a good voice to beg bacon »
Said in ridicule of a bad voice.
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a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step »
even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point
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add up to »
To have a particular effect.
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aim at »
To design for a particular audience.
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all over the board »
Showing a wide range of values with no particular pattern.
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apple of somebody's eye »
A favourite, a particular preference, or a loved one; the object of somebody's affections.
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back off »
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
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be there for »
To be available to provide comfort and support for someone, especially in a period of difficulty.
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beat around the bush »
To delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant.
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bee in one's bonnet »
Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.
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beef to the hoof »
Fat, chubby, particularly with fat legs.
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been there, done that »
An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is now bored.
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big deal »
Something very important, difficult, or of concern.
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bitter end »
The end of a long and difficult process.
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blessed event »
An occurrence or occasion which is particularly noteworthy and enjoyable.
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blue note »
Notes added to the major scale for expressive quality in jazz and blues music, particularly the flatted third, fifth and seventh.
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bogged down »
Stuck; mired, as in detail, difficulty; delayed or made slower.
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brick up »
To block by masonry, particularly using bricks.
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bridge »
A particular form of one hand placed on the table to support the cue when making a shot in cue sports.
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bring off »
To succeed in doing something considered to be very difficult.
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bring out »
To elicit, evoke, or emphasize a particular quality.
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business as usual »
The normal course of an activity, particularly in circumstances that are out of the ordinary.
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can of worms »
A troublesome situation; an issue whose resolution is difficult or contentious, but not necessarily complex.
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child's play »
Something particularly simple or easy.
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come out in the wash »
Of problems or difficulties, to work out, resolve, or become understood eventually and naturally.
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cut out »
Well suited; appropriate; fit for a particular activity or purpose.
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daily grind »
The difficult, routine, or monotonous tasks of daily work.
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deep water »
A difficult or embarrassing situation.
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devil is in the details »
The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.
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diamonds are a girl's best friend »
A statement that suggests, while love is a luxury, material wealth (particularly jewellery) is more valuable in the long run.
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do the hard yards »
To perform a difficult task or tasks.
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dot the i's and cross the t's »
To take care of every detail, even minor ones; To be meticulous or thorough.
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drag »
To pull along a surface or through a medium, sometimes with difficulty.
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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.
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drug of choice »
The best-choice medication to treat a particular medical problem.
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elephant in the room »
A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.
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facts on the ground »
Some aspects of the situation in a particular location.
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fall by the wayside »
To fail to be completed, particularly for lack of interest; to be left out.
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fall on one's face »
To fail, especially in a dramatic or particularly decisive manner.
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feather in one's cap »
An accomplishment; particularly one that is flaunted or boasted of.
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fight a losing battle »
To try to do something so difficult that it will probably end in failure.
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fight off »
To resist, particularly an infection or an emotion.
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fight tooth and nail »
To use every means possible to overcome a difficult opposition.
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fine line »
A difference, albeit vague and difficult to discern.
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flogging the land »
Damaging agricultural land through excessive grazing or clearing.
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flower »
Typically including sepals, petals, stamens, and ovaries; often conspicuously colourful.
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for the heck of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
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for the hell of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
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for the sake of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
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four score and seven years ago »
As an opener, a sometimes sarcastic indicator to indicate a past event being mentioned is particularly important.
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frog in one's throat »
Any temporary physical difficulty in speaking.
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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.
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get »
A difficult return or block of a shot.
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get out of Dodge »
To leave; in particular to leave a difficult or dangerous environment with all possible haste.
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give over »
To devote oneself to a particular activity.
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go down that road »
To settle a way of doing something; do decide to do something in a particular way.
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go down the road »
A way of doing something; to do something in a particular way.
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go the distance »
To have the endurance to see a difficult sustained challenge to its natural end without faltering.
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go the extra mile »
To make an extra effort; to do a particularly good job.
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great unwashed »
A contemptuous term for the populace, particularly the working class.
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gunboat diplomacy »
The pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of military power.
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hack into »
To gain unauthorized entry to, particularly by exploiting little-known weaknesses.
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hang out »
To spend time doing nothing in particular.
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hang out with »
To spend time with friends, doing nothing in particular.
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hard of hearing »
Having difficulty hearing; somewhat deaf.
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hard pressed »
Having or likely to have difficulty or to find a task almost impossible.
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hash out »
To work through the details of something; especially to work through difficulties.
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have eyes in the back of one's head »
To be particularly, especially uncannily, observant; a perceived ability to see in all directions at once.
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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.
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have someone by the short hairs »
To have someone in a difficult situation in which he or she is without alternatives and can be controlled.
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he who laughs last laughs best »
success is better after having previously endured ridicule.
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head scratcher »
A particularly puzzling or confusing event.
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hell on earth »
A very unpleasant situation; torment, particularly when widespread.
