a few sandwiches short of a picnic »
Exhibiting disquiet or unsoundness of mind; not sane; mad.
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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.
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a picture is worth a thousand words »
Alternative form of a picture paints a thousand words.
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a picture paints a thousand words »
A visualisation is a better description than a verbal description.1971, David Gates (of Bread), If, from Manna album:If a picture paints a thousand wordsThen why can't I paint you;The words will never showThe you I've come to know.1989, Alan Kay, quoted in K?o-tung Huang, Timothy D. Huang, Introduction to Chinese, Japanese and Korean Computing, World Scientific, ISBN 9971506645, p. 9:Most human beings, no matter how familiar they are with abstract symbols, respond to voice and images better than written language. In other words, A picture paints a thousand words.2006, Paul Shakespeare, Building a Dune Buggy: The Essential Manual, ISBN 1904788734, p. 52:See accompanying diagram: a picture paints a thousand words, and all that!
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a pull of the hair for being unfair »
The general response to "A kick and a flick for being so quick", which is in turn a response in itself to "A pinch and a punch for the first day of the month".
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a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down »
An otherwise unpleasant situation can be pleasant when a pleasant aspect is deliberately introduced.1999, Eli Yassif, The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning, Indiana University Press, ISBN 0253335833, page 372,One is known as the "sweetening parable," that is to say a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Thus, when the aim is to preach to the people, to guide them along the "bitter," arduous path of upholding burdensome precepts and prohibitions, a tale can lighten the load, make the "medicine" easier "to swallow."2001, Maureen Reagan, First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir, Little, Brown, ISBN 0316736368, page 319,It put some fun into the tedious business of preparing for a presidential debate. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?2004, John Hoover, How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive... Without Killing Your Boss, Career Press, ISBN 1564147045, page 11,If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, a barrel of laughs can wash down the big pills you might need to swallow.
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about turn »
A complete change of opinion, direction, etc.
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ace of spades »
The playing card belonging to the spades suit and featuring one pip.
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after all »
in spite of everything
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after one's own heart »
Of a person: having the same ideas, opinions or behaviour as oneself.
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against all odds »
Despite seemingly insurmountable opposition or probability.
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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.
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agree to disagree »
To tolerate each other's opinion and stop arguing; to acknowledge that an agreement will not be reached.
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all nations »
A composition of all the different spirits sold in a dram-shop, collected in a vessel into which the drainings of the bottles and quartern pots are emptied.
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all of the sudden »
Suddenly, rapidly.
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answer on a postcard »
To give a brief answer or opinion.
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apple does not fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.1842, E. A. Freidlaender (translator), Frederika Bremer (author), The Neighbours, ch. 10:It is impossible to look at Madam Rhen, without at once making the conclusion that she is pleasantness, hospitality, and loquacity itself; nor can one look upon her daughter Renetta without thinking, "the apple does not fall far from the tree!"1978, Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, "Doctor Asks Patient
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Après-ski »
A place "after skiing". Typically a bar or pub where people go after a day on the slopes to ease off and meet other people.
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April showers bring May flowers »
April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains.By extension, that a period of discomfort can provide the basis for a period of happiness.
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are your ears burning »
Said of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.
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ark ruffian »
Rogues who, in conjunction with watermen, robbed, and sometimes murdered, on the water, by picking a quarrel with the passengers in a boat, boarding it, plundering, stripping, and throwing them overboard, etc. A species of badger.
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at a pinch »
By the skin of one’s teeth; only just; Deo volente; perhaps; if you’re lucky..
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at a pinch »
in an emergency
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at all hours »
Late into the night or early morning; when people ought to be sleeping.
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at heart »
In spirit; according to one's beliefs, views or feelings; deep down, really, fundamentally.
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at sea »
On the ocean or sea, typically of a ship or person aboard a ship.
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autem diver »
Pickpockets who practice in churches; also churchwardens and overseers of the poor.
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babes in the wood »
Criminals in the stocks, or pillory.
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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.
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bad taste in one's mouth »
A feeling something is morally despicable as to cause nausea.
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baggage »
Heavy baggage; women and children. Also a familiar epithet for a woman; as, cunning baggage, wanton baggage, &c.
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bail out »
To remove water from a boat by scooping it out.
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banyan day »
In modern usage it refers to a picnic or cookout for the ship's crew.
|
bawdy basket »
The twenty-third rank of canters, who carry pins, tape, ballads, and obscene books to sell, but live mostly by stealing.
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be of two minds »
To be undecided or unsure; to equivocate; to have multiple opinions.
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beat around the bush »
To treat a topic but omit its main points, often intentionally.
|
been there, done that »
An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is now bored.
|
beg to differ »
To differ strongly in opinion or interpretation.
|
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.
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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.
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between the jigs and the reels »
Eventually, despite all the confusion.
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big gun »
A large-caliber artillery piece.
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big picture »
The main film in a double feature.
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big picture »
The totality of a situation.
|
birds of the feather flock together »
People who are alike physically tend to congregate and socialize together, despite government efforts at forced integration.
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bits and bobs »
A random assortment of things; small remaining pieces and things.
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bitter pill »
Something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured.
|
blaze a trail »
To show the way or proceed rapidly.
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blow a kiss »
To kiss one's hand, then blow on the hand in a direction towards the recipient.
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blow hot and cold »
To behave inconsistently; to vacillate or to waver, as between extremes of opinion or emotion.
|
blow the whistle »
To make a piercing sound which signals a referee's action or the end of a game.
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blue devils »
Low spirits; depression.
|
bone up »
To study or cram, especially in order to refresh one's knowledge of a topic.
|
box the compass »
To make a complete reversal in stance or opinion.
|
box-office bomb »
A motion picture that generates relatively low revenue at the box office, especially that which is less than the budget for the motion picture.
|
brain-dead »
Having no useful thoughts; stupid; ditzy.
|
break a sweat »
' , Karon Karter - The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method page 119.
|
break off »
To remove a piece from a whole by breaking or snapping.
|
break up »
To break or separate into pieces; to disintegrate or come apart.
|
break up »
To break or separate into pieces.
|
breakfast of champions »
An ironic appellation for beer, junk food, or other foods implied to be unhealthy.
|
brickbat »
A piece of brick used as a weapon, especially if thrown, or placed in something like a sock and used as a club.
|
brickbat »
A criticism or uncomplimentary remark hurled at artwork or other recipient.
|
bridge »
A device which connects two or more computer buses, typically in a transparent manner.
|
bridge »
An unintended solder connection between two or more components or pins.
|
bridge »
Cue for extended or tedious shots. Also called a spider.
|
bridge »
The piece, on string instruments, that supports the strings from the sounding board.
