking the enemy.
|
catch-as-catch-can »
Intermittent; only when possible or when the opportunity presents itself.
|
caught with one's hand in the cookie jar »
Observed or apprehended while committing a theft, especially while embezzling money.
|
champ at the bit »
To bite the bit, especially when restless.
|
champ at the bit »
To show impatience or frustration when delayed.
|
change horses in midstream »
To change plans or approaches at an inopportune time, such as when an effort is already underway, generally considered an inadvisable thing to do.
|
chase down »
To pursue and apprehend someone.
|
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.
|
chomp at the bit »
To show impatience or frustration when delayed.
|
chrome horn »
The front bumper of a car when used to bump another vehicle, usually to inform the driver of the other vehicle, that the first car would like to pass.
|
circle the wagons »
To draw a wagon train into a circle to allow the wagons to provide cover when under attack.
|
clay »
A mineral substance made up of small crystals of silica and alumina, that is ductile when moist; the material of pre-fired ceramics.
|
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.
|
closed book »
A person or thing that cannot be easily understood; someone or something incomprehensible or puzzling.
|
cop-out »
An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.
|
cross that bridge when one comes to it »
To deal with a problem or situation only when it arises.
|
cry wolf »
To raise a false alarm; to constantly warn others about an imagined threat, thereby failing to get assistance when a real threat appears.
|
cut in »
When painting, to paint edges, corners, or trim in preparation for rolling larger areas.
|
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.
|
deadbeat dad »
A man, especially one who is divorced or estranged from his partner, who fails to provide monetary child support when he is legally required to do so.
|
deadstick landing »
When a pilot lands a plane after the engine has died; a landing lacking any propulsion control.
|
deadweight »
The largest weight of cargo a ship is able to carry; i.e, the weight of a ship when fully loaded minus its weight when empty.
|
dicky-bird »
Endearing term for a small bird, often used when talking with young children.
|
do justice »
To really allow to be apprehended in its full scope.
|
don't be penny wise and pound foolish »
Don't be careful when it comes to spending small amounts of money, but careless when spending much larger amounts.Don't focus on minutiae and lose sight of the big picture; don't obsess over tiny inconsequential efficiencies while glaring inefficiencies are going on elsewhere.
|
double Dutch »
Incomprehensible language.
|
drag out »
To extend or lengthen excessively.
|
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.
|
drive-by media »
Media professionals who "spray" a bunch of repetitive misstatements, mistaken and misinterpreted news reports to cause excitement and confusion. They then figuratively "drive off" leaving the cleanup of their mess and hysteria to others, to correct and properly explain and interpret.
|
drop in »
. Often hyphenated drop-in.
|
drop the ball »
To fail in one's responsibilities or duties, or to make a mistake, especially at a critical point or when the result is very negative.
|
easy come, easy go »
Easily won and easily lost; usually said when resigned to a loss.
|
eat someone out of house and home »
C. 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2, Act II Scene I.
|
every little helps »
Even the smallest things are helpful when towards a goal.
|
everything and the kitchen sink »
Alternative form of everything but the kitchen sink.
|
everything but the kitchen sink »
Almost everything, whether needed or not.
|
fair weather friend »
Only when it is advantageous or easy.
|
fall between two stools »
To attempt two tasks and fail at both, when either one could have been accomplished singly.
|
fall on one's sword »
To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so.
|
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.
|
feed a cold, starve a fever »
Eating more will cure the common cold, and eating less will cure a fever.1887, J. H. Whelan, "The Treatment of Colds.", The Practitioner, vol. 38, pg. 180:"Feed a cold, starve a fever." There is a deal of wisdom in the first part of this advice. A person with a catarrh should take an abundance of light nutritious food, and some light wine, but avoid spirits, and above all tobacco.1968, Katinka Loeser, The Archers at Home, publ. Atheneum, New York, pg. 60:I have a cold. 'Feed a cold, starve a fever.' You certainly know that.2009, Shelly Reuben, Tabula Rasa, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN 015101079X, pg. 60:They say feed a cold, starve a fever, but they don't tell you what to do when you got both, so I figured scrambled eggs, tea, and toast.
|
fight a losing battle »
To continue to wage war when it is clear that one is not going to win.
|
first things first »
Deal with matters of highest priority first; deal with matters in logical sequence.1922, H. G. Wells, The Secret Places of the Heart, ch.4,"First things first," said Sir Richmond. If we set about getting fuel sanely, if we do it as the deliberate, co-operative act of the whole species, then it follows that we shall look very closely into the use that is being made of it.1999, Frank Pellegrini, "House Republicans Quell Mutiny Over Tax Bounty," Time, 23 Jul.,Judging by the polls
|
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."
