a different ballpark »
Something totally unrelated or of a vastly different scale or scope.
|
a drop in the bucket »
An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem.
|
a dumb priest never got a parish »
(Irish) Those who fail to speak up fail to get what they want.
|
a fool and his money are soon parted »
It is easy to get money from foolish people, especially rich ones.
|
a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
|
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.
|
add up to »
To have a particular effect.
|
against the grain »
To sand or plane a piece of wood parallel or nearly parallel to the fibers such that splinters forming ahead of the tool originate below the cutting surface.
|
ahead of the game »
Having completed a task before it is due; ready, prepared, or anticipating.
|
aim at »
To design for a particular audience.
|
albatross »
A double eagle, or three under par on any one hole.
|
all in all »
Generally; for the most part; mostly.
|
all over the board »
Showing a wide range of values with no particular pattern.
|
all set »
Ready; prepared.
|
amateur hour »
A situation or activity in which the participants show a lack of skill, sound judgment, or professionalism.
|
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
|
apple of somebody's eye »
A favourite, a particular preference, or a loved one; the object of somebody's affections.
|
apples and oranges »
Said of a comparison of items that are not comparable.
|
at home »
In the home of one's parents.
|
at the ready »
Ready; in a state of preparation or waiting; in position or anticipation.
|
autem bawler »
A parson.
|
back off »
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
|
back office »
The IT and infrastructure support services for a company, separate from the public face of the business.
|
back up »
For the non-striker to take a few steps down the pitch, in preparation to taking a run, just as the bowler bowls the ball.
|
ballpark estimate »
A ballpark figure, a very rough approximation.
|
ballpark figure »
An educated guess or estimation within acceptable bounds.
|
barnburner »
Liberal faction of the New York state United States Democratic Party in the mid 19th century.
|
barrel »
A wave that breaks with a hollow compartment.
|
barrel »
The hollow basal part of a feather.
|
batten down the hatches »
Prepare for trouble.
|
be in on »
To be a party to a secret shared by a small group of people.
|
beat up »
To cause by some other means, injuries comparable to the result of being beaten up.
|
bee in one's bonnet »
Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.
|
beef to the hoof »
Fat, chubby, particularly with fat legs.
|
been there, done that »
An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is now bored.
|
below par »
Having a price below its face value.
|
below par »
Less than par for the hole or course.
|
below par »
Not up to the average or normal standard.
|
bench jockey »
A baseball term for a player, coach or manager who is annoying and distracts opposition players and umpires from his team's dugout bench with verbal repartee.
|
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.
|
bit part »
small acting role
|
bit part »
small acting role
|
bit part »
small acting role
|
bite me »
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
|
bitter end »
That part of an anchor cable which is abaft the bitts and thus remains onboard when a ship is riding at anchor.
|
blessed event »
An occurrence or occasion which is particularly noteworthy and enjoyable.
|
blue note »
Notes added to the major scale for expressive quality in jazz and blues music, particularly the flatted third, fifth and seventh.
|
borne out »
Past participle of bear out.
|
bottom of the ninth »
In baseball, the second part of the ninth and final inning. The end of the game.
|
bought the farm »
Simple past tense and past participle of buy the farm: died; often refers to death in battle.
|
brain surgery »
Surgery on any part of the nervous system, especially the brain; neurosurgery.
|
break a leg »
To perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
|
break out »
To separate from a bundle.
|
break the back of »
To achieve the greater part of some project.
|
break up »
To break or separate into pieces; to disintegrate or come apart.
|
break up »
To dissolve; to part.
|
break up »
To break or separate into pieces.
|
break up »
To stop a fight; to separate people who are fighting.
|
brick up »
To block by masonry, particularly using bricks.
|
bridge »
A device which connects two or more computer buses, typically in a transparent manner.
|
bridge »
A particular form of one hand placed on the table to support the cue when making a shot in cue sports.
|
bridge »
A valence bond, atom or chain of atoms that connects two different parts of a molecule; the atoms so connected being bridgeheads.
|
bridge »
Any of several electrical devices that measure characteristics such as impedance and inductance by balancing different parts of a circuit.
|
bring out »
To elicit, evoke, or emphasize a particular quality.
|
bum chum »
A male’s homosexual partner..
|
business as usual »
The normal course of an activity, particularly in circumstances that are out of the ordinary.
|
business end »
The part of a tool or other similar item, that is physically used for its operation, rather than the part which is held.