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bring owls to Athens »
Who brings owls to Athens? — Euelpides, in Aristophanes' Birds.
|
bucket of bolts »
A piece of machinery that is not worth more than its scrap value, often of old cars.
|
build up »
To accumulate, to pile up.
|
buoy up »
To uplift, hearten, inspire or raise the spirits.
|
burn rubber »
To accelerate so rapidly from standstill that it leaves a mark of burnt rubber on the road from the tire.
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busted flush »
Anything which ends up worthless despite great potential.
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by leaps and bounds »
Rapidly. Said of making progress.
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by the by »
Used to introduce a new topic; incidentally.
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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.
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call 'em as one sees 'em »
To candidly and honestly express an opinion or viewpoint.
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call forth »
To induce, inspire.
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carry a torch for »
[2] To harbor feelings of love despite not being in a relationship; generally unrequited or after a relationship has ended, and sometimes implying secret feelings. There is the implication of keeping hope alive.
|
carry a tune »
To produce music, especially to sing, with accurate pitch.
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carry the message to Garcia »
To perform a requisite task despite obstacles.
|
cast aspersions »
To make damaging or spiteful remarks.
|
castle in the air »
A visionary project or scheme; a day-dream; an idle fancy; a pipe dream; any plan, desire, or idea that is unlikely to be ever realized; a near impossibility.
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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.
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cat in the sack »
Something to be suspicious of.
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catch up »
To pick up suddenly.
|
center field »
The defensive position in the outfield in the middle, typically played by a player that can run fast.
|
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.
|
change of heart »
A change of one's opinion, belief or decision.
|
cherry pick »
To position oneself near the opponent's goal to attempt to receive an errant or intentional pass for an easy score, as in basketball or versions of soccer where offsides are not enforced.
|
cherry pick »
To select only the best from a range of options.
|
cherry picking »
Selecting only the best from a group or other range of choices.
|
cherry-pick »
To pick out the best, or most desirable items from a list or group, especially to obtain some advantage or to present something in the best possible light.
|
chip on one's shoulder »
A form of challenge in the same spirit as a medieval knight throwing down his gauntlet.
|
clean up »
To make an area or a thing clean; to pick up a mess; to tidy.
|
cloud nine »
A state of happiness, elation or bliss; often used in the phrase on cloud nine.
|
come round »
To change one's opinion.
|
come to a head »
To rapidly come to a turning point.
|
come what may »
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
|
company »
A military unit, typically consisting of two or three platoons.
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conversation piece »
interesting object
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cop-out »
Avoidance or inadequate performance of a task or duty; the action of copping out.
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copious free time »
A hypothetical time set aside for performing time-consuming tasks, however insinuating that the speaker really has no free time.
|
copy typist »
office worker
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creep into »
To enter something or somewhere by creeping.
|
cry out »
To shout in a loud voice, due to pain, or fear, or unhappiness.
|
cuckoo clock »
ornate timepiece
|
curveball »
A forespin pitch thrown by rotating the index and middle fingers down and resulting in motion down "curve".
|
cut a wide swath »
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
|
cut off one's nose to spite one's face »
To harm oneself as a result of attempting to harm an adversary.
|
cut up »
To cut into smaller pieces.
|
cutie pie »
A cute person.
|
cutie pie »
A small hand-held radiation meter.
|
deadstick landing »
When a pilot lands a plane after the engine has died; a landing lacking any propulsion control.
|
debris field »
Any area, non-dependent of locale, space, or contour, that contains the debris of wreckage, impact, sinking, or other material that once constituted a complete object. Debris fields can be found at the site of air crashes, water vessel sinking, explosions of buildings, collapses, and other events that render a whole entity into components, pieces, or other non-whole items.
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deliver the message to Garcia »
What we need is people who get the job done, no matter how. We don't want pickers who'll only learn if we use their preferred learning method. Have you read "A Message to Garcia" ? That's what we need today - young people who can deliver the message to Garcia.
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dig up dirt »
To examine in order to find negative information for public opinion, usually with the purpose of embarrassing or discrediting a person.
|
dirty word »
The name of a topic that a person does not like to hear or discuss.
|
do up »
To fasten a piece of clothing.
|
do without »
To manage despite the lack of something.
|
don't be penny wise and pound foolish »
Don't be careful when it comes to spending small amounts of money, but careless when spending much larger amounts.Don't focus on minutiae and lose sight of the big picture; don't obsess over tiny inconsequential efficiencies while glaring inefficiencies are going on elsewhere.
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don't cry over spilled milk »
Alternative spelling of don't cry over spilt milk.
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don't cry over spilt milk »
It is no use worrying about unfortunate events which have already happened and which cannot be changed.
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don't shit where you eat »
(idiomatic, vulgar) One should not cause trouble in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself.1998 April 14, Nelson Navarro, "Ever faithful, ever true," Manila Standard (Philippines) (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):The guiding principle is Don't shit where you eat. Office romances are always destructive of morale and objectivity.2003 Oct. 8, Jonathan Valania, "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Pussy," Philadelphia Weekly (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Limbaugh was scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the NAB convention in, of all places, Philadelphia, thus violating the cardinal law of the animal kingdom: Don't shit where you eat.2006 Sept. 19, Michael Musto, "NY Mirror," Village Voice (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Mitchell refused to indulge in on-set romances with either gender. "You don't shit where you eat," he told me, plainly.
|
double Dutch »
A language game akin to pig Latin.
|
double Dutch »
Sex using a condom and the contraceptive pill at the same time.
|
draw a blank »
To be unable to produce a required piece of information.
|
duck soup »
Easy, or a piece of cake.
|
dumb bunny »
A stupid person.