|
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.
|
friend with benefits »
A friendship with no reserves when it comes to the release of shared sexual tension thus leading to sexual fraternization.
|
from A to Z »
Covering a complete range; comprehensively.
|
game face »
The expression of one who is prepared for or is facing a lot of difficult and/or undesirable work, especially when it is imminent.
|
garbage in, garbage out »
(computing, information technology) If input data is not complete, accurate, and timely, then the resulting output is unreliable and of no useful value.1963, Raymond Crowley, "Robot Tax Collector Seeks Indications of 'Fudging'," Times Daily (Alabama, USA), 1 April (retrieved 26 July 2010):Officials explained that the quality of the computer's work depends on the quality of the data fed into it. Neil Hoke, administrative assistant to Stewart, quoted an adage of computer men: "Garbage in, garbage out."2008, Roger K. Lewis, "'In Architectural Design, Brains and Talent Trump the Best Software," Washington Post, 19 July (retrieved 26 July 2010):The old caveat "GIGO"
|
get it »
To understand, comprehend, or grasp.
|
give birth »
To produce new life into the world; to have a baby. Transitive when used with to.
|
go Dutch »
To pay for one's own food and bills, or split the cost, when eating at a restaurant or going out for entertainment.
|
go native »
To adopt the lifestyle or outlook of local inhabitants, especially when dwelling in a colonial region; to become less refined under the influence of a less cultured, more primitive, or simpler social environment.
|
go off the boil »
Cease to boil when heat is no longer applied.
|
good drunk »
A person who is cheerful and companionable when intoxicated, retaining reasonable control of his or her mental and emotional faculties.
|
halcyon days »
Period of calm during the winter, when storms do not occur.
|
haste makes waste »
One makes mistakes when being too hasty.
|
haul somebody over the coals »
To express anger with someone in no uncertain terms when they do something wrong.
|
hell on earth »
A very unpleasant situation; torment, particularly when widespread.
|
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.
|
hen's tooth »
Anything not naturally occuring.
|
hens' teeth »
Alternative form of hen's teeth.
|
here you are »
Said when you hand something over to someone or do a favour to them, usually to draw the recipient's attention to the exchange; Equivalent to “thank you” when receiving something..
|
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 one's stride »
When walking or running, to reach a full or comfortable pace.
|
hold all the aces »
To be in a strong position when one is competing with someone else, having all the advantages.
|
hold one's breath »
To inhale and then intentionally close the epiglottis so that one's breath is not exhaled.
|
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.
|
house cooling party »
A party to celebrate when a person decides to leave a house or flat, and sometimes to help prepare the space for the incoming residents.
|
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.
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hunger is the best spice »
When one is hungry, anything will taste good.
|
if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen »
If you cannot handle the pressure, you should not be in a position where you have to deal with it.
|
in a pinch »
In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.
|
in the reign of Queen Dick »
When pigs fly; never.
|
in touch »
The ball, or a player, is in touch when it, or he, is outside the playing area or touching the touchlines of the playing area.
|
in vain »
In a disrespectful manner, especially when concerning religion.
|
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.
|
keep it real »
To be authentic, true to oneself; to be cool.
|
kick someone when they are down »
To make it worse for someone who is going through a difficult time.
|
kick up a fuss »
To show annoyance, or to complain loudly about something, often when it is of little importance in reality.
|
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.
|
knee high to a grasshopper »
Short; especially relating to when the subject was a small child.
|
knuckle under »
To yield or cooperate when pressured or forced to do so.
|
laundry list »
Hence, a long list of items, especially an exhaustive one.
|
lemonize »
To damage something and then deny or be aloof from the damage.
|
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.
|
lick one's chops »
To use one's tongue to remove moistness from the sides of one's mouth, as when salivating or at the conclusion of a meal.
|
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).
|
long absent, soon forgotten »
Love fades away when people are distant and don't keep close physical contact.
|
longpig »
Human flesh when cooked in cannabalistic rituals in certain Pacific Islands, due to the allegeded similarity to cooked pork.
|
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.
|
misery loves company »
Misery is easier to bear when one is not the only one miserable.1995, Chris Abbott,
|
mocking is catching »
An admonishment to be careful of criticising others, lest the same happen to you.Mocking is Catching was the title of a 1726 song by Henry Carey.
