a different ballpark »
Something totally unrelated or of a vastly different scale or scope.
|
a gentleman and a scholar »
An admirable person.
|
a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
|
a picture paints a thousand words »
A visualisation is a better description than a verbal description.1971, David Gates (of Bread), If, from Manna album:If a picture paints a thousand wordsThen why can't I paint you;The words will never showThe you I've come to know.1989, Alan Kay, quoted in K?o-tung Huang, Timothy D. Huang, Introduction to Chinese, Japanese and Korean Computing, World Scientific, ISBN 9971506645, p. 9:Most human beings, no matter how familiar they are with abstract symbols, respond to voice and images better than written language. In other words, A picture paints a thousand words.2006, Paul Shakespeare, Building a Dune Buggy: The Essential Manual, ISBN 1904788734, p. 52:See accompanying diagram: a picture paints a thousand words, and all that!
|
a scholar and a gentleman »
An admirable person.
|
abide by »
To accept a decision or law and act in accordance with it; to conform to; to acquiesce; as, to abide by an award.
|
act out »
To go through the process of a scene from a play, a charade or a pointless exercise.
|
air out »
To discuss in the open.
|
all over the map »
Widely scattered or distributed; numerous and differing greatly.
|
all over the shop »
Everywhere, scattered, disorganised.
|
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.
|
are your ears burning »
Said of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.
|
argue out »
To discuss to reach an agreed conclusion, or decision.
|
as far as »
In the scope of.
|
asphalt jungle »
A city or urban area, where the landscape is covered by pavement and the environment is alienating and unsafe.
|
avant la lettre »
An example of a term before the term was coined. Describing a term used anachronistically.
|
bail out »
To remove water from a boat by scooping it out.
|
bail out »
To rescue, especially financially.
|
barrel »
A metallic tube, as of a gun, from which a projectile is discharged.
|
bat around »
To discuss.
|
bat away »
To avoid by diverting the focus of a discussion.
|
bawdy basket »
The twenty-third rank of canters, who carry pins, tape, ballads, and obscene books to sell, but live mostly by stealing.
|
bawl out »
To deliver a loud, hard scolding or lecture; to reprimand.
|
beefed out »
Muscular, often in an exaggerated way.
|
behind closed doors »
Public disclosure.
|
behind the counter »
Of drugs, dispensed by a pharmacist without needing a doctor's prescription or other form of compliance.
|
behind the scenes »
In secret; out of public view.
|
believe in »
To ascribe existence to.
|
believe in »
To ascribe some powers or other attributes to.
|
between Scylla and Charybdis »
Similar in meaning to between a rock and a hard place.
|
beyond the pale »
Describing behaviour that is considered to be outside the bounds of morality, good behaviour or judgement in civilised company.
|
big up »
To increase one's muscle mass through exercise.
|
birds and bees »
Informal sex education, especially describing the sexual activity of animals rather than that of people.
|
bite me »
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
|
black-on-black »
A description of the colors of an automobile .
|
black-on-black »
Something that is invisible or intentionally obfuscated, such as warnings or fine print.
|
blanket term »
A word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things. The degree of relation may vary. Blanket terms often trade specificity for ease-of-use; in other words, a blanket term by itself gives little detail about the things that it describes or the relationships between them, but is easy to say and remember. Blanket terms often originate as slang, and eventually become integrated into the general vocabulary.
|
bleep out »
To censor inappropriate spoken words by obscuring them with the sound of a bleep.
|
blind »
An 1800s baseball term meaning no score.
|
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!
|
blot out »
To obscure.
|
blow away »
Flabbergast; scintillate; impress greatly.
|
blow off »
To shoot something with a gun, causing it to come disconnected.
|
blow the whistle »
To disclose information to the public or to appropriate authorities concerning the illegal or socially harmful actions of a person or group, especially a corporation or government agency.
|
blue note »
Notes added to the major scale for expressive quality in jazz and blues music, particularly the flatted third, fifth and seventh.
|
borganism »
An organization of autonomous organisms that exhibit collectivism: individual "units" that have merged to yield a unified construct. Such an amalgam may possess a collective consciousness, arguably an emergent phenomenon of social networking.
|
born 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.