|
each to his own »
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion or tastes.My housemate is a strict vegan. I personally could never not eat meat, but each to his own.
|
ear tunnel »
A piece of jewelry that fits into a stretched earlobe hole and makes it seem like a peephole and makes it see-through.
|
ears are burning »
Being the topic of discussion in another place; or sensing that this is happening.
|
easy as pie »
Very easy.
|
eat humble pie »
To admit one's faults; to make a humiliating apology.
|
empty vessels make the most sound »
noisy, opinionated people are often stupid.
|
esprit de corps »
A shared spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a cause among the members of a group, for example of a military unit.
|
evil twin »
A rogue wireless access point installed near a legitimate one for purposes of eavesdropping or phishing.
|
face up to »
To confront a condition or situation, typically one that is unpleasant or uncomfortable.
|
facts on the ground »
A euphemism, similar to fait accompli, used as an oblique way of saying that discussions over the possession of a given piece of territory has been rendered moot by the presence of military forces.
|
fall apart »
To break into pieces through being in a dilapidated state.
|
falling out »
A disagreement; a major difference of opinion.
|
fashion plate »
A picture, usually an advertisement, showing the latest fashion in clothing.
|
fast asleep »
Sleeping, in a deep sleep.
|
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.
|
fifth wheel »
A type of trailer hitch, which consists of a horseshoe-shaped plate on a multi-directional pivot, with a locking pin to couple with the kingpin of a truck trailer.
|
fifth wheel »
A very large trailer that is towed with a pickup truck.
|
fire off »
To ask an unexpected question rapidly.
|
five-finger discount »
Theft or pilferage, typically of a small item; shoplifting.
|
flat-earther »
A person who believes or advocates an outlandish, discredited theory; a person who refuses to acknowledge the truth despite overwhelming evidence.
|
flower »
Typically including sepals, petals, stamens, and ovaries; often conspicuously colourful.
|
fly-by-night »
Businesses that appear and disappear rapidly, or that give an impression of transience.
|
fool's paradise »
A state of happiness due to illusion or false hope.
|
for my money »
Used to mark a statement made by the speaker as an opinion or something not known with certainty.
|
from pillar to post »
To another; hither and thither, to and fro.
|
full of oneself »
Egotistical, believing oneself to be superior to others; preoccupied with one's own work, interests, point of view, etc.
|
full tilt »
As quickly as possible; very rapidly.
|
get off »
To stop using a piece of equipment.
|
get stuck into »
Get busy with; become occupied with; become immersed in.
|
give some skin »
To greet or congratulate someone by slapping his or her palm; see slap me five.
|
give somebody a piece of one's mind »
To express one's opinion strongly; to voice one's disagreement or dissatisfaction.
|
glutton for punishment »
One persistent in an effort in spite of harmful or unpleasant results.
|
go down the pan »
To fail or degenerate rapidly.
|
go down the tubes »
To fail or degenerate rapidly.
|
go out »
To become extinct, to expire.
|
god fearing »
pious
|
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 mine »
A plentiful stockpile of something sought after.
|
gratuitous violence »
The artificial depiction of excessive violence.
|
greenwash »
A false or misleading picture of environmental friendliness used to conceal or obscure damaging activities.
|
grey area »
A topic that is not clearly one thing or the other.
|
guinea pig »
A tailless rodent of the Cavia genus, with short ears and larger than a hamster; the species Cavia porcellus is often kept as a pet.
|
gunboat diplomacy »
The pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of military power.
|
hand in hand »
Holding or clasping hands.
|
happily ever after »
Living happily until death. Typically associated with fairy tales.
|
hard shoulder »
mortorway shopping area
|
has-been »
A formerly popular or influential person whose popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline. Typically said of professionals or celebrities whose primary success is behind them.
|
hatchet job »
A treatment which serves primarily to disparage its subject; a piece of criticism which aims to destroy a reputation.
|
hate somebody's guts »
To despise; to hate intensely or passionately.
|
have a bone to pick »
To have a complaint or grievance with somebody.
|
have a fit »
To experience an epileptic seizure.
|
have one's hands full »
To be busy or thoroughly preoccupied.
|
have second thoughts »
To change one's opinion, or be uneasy about a previous decision.
|
have to do with the price of tea in China »
To have any relation or bearing whatsoever on the topic at hand, usually used to emphasize the lack of relationship of a non sequitur.
|
head girl »
senior female pupil
|
hedge one's bets »
To reduce the risk of making a mistake, by keeping one's options open.
|
helping hand »
Any assistance, help or aid.
|
here you are »
Said when you hand something over to someone or do a favour to them, usually to draw the recipient's attention to the exchange; Equivalent to “thank you” when receiving something..
|
hit on »
To discover, pinpoint; to think up; to realize; to invent.
|
hit the bricks »
To participate in a workplace strike or other job action; to participate in a public protest, especially one involving picketing.
|
hold one's breath »
To inhale and then intentionally close the epiglottis so that one's breath is not exhaled.
|
home is where the heart is »
One's true home is where one feels happiest.
|
homeless dumping »
The practice of hospital employees or emergency workers releasing homeless patients on the streets instead of placing them into the custody of a relative or shelter or retaining them in a hospital where they may require expensive medical care.
|
hopping mad »
Extremely angry; furious to the point of outburst.
|
horse opera »
A theatrical production, film, or program on radio or television depicting adventures of characters in the American Old West; a western.
|
horse sense »
Common sense, especially with a connotation of folk wisdom independent from, and trumping, formal education.
|
hospital pass »
A poorly executed pass to a team-mate causing the receiver to present an easy target for a defender, and thus be tackled hard.
|
hospital pass »
A throw that stays in the air long enough that it allows too many people to get underneath it, increasing the risk of injury and a trip to the hospital. Thus, a hospital pass.
|
hospital pass »
An unwinnable case, often passed to a newly-qualified member of the firm.
|
hospital pass »
Exempting one from regular activities, to instead visit a hospital.
|
hot mess »
Refers to a person, thing, or situation in such a state of disarray or disapproval by peers, often in reference to physical appearance, perceived to be disastrously embarrassing, pitiful, or beyond repair.
|
hot potato »
A child's game in which players pass a ball or other item between them, with the object of avoiding being left holding the item when time expires.