|
by a long shot »
By a wide margin; indicates a very big difference or disparity.
|
by the Grace of God »
Used as part of the titles of royalty.
|
by the skin of one's teeth »
Barely; closely; by a narrow margin; with nothing to spare.
|
by the way »
Incidentally; a parenthetical statement not timely, central, or crucial to the topic at hand; foregone, passed by, something that has already happened.
|
cat and mouse game »
Two individuals and/or groups repeatedly keeping check on each other in a suspicious or self-protective way, often with the goal of one or both parties trying to gain a malicious advantage over the other.
|
caucus race »
The competitive process in which a political party selects their candidate, esp. presidential; a primary election via caucus.
|
caught with one's pants down »
Caught off guard, unprepared, or in an embarrassing situation.
|
center field »
The part of a baseball field which is beyond the infield and straight ahead left if you stand on home plate and face the pitcher.
|
chain reaction »
A nuclear reaction in which particles produced by the fission of one atom trigger fissions of other atoms.
|
chance'd be a fine thing »
Given to indicate that an aforementioned thing would be desirable but unlikely. Comparable to if I should be so lucky.
|
chase tail »
Partner.
|
check out »
To pay the bill, and record one's departure, as from a hotel.
|
child's play »
Something particularly simple or easy.
|
chip in »
To make a contribution; help in a small way; especially, to pay for a part of something.
|
chip off the old block »
Someone who takes after their parent.
|
circle the wagons »
To prepare to defend against an attack.
|
circular firing squad »
A political party or other group experiencing considerable disarray because the members are engaging in internal disputes and mutual recrimination.
|
clear the decks »
To prepare for action.
|
clear the decks »
To remove, or fasten, all loose material, or partitions prior to a naval engagement.
|
climbing the walls »
Present participle of climb the walls.
|
collect one's thoughts »
To become mentally composed, especially after being distressed, surprised, or disoriented; to become calm or organized in one's emotional state or thinking, as in preparation for a conversation, speech, decision, etc.
|
cook up »
To prepare a heroin dose by heating.
|
cook up »
To prepare a meal.
|
copper-bottomed »
Having lower parts made of or covered by copper.
|
correlation does not imply causation »
(statistics) The observed correlation between two parameters, say, the growth of a market and the growth of a neighbor's child may, in fact, have nothing to do with each other's causation.
|
cover one's ass »
To make preparations or take precautions to ensure that one is not blamed or punished for one's conduct.
|
cover one's bases »
To be thorough; to prepare thoroughly or completely.
|
cross paths »
To be, by chance, in the same physical place at the same time, as a result of two completely separate journeys.
|
cross the aisle »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
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 floor »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
cross the floor »
To vote against one's own political party in parliament.
|
crown jewels »
A part of a company sought by another in a hostile takeover.
|
crush out »
To force out or separate by pressure.
|
curate's egg »
A thing which has good and bad parts.
|
cut in »
Especially, to dance with someone who is already dancing by replacing his or her partner.
|
cut in »
When painting, to paint edges, corners, or trim in preparation for rolling larger areas.
|
cut out »
Well suited; appropriate; fit for a particular activity or purpose.
|
dead giveaway »
Obvious, easily apparent.
|
dead heat »
A close race or contest in which no winner is apparent.
|
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.
|
deep end »
The part of a swimming pool with relatively deep water.
|
developments »
A group of building complexes or apartments. Often used for low income housing.
|
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.
|
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.
|
discretion is the better part of valour »
It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.1597
|
divvy up »
To divide or parcel out.
|
do one »
To depart from a place, often with a sense of urgency.
|
done a bunk »
Simple past tense and past participle of do a bunk.
|
doss down »
To sleep on someone's sofa or floor because there is no bed spare.
|
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.
|
draw a bath »
To fill a bathtub with water in preparation for taking a bath.
|
draw back »
To pull something back or apart.
|
drive away »
To depart by driving a vehicle.
|
drop the gloves »
To remove a prior impediment to action; to prepare for or engage in a dispute.
|
drug of choice »
The best-choice medication to treat a particular medical problem.
|
dyed in the wool »
Simple past tense and past participle of dye in the wool.
|
ear tunnel »
A part of the ear.
|
eat one's own dog food »
To use or consume the economic goods or services that oneself is producing; to be part of a closed household economy.