|
boys will be boys »
It is hard, often fruitless, to attempt to curb the natural playfulness and tendency to mischief of most growing boys.1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13But just then there was a slight altercation between Master Tommy and Master Jacky. Boys will be boys and our two twins were no exception to this golden rule.Even grown men usually remain somewhat boyish in heart"Boys will be boys", grinned grandpa while he joined his adult son playing with the fancy train-set he gave his grandson for Christmas while the kid was in school.
|
break in the case »
A new discovery in a case.
|
break one's duck »
To score one's first run in an innings.
|
break out »
To escape, especially forcefully or defiantly.
|
bring owls to Athens »
Perhaps we have not been sufficiently aware that talking about access and its implications in Scandinavia is like bringing owls to Athens. — Herbert Burkert.
|
bring round »
To resuscitate; to cause to regain consciousness.
|
broad church »
A wide scope of philosophies and ideas.
|
bucket of bolts »
A piece of machinery that is not worth more than its scrap value, often of old cars.
|
bug out »
Miss school, play truant, play hooky.
|
built like a tank »
Broad shouldered and of solid, muscular build.
|
bunk off »
We all bunked off school yesterday to watch the football.
|
business before pleasure »
An admonishment that discharging one's obligations must take precedence over devoting time to pursuits meant solely for one's own gratification.
|
cast away »
To discard.
|
cast off »
To discard or reject something.
|
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.
|
cat that ate the canary »
A person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.
|
catbird seat »
Expression used to describe an enviable position, often one of great advantage.
|
catch out »
To discover or expose as fake or insincere.
|
charley horse »
A muscle cramp, usually in the thigh or leg.
|
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.
|
chew out »
To lecture, scold, reprimand, or rebuke.
|
chew the scenery »
To display excessive emotion or to act in an exaggerated manner while performing; to be melodramatic; to be flamboyant.
|
chickens coming home to roost »
Consequences visited upon someone who originally had appeared to escape them.
|
chime in »
To talk; to join in conversation or discussion.
|
chip in »
To interrupt a discussion for the purpose of making a comment.
|
chopped liver »
A Jewish food made by frying liver and onions in schmaltz.
|
chuck away »
To discard, or throw away.
|
chuck out »
To discard, to dispose of.
|
clear up »
To clarify, to correct a misconception.
|
climb up »
To make a gradual ascent or increase.
|
climb up »
To gradually ascend something.
|
cock up »
Unintentionally; to screw up, mess up or f** up.
|
cold comfort »
C. 1594, William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew, act 4, sc. 1.
|
come down »
To descend.
|
come on »
To encounter, discover; to come upon.
|
come out »
To be discovered, be revealed.
|
come round »
To recover consciousness.
|
come to »
To recover consciousness after fainting etc.
|
crab mentality »
A way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot.
|
crown jewels »
The jewelry that accompany the office of rulership in a monarchy. I.e., crown, scepter, signet ring, etc.
|
cry for help »
Acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help.
|
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.
|
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.
|
deep six »
To discard, cancel, halt; to completely put an end to something.
|
die »
Followed by from. General use, though somewhat more common in medical or scientific contexts.
|
dig up »
To discover something by digging; to unearth.
|
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.
|
disc jockey »
radio presenter
|
discretion is the better part of valour »
It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.1597
|
dismal science »
Nickname for economics or for the field of political economy.
|
do a bunk »
To escape or flee under incriminating circumstances.
|
do justice »
To really allow to be apprehended in its full scope.
|
dodge a bullet »
To have a narrow escape; to avoid injury or disaster.
|
don't get me started »
About the subject currently being discussed.
|
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.
|
down in the mouth »
Sad or discouraged, especially as indicated by one's facial appearance.
|
drag »
To move a mouse cursor while holding down a button on the mouse, often to move something on the screen.
|
dress down »
To scold.
|
drop back »
Of a quarterback or other player in the backfield, to take a number of steps back from the line of scrimmage immediately after the snap or hike of the ball, to avoid defenders.
|
drown out »
To cover, obscure, or hide by being louder than.
|
dumb down »
To convey some subject matter in simple terms, avoiding technical or academic language, especially in a way that is considered condescending.