|
hotfoot it »
To hasten; to move rapidly.
|
how are you »
An informal greeting, not requiring a literal response. Typical responses include.
|
how's the weather »
Indicating a change of subject to unimportant topics.
|
humble pie »
A pie made from the offal of deer or hog.
|
humble pie »
Humility, being humble.
|
hunger is the best spice »
When one is hungry, anything will taste good.
|
if pigs had wings »
Never.
|
if pigs had wings »
Shortened form of if pigs had wings they would fly.
|
if pigs had wings they would fly »
(colloquial) Expresses speakers skepticism toward a hypothetical argument by another.
|
ignorance is bliss »
Lack of knowledge results in happinessSometime you are more comfortable if you dont know something.
|
impiastro »
Nuisance, bore.
|
impiastro »
Poultice.
|
in a pig's eye »
Very unlikely; probably never.
|
in a pinch »
In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.
|
in for a penny, in for a pound »
Expressing recognition that one must, having started something, see it through to its end, rather than stopping short thereof; accepting that one must
|
in line »
Suitable or appropriate; keeping with expectations, norms, ideals, or rules.
|
in spite of »
Despite, irrespective of, notwithstanding.
|
in the face of »
Despite, against, contrary to.
|
in the fast lane »
In a lifestyle, employment position, or other set of circumstances where the rapid pace is exciting, frantic, or risky.
|
in the hospital »
Admitted as a patient in a hospital.
|
in the pink »
In very good health.
|
in the pink »
Nude, naked.
|
in the reign of Queen Dick »
When pigs fly; never.
|
jump »
To employ a move in certain board games where one game piece is moved from one legal position to another passing over the position of another piece.
|
jump »
To propel oneself rapidly upward such that momentum causes the body to become airborne.
|
jump about »
To move erratically by jumping. Usually as a result of being excited.
|
jump around »
To move erratically by jumping. Usually as a result of being excited.
|
jump off »
To participate in the final round of an equestrian showjumping event.
|
jungle telegraph »
A system used by primitive cultures in remote tropical regions for communication over long distances, such as drum sounds or a relay of runners.
|
just deserts »
A punishment or reward that is considered to be what the recipient deserved.
|
just the same »
Anyway; despite.
|
kick the habit »
To recover from or quit an addiction or habit. For example, to quit smoking, drinking, burping, or drug addiction.
|
kindred soul »
Someone with the same feelings or attitudes as oneself; kindred spirit.
|
kindred spirit »
Someone with the same feelings or attitudes as oneself.
|
king of hearts »
picture card
|
knock out of the box »
To cause a pitcher to be replaced by heavy hitting.
|
knocked up »
"pregnant", typically outside of marriage.
|
lap up »
To consume by lapping.
|
lay rubber »
To accelerate so rapidly from standstill that it leaves a mark of burnt rubber on the road from the tire.
|
leaf through »
Rapidly reading short sections at random.
|
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.
|
let sleeping dogs lie »
To leave things as they are; especially, to avoid restarting or rekindling an old argument; to leave disagreements in the past.
|
life of the party »
A person who participates in entertainment events in a very enthusiastic manner and who has a leading role in inspiring others to join in the spirit of festivity.
|
life's a bitch »
An expression of acceptance of misfortune.1950, Joy Davidman, Weeping Bay, page 184:She'd have been willing enough to use them, poor dead little bitch. Life's a bitch. Life's a bad joke.
|
light up »
To light a cigarette, pipe, etc.
|
like gangbusters »
Vigorously, rapidly, zealously, or forcibly; in a manner which has considerable impact.
|
like nobody's business »
In an extreme manner; rapidly; excessively; like crazy.
|
little pitcher »
A child.
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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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little pitchers have long ears »
Alternative form of little pitchers have big ears.
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long drink »
Any drink containing more than 5 ounces of liquid and less than 9 ounces. Typically, a long drink will have lots of ice and mixer.
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longpig »
Human flesh when cooked in cannabalistic rituals in certain Pacific Islands, due to the allegeded similarity to cooked pork.
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look before you leap »
Don't jump into something too precipitously; be at least a bit foresightful or circumspect.
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look to »
To seek inspiration or advice from someone.
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lot lizard »
A low or stupid person.
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make a pig's ear of »
To do badly; to make a mess of.
|
make out »
To designate as the recipient.
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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
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meatball surgery »
A nickname for surgery that is meant to be performed rapidly to stabilize the patient as quickly as possible.
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mickey finn »
spiked drink
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money can't buy happiness »
Money can buy external things, but true happiness comes from inside.
|
monkey business »
An activity that is considered silly, or stupid, or time-wasting.
|
monkey wrench »
A pipe wrench.
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mop up »
To clean with a mop; especially to clean up a spill or mess.
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morning, noon and night »
Constantly; ceaselessly; without stopping.
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mouth breather »
A person who is boorish, stupid, or otherwise unattractive.
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muck about »
To do somethings with a piece of equipment when you do not understand how it works.
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muck about »
To be playful; full of fun and high spirits.
|
necker's knob »
A knob attached to the steering wheel of an automobile, especially before the widespread availability of power steering, helping the driver steer with one arm and leaving the other arm free to provide romantic attention to a companion.
|
new school »
A style, way of thinking, or method for accomplishing a task that is typical of the current era, as opposed to former eras.
|
nightcap »
A warm cloth cap worn while sleeping, often with pajamas. Nightcaps were common in northern Europe before central heating was available, when homes were cold at night.
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nose-pick »
To pick boogers from the nose.
|
nose-picker »
One who picks their nose.
|
nose-picking »
To insert a finger into one's nostril, especially to remove mucus.
|
object lesson »
An example that typifies a principle.
|
odd one out »
A visual puzzle where the guesser has to choose which word/picture/symbol etc. does not fit with the others.
|
oh, well »
An expression of disappointment or resignation; too bad; pity.
|
on average »
Usually, typically; as a rule; as often as not.
|
on one's soapbox »
Stating or professing one's opinion; attempting to persuade others of something.
|
on pins and needles »
Feeling sharp anticipation or anxiety; in a state of suspense.
|
on the clock »
In the official time expired in a game or other sporting event.
|
on the clock »
Working at one's job; occupied in some manner during one's hours of remunerated employment.
