a chain is only as strong as its weakest link »
An organization (especially a process or a business) is only as strong or powerful as its weakest person. A group of associates is only as strong as its laziest member.
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a closed mouth gathers no feet »
One who does not speak can be certain he won't say anything embarrassing.
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a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step »
even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point
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a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
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a rising tide lifts all boats »
Benefits provided to a few may lead to conditions that are beneficial to all.
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a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down »
An otherwise unpleasant situation can be pleasant when a pleasant aspect is deliberately introduced.1999, Eli Yassif, The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning, Indiana University Press, ISBN 0253335833, page 372,One is known as the "sweetening parable," that is to say a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Thus, when the aim is to preach to the people, to guide them along the "bitter," arduous path of upholding burdensome precepts and prohibitions, a tale can lighten the load, make the "medicine" easier "to swallow."2001, Maureen Reagan, First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir, Little, Brown, ISBN 0316736368, page 319,It put some fun into the tedious business of preparing for a presidential debate. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?2004, John Hoover, How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive... Without Killing Your Boss, Career Press, ISBN 1564147045, page 11,If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, a barrel of laughs can wash down the big pills you might need to swallow.
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abstract nonsense »
Details which involve diagram chasing.
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all holiday »
A saying signifying that it is all over with the business or person spoken of or alluded to/.
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all talk and no action »
Speaking, promising, or boasting much, but doing little
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an apple a day »
Healthy eating and living using traditional temperate-zone fresh foods.
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and counting »
Used to show that the number previously mentioned is continuously changing, i.e. increasing or decreasing.
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at loggerheads »
Unable to agree; opposing.
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back office »
The IT and infrastructure support services for a company, separate from the public face of the business.
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back to our muttons »
To get back to the business at hand.
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baker's dozen »
Cousin.
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balls up »
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of ball up.
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barrel of laughs »
That which is immature, embarrassing, or disgraceful.
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barrel of monkeys »
Something very funny or amusing.
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bash up »
To assault someone with the intention of causing physical injury.
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be still my heart »
Calm down, this situation is too exciting or overly distressing.
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beat up »
To sail to windward using a series of alternate tacks across the wind.
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beauty mark »
Or artificially using cosmetics.
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best regards »
Used as a polite closing of a letter.
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better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness »
In the face of bad times or hopelessness, it is more worthwhile to do some good, however small, in response than to complain about the situation.
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bigger fish to fry »
A much more pressing issue to attend to.
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bill of goods »
A set of misleading or deceptive claims; misinformation.
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bleeding edge »
Something very current, or modern where there may actually be a hazard or risk in using it, such as with potentially unstable software. The term relates to a sword.
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blessing in disguise »
A misfortune that has an unexpected benefit.
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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!
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blow off »
To shoot something with a gun, causing it to come disconnected.
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blow over »
To blow on something causing it to topple.
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bluewash »
To tout a business or organization's commitment to social responsibility, and to use this perception for public relations and economic gain; to present a humanitarian front in this manner.
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booby prize »
A prize or status, often unwelcome, awarded as a joke or disincentive to the loser of a contest or for poor performance.
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boot up »
To start a computer using its bootstrap procedure.
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brain surgery »
Something that is overly complex, detailed or confusing.
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bread and butter »
That which is central or fundamental, as to one's business, survival, or income; a staple or cornerstone.
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break into »
To try to start in a profession or business.
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break up »
To break or separate into pieces; to disintegrate or come apart.
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brick up »
To block by masonry, particularly using bricks.
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broken-hearted »
Alternative spelling of brokenhearted. Feeling depressed, despondent, or hopeless, especially over losing a love.
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bump and grind »
A combination of movements resembling such a dance, as in road racing, whitewater kayaking, or exercising; any activity involving prolonged jarring or shaking.
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business as usual »
The normal course of an activity, particularly in circumstances that are out of the ordinary.
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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.
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business end »
The part of a tool or other similar item, that is physically used for its operation, rather than the part which is held.
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business girl »
A prostitute.
