a drop in the bucket »
An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem.
|
a little bird told me »
Of information which was gathered from a source not to be overtly exposed.
|
about time »
Far past the desired time.
|
above and beyond »
More than is expected or required.
|
ahead of the game »
Having completed a task before it is due; ready, prepared, or anticipating.
|
all fired up »
Excited or energized; highly enthusiastic.
|
all in »
tired out
|
all in all »
everything considered
|
all over the map »
Widely scattered or distributed; numerous and differing greatly.
|
all over the shop »
Everywhere, scattered, disorganised.
|
all set »
Ready; prepared.
|
Apa Sâmbetei »
"for nothing", "to no result", or that what you have done was destroyed or is rendered useless after you finish it.
|
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
|
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.
|
asphalt jungle »
A city or urban area, where the landscape is covered by pavement and the environment is alienating and unsafe.
|
at bay »
Cornered; unable to flee.
|
at sea »
Confused, lost, or adrift; bewildered.
|
autem mort »
A married woman; also a female beggar with several children hired or borrowed to excite charity.
|
back in the day »
In the past; at one time, especially a time which is fondly remembered.
|
back off »
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
|
balance the books »
To add up all the debits and credits.
|
bang to rights »
Caught red-handed; in a guilty state.
|
banged up »
Physically injured or wounded.
|
bank night »
An event where patrons are enticed to buy entry tickets into some venue, for example a movie theater, with the anticipation that they will be entered into a drawing to win an amount of money if their ticket is drawn and they are on-site at the time of the winning.
|
banyan day »
In British naval tradition, this originally referred to a day of the week when galley kitchens served no meat on board ship.
|
be in a spot of bother »
To have a slight problem, to be in a predicament.
|
be in on »
To be a party to a secret shared by a small group of people.
|
be-all and end-all »
Something considered to be of the utmost importance; something essential or ultimate.
|
been there, done that »
An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is now bored.
|
belt and suspenders »
Redundant systems, affording mutual backup in the event of one failing.
|
best of the bunch »
The best or most preferred person or item within a group.
|
between a rock and a hard place »
Having the choice between two unpleasant or distasteful options; in a predicament or quandary.
|
beyond the pale »
Describing behaviour that is considered to be outside the bounds of morality, good behaviour or judgement in civilised company.
|
bill of goods »
A collection of items purchased or offered for sale.
|
bitter pill »
Something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured.
|
black and blue »
Covered in bruises.
|
black sheep »
A disliked person; one who is disfavored.
|
blood is thicker than water »
Family relations and loyalties are stronger than relationships with people who are not family members.1866, Anthony Trollope, The Belton Estate, ch. 30,Blood is thicker than water, is it not? If cousins are not friends, who can be?circa 1915, Lucy Fitch Perkins, The Scotch Twins, ch. 5,The old clans are scattered now, but blood is thicker than water still, and you're welcome to the fireside of your kinsman!
|
blow off »
To vent, usually, to reduce pressure in a container.
|
blow smoke »
To speak with a lack of credibility, sense, purpose, or truth; to speak nonsense.
|
bogged down »
Stuck; mired, as in detail, difficulty; delayed or made slower.
|
boil down »
As an allusion to the cooking technique of reducing liquids by heat, one boils down a problem, argument, etc. to its most central elements.
|
boil down to »
to be equivalent to; to reduce to.
|
born in a barn »
Lacking a sense of etiquette; ill-mannered.
|
born with a silver spoon in one's mouth »
Note. The original nautical expression is just born with a silver spoon and describes those young gentlemen who were able to enter the Royal Navy without examination and whose promotion was assured. the converse was born with a wooden ladle.
|
bow out »
To resign, or leave, with one's credibility still intact.
|
box on the ear »
Administered on the victim's ear, usually by an educator, to enforce attention.
|
brain fart »
Something ill-considered and said or done impulsively.
|
bring down »
To reduce.
|
bring off »
To succeed in doing something considered to be very difficult.
|
bring owls to Athens »
To undertake a pointless venture, one that is redundant, unnecessary, superfluous, or highly uneconomical.
|
browned off »
Annoyed, upset, angry, bored, fed up, disgusted.
|
built like a tank »
Broad shouldered and of solid, muscular build.
|
bulletproof »
Capable of withstanding a direct shot by a bullet fired from a gun.