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on the double »
Rapidly or immediately.
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on the fence »
Undecided; wavering in one's opinion.
|
on the line »
On a level with the eye of the spectator; said of a picture, as hung in an exhibition of pictures.
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on the pill »
Using oral contraceptives.
|
on the sly »
Slyly, in an inconspicuous manner, so as not to be seen; secretly; stealthily.
|
one brick short of a full load »
Stupid.
|
one candle short of a box »
not bright; stupid
|
one-note »
Having only one opinion, outlook, tone, etc., especially as expressed repetitively; without variety or range.
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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.
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out of character »
Not acting; not "on"; behaving within one's natural personality rather than that of a character in a performance piece.
|
out of house and home »
Helping Your Dog Adjust to a New Home, The Progressive Animal Welfare Society.
|
out on the tiles »
I've had a pint of bitter and now I'm feeling better and I'm out on the tiles." Led Zeppelin in their song "Out on the tiles", 1970.
|
overleap »
To leap over, to jump over, to cross by jumping.
|
pachyderm »
A member of the obsolete taxonomic group Pachydermata, grouping of thick-skinned, hoofed animals such as the rhinoceros, hippopotamus, elephant, pig and horse.
|
pack up »
To prepare for shipping, as a gift.
|
paper »
Wrapping paper.
|
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".
|
part and parcel »
An integral or essential piece; that which must be done or accepted as part of something else.
|
pay the piper »
To pay a monetary debt or experience unfavorable consequences, especially when the payment or consequences are inevitable in spite of attempts to avoid them.
|
pea patch »
A small piece of land planted with peas.
|
peaches-and-cream »
Of facial complexion, smooth, with attractive yellow-pink coloring.
|
pearl of wisdom »
A succinct, insightful saying, piece of advice, or moral precept.
|
pee off »
Euphemistic variant of piss off.
|
peel out »
To start abruptly from a standing stop, accelerating rapidly, especially so as to produce skid marks.
|
penny pincher »
One who spends little money; one who is very frugal or cautious with money.
|
people person »
Someone who is happier or more skilled at dealing with people rather than things or concepts.
|
pi%C3%A8ce de r%C3%A9sistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
|
pick of the litter »
The best person or item in a group.
|
pick on »
To bully or make fun of a victim; to bother or harass.
|
pick one's nose »
The act of picking one's nose, insertion of a finger or other object into one's nostril.
|
pick somebody's brain »
To seek information from someone knowledgeable; to ask questions of someone.
|
pick up »
To lift; to grasp and raise.
|
pick up »
To collect an object, especially in passing.
|
pick up »
To clean up; to return to an organized state.
|
pick up »
To collect a passenger.
|
pick up »
To improve, increase, or speed up.
|
pick up »
To restart or resume.
|
pick up »
To learn, to grasp; to begin to understand.
|
pick up »
To receive.
|
pick up »
To notice, detect or discern, often used with "on".
|
pick up »
To point out (a person's behaviour, habits or actions),in a critical manner.
|
pick up »
To meet and seduce somebody for romantic purposes, especially in a social situation, sometimes used with "on".
|
pick up »
To answer a telephone. See pick up the phone.
|
pick up »
To pay for.
|
pick up speed »
accelerate
|
pick up stitches »
Stitches to the knitting needle that were previously bound off, or that belong to the selvage, during the process of knitting or entrelac.
|
pick up the tab »
To accept a charge and pay for it, especially at a bar or restaurant.
|
pickin' and grinnin' »
Vigorously playing folk or country music on a stringed musical instrument, especially the guitar or banjo, while smiling broadly.
|
pickle »
Any vegetable preserved in vinegar and consumed as relish.
|
pickle »
A children’s game with three participants that emulates a baseball rundown.
|
pickle »
A cucumber preserved in a solution, usually a brine or a vinegar syrup.
|
pickle »
A difficult situation, peril.
|
pickle »
A penis.
|
pickle »
A rundown.
|
pickle »
An affectionate term for a loved one.
|
pickle »
The brine used for preserving food.
|
piece de resistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
|
piece of ass »
A male prostitute.
|
piece of ass »
A very attractive woman, when considered as a sex object.
|
piece of ass »
An act of intercourse, especially a one night stand.
|
piece of cake »
A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple to do.
|
piece of cake »
One slice of cake.
|
piece of work »
A product or manufactured article, especially an item of art or craft.
|
piffy on a rock bun »
A person ignored or sidelined from an activity.
|
pig in a poke »
Something whose true value is concealed or unknown, especially something offered for sale.
|
pig out »
To eat voraciously or ravenously; to gorge oneself.
|
pig out »
They watched the game and pigged out on chips and pizza.
|
pile up »
To form a pile, stack, or heap.
|
pile up »
To collect or accumulate, as a backlog.
|
pile-up »
A traffic accident or collision involving multiple vehicles.
|
pin down »
To attach or secure with pins.
|
pin down »
To corner somebody in order to get a firm answer.
|
pin tuck »
narrow ornamental fold
|
pinch and a punch for the first of the month »
Said the first day of a new month, accompanied by a pinch and a punch to the victim.
|
pinch-hit »
To bat in place of another player.
|
pinch-hit »
To do something in the place of another person who is not able to perform or is less skilled; to substitute or stand in for somebody.
|
pinchpenny »
One who spends little money; one who is very frugal or cautious with money.
|
pink slip »
An automobile roadworthiness inspection certificate.
|
pink slip »
Notice of the termination of employment.
|
pipe down »
To be quiet; to refrain from being noisy.
|
pipe dream »
A plan, desire, or idea that will not likely work; a near impossibility.
|
pipe dream »
fanciful hope
|
pipe up »
To speak up.
|
piping hot »
Very hot.
|
piss and moan »
To complain, especially needlessly and loudly.
|
piss and vinegar »
Exuberance or enthusiasm, especially to an excessive degree; bravado; youthful energy.
|
piss away »
To spend wastefully.
|
piss money up the wall »
To waste money, normally through ineptness in business.
|
piss off »
To leave, to go away.
|
piss off »
To annoy, anger.