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business girl »
A young woman employed in business or office work.
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butt heads »
To argue uncompromisingly with someone.
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button-down »
Serious; staid; businesslike.
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calling card »
A small printed card which identifies the bearer, traditionally presented for introduction when making a social visit to a home or when attending a formal social event or business meeting.
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can of worms »
A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
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captain of industry »
A prominent business person who owns or is the highest-ranking executive of one or more major firms, especially one who has considerable wealth and influence.
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carry a tune »
To produce music, especially to sing, with accurate pitch.
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cast the first stone »
To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing that one is blameless.
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catch out »
To discover or expose as fake or insincere.
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caught with one's pants down »
Caught off guard, unprepared, or in an embarrassing situation.
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cave in »
The act of something collapsing or caving in.
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chain reaction »
A series of events, each one causing the next.
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chalkface »
A cliff or quarry exposing chalk, e.g. the White Cliffs of Dover.
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charity mugger »
A person employed by a charity, or by an intermediary fundraising agency employed by the charity, who stands in the street and invites passersby to set up standing orders or direct debits to make regular donations to the charity.
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che sera sera »
Used to express a personal philosophy of fatalism1604, Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus:Why then belike we must sin, / And so consequently die. / Aye, we must die an everlasting death. / What doctrine call you this ? Che, sera, sera: / What will be*, shall be; Divinity adieu. / These Metaphysics of Magicians, / And necromantic books, are heavenly.
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close down »
To stop trading as a business.
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close up »
To shut a building or a business for a period of time.
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close up shop »
To shut down a shop; to end a business activity.
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company »
In non-legal context, any business, without respect to incorporation.
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copious free time »
A hypothetical time set aside for performing time-consuming tasks, however insinuating that the speaker really has no free time.
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cordon off »
To protect from intrusion by enclosing in a rope barrier.
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crocodile tear »
A tear shed insincerely, in a false display of sorrow or some other emotion.
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cruising for a bruising »
Following a course of action likely to result in injury or other trouble for oneself.
|
cry all the way to the bank »
To be happy due to the receipt of money, although expressing sorrow about the cause of such receipt.
|
cry the blues »
To sing in the style of blues music.
|
dawn of a new day »
A new beginning; a fresh start; an important, promising turning point.
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day and night »
All the time; round the clock; unceasingly.
|
debris field »
Any area, non-dependent of locale, space, or contour, that contains the debris of wreckage, impact, sinking, or other material that once constituted a complete object. Debris fields can be found at the site of air crashes, water vessel sinking, explosions of buildings, collapses, and other events that render a whole entity into components, pieces, or other non-whole items.
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deep water »
A difficult or embarrassing situation.
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deliver the message to Garcia »
...grasp the demands and exactions of business life. He learns that the main thing to do is to "deliver the message to Garcia"....
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developments »
A group of building complexes or apartments. Often used for low income housing.
|
die »
Followed by for. Often expressing wider contextual motivations, though sometimes indicating direct causes.
|
dig up dirt »
To examine in order to find negative information for public opinion, usually with the purpose of embarrassing or discrediting a person.
|
do a slow burn »
To experience a gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
do something with mirrors »
To insinuate one has performed a magic or optical trick with the use of hidden mirrors, insinuating trickery and sham.
|
do something with mirrors »
To jokingly pretend that one did something using magic mirrors, that one is a magician; a joking explanation of the fantastic or the unexplained.
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does Macy's tell Gimbel's »
(US, dated, colloquial, rhetorical question) A rhetorical question with the implied answer being that competitors do not share business secrets with one another.
|
double booked »
Of a single resource, reserved for two different users at the same time.
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double Dutch »
Sex using a condom and the contraceptive pill at the same time.
|
draw out »
To improve a losing hand to a winning hand by receiving additional cards.
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dressing-down »
A reprimand or rarely, a thrashing.
|
drink off »
To drink the entirety of in a short period; originally and especially, in a single gulp.