|
eat someone out of house and home »
C. 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2, Act II Scene I.
|
engine room »
A compartment on a ship in which the engine machinery is located.
|
even handed »
impartial
|
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.
|
evil twin »
A duplicate or counterpart of something or someone that acts in a contrary, nefarious, or insidious manner.
|
f** someone over »
To exploit somebody in a way which result in an advantage to oneself, at the cost of the other party gaining a considerable disadvantage.
|
facts on the ground »
Some aspects of the situation in a particular location.
|
fail over »
To automatically switch processing from a failed component in a critical system to its live spare or backup component.
|
fall apart »
To break into pieces through being in a dilapidated state.
|
fall apart »
To be emotionally in crisis.
|
fall by the wayside »
To fail to be completed, particularly for lack of interest; to be left out.
|
fall on one's face »
To fail, especially in a dramatic or particularly decisive manner.
|
fat of the land »
The greatest part of anything; the finest and most abundant share of resources; the cream of the crop.
|
feather in one's cap »
An accomplishment; particularly one that is flaunted or boasted of.
|
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 parade day.
|
fight off »
To resist, particularly an infection or an emotion.
|
fine words butter no parsnips »
Talking about doing something does not get it done.
|
fire drill »
An organised practice to prepare occupants of an office, school or other public building for evacuation in the event of a fire.
|
first among equals »
In the British and other parliamentary systems, a term used to describe the relationship of the prime minister to the other members of the cabinet.
|
flat-footed »
Unprepared to act.
|
fly on the wall »
A quiet, non-participating, or unseen observer; an eavesdropper or witness.
|
fly the coop »
To depart hastily or unannounced; to escape or flee.
|
fly-by-night »
One who departs or flees at night in order to avoid creditors, law enforcement etc. .
|
fool's paradise »
A state of happiness due to illusion or false hope.
|
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 most part »
Mostly; in general; usually.
|
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 »
As an opener, a sometimes sarcastic indicator to indicate a past event being mentioned is particularly important.
|
from scratch »
From the beginning; starting with no advantage or prior preparation; starting from raw ingredients.
|
from the Department of the Bleeding Obvious »
So obvious it was unnecessary to say.
|
full-fledged »
Having full qualification, credentials or preparation; entire; real.
|
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.
|
gear up »
To prepare for an activity.
|
get out of bed on the wrong side »
To start the day in a bad mood for no apparent reason.
|
get out of Dodge »
To leave; in particular to leave a difficult or dangerous environment with all possible haste.
|
get ready »
prepare oneself
|
gird up one's loins »
To prepare oneself for something demanding.
|
give away the store »
To transact, trade, or negotiate badly, by paying, providing, or conceding too much to the other party.
|
give ear »
Dante Gabriel Rosetti, A Death-Parting, lines 5-6.
|
give over »
To devote oneself to a particular activity.
|
go down that road »
To settle a way of doing something; do decide to do something in a particular way.
|
go down the road »
A way of doing something; to do something in a particular way.
|
go in for »
To engage or take part in something.
|
go off »
To depart; to leave.
|
go out on the town »
To party all night long.
|
go the distance »
To participate in a boxing match for its maximum number of rounds.
|
go the extra mile »
To make an extra effort; to do a particularly good job.
|
go without saying »
To be obvious, apparent or clear, or already established.
|
God works in mysterious ways »
Expressing confidence that a conundrum has a solution despite it not being apparent.Expressing that a seemingly unfortunate or unfavourable situation or change may be beneficial later or in the long run.Person A: It seems that I'm about to be fired from my job.Person B: Well, God works in mysterious ways - maybe it'll be the kick you need to apply to university...
|
gold standard »
A test or measure of comparison that is considered ultimate or ideal.
|
golden handcuffs »
Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage participant from wanting to leave, especially to retain a choice employee.
|
good riddance »
Used to indicate that a departure, or loss is welcome.
|
good to go »
Ready for some specific task or ready for normal activity, especially after preparation or recovery.
|
grasp at straws »
To guess randomly at or pursue any apparent option, as due to lack of options or information.
|
gray area »
A part that is not clear or certain; something that is open to interpretation.
|
great unwashed »
A contemptuous term for the populace, particularly the working class.
|
hack into »
To gain unauthorized entry to, particularly by exploiting little-known weaknesses.
|
half-baked »
Partially cooked by heating in an oven.
|
hang out »
To spend time doing nothing in particular.