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piss up a rope »
To engage in futile or impossible activity.
|
pissed off »
Annoyed, upset, angry.
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pissin like a race horse »
To urinate profusely.
|
pissing contest »
A boys' prankish competition to determine who can urinate the furthest up a wall.
|
pissing contest »
An argument which is instigated, or exacerbated while consuming alcohol.
|
pissing contest »
An immature dispute over some trivial matter.
|
pit against »
To set someone in opposition to someone else.
|
pitch a tent »
To have an erection that shows through the trousers.
|
pitch in »
To help out; lend assistance; contribute; to do one's part.
|
pitch woo »
To court.
|
pitch woo »
To flatter.
|
pitch woo »
To make love.
|
pitched battle »
A hostile engagement involving sustained, full-scale fighting between opposing forces in close combat.
|
pitched battle »
An intense, rancorous argument or confrontation.
|
play silly buggers »
To act in a stupid or reckless manner.
|
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.
|
poison pen »
A usually intentionally rude, spiteful, and/or condescending piece of writing directed at a person, group, lifestyle, way of thought, or other target.
|
pop off »
To release flatulence, in most cases, in short rapid succession.
|
pope's nose »
The tail end piece of a cooked chicken.
|
poster child »
One who is a prototypical or quintessential example of something.
|
power chord »
A chord or combination of notes used in rock music and typically selected to sound good at high volume and high levels of distortion. Power chords make extensive use of intervals such as open fourths and fifths.
|
pretty pictures »
Image supplements in a presentation: graphs, charts, etc.
|
puddle jumper »
A small passenger airplane, typically used for shorter connecting trips to smaller airports.
|
pull someone down a peg »
To lower someone's high self-opinion.
|
pump up »
To inflate with a pumping action.
|
push the envelope »
To go beyond established limits; to pioneer.
|
put oneself across »
To explain one's ideas and opinions clearly so that another person can understand them and get a picture of your personality.
|
put someone in mind of »
To remind someone of; to inspire a mental image or awareness of; to cause thoughts concerning.
|
put the cat among the pigeons »
If you set the cat among the pigeons, you will cause a flutter in the dovecote.
|
put the cat among the pigeons »
Professor Stephen Hawking put the cat among the pigeons last week with his cheery remarks about comet Machholz-2, which some astronomers believe could be heading our way. — The Times, 19 September 1994.
|
put the cat among the pigeons »
To cause alarm.
|
queer one's pitch »
To make a task more difficult for the speaker.
|
rabble rouser »
Someone or something that tends to inspire mobs; something controversial or provocative.
|
rain pitchforks »
To rain heavily.
|
ramp up »
To increase rapidly to a new value.
|
real men don't eat quiche »
(aphorism, humorous) The stereotypical man does not do things that are considered effeminate, as to do so would imply they are effeminate.
|
rip off »
To pull off by ripping.
|
rip up »
tear into pieces
|
rip up »
tear to pieces
|
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 out the red carpet »
To extend the utmost hospitality; to treat someone as an honored guest; to welcome or host, especially in a showy or extravagant manner.
|
rolling pin »
kitchen utensil
|
rose-colored glasses »
An optimistic perception of something; a positive opinion; seeing something in a positive way, often thinking of it as better than it actually is.
|
rose-colored glasses »
Glasses that are tinted in a pink or rose shade.
|
rose-coloured »
Having a pink colour.
|
round of applause »
An outburst of clapping among a group or audience. Often asked for by the Master of Ceremonies at a concert or other performance.
|
run for the roses »
A college football game or series of games played with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the championship Rose Bowl game.
|
run off »
To make photocopies, or print.
|
run off »
To pour or spill off or over.
|
run something by »
To bring an idea or proposal to the attention of someone in order to obtain their opinion.
|
run something past »
To bring an idea or proposal to the attention of someone in order to obtain their opinion.
|
safety pin »
fastener
|
scrape off »
To remove something by a scraping action.
|
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.
|
scrounge up »
To seek or find despite a lack of apparent resources or availability.
|
see the forest for the trees »
To discern an overall pattern from a mass of detail; to see the bigger picture, or the broader, more general situation. Generally used in the negative.
|
see the light »
To undergo a spiritual conversion.
|
seize the day »
To make the most of today by achieving fulfillment in a philosophical or spiritual sense.
|
set of pipes »
A wind instrument incorporating multiple pipes, such as a panpipe or bagpipe.
|
set of pipes »
Voice for singing.
|
shoot 'em up »
A short story, novel, television show, film, computer game, or other narrative which depicts considerable gunplay.
|
short of a length »
Of a ball that pitches short of a good length; a ball that bounces closer to the bowler than the area of the pitch regarded as the best for dismissing or restricting the scoring of the batsman.
|
short sighted »
myopic
|
sick joke »
A joke which is in poor taste, especially one which depicts as amusing a situation which the listener considers to be tragic or disgusting.
|
side issue »
An issue or topic which is not of direct significance to a primary concern.
|
sing from the same hymnbook »
To make the same or similar statements, especially to express the same opinions in public as a result of a prior agreement.
|
sing soprano »
To perform vocal music in a higher pitch than alto.
|
sit on the fence »
To remain neutral on a certain topic, to not have a stance or opinion.
|
sixth former »
senior pupil
|
skip rope »
To jump over a rope, both of whose ends are held by the jumper or by two others, while the rope is moved under the jumper's feet in a continual rhythm; to play the game of jump rope or exercise by jumping rope.
|
sleep in »
To sleep late; to go on sleeping past one's customary or planned hour.
|
sleeping at the switch »
Variant form of asleep at the switch.
|
sleeping policeman »
A speed bump.
|
smack of »
To seem like; to appear or give an impression or feeling of; to arouse suspicion of.
|
smell a rat »
To sense something suspicious.
|
so quiet one can hear a pin drop »
Said during a lull in a normally bustling place or scene, or as the result of a sudden dramatic or tense moment.
|
so-and-so »
A name used to take the place of an epithet.
|
soft sawder »
"If she goes to act ugly, I'll give her a dose of "soft sawder"; that will take the frown out of her frontispiece...!" —Thomas Haliburton, "The Trotting Horse" — first usage.