|
moment of truth »
A deciding instant; the time when a test determines or makes it apparent whether something will succeed.
|
more haste, less speed »
When we are in a hurry, we often end up completing our task slower.
|
mother hen »
A female chicken who bears eggs or chicks.
|
mother hen »
An outspoken and overprotective woman dealing with others' affairs.
|
muck about »
To do somethings with a piece of equipment when you do not understand how it works.
|
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.
|
nine day wonder »
Something that generates interest for a limited time and is then abandoned.
|
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
|
nose test »
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
|
not leave one's thoughts »
Said when one keeps thinking about something.
|
now and then »
Sometimes; occasionally.
|
off one's game »
C. 1910, Ralph Henry Barbour, "The Dub" in The New Boy at Hilltop and Other Stories.
|
off the chain »
Crazy and exciting; delirious and wild. By analogy to a frenetic dog when unleashed.
|
on board »
Even when I am on board the plane, I can never feel secure that my luggage is, too.
|
on demand »
When needed or required.
|
on one's watch »
During the period of time when one is in a position of authority or responsibility.
|
on sight »
Immediately when sighted.
|
on tenterhooks »
In a state of suspense or apprehension.
|
on the ropes »
Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.
|
one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind »
Words spoken by Neil Armstrong when taking the first steps on the moon.
|
one-night stand »
An occasion when a performer or team of them expects to perform at a theater for a single evening.
|
open one's big mouth »
To speak about things, when it would be better to stay silent.
|
out of sight, out of mind »
When something is not nearby, it is forgotten about.
|
over one's head »
More complex or confusing than one can understand; beyond one’s comprehension..
|
paint with a broad brush »
To describe a class of objects or a kind of phenomenon in general terms, without specific details and without attention to individual variations.
|
parking lot »
An open area, generally paved, where automobiles may be left when not in use.
|
pay out »
To slacken a rope by lengthening it; to allow a rope to run out.
|
pay the piper »
To pay a monetary debt or experience unfavorable consequences, especially when the payment or consequences are inevitable in spite of attempts to avoid them.
|
payback's a bitch »
Usually a complete sentence: I will get revenge when you least expect it.
|
penny for your thoughts »
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
|
piece of ass »
A very attractive woman, when considered as a sex object.
|
play fast and loose »
To ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits ones purpose.
|
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.
|
plead the fifth »
To refuse to answer a question, or refuse to speak, especially when the response would reflect badly on the speaker.
|
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 corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely »
The corrupting influence of power is total when one's power is total.Lord Acton see: Wikiquote
|
prime of life »
The period of one's mature life when one is at a peak of health and performance.
|
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.
|
put the boot in »
To kick someone when they are down.
|
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.
|
rainy day »
A difficult period of need, when things do not go right.
|
rat run »
A small road that people venture down when they want to sneak off the motorway and take a short cut.
|
real deal »
A thing or person which is genuine, authentic, or worthy of serious regard.
|
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.
|
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.
|
road apple »
Horse manure, especially when deposited on a road.
|
roll down the windows »
To flail one's arms in a circular motion when off-balance, as to mimic the act of rolling down a car window.
|
rolling pin »
kitchen utensil
|
rough up »
To make rough, to roughen.
|
run around after »
To spend a lot of time doing things for another person or group of people. Often used when that person could reasonably do the things for themselves.
|
rush hour »
The times of the day when traffic jams are commonplace, due mainly to people commuting to or from work.
|
scrimp and save »
To scrimp greatly; to economize; to live very frugally, particularly when saving for something.
|
sea legs »
The ability, when walking aboard ship, to anticipate the motion of the deck so as to walk steadily without losing balance.
|
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.
|
see someone's point »
To comprehend the meaning that someone is trying to convey.
|
sexual tension »
Physically induced libidinal unrest arising between two individuals when aware of each other's presence.
|
shore up »
To strengthen, reinforce, or consolidate.
|
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.
|
shuffle »
To get lost in the shuffle: to lack attention when you deserve it.
|
sign in »
To sign one's name on a list when entering somewhere.
|
sign on »
The time of day when a radio or television station begins broadcasting, usually after being off the air for several hours.
|
since when »
From what time.
|
since when »
Used to indicate doubt as to the veracity of a statement.
|
smell test »
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
|
so-and-so »
A placeholder name, used when a name is not known; a generic name.
|
soapbox »
A crate for packing soap, or, by extension, any inexpensive crude platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it, especially when used for speeches.
|
soapbox »
Especially when only tangentially relevant to an ongoing discussion.
|
soup-to-nuts »
Comprehensive; complete; covering all of something.
|
speak of the devil »
An expression sometimes used when a person mentioned in the current conversation happens to arrive on the scene.
|
spill one's seed »
To masturbate or to ejaculate when the penis has been withdrawn from one's partner.
|
spruce up »
To refresh, revamp; to freshen or improve something, especially its appearance.
|
take against »
He took against me when I was promoted over him.