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hit home »
To do something particularly great.
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hit the books »
To study, especially with particular intensity.
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hit the bottle »
To continually drink alcohol to excess, particularly in response to a setback.
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hit the spot »
To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.
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horses for courses »
The practice of choosing the best person for a particular job.
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house of cards »
A structure made by laying cards perpendicularly on top of each other.
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how do you like them apples »
Directed jestingly or mockingly at someone who has received surprising information, ridiculing the situation.
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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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if looks could kill »
A phrase said upon catching sight of someone's giving you a particularly nasty look of discontent or disapproval.
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in a bind »
In a difficult situation, usually of one's own making; having a dilemma; faced with a problem or a set of problems for which there is no easy solution.
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in a pinch »
In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.
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in particular »
specially
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jump the shark »
To undergo a storyline development which is so ridiculous that previous quality is considered to have been lost.
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just for fun »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
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kick someone when they are down »
To make it worse for someone who is going through a difficult time.
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kiss up »
To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.
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knock up »
To put together, fabricate, or assemble, particularly if done hastily or temporarily. See also knock together.
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land on one's feet »
To be lucky, or successful, often in difficult situations.
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laughing stock »
An object of ridicule, someone who is publicly ridiculed; a butt of sport.
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leave somebody in the lurch »
To abandon somebody; especially, to abandon somebody and leave him or her in a difficult situation.
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live one »
A person, thing, or situation which is particularly interesting, noteworthy, or urgent.
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live one »
Someone who is easily fooled, victimized, or ridiculed.
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long row to hoe »
A difficult or arduous task.
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lose one's touch »
To lose one's special mastery of or knack for a particular skill or activity.
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lucky break »
A stroke of luck; a fortunate event, particularly of the sort that propels one to success, fame, etc.
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magic bullet »
A simple remedy to a difficult or complex problem, especially a cure for a disease.
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make a monkey out of »
To cause a person, organization, or action to appear foolish or inferior; to subject someone or something to ridicule..
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make a virtue of necessity »
To make the best of a difficult situation; to recast or portray an action or situation in which one has no alternatives as an action or situation which was deliberately chosen on its merits.
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make fun of »
To tease, ridicule or make jokes about.
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make game of »
To ridicule; to jest.
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make no bones about »
To see no difficulty in, have no objection to.
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may the Force be with you »
Used to wish someone luck with a difficult endeavor.
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morning person »
A person whose who wakes up without difficulty early each morning and who is alert and active during the first part of the day.
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needle in a haystack »
Something that is difficult or impossible to locate; something impossibly complex or intractable.
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no screaming hell »
Something that is not particularly effective or impressive; something that is below expectations.
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no spring chicken »
Said of a person who is no longer particularly young.
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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
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nose test »
An inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties.
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object lesson »
Anything used an example or lesson which serves to warn others as to the outcomes that result from a particular action or behavior, as exemplified by the fates of those who followed that course.
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of course »
Asserts that the associated phrase should not be argued, particularly if it is obvious or there is no choice in the matter.
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on the right track »
Using the correct general approach to a particular task or problem; pursuing something in a promising way.
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on the sly »
Slyly, in an inconspicuous manner, so as not to be seen; secretly; stealthily.
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on the spot »
In a particular place.
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paper »
A written document, generally shorter than a book , in particular one written for the Government.
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pass muster »
To measure up to a particular standard.
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pickle »
A difficult situation, peril.
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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.
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play with fire »
To put oneself in a precarious situation with a high risk of getting harmed, particularly emotionally or financially.
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point blank »
The distance between a gun and a target such that it requires minimal effort in aiming it. In particular no allowance needs to be made for the effects of gravity, target movement or wind in aiming the projectile.
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pound of flesh »
Something which is owed and which will be hurtful or difficult to provide; a debt owed to someone who is merciless and demanding.
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problem child »
A child who is particularly difficult to raise or educate, especially due to a lack of self-control and disruptive and antisocial behavior.
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problem child »
Someone or something persistently difficult or vexing; a frequent source of trouble or annoyance.
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pronunciamiento »
A military uprising or coup in Spain or the Spanish American republics, particularly in the 19th century. They received this designation because coups were usually accompanied by a statement declaring the existing government null and void.
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pull off »
To achieve; to succeed at something difficult.
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pull one's head in »
To withdraw as a turtle might; to discontinue support of a particular argument.
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pull teeth »
To do something that is especially difficult or effortful.
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push the boat out »
To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.
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put someone down as »
To assume someone has a particular character from very little information.
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queer one's pitch »
To make a task more difficult for the speaker.
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quicumque vult »
A forward girl, ready to oblige every man that shall ask her.
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quicumque vult »
The Athanasian Creed.
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rainy day »
A difficult period of need, when things do not go right.
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rank and file »
Those lacking any particular title or status; those having no station.