|
soft shoe »
A speech, explanation, sales pitch, or other set of remarks delivered in a restrained or conciliatory manner in order to persuade, distract, or otherwise influence someone.
|
soldier on »
To continue or persist, despite adversity or difficulty.
|
sound asleep »
Sleeping still and silently.
|
sound off »
To hold forth about something in an opinionated manner.
|
spaghetti western »
Nickname for a motion picture produced by an Italian-based company and filmed in Europe, depicting a tale of cowboys and desperadoes set in the American Old West.
|
spanner »
A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
|
speak for oneself »
Expressing disagreement with an opinion expressed by another.
|
speak for oneself »
To provide an opinion only on one's own behalf.
|
speak one's mind »
To state one's thoughts or opinions honestly or frankly.
|
speak out »
To assert or promote one's opinion; to make one's thoughts known.
|
speak to »
To address a particular topic.
|
speak up »
To make oneself or one's opinions known; to advocate or assert oneself.
|
spic and span »
Perfectly clean.
|
spice up »
To enhance the flavor of something by adding spice to it.
|
spice up »
To make more exotic, fun or extravagant.
|
spick and span »
Alternative form of spick-and-span.
|
spill one's guts »
To confess, or to divulge secrets, typically speaking freely and at length after a change of motive or an incentive.
|
spill one's seed »
To masturbate or to ejaculate when the penis has been withdrawn from one's partner.
|
spill over »
To enter into another zone by way of accident or overcrowding; to overflow.
|
spill the beans »
To reveal a secret; to disclose.
|
spin a yarn »
To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
|
spin doctor »
news manager
|
spin one's wheels »
To make no progress despite making an effort; to get nowhere.
|
spine-tingling »
Nervy or scary.
|
spit it out »
To overcome reluctance to say something particular or to speak in general.
|
spit the dummy »
To a situation childishly, in an angry or frustrated manner.
|
spit-and-polish »
Paying much attention to outward appearance.
|
stand one's ground »
To maintain or stick by an opinion or position; to remain resolute in the face of opposition.
|
stand out »
To be obvious or conspicuous, in contrast to one's surroundings.
|
stand up »
To stand immediately behind the wicket so as to catch balls from a slow or spin bowler, and to attempt to stump the batsman.
|
step on a rake »
To step on the tines of a garden rake, causing the handle of the rake to rise from the ground rapidly, invariably striking the person walking in the face.
|
stepping razor »
A dangerous person, who is not to be messed with.
|
stepping stone »
A stone that can be stepped on in crossing something, especially a marsh or creek.
|
stepping stone »
Something used as a way to progress to something or somewhere else.
|
stiff upper lip »
The quality of being resolute and showing self-restraint, associated with stereotypical British people.
|
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.
|
straight out of the chute »
Something done immediately, or "from the beginning". Taken from rodeo routine: the bucking bronco, or bull, or the calf for the calf-roping contest is kept in a narrow pen, a chute, until it is released and dashes out to its fate.
|
straw poll »
A survey of opinion which is unofficial, casual, or ad hoc.
|
strip off »
To remove anything by stripping, e.g. items of clothing or paint from the side of a ship.
|
strip off »
To be removed by stripping.
|
stupid is as stupid does »
A person's intelligence may be judged by the wisdom of his or her actions.
|
suffer fools gladly »
To be tolerant of stupidity or incompetence in other people.
|
sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
|
tack up »
To prepare a horse for riding by equipping it with tack.
|
take a picture »
To photographically capture an image.
|
take a spill »
To trip or fall.
|
take a spin »
To go for a ride; especially, to try riding or driving something.
|
take a stand »
To assert an opinion or viewpoint; to defend one's point of view or beliefs.
|
take apart »
To dismantle something into it's component pieces.
|
take sides »
To ally oneself with a given opinion, agenda or group; to support one side or viewpoint in a competition or confrontation.
|
take the piss »
Are you takin' the piss? You'll get yer 'ead bashed in.
|
take the piss »
Everyone takes the piss out of the bankers these days.
|
take the piss »
To ridicule or mock.
|
take the red pill »
To understand the world in its previously unknown reality.
|
take with a pinch of salt »
Not take entirely seriously.
|
teacher's pet »
favourite pupil
|
tear up »
To tear into pieces.
|
that's just me »
Indicates the expression of a personal opinion, but often used ironically as an understatement.
|
the finger »
An obscene gesture, typically consisting of extending the middle finger at somebody.
|
the nose knows »
Despite the addressee's belief that the speaker was unaware of something, the speaker, in fact, was already aware.
|
the pick of the litter »
The absolute best one has to offer.
|
the pits »
Something miserable or unpleasant.
|
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak »
(proverbs) For much as one wishes to achieve something, the frailties of the human body often make it impossible.
|
there you have it »
Used to introduce a speaker's interpretation of what has just transpired or been described.
|
there's no accounting for taste »
When it comes to subjective matters of taste, people have wildly different opinions.Disagreements about matters of taste can't be objectively resolved.
|
there's no point crying over spilt milk »
You should not be upset over something that cannot be undone.
|
think tank »
A group of which performs research and develops reports and recommendations on topics relating to strategic planning or public policy, and which is usually funded by corporations, interest groups, or government.
|
think the world of »
To have a good opinion; to esteem; to admire.
|
through the roof »
Rapidly increasing.
|
throw caution to the wind »
Do something despite the risks.