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drive-by media »
Media professionals who "spray" a bunch of repetitive misstatements, mistaken and misinterpreted news reports to cause excitement and confusion. They then figuratively "drive off" leaving the cleanup of their mess and hysteria to others, to correct and properly explain and interpret.
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drop a bomb »
To announce surprising or alarming information suddenly and without warning.
|
ears are burning »
Being the topic of discussion in another place; or sensing that this is happening.
|
eat someone's dust »
To get one to be on a losing end.
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emperor's new clothes »
Something obvious and embarrassing that is politely ignored or that goes unacknowledged.
|
enough to make the angels weep »
Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.
|
even keel »
Of a business or other activity which is under control and running smoothly.
|
every cloud has a silver lining »
In every bad situation there is an element of good1881, National Academy of Code Administration (U.S.), Folio, page 417:Every cloud has a silver lining; but in the old-fashioned meeting-houses every cloud of hymnal melody generally had a nasal lining before the congregation...1887, Shakers, Religion, page 36:that "a little reserve and thou'lt fail surely," will prove to be true in our experience. Every cloud has a silver lining and so has every sorrow,1918, George Jean Nathan, Performing Arts, page 222:But the most popular attitude toward what we may call "sad" plays is the peculiar one of believing that, since every cloud has a silver lining,
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everybody and his cousin »
Everybody; a huge crowd; too many people.
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everything and the kitchen sink »
Alternative form of everything but the kitchen sink.
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everything but the kitchen sink »
Almost everything, whether needed or not.
|
fail over »
To automatically switch processing from a failed component in a critical system to its live spare or backup component.
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fall between two stools »
To attempt two tasks and fail at both, when either one could have been accomplished singly.
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feast for the eyes »
Visually pleasing sight.
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fight a losing battle »
To continue to wage war when it is clear that one is not going to win.
|
fight a losing battle »
To try to do something so difficult that it will probably end in failure.
|
fill in »
To inform somebody, especially to supply someone missing or missed information.
|
fly-by-night »
Businesses that appear and disappear rapidly, or that give an impression of transience.
|
fly-by-night »
Traveling businessmen and tradesmen.
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fold up »
To go out of business.
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for keeps »
To compete seriously, with a strong resolve to win or succeed, as in sports or business.
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for the love of »
Used to form interjections expressing exasperation.
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force someone's hand »
Bring about a situation which necessitates an agent to act, often causing a plan to be executed prematurely.
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from the bottom of one's heart »
In earnest; sincerely; with one's full feeling.
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full of beans »
Incorrect; uninformed; exaggerating or expressing falsehood.
|
get by the balls »
To have complete control over someone, especially of a woman abusing a man's infatuation with her.
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get down to business »
To become involved with something work-related.
|
get off »
To stop using a piece of equipment.
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give somebody the creeps »
To give someone a feeling of uneasiness or mild fright.
|
go belly-up »
To fail or fold; especially, to close or shut down a business; to go out of business.
|
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...
|
good fences make good neighbors »
It is better to mind one's own business than get involved with other people's affairs.
|
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.
|
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.
|
gravy train »
A gorging on luxuries, since someone else foots the bill.
|
grease payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
|
greatest thing since sliced bread »
A relatively recent invention likely to significantly improve people's lives.
|
grind to a halt »
Coming to a standstill, or ceasing to be productive or make progress, due to an obstacle.
|
guilty as sin »
Unquestionably guilty.
|
hand waving »
Discussion or argumentation involving approximation, vagueness, educated guessing, or the attempt to explain or excuse vagaries.
|
hang out one's shingle »
To open an office or business, especially in a profession.
|
hard hitting »
uncompromising
|
head scratcher »
A particularly puzzling or confusing event.
|
heart to heart »
A sincere, serious, or personal conversation.
|
heebie-jeebies »
A general feeling of anxiety, fear, uneasiness, or nausea.
|
his back is up »
He is offended or angry; an expression or idea taken from a cat; that animal, when angry, always raising its back. An allusion also sometimes used to jeer a crooked man.
|
hit the rock »
To make a gesture to show celebration, friendship, or to be part of a secret handshake by one person raising their fist so the fist is pointing at the person and the other person lightly punches the fist.