|
ears are burning »
Being the topic of discussion in another place; or sensing that this is happening.
|
eat someone out of house and home »
C. 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2, Act II Scene I.
|
elbow grease »
Effort or hard work, especially physical work involving repeated motion of the forearm, such as scrubbing.
|
end of the line »
Final cessation or discontinuance of a process, institution, or person, especially one which has existed for a considerable period of time; death.
|
eureka moment »
The moment of a sudden unexpected discovery.
|
every day is a school day »
You learn something new every day.
|
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.
|
fade out »
A type of transition used in movies usually at the end of a scene, in which the transition fades to black from the cut.
|
fall for »
To be fooled; to walk into a trap or respond to a scam or trick.
|
fall through the cracks »
To be missed; to escape the necessary notice or attention.
|
far be it »
A disclaimer stating that the person speaking will not do something.
|
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.
|
fencepost problem »
In computer programming, a problem dealing with how to treat the initial or boundary values of a discrete problem.
|
few and far between »
Rare and scarce.
|
field day »
A day of class taken away from school for a field trip.
|
field day »
A school day for athletic events; a sports day.
|
figure out »
To come to understand; to discover or find a solution; to deduce.
|
find out »
To discover, as by asking or exploring.
|
fine line »
A difference, albeit vague and difficult to discern.
|
fire drill »
An organised practice to prepare occupants of an office, school or other public building for evacuation in the event of a fire.
|
fire escape »
emergency exit
|
fire-breathing »
Caustic, vitriolic or scathing.
|
firm up »
To make muscles more toned through physical exercise.
|
first among equals »
In the British and other parliamentary systems, a term used to describe the relationship of the prime minister to the other members of the cabinet.
|
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 »
An inflorescence that resembles a flower, but actually contains many small florets, such as a sunflower.
|
flutter in the dovecote »
A disturbance, usually one caused within a prescribed group of people.
|
fly the coop »
To depart hastily or unannounced; to escape or flee.
|
fly the coop »
To escape from a pen or similar enclosure.
|
fold one's tent »
To withdraw, especially in a discreet manner; to disengage; to quit.
|
for all intensive purposes »
Misconstruction of “for all intents and purposes”.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10].
|
four score and seven years ago »
87 years prior to today.
|
four score and seven years ago »
As an opener, a sometimes sarcastic indicator to indicate a past event being mentioned is particularly important.
|
fourth wall »
The imaginary invisible wall at the front of the stage in a proscenium theatre, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play.
|
from scratch »
From the beginning; starting with no advantage or prior preparation; starting from raw ingredients.
|
from time to time »
C. 1595, William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, act 3, sc. 3.
|
fruit of one's loins »
One's child, children, or descendents.
|
get away »
escape
|
get away »
make an escape
|
get in »
To secure membership at a selective school.
|
get into trouble »
To perform an action which is illegal, prohibited, forbidden or proscribed and to become subject to punishment for such action.
|
ginger snap »
biscuit
|
give somebody the slip »
To evade, escape, or get away from somebody.
|
go back to the drawing board »
To start again; to scrap a previous idea or plan and try again from the beginning.
|
go down »
To descend; to move from a higher place to a lower one.
|
go off at score »
Of a horse, to break suddenly into a gallop; of a person, suddenly to say or do something impetuous.
|
go out the window »
To vanish or cease, especially due to lack of care, attention, etc.; to be discarded, disregarded, or ignored.
|
go over »
To look at carefully; to scrutinize; to analyze.
|
go through the mill »
To experience the suffering or discipline necessary to bring one to a certain degree of knowledge or skill, or to a certain mental state.
|
golden duck »
The score of zero runs after getting out on the first ball faced.
|
golden handcuffs »
Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage participant from wanting to leave, especially to retain a choice employee.
|
good old boy »
A male friend or chum, especially a schoolmate; a man with an established network of friends who assist one another in social and business situations; a decent, dependable fellow.
|
greenwash »
A false or misleading picture of environmental friendliness used to conceal or obscure damaging activities.
|
hand waving »
Discussion or argumentation involving approximation, vagueness, educated guessing, or the attempt to explain or excuse vagaries.