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ride out »
To tackle a difficult problem and survive.
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rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
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rough sledding »
A difficult period of time.
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rough trot »
A series of difficult circumstances.
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run for one's money »
A difficult challenge for the person indicated, especially one involving a competitive situation.
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run for one's money »
A reasonable opportunity to succeed, perform acceptably, or escape harm, especially in a difficult situation.
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run off »
To operate by a particular energy source.
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run on »
To operate with a particular energy source.
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run to »
To reach a particular maximum amount, size, value, etc.
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scrape together »
To collect, assemble or gather small amounts , from various sources, with some difficulty.
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scrimp and save »
To scrimp greatly; to economize; to live very frugally, particularly when saving for something.
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seagull approach »
The occurence of casual, ill-informed and hasty decisions or comments made by outside authorities who lack an understanding of the local issues or a real understanding of the facts of a particular situ.
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sell »
To promote a particular viewpoint; to manipulate towards a desired end.
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sell down the river »
To betray, especially in a manner which causes serious difficulty for the one betrayed.
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send away »
To send to a particular place for a long time, as a family member, an employee, etc.
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silver-tongued »
Eloquent and articulate.
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sink one's teeth into »
To become involved in; particularly in an enthusiastic manner.
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sit out »
To decline to participate; particularly, to decline to dance.
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size up »
To evaluate; to estimate or anticipate the magnitude, difficulty, or strength of something.
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slam dunk »
A task expected to present no difficulty.
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smart arse »
One who is particularly flippant or insolent or tends to make snide remarks or jokes.
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smoking gun »
Evidence, particularly of a crime, that is difficult or impossible to dispute.
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soldier on »
To continue or persist, despite adversity or difficulty.
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sow one's wild oats »
To indulge in a period of irresponsible behavior, particularly sexually; Often used in reference to young adults or to the recently divorced.
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speak to »
To address a particular topic.
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spit it out »
To overcome reluctance to say something particular or to speak in general.
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stand out »
To be obvious or conspicuous, in contrast to one's surroundings.
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stop press »
The event or news article important enough to delay or interrupt the print, or require a reprint, of a publication, particularly of a newspaper edition.
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sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
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swot up on »
To study particularly hard to learn a subject quickly.
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take the biscuit »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
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take the bull by the horns »
To confront a difficulty, rather than avoiding it.
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take the cake »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
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take the mickey »
To ridicule or mock.
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take the piss »
To ridicule or mock.
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tall order »
A big job; a difficult challenge.
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task force »
A group of people working towards a particular task, project, or activity, especially assigned in a particular capacity.
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tell all »
To reveal everything, particularly information that is normally withheld.
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that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger »
Used to express the sentiment that hardship or difficult experiences build moral character.
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there's no time like the present »
Now (i.e., the present time) is an appropriate time to take a particular action.
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thorn in the flesh »
A persistent difficulty or something very annoying that will not go away.
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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 smoke »
To consistently pitch fastballs that are difficult to hit.
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tiger team »
An engineering or other group assembled to tackle especially difficult or critical problems, often outside the normal chain of command.
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tight spot »
A difficult position.
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tip one's hand »
To inadvertently reveal any secret, particularly a secret that puts one at an advantage or disadvantage.
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to die for »
Very good; exquisite; excellent; particularly desirable.
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tough call »
A choice or judgment which is difficult to make, especially one involving only two alternatives.
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tough nut to crack »
A difficult or sticky problem.
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tough row to hoe »
A difficult or arduous task.
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trick out »
To trick out; to mod or customize an object, typically for the purpose of both personalization as well as enhancing the object's performance capabilities and more particularly for the purpose of performing stunts with that object.
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tuits »
Virtual tokens for an amount of time or attention that a particular issue would need to resolve.
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turn a phrase »
To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.
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two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
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up a creek »
In trouble; in a difficult situation.
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up a creek without a paddle »
In a difficult situation, without any help. Superlative form of up a creek: most up a creek.
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up the creek without a paddle »
In a difficult situation with no means of rectifying it.
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uphill battle »
difficult struggle
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washed up »
Finished; having no future in a particular role.
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water down »
To simplify or oversimplify; to make easier; to make less difficult.
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weather the storm »
To reach the end of a very difficult situation without too much harm or damage.
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what doesn't kill you makes you stronger »
Used to express the sentiment that hardship or difficult experiences build moral character.
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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 going gets tough, the tough get going »
in difficult times, it is the strong-willed who take action.
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whomp up »
To produce quickly, particularly a meal.
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winkle out »
To acquire something or someone with difficulty.
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yak shaving »
Any apparently useless activity which, by allowing you to overcome intermediate difficulties, allows you to solve a larger problem.
|
zoom down »
To move quickly along a particular route, list, etc.
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| BTW, Why won't you become an editor? |
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