|
hang out with »
To spend time with friends, doing nothing in particular.
|
hatchet job »
A treatment which serves primarily to disparage its subject; a piece of criticism which aims to destroy a reputation.
|
have a flat »
To be the owner of an apartment.
|
have eyes in the back of one's head »
To be particularly, especially uncannily, observant; a perceived ability to see in all directions at once.
|
have it your way »
Do something the way you want to, but be prepared for the consequences.
|
head scratcher »
A particularly puzzling or confusing event.
|
hedge one's bets »
To place bets with a third party in order to offset potential losses.
|
hell on earth »
A very unpleasant situation; torment, particularly when widespread.
|
high ground »
A location which is at a relatively high elevation, especially in comparison to the immediate surrounding area.
|
hit home »
To do something particularly great.
|
hit one out of the ballpark »
To hit a fair ball so well that the ball flies over all of the spectators' seats and lands outside the stadium.
|
hit one out of the ballpark »
To produce a spectacular achievement.
|
hit the books »
To study, especially with particular intensity.
|
hit the bottle »
To continually drink alcohol to excess, particularly in response to a setback.
|
hit the bricks »
To leave or depart; to get out.
|
hit the bricks »
To participate in a workplace strike or other job action; to participate in a public protest, especially one involving picketing.
|
hit the rock »
To make a gesture to show celebration, friendship, or to be part of a secret handshake by one person raising their fist so the fist is pointing at the person and the other person lightly punches the fist.
|
hit the spot »
To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.
|
hit the trail »
To leave or depart.
|
hold a candle »
To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another.
|
hold up »
To fulfil / fulfill or complete one's part of an agreement.
|
hold your fire »
Do not discharge your weapon. Used originally for weapons needing a spark or lighting of a fuse to ignite gunpowder, now sometimes used to mean any weapon launching a projectile.
|
home stretch »
The final part of a distance or the final effort needed to finish.
|
horses for courses »
The practice of choosing the best person for a particular job.
|
hot lunch »
A sexual act in which a pouch of clingfilm or similar material filled with faeces is placed in one of the participants' mouth and subsequently penetrated by the second participant.
|
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.
|
hunker down »
To take shelter; to prepare oneself for some eventuality; to focus on a task.
|
idiot light »
Any warning light or indicator on the dashboard of a car, designed to alert the driver of problems, such as the parking brake being on or the oil being low.
|
if looks could kill »
A phrase said upon catching sight of someone's giving you a particularly nasty look of discontent or disapproval.
|
in fact »
Resulting from the actions of parties.
|
in for an inch, in for a mile »
Given that one is partly involved in or committed to a project, action, position, etc., there is no reason to refrain from becoming fully involved or fully committed.
|
in front of one's nose »
Plain; clearly apparent; obvious.
|
in order »
Ready, prepared; orderly; tidy.
|
in particular »
specially
|
in the loop »
Informed; up to date; current; part of the discussion.
|
in the swim »
Actively participating in the flow of events; very involved.
|
inside baseball »
Technical matters concerning baseball not apparent to spectators.
|
it takes two to tango »
Some things need the active cooperation of two parties; blame is to be laid on both parties in a conflict.
|
joe job »
An act of e-mail spamming where the sender's identity and address are those of an innocent third party, intended either to tarnish that person's reputation or to flood that person's e-mail with bounces.
|
jug ears »
Ears whose plane is markedly not parallel to the plane of the head.
|
jump »
To employ a parachute to leave an aircraft or elevated location.
|
jump off »
To participate in the final round of an equestrian showjumping event.
|
jump rope »
The activity, game or exercise in which a person must jump, bounce or skip repeatedly while a length of rope is swung over and under, both ends held in the hands of the jumper, or alternately, held by two other participants. Often used for athletic training and among schoolchildren. Variations involve speed, chants, varied rope and jumper movement patterns, multiple jumpers and/or multiple ropes.
|
jump ship »
To depart a project without warning.
|
jump ship »
To part from a ship.
|
just for fun »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
keep it real »
In the imperative, an exhortation used as a departing salutation.
|
kick off »
To make the first kick in a game or part of a game.
|
kiss up »
To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.
|
knock up »
To put together, fabricate, or assemble, particularly if done hastily or temporarily. See also knock together.
|
late bloomer »
A person who lives a child's life comparatively later than their peers.
|
late bloomer »
A person who reaches puberty comparatively later than their peers.
|
lay off »
To place all or part of a bet with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.
|
lead »
A thin strip of type metal, used to separate lines of type in printing.
|
left field »
The part of a baseball field which is beyond the infield and to your left if you stand on home plate and face the pitcher.
|
legwork »
Work, especially research or preparation, that involves significant walking, travel, or similar effort.
|
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
|
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.
|
lie in wait »
prepare an ambush
|
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.
|
listen in »
To listen without participating.
|
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).