|
have a frog in one's throat »
To feel the need to cough; to have a tickle in one's throat; to have a scratchy or uneven voice.
|
have a scream »
To have a good time, to have a blast.
|
have a screw loose »
A phrase meaning that the subject is insane or irrational.
|
have an eye for »
To have good taste; to have the ability to discriminate or identify quality.
|
have the biscuit »
To be of no further use; to be near death.
|
head scratcher »
A device used to scratch the head.
|
head scratcher »
A particularly puzzling or confusing event.
|
head scratcher »
December 2007, W:Daily News Tribune - Golden Globes nominations a head-scratcher.
|
head scratcher »
July 2002, Fox News - Attorney: Williams' Kids Near Compromise About Father's Remains.
|
hear the grass grow »
To be very aware or discerning; to pay attention to every small detail.
|
hell hath no fury like a woman scorned »
A woman will make someone suffer if they reject her.
|
hem and haw »
To discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action.
|
hit on »
To discover, pinpoint; to think up; to realize; to invent.
|
hold back »
To delay, especially in school.
|
hold water »
To withstand scrutiny or criticism; to be valid.
|
hold your fire »
Do not discharge your weapon. Used originally for weapons needing a spark or lighting of a fuse to ignite gunpowder, now sometimes used to mean any weapon launching a projectile.
|
horror film »
scary movie
|
if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail »
With limited tools, single-minded people apply them inappropriately or indiscriminatelyIf a person is familiar with a certain, single subject/has with them a certain, single instrument, they may have a confirmation bias to believe that it is the answer to/involved in everything.
|
if looks could kill »
A phrase said upon catching sight of someone's giving you a particularly nasty look of discontent or disapproval.
|
in the dock »
Under scrutiny; subject to critical inspection.
|
in the hot seat »
Under pressure to perform; under scrutiny; at the center of attention.
|
in the loop »
Informed; up to date; current; part of the discussion.
|
in vain »
19C, Friedrich Nietzsche.
|
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
|
itsy bitsy »
Minuscule.
|
ivory tower »
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.
|
jack of all trades, master of none »
A master of integration, who knows enough from many learned trades and skills to be able to bring their disciplines together in a practical manner; a polymath; a renaissance man.
|
jack up »
To ruin; wreck; mess up; screw up; sometimes as a bowdlerized substitution for f** up.
|
jump rope »
The activity, game or exercise in which a person must jump, bounce or skip repeatedly while a length of rope is swung over and under, both ends held in the hands of the jumper, or alternately, held by two other participants. Often used for athletic training and among schoolchildren. Variations involve speed, chants, varied rope and jumper movement patterns, multiple jumpers and/or multiple ropes.
|
jumped-up »
Describes a person who thinks he is superior in some way that the speaker disagrees with. For instance, of a higher class, or has more authority than they have in reality.
|
keep one's mouth shut »
To keep a secret; to refrain from speaking indiscreetly or carelessly.
|
kick off the team »
In sports, to dismiss an athlete from a team, usually for misconduct, poor academic performance or other offenses.
|
kick out »
To stop, stall, or disconnect suddenly.
|
kicking and screaming »
With extreme reluctance.
|
kiss of life »
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
|
knight in shining armor »
A person who will rescue a dangerous situation; a hero.
|
knock out »
To render someone unconscious, as by a blow to the head.
|
knock the living daylights out of »
To knock out; to hit and cause to be unconscious.
|
know the score »
Be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
|
l'esprit de l'escalier »
The experience of thinking of a devastating rejoinder only after leaving the scene of the debate.
|
laughing stock »
C. 1598, William Shakespeare, Merry Wives of Windsor, act 3, sc. 1.
|
lay open »
to disclose
|
left and right »
All over the place; indiscriminately; frequently or excessively.
|
left, right and center »
All over the place; indiscriminately; frequently or excessively.
|
legal duty »
A duty prescribed by the law, to act or forbear from acting.
|
let go and let God »
To consciously surrender one's free will to the will of God.
|
let on »
To reveal, disclose, or divulge.
|
let slip »
allow to escape
|
let somebody in on »
To disclose; to tell somebody a secret or share privileged information.
|
let the cat out of the bag »
To disclose a secret; to let a secret be known, often inadvertently.