|
hit the spot »
To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.
|
hole in one »
A round that is completed by sinking the ball in a single shot or attempt, with one hit.
|
homeless dumping »
The practice of hospital employees or emergency workers releasing homeless patients on the streets instead of placing them into the custody of a relative or shelter or retaining them in a hospital where they may require expensive medical care.
|
hook line and sinker »
completely
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hook, line and sinker »
Naively or unquestioningly.
|
hoover up »
Quickly, especially by taking it into the mouth directly from the plate rather than using cutlery.
|
horses for courses »
The practice of choosing the best person for a particular job.
|
hospital pass »
A poorly executed pass to a team-mate causing the receiver to present an easy target for a defender, and thus be tackled hard.
|
hospital pass »
A throw that stays in the air long enough that it allows too many people to get underneath it, increasing the risk of injury and a trip to the hospital. Thus, a hospital pass.
|
hot mess »
Refers to a person, thing, or situation in such a state of disarray or disapproval by peers, often in reference to physical appearance, perceived to be disastrously embarrassing, pitiful, or beyond repair.
|
how do you like them apples »
Directed jestingly or mockingly at someone who has received surprising information, ridiculing the situation.
|
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.
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in black and white »
Having it displayed using shades of gray/gray rather than colour/color .
|
in black and white »
Using shades of grey/gray rather than colour/color.
|
in business »
Engaged in business activity.
|
in business »
Ready to proceed in a desired activity.
|
in for a penny, in for a pound »
Expressing recognition that one must, having started something, see it through to its end, rather than stopping short thereof; accepting that one must
|
in hot water »
In trouble; in the position of arousing somebody's anger or displeasure.
|
it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings »
There are more developments yet to come.
|
jack up »
To raise, hoist, or lift a thing using a jack, or similar means.
|
jive turkey »
Someone who is jiving, as in behaving in a glib and disingenuous fashion.
|
jumble sale »
fundraising event
|
jump »
To employ a move in certain board games where one game piece is moved from one legal position to another passing over the position of another piece.
|
jump rope »
A single jump in this game or activity, counted as a measure of achievement.
|
jump rope »
The length of rope, sometimes with handles, casing or other additions, used in that activity.
|
jumped-up »
We're doomed if this wee jumped-up monkey gets Gordon Smith's blessing.
|
keep straight »
To avoid confusing or mixing up something; to keep something clear or organized.
|
kick oneself »
To reproach oneself for making a mistake or missing an opportunity.
|
kitchen table software »
Especially in the early years of personal computers, a set of computer programs developed by an entrepreneurial advanced amateur or self-employed professional computer programmer in his or her own home; software developed by a small business using the services of such programmers.
|
larger-than-life »
Very imposing, renowned, or impressively influential.
|
lay off »
From employment, e.g. at a time of low business volume, often with a severance package.
|
lean and mean »
Efficient because of having nothing in excess of what is needed, and single-minded in one's objective.
|
leave no stone unturned »
To do a task very carefully and thoroughly, not missing any step.
|
level-headed »
Sensible; rational; possessing sound judgment.
|
like nobody's business »
In an extreme manner; rapidly; excessively; like crazy.
|
little pitchers have big ears »
Small children often overhear more of what is said than adults realize or desire.1844, Charlotte M. Yonge, Abbeychurch, ch. 2:Seeing me listening to something she was saying to Mamma, she turned round upon me with that odious proverb, "Little pitchers have long ears."1939, "Bedtime Bedlam," Time, 17 Apr.:A caution to U. S. parents, but a joy to radio merchandising, is the dread truth that little pitchers have big ears.2002, Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, ISBN 9780743455961, p. 185:I suppose he might say pushed or went woowoo, but took a shit is, I fear, very much in the ballpark (little pitchers have big ears, after all).
|
live in sin »
To cohabit as if man and wife without being married.
|
long since »
Past.
|
lubrication payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
|
lump together »
To put different items or groups together and treat them, or think of them as one single group.