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take in »
To absorb or comprehend.
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take it or leave it »
It is said when a situation has to be accepted without change.
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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.
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the end of one's rope »
At the limit of one’s patience, when one is so frustrated or annoyed that one can no longer take it..
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then again »
From another point of view; on the other hand; on second thought.
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there is an exception to every rule »
Usually said in a situation when the rule is incorrect and unusable.
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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.
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there, there »
Conveys comfort; used to calm somebody urge somebody to relax, especially when the person is crying.
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those who will not when they may, when they will they shall have nay »
(archaic) One should take immediate advantage of an opportunity that may not be available later.
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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, 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 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 is money »
When a person's time is not used productively; time is valuable and should not be wasted.
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time of the month »
The time when a woman is menstruating.
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to thine own self be true »
The easiest person to deceive is oneself."This above all:to thine own self be true,and it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man." -William Shakespeare
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tone up »
To strengthen and make the muscles of the body firmer by regular excercise.
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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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two wrongs don't make a right »
(ethics) A wrongful action is not a morally appropriate way to correct or cancel a previous wrongful action.1915, William MacLeod Raine, The Highgrader, ch. 15:"But when it comes to taking what belongs to another
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under erasure »
Of a bit of text, written and strickenthrough; hence, figuratively in some sense both present and absent.
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under way »
A vessel is said to be underway when she is not anchored, moored, aground, or beached[1]. Compare with make way.
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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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walk in the snow »
An occasion when a momentous career decision is made, especially a decision to resign or retire.
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washed out »
Of clothes. When they lose some of their original colour from being washed so often.
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waste not, want not »
If one is not wasteful then one will not be needy.
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way back when »
A time in the distant past.
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wee small hours »
The very early morning, just after midnight, when most people are asleep.
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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 in God's name »
Used to add emphasis to "what" when beginning question.
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what on Earth »
Used to add emphasis to "what" when beginning question.
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what the Devil »
Used to add emphasis to "what" when beginning question.
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what the dickens »
Euphemism for what the Devil, used to add emphasis to "what" when beginning a question.
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when all is said and done »
In the end; ultimately.
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when he's at home »
In reality; in fact; when it comes down to it.
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when Hell freezes over »
Never; not in this lifetime; not a chance.
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when in Rome »
Adjust to local customs.
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when in Rome, do as the Romans »
Alternative form of when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
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when in Rome, do as the Romans do »
behave as those around do
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when it rains, it pours »
If a person encounters bad luck, more bad luck will follow.
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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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when the cat's away »
People are likely to take advantage of the absence of authority or enforcement of compliance.
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when the cat's away the mice will play »
In the absence of a controlling entity, subordinates will take advantage of circumstances.
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when the chips are down »
When the pressure is on; when the situation is urgent or critical.
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when the going gets tough, the tough get going »
in difficult times, it is the strong-willed who take action.
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when the shit hits the fan »
A reference to the messy consequences of a secret or private situation becoming public.
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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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when, as, and if »
Used to indicate the timing and contingency of some obligation in contracts, especially financial.
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whistle walk »
The path slaves took to deliver food from the kitchen building of a plantation to the main dining room. Slaves were expected to whistle during this walk in order to assure their masters that they were not eating the food.
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white-knuckle »
Causing fear, excitement, apprehension, suspense, or nervousness.
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who's 'she', the cat's mother%3F »
A rebuke especially directed towards children for having referred to their mother, or any other woman in the third person, instead of using a properly respectful title or their name when appropriate.
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why in God's name »
Used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning question.
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why on Earth »
Used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning a question.
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why the dickens »
Euphemism for why the Devil, used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning a question.
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you can hang your hat on that »
It's something to put faith in, to rely upon or trust (when used in a positive connotation).
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you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours »
If you do me a favor then I will do you a favor; quid pro quo.
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you shouldn't have »
Used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity, especially when receiving a gift.
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yours sincerely »
A polite formula to end a letter, especially when the recipient’s name is known to the sender.
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zig when one should zag »
To misstep or err.
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