|
light bucket »
Nickname for a reflecting telescope, especially one with a relatively large aperture and suitable for observing deep sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.
|
long shot »
A master shot, the primary wide shot of a scene into which the closeups will be edited later.
|
look back »
To reminisce about a past time.
|
look over »
To scan-read and check for errors.
|
lose one's cool »
To become upset or disconcerted; to lose one's temper.
|
low blow »
A rhetorical attack that is considered unfair or unscrupulous.
|
make a virtue of necessity »
C. 1595, William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona, act 4, sc.1.
|
make oneself scarce »
To leave or depart, or to avoid or stay away.
|
make out »
To discern.
|
man of parts »
A man that is talented in multiple areas of life. This includes but is not limited to the area of seduction. He puts very little emphasis on memorized scripts or "peacocking" and instead relies on individualized ways to charm a woman.
|
mess up »
To discombobulate, utterly confuse, or confound psychologically; to throw into a state of mental disarray.
|
move the goalposts »
To alter the agreed basis, scope, standards or target of a procedure or task during its course, especially to do so to someone's advantage.
|
murder will out »
A murderer will always be discovered.
|
murder will out »
Secrets or hidden crimes will eventually be exposed or discovered.
|
muscle in »
To interfere, or intrude forcibly.
|
muscle in on »
To interfere with, or intrude on something forcibly.
|
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.
|
nickel and dime »
Small time; operating on a small scale; involving small amounts of money; petty or cheap.
|
no pain, no gain »
One must be willing to endure some inconvenience or discomfort in order to achieve worthwhile goals.
|
no score »
In a sporting event, a score of zero to zero.
|
no screaming hell »
Something that is not particularly effective or impressive; something that is below expectations.
|
odds and ends »
Miscellaneous things.
|
off the radar »
Unlikely to happen, or be important in the near future or tending to escape detection or attention.
|
off-color »
Considered dirty, vulgar or obscene.
|
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.
|
old time used to be »
Somebody Loan Me A Dime. lyrics by Boz Scaggs.
|
on the level »
A discreet reference to freemasonry.
|
on the square »
A discrete, unassuming reference to freemasonry.
|
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.
|
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.
|
out of house and home »
Cassandra Chrones Moore, Haunted Housing: How Toxic Scare Stories Are Spooking the Public Out of House and Home.
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out of house and home »
Global Checkup: How Healthy is Earth?, Science NOW.
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out of the loop »
Not informed up to date; current; not kept part of the discussion.
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pain in the ass »
Something that causes discomfort or is otherwise troublesome.
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paint with a broad brush »
To describe a class of objects or a kind of phenomenon in general terms, without specific details and without attention to individual variations.
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paper »
A written document that reports scientific or academic research and is usually subjected to peer review before publication in a scientific journal or in the proceedings of a scientific or academic meeting .
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patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels »
The appeal to patriotism is often used to distract the public from real issues.
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peg it »
To run away; to leg it; to scarper.
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pick up »
To notice, detect or discern, often used with "on".
|
pitched battle »
A hostile engagement involving sustained, full-scale fighting between opposing forces in close combat.
|
play hookey »
To be absent without permission, especially from school.
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play hooky »
To miss school, work, or other duties without permission or an excuse.
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play it by ear »
To play a song according to how it sounds, rather than from a written score.
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play Old Harry »
To play the devil; to make mischief.
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play possum »
To feign death; to remain quiet and still to escape attention or remain undetected; to lay low.
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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.
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pre-war »
Describing the most recent or significant war in a culture's history.
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pre-war »
Describing the period before a war.
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pre-war »
Describing the period before the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
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pull one's head in »
To withdraw as a turtle might; to discontinue support of a particular argument.
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pump up »
To cause one's muscles to swell by means of focussed weightlifting.
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punch bowl waterfall »
A plunging waterfall descending from a narrow stream into a pool.
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put hair on somebody's chest »
To make a person stronger or more masculine.
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put through the wringer »
To interrogate or scrutinize closely; to subject to some trial or ordeal.
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put to the test »
To test something or someone; to evaluate, scrutinize or explore by testing or experimentation.