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live one »
A person, thing, or situation which is particularly interesting, noteworthy, or urgent.
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loaded for bear »
Mentally prepared for a daunting situation or confrontation.
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log off »
To depart from conversation; to say goodbye.
|
lone gunman »
An individual person who acts on his or her own initiative, without partners, especially one who has sole responsibility for doing something questionable, confidential, or iniquitous.
|
long time »
Used as part of greeting of two people who have not been in contact for a long time.
|
look off »
To mislead by directing one's apparent attention away from one's true object of intent.
|
look-in »
A chance to participate, compete, or succeed.
|
Loose cannon »
An uncontrolled or unpredictable person who causes damage to his own friends, faction, political party, etc.
|
lose one's touch »
To lose one's special mastery of or knack for a particular skill or activity.
|
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.
|
lucky break »
A stroke of luck; a fortunate event, particularly of the sort that propels one to success, fame, etc.
|
make amends »
To repair a relationship; to make up; to resolve an argument or fight; to make reparations or redress.
|
make oneself scarce »
To leave or depart, or to avoid or stay away.
|
make tracks »
To leave or depart; to go away.
|
man of parts »
A man that is talented in multiple areas of life. This includes but is not limited to the area of seduction. He puts very little emphasis on memorized scripts or "peacocking" and instead relies on individualized ways to charm a woman.
|
man up »
His station, prepared for departure of an aircraft, ship, etc.
|
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
|
meat rack »
A place where people can meet looking for sexual partners.
|
meaty »
Of a person or a body part, large and solid.
|
moment of truth »
A deciding instant; the time when a test determines or makes it apparent whether something will succeed.
|
moral high ground »
A position or point of view which is ethically superior or more reputable, in comparison to others which are under consideration.
|
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.
|
necktie party »
An execution by hanging, especially a lynching.
|
night person »
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours, and who usually sleeps during part of the daytime.
|
no screaming hell »
Something that is not particularly effective or impressive; something that is below expectations.
|
no spring chicken »
Said of a person who is no longer particularly young.
|
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
|
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.
|
of an »
Indicates a more or less habitual activity during the given part of the day.
|
of course »
Asserts that the associated phrase should not be argued, particularly if it is obvious or there is no choice in the matter.
|
of sorts »
Resembling; similar to; in a way; partial or not entire; somewhat.
|
off board »
Not participating.
|
off-the-cuff »
Extemporaneous; without prior preparation; impromptu.
|
oil burner »
A device whose operation causes apparent combustion of lubricating oil.
|
old testament »
part of the bible
|
on board »
Joining in or participating.
|
on the defensive »
Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
|
on the face of it »
Apparently; as far as can be seen or determined.
|
on the right track »
Using the correct general approach to a particular task or problem; pursuing something in a promising way.
|
on the spot »
Having to answer or decide without warning or preparation.
|
on the spot »
In a particular place.
|
on the whole »
For the most part; apart from some insignificant details.
|
one another »
Used of a reciprocal relationship among a group of more than two people or things; compare each other.
|
one-night stand »
A single sexual encounter between two individuals, where at least one of the parties has no immediate intention or expectation of establishing a longer-term sexual or romantic relationship. As the phrase implies, the relationship lasts for only one night.
|
ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny »
(biology, social sciences, art, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization.1905, J. A. Harris, "The Importance of Investigations of Seedling Stages," Science, New Series, vol. 22, no. 554, p. 186:With reference to seedling stages the statement that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny must be made with great reserve.1961, M. E. Wolfgang, "Pioneers in Criminology: Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909)," The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, vol. 52, no. 4, p. 367:Haeckel maintained that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, and this idea was incorporated by Lombroso into his parallelism between the criminal and the child.2002, B. S. Jackson, "Models in Legal History: The Case of Biblical Law," Journal of Law and Religion, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 11:For even if we accept that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny," those responsible for the drafting of ancient legal documents were not children, and are hardly to be endowed with some form of infantile mentality.