|
butt-naked »
With the buttocks bared.
|
by the way »
His mother will be coming for dinner tomorrow, and, by the way, she volunteered to bring dessert.
|
by-the-numbers »
Done in a predictable manner; formulaic.
|
calling card »
A prepaid card or credit card, usually electronically readable, used to pay the charges when making a telephone call.
|
carry coals to Newcastle »
To do something that is unneeded or redundant.
|
caught with one's pants down »
Caught off guard, unprepared, or in an embarrassing situation.
|
chalk up »
To attribute, credit, or blame.
|
change horses in midstream »
To change plans or approaches at an inopportune time, such as when an effort is already underway, generally considered an inadvisable thing to do.
|
check is in the mail »
A common excuse used by debtors to put off creditors.
|
chickens coming home to roost »
Consequences visited upon someone who originally had appeared to escape them.
|
chip in »
To put into the pot the amount of chips or money required to continue.
|
chip on one's shoulder »
A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harboured grievance, sense of inferiority, or having something to prove.
|
chump change »
A sum of money considered to be insignificant.
|
chump change »
An amount of remuneration, reward, or other monetary recompense considered to be insultingly small.
|
clay »
A mineral substance made up of small crystals of silica and alumina, that is ductile when moist; the material of pre-fired ceramics.
|
clock in »
To be measured at.
|
come down to »
To reach by moving down or reducing.
|
come of age »
To reach a specific age where one is legally considered to be an adult.
|
come out »
To be discovered, be revealed.
|
come unhinged »
To become angered or crazy; to lose control of one's senses or sanity.
|
common ground »
A characteristic or interest shared by multiple people or systems.
|
cool down »
To become cooler, to be reduced in temperature.
|
cop-out »
An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.
|
copper-bottomed »
Having lower parts made of or covered by copper.
|
cry for help »
In her second year at the school Alexis stopped doing her homework and would often scribble on walls. Her teachers wondered whether this was a cry for help, or if she was simply misbehaving.
|
crying shame »
A situation that is considered to be a disgrace, or deplorable.
|
cut down »
To reduce the amount of something.
|
cut red tape »
To reduce bureaucracy.
|
damn by association »
Discredit or condemn a position, person, or thing by attacking those things with which he/she/it is associated.
|
dark horse »
A candidate who is nominated unexpectedly, without previously having been discussed or considered as a likely choice.
|
dead »
: So hated by that they are absolutely ignored.
|
dead »
No longer used or required.
|
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 »
A situation where expertise or experience is required.
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
Programmers are consistently dehumanized because so many do indeed deliver the message to Garcia only to be at best ignored.
|
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.
|
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 money »
Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized. Especially money gained through forgery, bribery, or thievery.
|
dirty word »
A word that is considered vulgar, not necessarily sexual in nature.
|
dishpan hands »
Hands which are rough, reddish, and dry, as from irritation and chafing caused by immersion in hot water mixed with detergent.
|
do out »
to redecorate; to adorn
|
do up »
To redecorate a room etc.
|
dog's life »
A life of indolence where the individual may do as he or she pleases, just like a pampered dog.
|
down for the count »
Decisively beaten; rendered irrelevant for the long term.
|
down the drain »
Wasted, squandered; irretrievable.
|
draw a blank »
To be unable to produce a required piece of information.
|
drive one up the wall »
To make a person very angry or bored; to infuriate.
|
drop off »
To lessen or reduce.
|
dumb down »
To convey some subject matter in simple terms, avoiding technical or academic language, especially in a way that is considered condescending.
|
early bath »
Being shown a red card in soccer.
|
eff off »
A censored form of the phrase f** off.
|
elephant in the room »
A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.
|
emperor's new clothes »
Something obvious and embarrassing that is politely ignored or that goes unacknowledged.
|
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.
|
f** this »
The phrase emphatically diminishes the activity or event referred to and expresses that the speaker will have no more to do with it.
|
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 off a truck »
Of an item of merchandise, to come into a person's possession without having been paid for; to be acquired illegally.
|
fall off the back of a lorry »
Of an item of merchandise, to come into a perons's possession without having been paid for; to have been acquired illegally.
|
fall on deaf ears »
Of a request, complaint, etc, to be ignored.