|
many happy returns »
A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!.
|
measure twice and cut once »
(literally, carpentry) One should double-check one's measurements for accuracy before cutting a piece of wood; otherwise it may be necessary to cut again, wasting time and material.1872, "Dressmaking," Hall's Journal of Health, vol. 19, no. 12, p. 280:Look at Carpenters! . . . In old times it was a proverb "Measure twice, and cut once."(figuratively, by extension) Plan and prepare in a careful, thorough manner before taking action.2008, Hilary Johnson, "Mergers rattle bank relations," Financial Week, 9 Nov. (retrieved 9 Nov. 2008):Mr. Paz noted that since the onset of the credit crisis, eBay, like other companies, hasn
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mince words »
To restrain oneself in a conversation by withholding some comments or using euphemisms.
|
mind one's own business »
To concern oneself only with what is of interest to oneself and not interfere in the affairs of others.
|
mind the store »
To remain present in a retail business, in order to maintain the security of the premises and to serve customers.
|
misfortunes never come singly »
bad things or situations always come in groups, they never come in a single way.
|
mixed blessing »
Something that has both good and bad features.
|
mocking is catching »
An admonishment to be careful of criticising others, lest the same happen to you.Mocking is Catching was the title of a 1726 song by Henry Carey.
|
money talks »
It is easier to accomplish goals using money instead of just talk.
|
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.
|
monkey business »
Do your homework and forget about all this monkey business.
|
monkey business »
Wasting time, or effort, on some foolish project.
|
mouse potato »
A person who spends excessive amounts of time using a computer.
|
mouth of a sailor »
The characteristic of regularly using vulgar language, especially strong profanities; a person having this characteristic.
|
name and shame »
So as to single them out for individual blame and censure.
|
never you mind »
Do not concern yourself with it; it is none of your business.
|
no prize for guessing »
Used to form expressions emphasizing the unsurprising nature of what follows.
|
none of someone's business »
A matter that someone is not entitled to be involved in or informed about.
|
nose test »
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
|
nose test »
An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food.
|
not be able to get a word in edgeways »
To be unable to say a single word because of someone else's talkativeness.
|
not win for losing »
To repeatedly fail in one's gambles or efforts.
|
object lesson »
A lesson taught using a familiar or unusual object as a focus.
|
on one's soapbox »
Stating or professing one's opinion; attempting to persuade others of something.
|
on the level »
Honest, sincere, straightforward.
|
on the pill »
Using oral contraceptives.
|
on the right track »
Using the correct general approach to a particular task or problem; pursuing something in a promising way.
|
one-hit wonder »
A musical performer or musical group known for a single hit song, especially after failing at later attempts at success.
|
one-hit wonder »
A person or group known for achieving only a single major accomplishment.
|
one-man band »
An organisation or business that is effectively run by only one person.
|
one-night stand »
A single sexual encounter between two individuals, where at least one of the parties has no immediate intention or expectation of establishing a longer-term sexual or romantic relationship. As the phrase implies, the relationship lasts for only one night.
|
one-night stand »
An occasion when a performer or team of them expects to perform at a theater for a single evening.
|
one-trick pony »
A person or group noteworthy for only a single achievement, skill, or characteristic.
|
out loud »
Using the voice; not silently; aloud.
|
out of house and home »
Cassandra Chrones Moore, Haunted Housing: How Toxic Scare Stories Are Spooking the Public Out of House and Home.
|
out of proportion »
Not in a proper or pleasing relation to other things, especially in terms of size.
|
over one's head »
More complex or confusing than one can understand; beyond one’s comprehension..
|
painting rocks »
Pointless or futile work organised by the government, supposedly to increase employment but in fact merely disguising the unemployment level.
|
party crasher »
Someone who attempts and often gains entry to a party or club to which they were not invited, often using social engineering techniques. The party crasher usually tries to blend into the party so as not to be kicked out.
|
pelt of the dog »
An immoderate, excessive quantity of alcohol drunk the morning after whilst suffering withdrawal symptoms or a hangover, which goes beyond alleviating the complaint to causing drunkenness; cf. hair of the dog.