|
opposite number »
A person who holds a position in an organization that corresponds to that held by another person in an other organization; a counterpart.
|
opposites attract »
people who are completely different make ideal partners.
|
opt in »
To choose to participate in something.
|
opt out »
To choose not to participate in something.
|
out of house and home »
Gail White, Partying with the Intelligentsia.
|
out of it »
Not participating in some trend or group.
|
out of one's depth »
To be in a situation which one is poorly prepared or unprepared to handle.
|
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 sight »
How was the party? Out of sight, man!.
|
out of the blue »
Unexpectedly; without warning or preparation.
|
out of the loop »
Not informed up to date; current; not kept part of the discussion.
|
out of the woods »
Out of peril; likely to recover or prevail over trouble; finished with the worst or most threatening part of a problem or illness.
|
out of wedlock »
Of parents not legally married.
|
outsider »
One who is not part of a community or organization.
|
pack up »
To prepare for shipping, as a gift.
|
paint the town red »
To party or celebrate in a rowdy, wild manner, especially in a public place.
|
paper »
A written document, generally shorter than a book , in particular one written for the Government.
|
par for the course »
To be expected; normal; common; usual.
|
parade of horribles »
A parade featuring a progression of people wearing comic and grotesque costumes.
|
parade of horribles »
A rhetorical device employing a series of progressively more terrible results following from an act.
|
parcel out »
To divide into portions or chunks; to ration.
|
pardon me »
Polite expression to get someone to repeat.
|
pardon me »
Sorry; said as an apology.
|
pardon my French »
Please excuse my swearing or bad language.
|
pare down »
To reduce by paring or a similar gradual process.
|
park that thought »
Alternative form of hold that thought.
|
park the car in Harvard Yard »
A sentence used to illustrate that the Boston accent is non-rhotic; typically pronounced "pahk the cah in Hahvad Yahd".
|
parking lot »
A major thruway blocked by stop and go traffic.
|
parking lot »
An open area, generally paved, where automobiles may be left when not in use.
|
part and parcel »
An integral or essential piece; that which must be done or accepted as part of something else.
|
parting shot »
An insult or barbed comment issued as the speaker departs or the conversation comes to an end.
|
party animal »
A person known for frequent, enthusiastic attendance at parties, especially one whose partying behavior is exuberant or excessive.
|
party crasher »
Someone who attempts and often gains entry to a party or club to which they were not invited, often using social engineering techniques. The party crasher usually tries to blend into the party so as not to be kicked out.
|
party pooper »
Someone who unnecessarily dampens fun.
|
party to »
Privy to; having knowledge of.
|
pass muster »
To measure up to a particular standard.
|
pay the fiddler »
To contribute in order to participate.
|
peed off »
Simple past tense and past participle of pee off.
|
pendre la cr%C3%A9maill%C3%A8re »
To have a housewarming party.
|
pickle »
A children’s game with three participants that emulates a baseball rundown.
|
pitch in »
To help out; lend assistance; contribute; to do one's part.
|
plan on »
To expect; to prepare future actions based on.
|
play along »
To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.
|
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.
|
play to the gallery »
To appeal to the least sophisticated parts of an audience in order to obtain maximum approval.
|
play with fire »
To put oneself in a precarious situation with a high risk of getting harmed, particularly emotionally or financially.
|
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.
|
prawn cocktail offensive »
A strategy of the Labour Party in winning over important people in the world of finance.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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 apart »
To open something by pulling on various parts of it.
|
pull one's head in »
To withdraw as a turtle might; to discontinue support of a particular argument.
|
push the boat out »
To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.
|
put someone down as »
To assume someone has a particular character from very little information.
|
put something into perspective »
To compare with something similar to give a clearer, more accurate idea.
|
put up one's dukes »
Prepare to fight; literally, to raise your fists.
|
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.
|
rain on someone's parade »
To disappoint or discourage someone.
|
rank and file »
Those lacking any particular title or status; those having no station.
|
rat race »
An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or tedious, especially in the context of a busy, modern urban lifestyle.
|
rat running »
Present participle of rat run.
|
rest his soul »
Used parenthetically to mark the referent as being deceased.
|
ride the short bus »
To participate in a special education program, such as for those with learning disabilities.
|
rip up »
tear apart
|
rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
|
roll up one's sleeves »
To prepare to work.
|
run a bath »
To fill a bathtub with water in preparation for taking a bath.