|
throw dirt enough, and some will stick »
If enough allegations are made about someone or something, then even if they are all untrue, people's opinion of the person or thing will be diminished.1759, John Wesley, letter to John Downes, Rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, read at Wesley Center Online at [1] on 14 Oct 06.I hope...that you are ignorant of the whole affair, and are so bold only because you are blind...And blind enough; so that you blunder on through thick and thin, bespattering all that come in your way, according to the old, laudable maxim, 'Throw dirt enough, and some will stick.'1857, Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown's Schooldays, read at fullbooks.com on 14 Oct 06,But whatever harm a spiteful tongue could do them, he took care should be done. Only throw dirt enough, and some will stick.1864, John Henry Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, Penguin Classics (1994), p. 10,Archbishop Whately used to say
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throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2005, Mike Busson (poster on UKScreen forum) Re: Voiceovers!, read at [1] on 02 Nov 06,In terms of places to send your URL or CD's, there's no easy answer. It really is a case of throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.2005, "forwardone" (administrator posting on the HYIPForum), re: Alertpay phishing email, read at [2] on 02 Nov 06,I also think that sometimes they send out phishing e-mails in the hope that it`ll hit people who do have an account with a particular organization. You know, throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick theory.2006, Rob Manuel, How to be funny, read in Comedy Soup on the BBC website at [3] on 02 Nov 06,Throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick. Be prolific and don't be afraid to make stuff that's rubbish. If you keep trying eventually you'll get there.2006, Rex Pierce, Re: [303rd-Talk] D Day read on 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Believe the planners worked on the principle of "throw enough mud at the wall, and some of it will stick".If enough (perhaps false or reckless) accusations are made against someone, his reputation will suffer, whether or not this is deserved2006, "money" (poster on eTalk Money), Some thoughts about compact surfing, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,Word of advice NVUS time to distance yourself from LuukH as quickly as possible and dish some dirt, otherwise well the saying goes - throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.
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throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2001, And still no one is shouting stop. read in The Kingdom archives at [1] on 02 Nov 06,Many team managers are of the philosophy that if you throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick. They believe that team preparation is all about physical fitness. They run the players into the ground and they believe they will be "flying on the day".2001, Robert McCrum, Let them eat cake, in The Observer 16 Dec 01, read on Guardian Unlimited site at [2] on 02 Nov 06,Australian publishing boomed and in the past 10 years the country's literary culture has undergone a mini golden age, capped by Carey's triumph at the 2001 Booker Prize. As one Australian arts administrator said to me many years ago: 'Listen, mate, if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.'2001, Chris Collin, Re: 2-cp speys on The Strathspey Server mailing list archive at [3] on 02 Nov 06,I am finding that "if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick". It doesn't always work of course (especially on the nights when the class is mostly the beginners), but the class seems to thrive on the challange.2005, Ray Craft (poster on The right scale blog), Fitzhooie and his Burden, read at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Prosecutors everywhere have bad habits of overcharging lots of cases, knowing that if the throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick.2005, Sean Kelleher, Spike Milligan: His part in our downfall in Business 07 Aug 05, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,As long as there is negligible regulation and enforcement anyone can actually try and do the job...Weak regulation allows the industry to build strategies on full time recruitment. The theory goes: throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.c2005, Everything You've Learned About Marketing Is Wrong, read on LINC Performance website at [6] on 02 Nov 06,They have the money to continue to believe in the repetition side of the equation. You throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick. But it still isn
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throw smoke »
To consistently pitch fastballs that are difficult to hit.
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throw somebody a curve »
To pitch a curve ball.
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tickle pink »
To thoroughly delight or amuse; to elate.
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tickle the ivories »
To play the piano.
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tickled pink »
Simple past tense and past participle of tickle pink.
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timeserver »
A person who conforms to current opinions, especially for reasons of personal advantage; an opportunist.
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tipping it down »
Raining heavily.
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tone down »
To make a television program, piece of writing, etc. less offensive and so more suitable for a family audience.
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too bad »
That's a pity; that's unfortunate.
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trench mouth »
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, a severe bacterial infection of the gums, typically characterized by inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration, necrotized tissue, pain, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, and halitosis.
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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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tuppence worth »
One's opinion or thoughts.
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turf war »
A fight or confrontation between two divisions or parties for access to resources or capital.
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turn down »
To reposition by turning, flipping, etc. in a downward direction.
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turn in one's grave »
To be appalled, offended or disgusted by something, despite being deceased.
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turn up »
To reposition by rotating, flipping, etc. upwards.
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turn up »
To belay or make fast a line on a cleat or pin.
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twatfaced »
F**ed, pissed, drunk as a skunk.
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two cents »
One's opinion or thoughts.
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two penn%E2%80%99orth »
One's opinion or thoughts.
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two pennies' worth »
One's opinion or thoughts.
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under a cloud »
Under suspicion; subject to critical inspection.
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up-and-coming »
Emerging; aspiring; improving; beginning to attract attention or critical acclaim.
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variable tandem repeat locus »
Any DNA sequence that exists in multiple copies strung together in various tandem lengths.
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variety is the spice of life »
Variety is what makes life interesting
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walk the line »
To maintain an intermediate position between contrasting choices, opinions, etc..
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warm the cockles of someone's heart »
To provide happiness, to bring a deeply-felt contentment.
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warts and all »
Of or pertaining to a description or other depiction which reveals the full range of characteristics of a person or thing, including the shortcomings and imperfections.
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wash down »
To help to swallow by drinking a liquid, after eating something, or taking a pill.
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when pigs fly »
Never.
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whipped cream »
dessert topping
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whistle in the dark »
To speak of something despite having little knowledge of it.
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whistle past the graveyard »
To attempt to stay cheerful in a dire situation; To proceed with a task, ignoring an upcoming hazard, hoping for a good outcome.
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who pays the piper calls the tune »
One who pays for something controls it.
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window-shopping »
The browsing of shop windows without any intention of buying.
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wipe away »
To remove or erase with a wiping motion.
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word to the wise »
A piece of advice.
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wrap up »
To summarize or recapitulate.
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wrestling with a pig »
To engage in a pointless task that leaves one worse off for having made an honest attempt.
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yank off »
To remove something, like a piece of cloth or bread, by tearing it with one quick strong pull.
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you can't get a quart into a pint pot »
What is being discussed is not possible.They've asked me to get to New York by five o'clock, but you can't get a quart into a pint pot!
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you get what you pay for »
In commercial transactions, the quality of goods and services increases as the prices increase, i.e., the more one pays, the better the merchandise.2003, Michael Blumenthal, "For Whom the School Bell Tolls," Time, 7 Dec.:Though it may sound unapologetically capitalistic to say so
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your mileage may vary »
To express a possible difference in taste, "this is just my opinion, your opinion may be different".
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yours sincerely »
A polite formula to end a letter, especially when the recipient’s name is known to the sender.
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| BTW, Why won't you become an editor? |
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