|
fall on one's sword »
To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so.
|
fed up »
Frustrated, annoyed, tired .
|
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.
|
feel one's oats »
To feel important; to be empowered.
|
flat out »
Bluntly, no holds barred.
|
flat-earther »
A person who believes or advocates an outlandish, discredited theory; a person who refuses to acknowledge the truth despite overwhelming evidence.
|
flat-footed »
Unprepared to act.
|
fly-by-night »
One who departs or flees at night in order to avoid creditors, law enforcement etc. .
|
for the heck of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for the hell of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
for the sake of it »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
fork over »
Hundreds of spectators forked over the 70 bucks for tickets.
|
fourth estate »
Journalism or journalists considered as a group; the Press.
|
fox in the henhouse »
A relationships wherein a predator is granted free reign within the prey's home confinement, often used in the political sense.
|
friend with benefits »
A friendship with no reserves when it comes to the release of shared sexual tension thus leading to sexual fraternization.
|
from scratch »
From the beginning; starting with no advantage or prior preparation; starting from raw ingredients.
|
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.
|
get it »
To possess a preferred outlook on a given issue or issues.
|
get taken in »
To be unofficially fostered.
|
get the axe »
To be fired, axed, terminated.
|
get the sack »
To be fired
|
give 'em enough rope »
Allow one to function unhindered, or without further overbearing oversight.
|
go native »
To adopt the lifestyle or outlook of local inhabitants, especially when dwelling in a colonial region; to become less refined under the influence of a less cultured, more primitive, or simpler social environment.
|
go off half-cocked »
To take a premature or ill-considered action.
|
go out »
1922, Alfred Edward Housman, XXVIII, lines 3-4.
|
go out the window »
To vanish or cease, especially due to lack of care, attention, etc.; to be discarded, disregarded, or ignored.
|
go red »
Of states or counties, to be carried by a Republican candidate in a given U.S. election.
|
go red »
To become sunburnt.
|
go red »
To blush.
|
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 hello »
A payment offered to an employee as an inducement to join, especially if currently working for a competitor.
|
Gone to the bad »
soured, spoiled, turned rotten
|
goon squad »
A group of individuals serving as enforcers, bodyguards, and the like, especially persons hired for such a purpose and using violent, thuggish methods.
|
grunt work »
That is considered undesirable and therefore delegated to underlings.
|
hack into »
To reduce something to by hacking with a cutting instrument.
|
hand down »
To transmit in succession, as from father to son, or from predecessor to successor.
|
hand in hand »
Naturally, ordinarily or predictably together; commonly having a correlation or relationship.
|
hand it to somebody »
To give somebody credit or praise.
|
handwriting on the wall »
Alternative form of writing on the wall. A divine prediction or sentence to fate.
|
hardwired »
Designed to perform a specific task.
|
hardwired »
In humans and animals, genetically determined, instinctive behavior, as opposed to learned behavior.
|
hardwired »
Not changeable.
|
hardwired »
Of devices, closely or tightly coupled.
|
have it your way »
Do something the way you want to, but be prepared for the consequences.
|
have one's ears lowered »
To get a haircut.
|
he who laughs last laughs best »
success is better after having previously endured ridicule.
|
heads will roll »
Some people will be fired for incompetence.
|
hedge one's bets »
To reduce the risk of making a mistake, by keeping one's options open.
|
hit man »
hired killer
|
hotheaded »
Easily excited or angered.
|
how do I get to Carnegie Hall »
A set phrase, spoken as a rhetorical question, which is answered "Practice, practice, practice!" or sometimes with the humorous literal directions to Seventh Avenue between 56th and 57th.
|
ice over »
To become covered in ice, usually of a body of water.
|
in business »
Ready to proceed in a desired activity.
|
in for a dime, in for a dollar »
Americanised form of in for a penny, in for a pound.1983, Allen Drury, Decision, p. 356:In for a dime, in for a dollar, he thought crazily, and said what he had to say in a voice he forced to stay level and calm.1998, Ellen Miller, Like Being Killed, p. 47:In for a dime, in for a dollar. I whispered to Gerry,
|
in order »
Ready, prepared; orderly; tidy.
|
in the cards »
Destined or fated to happen; predicted or foreseen.