|
run off »
To flee or depart quickly.
|
run off »
To operate by a particular energy source.
|
run on »
To operate with a particular energy source.
|
run out on »
To leave a partner suddenly and without prior warning.
|
run to »
To reach a particular maximum amount, size, value, etc.
|
rustle up »
To quickly prepare something.
|
sainted »
Simple past tense and past participle of saint.
|
say goodbye »
To separate from someone.
|
scrape the bottom of the barrel »
To use the least desirable parts of something.
|
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.
|
scrimp and save »
To scrimp greatly; to economize; to live very frugally, particularly when saving for something.
|
scrounge up »
To seek or find despite a lack of apparent resources or availability.
|
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.
|
second fiddle »
A fiddle part in harmony to the first fiddle.
|
see you later »
A phrase used at parting, and not necessarily implying that the person being addressed will be seen later by the speaker.
|
sell »
To promote a particular viewpoint; to manipulate towards a desired end.
|
sell a bargain »
A species of wit, much in vogue about the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, and frequently alluded to by Dean Swift, who says the maids of honour often amused themselves with it. It consisted in the seller naming his or her hinder parts, in answer to the question, What? which the buyer was artfully led to ask. As a specimen, take the following instance: A lady would come into a room full of company, apparently frightened, crying out "It is white, and follows me!" As soon as someone responded "What?" she sold him the bargain, by saying "Mine arse".
|
send away »
To send to a particular place for a long time, as a family member, an employee, etc.
|
send up »
parody
|
separate the wheat from the chaff »
To select only that which is of value.
|
set aside »
To separate and reserve something for a specific purpose.
|
set down »
Simple sum of parts set + down, to place, especially on the ground or a surface; to cease carrying.
|
set sail »
depart
|
set the stage »
To prepare; to establish the basis or required conditions.
|
sex up »
To take part in sexual acts with.
|
shacked up »
Simple past tense and past participle of shack up.
|
sing along »
A gathering or event where participants are encouraged to add their voices in song.
|
singing from the same hymnbook »
Present participle of sing from the same hymnbook.
|
sink one's teeth into »
To become involved in; particularly in an enthusiastic manner.
|
sit out »
To decline to participate; particularly, to decline to dance.
|
sleep around »
To have numerous sexual partners.
|
smallpox blanket »
An apparently benevolent offering whose real intent is to disrupt, destabilize or weaken.
|
smart arse »
One who is particularly flippant or insolent or tends to make snide remarks or jokes.
|
smoking gun »
Evidence, particularly of a crime, that is difficult or impossible to dispute.
|
sort of »
Approximately; in a way; partially; not quite; somewhat.
|
sort out »
To organise or separate into groups, as a collection of items, so as to make tidy.
|
sort out »
To separate from the remainder of a group; often construed with from.
|
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.
|
spare the rod and spoil the child »
If one does not discipline a child, he or she will never learn obedience and good manners.
|
spare tire »
An extra wheel or tire carried as a replacement in case of a flat.
|
spare tire »
Excess weight or fat accumulated near the waist.
|
spare tyre »
A large stomach and rolls of fat around the waist.
|
spare tyre »
An extra tyre carried in case one of the vehicle's tyres is damaged or deflated.
|
spark off »
To initiate something by providing the necessary conditions.
|
spark spread »
The difference between the cost of the fuel required to produce a unit of electricity, and the price of that same unit of electricity.
|
speak to »
To address a particular topic.
|
spectator sport »
A sporting activity which has a relatively high ratio of watchers to direct participants.
|
spectator sport »
Something, especially a process or activity, which is a popular object of observation; an activity which a person prefers to watch rather than to participate in.
|
spill one's seed »
To masturbate or to ejaculate when the penis has been withdrawn from one's partner.
|
spit it out »
To overcome reluctance to say something particular or to speak in general.
|
split up »
Cease to be together, break apart from the group.
|
split up »
Separate, disassociate, cause to come apart.
|
spread out »
Become further apart.
|
spread out »
To place items further apart.
|
stand back »
To abstain from participation.
|
stand off »
To stand some distance apart form something or someone.
|
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.
|
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.
|
straight man »
A member of a team of comic performers who plays a supporting role by helping to set up jokes and punch lines through engaging in preparatory dialog with the principal comedian; a foil who plays such a role in theatrical comedy.
|
stretch out »
To fully extend a part of the body.