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put two and two together »
To figure out; to deduce or discern.
|
quake in one's boots »
To be frightened, scared, or nervous.
|
rag the puck »
To retain possession of the puck by skillful skating and stickhandling without attempting to score, as a deliberate tactic intended to use up time.
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rain on someone's parade »
To disappoint or discourage someone.
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read somebody the riot act »
To scold or berate somebody; to reprimand.
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read somebody's lips »
To discern what somebody is saying by watching the shape of the mouth rather than by hearing the sounds of the words.
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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.
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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.
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redolent »
Fragrant or aromatic; having a sweet scent.
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redolent »
Suggestive or reminiscent.
|
ring off »
To finish a telephone conversation and disconnect.
|
road to Damascus »
A road to Damascus moment, or change, is an important point in someone's life where a great change, or reversal, of ideas or beliefs occurs.
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road to Damascus »
That was my Road to Damascus moment. They played one hit after another and this is the song I remember most clearly.
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rocket science »
Anything overly complex, detailed or confusing.
|
rocket science »
The science or study of rockets and their design.
|
rocket scientist »
One specializing in the science or study of rockets and their design.
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rocket scientist »
Someone qualified to understand or handle that which is overly complex, detailed or confusing; a genius.
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run a mile »
To escape, flee or leave a situation or relationship, usually as a result of a shocking or sudden announcement or revelation.
|
run across »
To find or discover by chance.
|
run away »
escape
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run for one's money »
A reasonable opportunity to succeed, perform acceptably, or escape harm, especially in a difficult situation.
|
run into the ground »
To discuss ad nauseam.
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run off with »
To steal or abscond.
|
run over »
To briefly describe.
|
run scared »
To try everything to avoid defeat.
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save the day »
To rescue the situation.
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scare out of one's wits »
To frighten someone to such an extent that they behave irrationally.
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scare the bejeebers out of »
To thoroughly terrify.
|
scare the pants off of »
To scare or startle thoroughly.
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scared shitless »
Very scared, terrified.
|
scared to death »
Extremely frightened.
|
scarf down »
To eat something quickly.
|
school of hard knocks »
An education consisting of real-world experiences, especially harsh experiences.
|
scissorbill »
And railroad term for someone who refused to join the union or who openly colluded with management to thwart the union.
|
scissorbill »
Someone considered contemptible or foolish.
|
scissorbill »
The black skimmer bird native to the Atlantic states, USA.
|
scope out »
To examine; to scout; to investigate; to check out.
|
scotch mist »
fine rain
|
scrape off »
To remove something by a scraping action.
|
scrape the bottom of the barrel »
To use the least desirable parts of something.
|
scrape through »
To marginally manage to progress.
|
scrape together »
To collect, assemble or gather small amounts , from various sources, with some difficulty.
|
scratch one's head »
To puzzle, ponder, or wonder about something.
|
scratch that »
To disregard, omit, or ignore the previous statement.
|
scratch the surface »
To barely begin; to see or do only a fraction of what is possible.
|
scream »
A form of singing associated with the metal and screamo styles of music. It is a loud, rough, distorted version of the voice; rather than the normal voice of the singer.
|
scream »
An entertaingly outrageous person.
|
scream »
Used as an intensifier.
|
scream bloody murder »
To protest loudly or angrily.
|
screen out »
To use a screen, grate, sieve or similar means to separate large from small objects or particles.
|
screen out »
Figuratively, to exclude.
|
screen test »
movie audition
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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.
|
screw it »
"I don't care enough to continue"; whatever.
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screw the pooch »
To screw up; to fail in dramatic and ignominious fashion.
|
screw this »
"I don't care enough to continue"; "This is too stressful for me"; whatever.
|
scrimp and save »
To scrimp greatly; to economize; to live very frugally, particularly when saving for something.
|
scrounge up »
To seek or find despite a lack of apparent resources or availability.
|
second nature »
A mindset, skill, or type of behavior so ingrained through habit or practice that it seems natural, automatic, or without a basis in conscious thought.
|
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.
|
shell out »
To use a program's "shell escape" function to execute an unrelated command or to invoke a subsidiary, interactive shell.
|
shit-eating grin »
A broad smile indicating self-awareness that may suggest self-satisfaction, smugness, discomfort, or embarrassment.
|
shoot off at the mouth »
To disclose some information that was supposed to be secret.
|
shoot the moon »
To achieve the lowest score possible, such that the player is usually rewarded with bonus points.