|
in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king »
Among others with a disadvantage or disability, the one with the mildest disadvantage or disability is regarded as the greatest.Even someone without much talent or ability is considered special by those with no talent or ability at all.
|
in the red »
Having net losses; in debt.
|
in the same boat »
In the same situation or predicament; having the same problems.
|
it's about time »
Used to express impatience at the eventual occurrence of something that the speaker or writer considered to be long overdue.
|
it's all grist to the mill »
Everything referred to in the present context has some sort of use.1999, Simon Blackburn, Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press paperback, ISBN 0199690871), ch. 7 section 6: "Kant
|
it's not what you know but who you know »
For success, and especially to obtain employment, one's knowledge and skills are less useful and less important than one's network of personal contacts.1951, G. P. Bush and L. H. Hattery, "Federal Recruitment of Junior Engineers," Science, vol. 114, no. 2966, p. 456:Eighty-four students referred to political influence as a disadvantage of federal employment with such remarks as: "There are too many political connections necessary . . . it's not what you know but who you know
|
ivory tower »
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.
|
join the club »
An expression of sympathy for a shared experience.
|
jump the shark »
To undergo a storyline development which is so ridiculous that previous quality is considered to have been lost.
|
just deserts »
A punishment or reward that is considered to be what the recipient deserved.
|
just for fun »
For no particular reason, just because it is fun, entertaining; for to relieve boredom.
|
just what the doctor ordered »
Exactly what is necessary or useful in a given situation.
|
keep one's cool »
To remain composed, calm, and even-tempered, especially in a provocative situation.
|
kettle of fish »
An awkward situation; a predicament.
|
kick the bucket »
Of a machine, to break down such that it cannot be repaired.
|
kindred soul »
Someone with the same feelings or attitudes as oneself; kindred spirit.
|
kindred spirit »
Someone with the same feelings or attitudes as oneself.
|
kiss of death »
A kiss on the cheek that signifies the death of the receiver, as delivered by a mob boss or one with such influence.
|
knacker's yard »
That area of a slaughterhouse where carcasses unfit for human consumption are rendered down to produce useful materials such as glue.
|
knock down »
To reduce the price of.
|
knuckle under »
To yield or cooperate when pressured or forced to do so.
|
last word »
The final statement uttered by a person before death.
|
laundry list »
Originally, a list of articles of clothing that had been sent to be laundered.
|
lay off »
To place all or part of a bet with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.
|
lay off »
made redundant
|
lead »
A roof covered with lead sheets or terne plates.
|
lead time »
The amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion, e.g. the time required to manufacture or procure a product; the time required before something can be provided or delivered.
|
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
|
level up »
To progress to the next level of player character stats and abilities. Often used in role-playing games when the character has aquired enough experience points.
|
lily-livered »
Cowardly, lacking bravery.
|
loaded for bear »
Mentally prepared for a daunting situation or confrontation.
|
long finger »
[hire purchase]] or credit.
|
look through rose-tinted glasses »
Alternative spelling of wear rose-colored glasses.
|
Loose cannon »
An uncontrolled or unpredictable person who causes damage to his own friends, faction, political party, etc.
|
loose end »
A small job that needs to be done, or minor problem that needs to be resolved, before a task can be considered complete.
|
lose the plot »
To cease to be behaving in a predictable and/or rational manner.
|
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.
|
low blow »
A rhetorical attack that is considered unfair or unscrupulous.
|
lucky dip »
A game in which prizes are covered up and mixed together in a container, so that contestants can dip their hand into the container and randomly pull out a prize.
|
made in China »
Cheaply manufactured in East Asia.
|
made in China »
Manufactured in the People's Republic of China.
|
made in Japan »
Cheaply manufactured in East Asia.
|
made in Japan »
Manufactured in Japan.
|
make amends »
To repair a relationship; to make up; to resolve an argument or fight; to make reparations or redress.
|
man up »
His station, prepared for departure of an aircraft, ship, etc.
|
mark down »
To reduce the price of.
|
meals on wheels »
Food delivered to the homes of those unable to cook for themselves.
|
mean the world to »
To be loved or cared about a great deal by.
|
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
|
mercury »
A silvery-colored metallic chemical element, liquid at room temperature, with atomic number 80 and symbol Hg.
|
mine arse on a bandbox »
An answer to the offer of any thing inadequate to the purpose for which it is proffered, like offering a bandbox for a seat.