|
strike through »
Partly obliterate text by drawing a continuous line through the centre thereof, usually to indicate the deletion of an error or obsolete information.
|
sweet hereafter »
Heaven; paradise as enjoyed in the afterlife.
|
sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
|
swot up on »
To study particularly hard to learn a subject quickly.
|
tack up »
To prepare a horse for riding by equipping it with tack.
|
take a hike »
To go away; to leave or depart.
|
take a number »
Recognize that many others are in the same situation; recognize that one's concerns are not of high priority; be prepared to wait.
|
take a powder »
To leave in a hurry; run away; scram; depart without taking leave or notifying anyone, often with a connotation of avoiding something unpleasant or shirking responsibility.
|
take apart »
To dismantle something into it's component pieces.
|
take apart »
To soundly defeat someone, or a team.
|
take apart »
To criticise someone.
|
take apart »
To move someone away from others to be able to talk to, or give them something in private.
|
take it easy »
An informal greeting for parting or closing.
|
take off »
To depart.
|
take part »
To participate or join.
|
take part »
To share or partake.
|
take the biscuit »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
|
take the cake »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
|
task force »
A group of people working towards a particular task, project, or activity, especially assigned in a particular capacity.
|
tell all »
To reveal everything, particularly information that is normally withheld.
|
tell apart »
To be able to know the difference between things; to distinguish.
|
than a bygod »
Used with a comparative to express extreme heat or cold.
|
the apple doesn't fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents in the way they act and in their physical abilities.
|
the end all-be all »
Something ultimate; the best part of something; the thing which solves all problems associated with something.
|
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 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.
|
there's no time like the present »
Now (i.e., the present time) is an appropriate time to take a particular action.
|
thin out »
To make or become sparse.
|
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.
|
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
|
throw in at the deep end »
To introduce a person to a new situation without adequately preparing him or her.
|
tickled pink »
Simple past tense and past participle of tickle pink.
|
tip one's hand »
To inadvertently reveal any secret, particularly a secret that puts one at an advantage or disadvantage.
|
to die for »
Very good; exquisite; excellent; particularly desirable.
|
to spare »
left over
|
trailer park trash »
Lower-class people who live in trailer parks.
|
trailer trash »
Trailer park trash.
|
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.
|
tuckered out »
Simple past tense and past participle of tucker out.
|
tuits »
Virtual tokens for an amount of time or attention that a particular issue would need to resolve.
|
tune up »
To make preparations for vigorous exercise; to warm up.
|
turf war »
A fight or confrontation between two divisions or parties for access to resources or capital.
|
turn a phrase »
To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.
|
turn into a pumpkin »
Used to indicate a curfew, or the time by which one must depart.
|
turn the tables »
To reverse a situation, such that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged.
|
two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
|
under one's nose »
Obvious or apparent.
|
under way »
A vessel is said to be underway when she is not anchored, moored, aground, or beached[1]. Compare with make way.
|
up for »
Willing to participate in; interested in.
|
up in arms »
Angry; preparing for a fight.
|
valley of the shadow of death »
Valleys on earth one must walk through, that is, part of the human experience.
|
vice squad »
police department
|
vote with one's feet »
To show a lack of support for something by departing or otherwise absenting oneself.
|
walk in the park »
A recreational walk in a park.
|
walk in the park »
Something easy or pleasant, especially by comparison to something.
|
walk the line »
To participate in the procession at a graduation ceremony; to graduate.
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wall off »
To separate with a wall.
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ward off »
To parry, or turn aside.
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warm up »
To prepare for executing an already-learned activity by a limited amount of additional practice.
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wash up »
To clean the utensils, dishes etc. used in preparing and eating a meal.
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washed up »
Finished; having no future in a particular role.
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wear one's heart on one's sleeve »
To be extremely transparent, open, or forthright about one's emotions.
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wear out »
Of apparel, displayed in public.
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weekend warrior »
A part-time soldier, or reservist.
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whack-a-mole »
The practice of trying to stop something that persistently occurs in an apparently random manner at the point where the occurrence is noticed, such as terminating spammers' e-mail accounts or closing pop-up advertisement windows.
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whomp up »
To produce quickly, particularly a meal.
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whoop it up »
To have a great time; to party or revel excessively or noisily.
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wing it »
To improvise; to make things up or figure things out as one goes; or to perform with little or no preparation.
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worlds apart »
Vastly different.
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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.
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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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