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short leash »
Forcing one to function within a strict set of rules, or under great scrutiny or oversight.
|
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.
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shotgun approach »
An approach in which the subject is indiscriminate and haphazard, using breadth, spread, or quantity in lieu of accuracy, planning, etc.
|
show somebody the door »
To escort someone to the exit of the premises; to expel someone from a room, gathering, etc.
|
sign off »
Term used to describe the closing of a radio or television station's studios and cessation of a broadcasting signal, usually during the overnight hours.
|
silver screen »
By extension, the movies or that related to movies or cinema.
|
silver screen »
The cinema screen onto which movies are projected.
|
sit out »
To escape a hold while face-down by swinging one's legs around into the sitting position.
|
sit still »
To accept, tolerate, or acquiesce.
|
skimp and save »
Alternative form of scrimp and save.
|
slip someone's mind »
To be forgotten; to escape one's memory.
|
slip through the cracks »
To escape notice or lack sufficient attention.
|
smoke and mirrors »
A deceptive, fraudulent, or unconvincing explanation or description.
|
smooth operator »
A skillful, manipulative person, con artist, or clever scoundrel.
|
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.
|
soapbox »
Especially when only tangentially relevant to an ongoing discussion.
|
softly softly »
Discreet, low-key, careful.
|
spare the rod and spoil the child »
If one does not discipline a child, he or she will never learn obedience and good manners.
|
speak of the devil »
An expression sometimes used when a person mentioned in the current conversation happens to arrive on the scene.
|
spill the beans »
To reveal a secret; to disclose.
|
spine-tingling »
Nervy or scary.
|
spring onion »
scallion
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stand from under »
To escape something falling or being thrown from above.
|
stat whore »
Through unscrupulous or tacky means.
|
stretch the truth »
To exaggerate, often to the point where the truth is obscured or lost.
|
strip away »
To ignore a factor which obscures the reality.
|
stumble across »
To discover or find something by accident.
|
stumble on »
To discover or find something by accident.
|
stumble upon »
To discover or find something by accident.
|
take a powder »
To leave in a hurry; run away; scram; depart without taking leave or notifying anyone, often with a connotation of avoiding something unpleasant or shirking responsibility.
|
take aback »
To surprise or shock; to discomfit.
|
take down »
To remove a temporary structure such as scaffolding.
|
take off »
To leave the ground and begin flight; to ascend into the air.
|
take sitting down »
To tolerate, accept, or acquiesce; to take no action.
|
take the biscuit »
To be of no further use; to be near death.
|
take the biscuit »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
|
take the heat »
To take the blame; to be the focus of anger or scrutiny; to take the consequences.
|
take the wind out of someone's sails »
To discourage someone greatly; to cause someone to lose hope or the will to continue.
|
talk down »
To speak condescendingly or as though the listener is inferior.
|
talk of the town »
A subject discussed by many people.
|
talk out of turn »
To make a remark or provide information when it is inappropriate or indiscreet to do so, or when one does not have permission or the authority to do so.
|
talk over »
To discuss.
|
talking head »
A pundit who discusses issues of the day, especially one on TV.
|
tear a strip off somebody »
To scold vigorously.
|
tempus fugit »
time flies (used as an alternative to this phrase)."Meanwhile, the irreplaceable time escapes", expressing concern that one's limited time is being consumed by something which may have little intrinsic substance or importance at that moment.
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that's what's up »
Used to express acquiescence or concurrence.
|
the finger »
An obscene gesture, typically consisting of extending the middle finger at somebody.
|
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.".
|
the plot thickens »
Used, often ironically, to describe an increasingly complex or mysterious situation.
|
the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you get »
Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get.