|
monkey business »
An activity that is considered silly, or stupid, or time-wasting.
|
monkey business »
An activity that may be considered illegal, questionable, or a vice, but not felonious.
|
murder will out »
A murderer will always be discovered.
|
murder will out »
Secrets or hidden crimes will eventually be exposed or discovered.
|
nervous hit »
A production which receives generally favorably notice, but is not assured of success.
|
no holds barred »
Without reserve; in an especially ruthless or vicious manner.
|
no holds barred »
Without restrictions on holds or what opponents may do.
|
nose test »
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
|
nothing ventured, nothing gained »
If one takes no risks, one will not gain any benefits.
|
off-color »
Considered dirty, vulgar or obscene.
|
oh dark hundred »
Some unspecified hour in the early morning.
|
Old Fart »
An elderly person who holds views that are considered old-fashioned.
|
old school »
Characteristic of a style, outlook, or method employed in a former era, remembered either as inferior to the current style, or alternately, remembered nostalgically as superior or preferable to the new style, the older denoting something that would be considered out of date or out of fashion to some, but as such, is considered by others as cool and hip.
|
on acid »
Exaggerated, bizarre or unpredictable.
|
on demand »
When needed or required.
|
on one's hands »
Being one's liability or responsibility; with which one is lumbered.
|
on the clock »
In the official time expired in a game or other sporting event.
|
on the cuff »
On credit, with payment to be made later.
|
on the defensive »
Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
|
on the tip of one's tongue »
Known but not quite remembered.
|
one in the eye for »
An event or achievement which is unpleasant for someone, especially for those who considered it impossible or unwelcome; an annoyance.
|
one thousand »
Used in a common chronometric counting scheme, in which each iteration is sequentially numbered and supposed to be approximately one second in length.
|
one's days are numbered »
Some period of time, such as a term of employment or a lifetime, is coming to an end.
|
open a can of whoop ass »
A good-humored threat of physical harm.
|
orphan drug »
But which is not manufactured or marketed because the demand is insufficient to cover the costs of supply.
|
out of gas »
Tired; lacking energy or motivation.
|
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 on one's ear »
Fired, dismissed or thrown out, especially for some wrongdoing or otherwise with disgrace.
|
out the window »
Made obsolete; altered drastically as a result of situational change.
|
paint oneself into a corner »
To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
|
paint the town red »
To party or celebrate in a rowdy, wild manner, especially in a public place.
|
pare down »
To reduce by paring or a similar gradual process.
|
piece of ass »
A very attractive woman, when considered as a sex object.
|
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.
|
preprogram »
To predispose to certain thoughts or behaviours.
|
pull one's socks up »
To start making an effort; to renew or redouble one's efforts.
|
put down for »
To record that someone has offered to help, or contribute something.
|
quake in one's boots »
To be frightened, scared, or nervous.
|
quiet down »
To reduce intensity of an activity.
|
quieten down »
To reduce intensity of an activity.
|
rained cats and dogs »
poured
|
rake »
The direction of slip during fault movement. The rake is measured within the fault plane.
|
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.
|
reckon without »
To ignore that which cannot readily be ignored.
|
red card »
referee's item
|
red face test »
A hypothetical test of a person's embarrassment, that is either passed or failed. Saying one passes the red face test means one would not blush and thus would not be embarrassed by disclosing something to others or doing something, and saying one fails the red face test means a situation would cause them discernible embarrassment.
|
red flag »
A cue, warning, or alert; a sign or signal that something is wrong.
|
red herring »
A clue that is misleading or that has been falsified, intended to divert attention.
|
red herring »
A smoke-cured herring.
|
red hot »
to be keen; he is the favourite to win
|
red ink »
A euphemism for financial loss.
|
red letter day »
Usually very positive, sometimes very negative.
|
red light »
A sign of a brothel.
|
red light »
A warning light, especially as a traffic signal indicating ‘stop’..
|
red light »
Denial to proceed. Ruling out of any possibility.
|
red mist »
Anger sufficient to cloud judgement, to stop clear thinking.
|
red mist »
Uncontrollable rage.
|
red state »
A state of the United States voting Republican in a given election, or tending to vote Republican in general.
|
red tape »
A derisive term for regulations or bureaucratic procedures that are considered excessive or excessively time- and effort-consuming.