|
pick up »
To collect an object, especially in passing.
|
piss money up the wall »
To waste money, normally through ineptness in business.
|
pissin like a race horse »
To urinate profusely.
|
pissing contest »
A boys' prankish competition to determine who can urinate the furthest up a wall.
|
pissing contest »
An argument which is instigated, or exacerbated while consuming alcohol.
|
pissing contest »
An immature dispute over some trivial matter.
|
pitched battle »
A hostile engagement involving sustained, full-scale fighting between opposing forces in close combat.
|
play hardball »
To act rough and ruthless, especially in politics or business.
|
play it by ear »
To do something by guessing, intuition, or trial and error; to react to events as they occur.
|
play the race card »
To assert that race or racism is responsible for a course of events, especially when race is not of particular significance to the issue in question; to attempt to inspire a particular reaction by raising the issue of race.
|
potty mouth »
The characteristic of regularly using vulgar language, especially strong profanities; a person having this characteristic.
|
pound the pavement »
To campaign diligently; to seek something, such as business, employment, or answers.
|
pronunciamiento »
A military uprising or coup in Spain or the Spanish American republics, particularly in the 19th century. They received this designation because coups were usually accompanied by a statement declaring the existing government null and void.
|
pull somebody's leg »
To tease someone; to lead someone on; to goad someone into overreacting. It usually implies teasing or goading by jokingly lying.
|
put one's foot in it »
To make a mistake in public, or a social blunder, that is embarrassing, or offensive.
|
put one's foot in one's mouth »
To misspeak; to say something embarrassing or wrong.
|
rag bagger »
A sailboat, usually a cruising sailboats which tend to carry and store lots of supplies along the deck, or any sailboat that looks like a neglected vessel, or messy vessel.
|
rag bagger »
A sailor who tends to sail on messy cruising vessels.
|
read out »
To read some data and inform the person using the device.
|
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.
|
reflect on »
At run-time using reflection.
|
rein in »
To stop or slow something, by exercising control.
|
ride tall in the saddle »
To act or conduct oneself in a manner that is imposing, impressive, resolute, or manly.
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ride tall in the saddle »
To ride a horse in an erect, imposing manner.
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robber baron »
Especially in the 19th-century and early 20th-century, a business tycoon who had great wealth and influence but whose methods were morally questionable.
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rock up »
To work one's way vertically up a chimney or cleft using a rocking movement.
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rocket science »
Anything overly complex, detailed or confusing.
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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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rum go »
An odd affair; a surprising event; a confusing experience; a queer thing.
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run down »
To reduce the size or stock levels of a business, often with a view to closure.
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run hot and cold »
To alternate between two opposite extremes, such as enthusiasm and disinterest or success and failure.
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run over »
To drive over, causing injury or death.
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running on empty »
Losing enthusiasm or willingness, lacking energy.
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same old story »
What usually happens, a happening which is not surprising.
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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.
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sea legs »
The ability, when walking aboard ship, to anticipate the motion of the deck so as to walk steadily without losing balance.
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see a man about a horse »
A message signaling one needs to go missing for a short while, for any reason, without giving a real explanation.
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sell »
To pretend that an opponent's blows or maneuvers are causing legitimate injury; to act.
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send away for »
To write to a business or other organisation, requesting a thing.
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serpentine »
Sinuous; curving in alternate directions.
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set for life »
Possessing sufficient resources, especially financial, to last a lifetime.
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set of pipes »
Voice for singing.
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set up shop »
To establish a business.
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sexual tension »
Physically induced libidinal unrest arising between two individuals when aware of each other's presence.
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shanks' nag »
Transportation by foot. To "take a shanks' nag" means using one's own legs to walk.
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shoot one's bolt »
To use up one's resources, especially a singular one or one not readily restored.
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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.
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shuffle »
A rhythm commonly used in blues music. Consists of a series of triplet notes with the middle note missing, so that it sounds like a long note followed by a short note. Sounds like a walker dragging one foot.