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the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you take »
Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get.
|
the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you're going to get »
Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get.
|
the terrorists will have won »
Phrase used following a description of an activity to indicate that if that activity is not continued or carried out, those who seek to disrupt normal activities through terror will have succeeded, an which is an unacceptable result.
|
there you have it »
Used to introduce a speaker's interpretation of what has just transpired or been described.
|
thrash out »
To discuss something so fully as to resolve a problem or conflict; to hammer out.
|
three Rs »
The basic education received in primary schools. Literally; reading, writing and arithmetic.
|
three-martini lunch »
A leisurely, expensive, midday meal associated with drinking, which is tax-deductible because business is discussed.
|
three-on-the-tree »
On an automobile, describing the gearshift lever of a steering column-mounted three-speed manual transmission.
|
throw away »
To discard or dispose of something.
|
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.
|
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 money away »
To spend money foolishly or indiscriminately; to waste money without regard of the consequences.
|
throw out »
To discard; to dispense with something; to throw away.
|
throw the baby out with the bathwater »
To discard something valuable, often inadvertently, in the process of removing waste.
|
throw under the bus »
To betray or blame; to use as a scapegoat.
|
throw under the bus »
To discard or disown.
|
tight ship »
A well-organized and highly disciplined organization.
|
tip the scales »
To turn to one side a balanced situation.
|
tomorrow is another day »
Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a fresh start for one's endeavors.1600, author unknown, "Phillidaes Love-call to her Coridon, and his replying" (song), in England's Helicon, printed at London by I.R. for John Flasket:Phil. Yonder comes my Mother, Coridon,whether shall I flie?Cor. Under yonder Beech my lovely one,while she passeth by.Say to her thy true-Love was not heere,remember, remember,to morrow is another day:1896, Amelia E. Barr, A Knight of the Nets, ch. 8:"Well, well, my dear lass, to-night we cannot work, but we may sleep. . . . Keep a still heart tonight, and tomorrow is another day."1936, Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, ch. 63:"Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."2005, Fran Schumer, "JERSEY: In Princeton, Taking On Harvard's Fuss About Women," New York Times, 19 June (retrieved 18 Aug. 2009):"Half of me is depressed
|
tone up »
To strengthen and make the muscles of the body firmer by regular excercise.
|
top it all off »
To emphasize or underscore; to make something even better or worse.
|
tough love »
The compassionate use of stringent disciplinary measures, to attempt to improve someone's behavior.
|
truth will out »
A mystery will always be solved, or a truth will always be discoveredTruth will eventually and inevitably be discovered.
|
tumble to »
To discover, or suddenly understand something.
|
turn off »
To repulse, disgust, or discourage.
|
under lock and key »
Imprisoned with little or no chance of escape.
|
under the microscope »
Under close scrutiny or examination.
|
underwater basket weaving »
An easy and useless college or high school class.
|
up front »
Open, honest; tending to disclose information; truthful.
|
up to no good »
Misbehaving, being mischievous.
|
up to scratch »
Sufficient; adequate; of acceptable or satisfactory quality.
|
up to something »
Doing something mischievous or scheming.
|
urban fabric »
The physical aspect of urbanism, emphasizing building types, thoroughfares, open space, frontages, and streetscapes; while excluding without prejudice to this useful term, environmental, functional, economic and sociocultural aspects.
|
wage war »
A figurative allusion to pay discrepancies.
|
walk the line »
To behave in an authorized or socially accepted manner, especially as prescribed by law or morality; to exercise self-control.
|
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.
|
waste breath »
To speak in a manner which is needless or futile; in discussion or argument to make points which are not appreciated or heeded.
|
watch out »
To be aware or conscious; to look closely or carefully; to use caution. Often used in the imperative.
|
what it says on the tin »
Exactly what is described or what one would expect from the name.
|
what you see is what you get »
The screen image resembles the printed output.
|
white on rice »
A descriptive analogy of closeness. See like white on rice.
|
work out »
To habitually exercise rigorously, especially by lifting weights, in order to increase strength or muscle mass or maintain fitness.
|
wouldn't say boo to a goose »
Describing a quiet, exceptionally shy person.
|
wrap around one's fingers »
To make one susceptible to desire, in that their behavior or actions are influenced.
|
write down »
In a simple or condescending style.
|
yell at »
To scold, to rebuke - often by yelling.
|
yield up »
To disclose something hidden.
|
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!
|
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
|
you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours »
If you do me a favor then I will do you a favor; quid pro quo.
|
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