|
red-handed »
In the act of wrongdoing.
|
rediscover fire »
To relearn fundamental concepts, principles or practices that had been previously well known and widely practiced at a prior time in human society.
|
redolent »
Fragrant or aromatic; having a sweet scent.
|
redolent »
Having the smell of.
|
redolent »
Suggestive or reminiscent.
|
reinvent the wheel »
To redo work unnecessarily when it has already been done satisfactorily; to rethink an already working system, technique, etc. in a pointless attempt to improve it.
|
rest assured »
Be sure; no need to worry; trust.
|
ridden hard and put away wet »
Mistreated; not properly cared for.
|
rip to shreds »
To rip up, so that only shreds remain.
|
rip to shreds »
To severely devalue, to refute.
|
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.
|
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 »
Cheerfully optimistic.
|
rose-coloured »
Having a pink colour.
|
roses are red »
The start of a generic poem about love.
|
round down »
To the greatest integer that is not greater than it, or to some other lower value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
round up »
To the smallest integer that is not less than it, or to some other greater value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
run down »
To lose power slowly. Used for a machine, battery, or other powered device.
|
run down »
To reduce the size or stock levels of a business, often with a view to closure.
|
run scared »
To try everything to avoid defeat.
|
sacred cow »
Something which cannot be tampered with, or criticized, for fear of public outcry.
|
scared shitless »
Very scared, terrified.
|
scared to death »
Extremely frightened.
|
scissorbill »
Someone considered contemptible or foolish.
|
see red »
To be angry or irritated.
|
see red »
To receive a red card, and be dismissed from the playing field.
|
see through »
To be able to predict or read someone.
|
sell »
To promote a particular viewpoint; to manipulate towards a desired end.
|
senior note »
A bond that takes priority over other debt securities sold by the issuer. In the event the issuer goes bankrupt, senior debt must be repaid before other creditors receive any payment.
|
sent to Coventry »
Ostracised, ignored.
|
set off »
To count an addition in one thing against a reduction in something else.
|
set the stage »
To prepare; to establish the basis or required conditions.
|
shape up or ship out »
To either improve one's behavior or else be required to leave; to either improve one's performance in an activity or else withdraw from that activity completely.
|
shift gears »
To change the gear by which motion is transmitted from a powered shaft to another shaft, especially in a motor vehicle.
|
shoot one's bolt »
To use up one's resources, especially a singular one or one not readily restored.
|
shroud »
A covered place used as a retreat or shelter, as a cave or den; also, a vault or crypt.
|
sigh of relief »
A reassurance or support, something that reduces stress from an arduous activity.
|
sign in »
To take some action to access a secured program or web page on a computer; to log in.
|
singing soprano »
Castrated or injured in the testicles.
|
sleepy head »
A very tired person.
|
small arms »
Firearms designed to be carried and fired by a single person; often held in the hand.
|
smell test »
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
|
smell the barn »
To experience heightened anticipation or to act with renewed speed or energy as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome, like a livestock animal at day's end returning to its barn.
|
social death »
The alienation of certain people from society to the point of being forgotten, excluded, or ignored in society.
|
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.
|
some people »
Expresses disgust at the actions of a person; a response to a person doing something silly, bizarre, nonsensical or ill-mannered.
|
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.
|
squeaky wheel gets the grease »
The person who complains or speaks up most loudly receives the redress or attention which he or she seeks.
|
standard fare »
Something which is normal, routine, or unexceptional; something which is commonly provided or encountered.
|
step down »
To gradually reduce something, a little at a time, as an electronic step down transformer.
|
sticker shock »
Disgust, shock, or fright upon learning the price of an item offered for sale.
|
stop the lights »
An interjection expressing exasperation or incredulity. or to illustrate the humour in a situation.
|
stretch the truth »
To exaggerate, often to the point where the truth is obscured or lost.
|
success has many fathers, failure is an orphan »
Many will seek credit for success, few will accept responsibility for failure.
|
summer and winter »
Endured.
|
supposed to »
Required.
|
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 it from me »
Believe me, rest assured.
|
take one's time »
To take more time to do something than is considered acceptable.
|
take the Michael »
Alternative form of take the mickey, usually considered more polite.
|
take the red pill »
To understand the world in its previously unknown reality.