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sick joke »
A joke which is in poor taste, especially one which depicts as amusing a situation which the listener considers to be tragic or disgusting.
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sight for sore eyes »
A pleasing sight, something that is beautiful to look at.
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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.
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since when »
From what time.
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since when »
Used to indicate doubt as to the veracity of a statement.
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sing along »
A gathering or event where participants are encouraged to add their voices in song.
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sing from the same hymnbook »
To make the same or similar statements, especially to express the same opinions in public as a result of a prior agreement.
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sing song »
us prison
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sing soprano »
To perform vocal music in a higher pitch than alto.
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sing soprano »
To suffer castration or an injury to the testicles.
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sing the praises of »
To commend someone's attributes to others.
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singing from the same hymnbook »
Present participle of sing from the same hymnbook.
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singing soprano »
Castrated or injured in the testicles.
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sink in »
Become clear in one's mind.
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sink one's teeth into »
To become involved in; particularly in an enthusiastic manner.
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sink or swim »
To fail or succeed, no matter what.
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skeleton crew »
The minimum number of personnel needed to operate and maintain an item at its most simple operating requirements, such as a ship or business, during an emergency or shut down, and at the same time, to keep vital functions operating.
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slow burn »
A gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
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small arms »
Firearms designed to be carried and fired by a single person; often held in the hand.
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smell test »
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
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smell test »
An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food.
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snazz up »
To improve appearance or appeal by increasing stylishness or functionality, or by adding other attractive features.
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sneck posset »
A cold reception, closing the door on a visitor.
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sniff out »
To find something using the sense of smell.
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sniff test »
An informal reality check of an idea or proposal, using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
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snow job »
An attempt to persuade a person using flattery or deception.
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so much for »
An expression of disregard, or resignation; something said upon giving up, quitting, or disposing of something.
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speak for oneself »
Expressing disagreement with an opinion expressed by another.
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squaring the circle »
The historical problem of how to construct, using compass and ruler, a square having the same area as a given circle.
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step on a rake »
To step on the tines of a garden rake, causing the handle of the rake to rise from the ground rapidly, invariably striking the person walking in the face.
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stepping stone »
A stone that can be stepped on in crossing something, especially a marsh or creek.
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stick it to the man »
To take some action intended to defy a source of oppression such as globalization, commercialization, big business or government.
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stop the lights »
An interjection expressing exasperation or incredulity. or to illustrate the humour in a situation.
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stop the presses »
An imperative form used to introduce especially new, important, surprising, or recent developments.
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stop up »
To increase the aperture of a photographic lens, moving from an f/stop represented by a higher number to an f/stop represented by a lower number and causing more light to pass into the camera.
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suck in »
To cause someone to become slowly more and more involved in a business or situation that is often not to that person's liking.
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suck into »
To cause someone to become slowly more and more involved in a business or situation that is often not to that person's liking.
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surprise surprise »
An indication that the unsurprising happened, especially contrary to someone's hopes or assertions.
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swing for the fences »
To swing at the ball as hard as possible, with the aim of getting a home run, increasing the chance of missing the ball.
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sword and sorcery »
Of or pertaining to a genre of narratives—including short stories, novels, television shows, films, and computer games—which combines wizardry and other fantastical supernatural elements with violent combat using medieval weaponry..
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take in »
To receive into your home for the purpose of processing for a fee.
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take it easy »
An informal greeting for parting or closing.
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take over »
To buy out the ownership of a business.
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take upon »
To take charge of an item of business, or an obligation, as a personal initiative.
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tall in the saddle »
Imposing, impressive; resolute; manly.
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tar with the same brush »
To characterize using the same undesirable attribute, especially unjustly.
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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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the bee's knees »
Most excellent; surpassingly wonderful; cool.
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the plot thickens »
Used, often ironically, to describe an increasingly complex or mysterious situation.
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there but for the grace of God go I »
A recognition that others' misfortune could be one's own, if it weren't for the blessing/kindness/luck bestowed by fate or the Divine.Man's fate is in God's hands.More generally, our fate is not entirely in our own hands.
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there ya go »
Expressing exasperation.
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there you go »
Expressing exasperation.
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three-martini lunch »
A leisurely, expensive, midday meal associated with drinking, which is tax-deductible because business is discussed.
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through the roof »
Rapidly increasing.
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throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2001, And still no one is shouting stop. read in The Kingdom archives at [1] on 02 Nov 06,Many team managers are of the philosophy that if you throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick. They believe that team preparation is all about physical fitness. They run the players into the ground and they believe they will be "flying on the day".2001, Robert McCrum, Let them eat cake, in The Observer 16 Dec 01, read on Guardian Unlimited site at [2] on 02 Nov 06,Australian publishing boomed and in the past 10 years the country's literary culture has undergone a mini golden age, capped by Carey's triumph at the 2001 Booker Prize. As one Australian arts administrator said to me many years ago: 'Listen, mate, if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.'2001, Chris Collin, Re: 2-cp speys on The Strathspey Server mailing list archive at [3] on 02 Nov 06,I am finding that "if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick". It doesn't always work of course (especially on the nights when the class is mostly the beginners), but the class seems to thrive on the challange.2005, Ray Craft (poster on The right scale blog), Fitzhooie and his Burden, read at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Prosecutors everywhere have bad habits of overcharging lots of cases, knowing that if the throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick.2005, Sean Kelleher, Spike Milligan: His part in our downfall in Business 07 Aug 05, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,As long as there is negligible regulation and enforcement anyone can actually try and do the job...Weak regulation allows the industry to build strategies on full time recruitment. The theory goes: throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.c2005, Everything You've Learned About Marketing Is Wrong, read on LINC Performance website at [6] on 02 Nov 06,They have the money to continue to believe in the repetition side of the equation. You throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick. But it still isn
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throw up »
To display a gang sign using the hands.
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thumb a ride »
To flag or signal a passing vehicle in hopes of securing passage.
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travel junkie »
Who are using their time and money to seek out adventure holidays and travel.
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tread lightly »
To proceed carefully; especially, to seek to avoid causing offense.
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turn around »
An upset; a suprising comeback.
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turn of phrase »
An artful phrasing of words.
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turnabout is fair play »
It is allowable to retaliate against an enemy's dirty tricks by using the same ones against him.
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two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
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under the table »
Secretly or without reporting, especially of payments made or business transacted.
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up against »
Facing; challenging, or opposing.
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valley of death »
The phase of a startup business beginning with the entrepreneur's fulltime commitment to it and ending when the business has achieved sustainable cash flow.
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war bride »
A company or individual whose business is increased by warfare.
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watch one's mouth »
In the imperative form, used as a warning to avoid or stop using inappropriate language, especially profanity, or disrespectful utterances.
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wet boy »
A contractor assassin or hit man.
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whack-a-mole »
The practice of trying to stop something that persistently occurs in an apparently random manner at the point where the occurrence is noticed, such as terminating spammers' e-mail accounts or closing pop-up advertisement windows.
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what of it »
So what? Who cares? Expresses disinterest, disregard or lack of concern.
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white hole »
A theoretically possible but physically highly unlikely singularity which would emit matter and energy; the antithesis of a black hole.
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white-knuckle »
Causing fear, excitement, apprehension, suspense, or nervousness.
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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.
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wide of the mark »
Missing the target.
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window dressing »
A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
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window dressing »
The decorative display of retail merchandise in store windows.
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window dressing »
The goods and trimmings used in such display.
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window dressing »
These latest modifications are mere window dressing, the same problems remain.
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window-shopping »
The browsing of shop windows without any intention of buying.
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word of mouth »
Verbal means of passing of information.
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word on the wire »
The rumour or news going around on the Internet, in business, on the street, or in social circles.
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wring out »
To squeeze a wet material, either by twisting with one's hands, or by passing it through a wringer, to remove the water.
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yours sincerely »
A polite formula to end a letter, especially when the recipient’s name is known to the sender.
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yours truly »
A closing in a note or letter.
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