|
take the shadow for the substance »
To be easily deceived, credulous, superficial.
|
teacher's pet »
A student who is perceived to be favored by the teacher.
|
that's the way life is »
That is the way things happenCertain things cannot be changed, helped or improved; struggle and objection are pointless.1935, Louis Bromfield, The Man Who Had Everything [1], page 279:That's the way life is, and there's no use trying to go against it.1979, Jay Edward Abrams, A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption [2], ISBN 0310511011, page 45:There are no standards, no values; that's the way life is. Learn to accept it and slide with it. Stop fighting it.2002, B. Eugene Ellison, Rings of the Templars, ISBN 059524050X, page 337:Shit happens; that's the way life is. In fact, I want you to take an additional thousand for your efforts.
|
the end justifies the means »
Morally wrong actions are sometimes necessary to achieve morally right outcomes; actions can only be considered morally right or wrong by virtue of the morality of the outcome.
|
the jig is up »
An expression used to mean "We have been caught out and have no defence", or if spoken to a person who's just been found out as the perpetrator of an offense, it means "You've been discovered.".
|
there you have it »
Used to introduce a speaker's interpretation of what has just transpired or been described.
|
throw to the wolves »
To remove or cast out someone or something out of one's protection, such as onto the streets, especially towards predators.
|
time off »
A period of time where one is not required to work.
|
time out of mind »
A lengthy duration of time, longer than is readily remembered.
|
timing is everything »
Consideration of other events can greatly influence some desired outcome (such as an audience laughing to a comedian's joke).Telling the old joke about a butt-crack was not a good idea, just as the plumber arrived, Bob.You know what they say: "timing is everything." I'm sure we can find another plumber before the house floods.
|
tire out »
To make someone tired; to exhaust.
|
tired and emotional »
Drunk.
|
top up »
To extend the credit of something.
|
trip to the woodshed »
An occasion on which a reprimand or punishment is administered.
|
truth will out »
A mystery will always be solved, or a truth will always be discoveredTruth will eventually and inevitably be discovered.
|
tuckered out »
Simple past tense and past participle of tucker out.
|
turn down »
To reduce the amount of something by means of a control, such as the volume, heat, or light.
|
twiddle one's thumbs »
To circle one's thumbs around one another, usually with the fingers interlaced, usually done idly while waiting or bored.
|
under sail »
With sails unfurled; powered by the wind.
|
under way »
A vessel is said to be underway when she is not anchored, moored, aground, or beached[1]. Compare with make way.
|
unwashed masses »
Of people who are considered by someone to be somehow uneducated, uninformed, godless, or in some other way unqualified for inclusion in the speaker's elite circles.
|
valley of death »
Lord Alfred Tennyson, The Charge of the Light Brigade.
|
virgin territory »
By extension, ideas or concepts or activities that have not yet been tried, explored or developed.
|
virgin territory »
Land that has never been explored or developed.
|
washed out »
To be very tired and lacking energy.
|
watered-down »
Diluted; containing extra water.
|
watered-down »
Weakened or simplified.
|
wear down »
To have one's long hair styled in a free, low-hanging, unencumbered style; i.e., not in an up-do or ponytail.
|
wear out »
To become exhausted, tired, fatigued, or weary, as by continued strain or exertion.
|
wear rose-colored glasses »
To see the positive in things while being oblivious to the negative.
|
what's eating somebody »
? Inquired of somebody who is upset, worried, angry, etc.
|
whatever it takes »
Anything that may be required to achieve an objective.
|
white coat hypertension »
Elevated blood pressure measured by a medical practitioner and deemed to result from the patient's emotional response to the medical environment.
|
who's 'she', the cat's mother%3F »
A rebuke especially directed towards children for having referred to their mother, or any other woman in the third person, instead of using a properly respectful title or their name when appropriate.
|
willy nilly »
Whether desired or not.
|
work spouse »
A man or woman in the workplace with whom one shares a special relationship having bonds similar to those of a marriage: special confidences, loyalties, shared jokes and experiences, and unusual degree of honesty or openness.
|
write off »
To reduce an asset's book value to zero.
|
write one's own ticket »
To be empowered to choose whatever job, financial arrangement, or course of action one desires.
|
| New: We also know Zip Codes FYI! |
[