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 drop in the bucket »
An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem.
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a fool and his money are soon parted »
It is easy to get money from foolish people, especially rich ones.
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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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according to Hoyle »
In strict accordance with the rules, especially of card games; in the proper or expected manner.
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against the grain »
Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.
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all over the place »
Everywhere, especially chaotically or in such a way as to make a mess.
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any way one slices it »
From any perspective; in every case.
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ark ruffian »
Rogues who, in conjunction with watermen, robbed, and sometimes murdered, on the water, by picking a quarrel with the passengers in a boat, boarding it, plundering, stripping, and throwing them overboard, etc. A species of badger.
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as far as »
With respect to; as relates to.
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as is »
In its present state or condition, especially as a contractual condition of sale.
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as of »
From, on or at a specified time.
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ask out »
To invite somebody, especially on a date.
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assume the mantle »
To take on a specific role or position, along with any associated responsibilites.
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babe magnet »
A person, especially a man, to whom women are attracted.
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back in the day »
In the past; at one time, especially a time which is fondly remembered.
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back up »
To move backwards, especially for a vehicle to do so.
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bad apple »
A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy, especially one who has an adverse influence on others.
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bad penny »
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
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bail out »
To rescue, especially financially.
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bankers' hours »
Any easy job, especially one with a short working day.
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battle cry »
By extension, a strong motto or purpose statement, especially in regards to winning a goal in sports, games or work.
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be there for »
To be available to provide comfort and support for someone, especially in a period of difficulty.
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beam up »
To be teleported over a long distance by means of a specific imaginary technology, specifically from the surface of a planet to an orbiting starship.
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beauty sleep »
Extra sleep or a special nap.
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bend one's elbow »
To drink alcoholic beverages, especially at a public house or bar.
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bend the truth »
To change or leave out certain facts of a story or situation, generally in order to elicit a specific response in the audience.
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big break »
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
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big cheese »
A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
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big enchilada »
A very important person, especially the highest-ranking individual in an organization.
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big enchilada »
Some item of high value, especially a top prize or reward.
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big mouth »
The mouth of someone who talks too much, especially by making exaggerated claims or by inappropriately revealing information.
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big wheel »
A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
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birds and bees »
Informal sex education, especially describing the sexual activity of animals rather than that of people.
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bite the bullet »
To accept a negative aspect of a situation in order to continue moving forward.
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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.
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blimp out »
To become fat or fatter, especially as a result of excessive eating.
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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.
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blue-eyed boy »
Someone's favourite, especially a young one.
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bog standard »
Especially plain, ordinary, or unremarkable; having no special, excess or unusual features; plain vanilla.
|
bolt bucket »
A machine, especially an automobile. Implies that the machine is clunky or unreliable.
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bone up »
To study or cram, especially in order to refresh one's knowledge of a topic.
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booze can »
A nightclub or bar, especially one which operates illegally or is otherwise disreputable.
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born in a barn »
Of humble birth, especially when referring to Jesus Christ.
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bottom of the line »
The worst, the most lackluster, or lowest quality currently on the market, especially among selections in a product line.
|
box-office bomb »
A motion picture that generates relatively low revenue at the box office, especially that which is less than the budget for the motion picture.
|
brain surgery »
Surgery on any part of the nervous system, especially the brain; neurosurgery.
|
brass ring »
Figuratively, a prize or goal. Often used with respect to employment goals e.g. promotion, better job, etc.
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break out »
To escape, especially forcefully or defiantly.
|
brickbat »
A piece of brick used as a weapon, especially if thrown, or placed in something like a sock and used as a club.
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broken-hearted »
Alternative spelling of brokenhearted. Feeling depressed, despondent, or hopeless, especially over losing a love.
|
brown bag »
A short presentation or seminar on a given subject, especially one given at lunchtime.
|
brown bread »
Bread with a brown colour as distinct from white bread, wholemeal, granary or other specific types of bread.
|
bum rap »
A false accusation, or an injustice, especially one that leads to imprisonment.
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bump and grind »
A sexually suggestive dance involving exaggerated hip movements, especially a striptease dance.
|
bump off »
To kill, especially to murder.
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bundle of energy »
One who is especially lively, continually active, or industrious.
|
bundle of nerves »
A person with an especially nervous, excitable, or fearful disposition.
|
burn the midnight oil »
To work studiously, especially late into the night.
|
butter up »
To flatter, especially with the intent of personal gain.
|
by one's own hand »
As a result of one's own actions, especially with reference to death by suicide.
|
call in »
To summon someone, especially for help or advice.
|
call out »
To specify, especially in detail.
|
calling card »
Excrement, especially of a domestic animal.
|
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.
|
carry a tune »
To produce music, especially to sing, with accurate pitch.
|
carry on »
To act or behave; especially to act or behave so as to attract attention.
|
carry the can »
To take responsibility, especially in a challenging situation.
|
carry the message to Garcia »
To perform a requisite task without having been informed specifically by what method to do so.
|
cash in »
To profit from; to use an opportunity to maximum advantage, especially financially.
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cat that ate the canary »
A person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.
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caught with one's hand in the cookie jar »
Observed or apprehended while committing a theft, especially while embezzling money.
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champ at the bit »
To bite the bit, especially when restless.
|
check out »
To examine or inspect; to espy.
|
cherry-pick »
To pick out the best, or most desirable items from a list or group, especially to obtain some advantage or to present something in the best possible light.
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chicken feed »
A very small or insignificant quantity, especially of money.
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children should be seen and not heard »
Children should behave well and be quiet, especially in the presence of adults.
|
chip in »
To make a contribution; help in a small way; especially, to pay for a part of something.
|
chow down »
To eat, especially to eat vigorously.
|
cite chapter and verse »
To provide specific references from an authoritative book, as the Bible or a book of statutes or rules, to support a statement.
|
clean out »
To clean, especially to tidy by removing the contents.
|
clean up »
To become clean, handsome, smart in appearance, e.g. for a special occasion, especially when it is out of character to be seen as such.
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clean up »
To make a large profit; to win by a large margin, or to win a large amount, especially in gambling. Also clean house.
|
clout list »
A usually secret list containing the names of people who are to be given special access, benefits, or influence in a political or social situation, especially as a result of having personal, professional, or financial relationships with those in authority.
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cock a snook »
To spread one hand, place the thumb on the nose and wriggle some of the fingers as a gesture of disrespect.
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cold shoulder »
A deliberate act of disrespect; a slight or snub.
|
cold turkey »
The sudden and complete withdrawal of a dependent substance, especially of a drug.
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collect one's thoughts »
To become mentally composed, especially after being distressed, surprised, or disoriented; to become calm or organized in one's emotional state or thinking, as in preparation for a conversation, speech, decision, etc.
|
come about »
To tack; to change tack; to maneuver the bow of a sailing vessel across the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the vessel to the other; to position a boat with respect to the wind after tacking.
|
come around »
To change one's mind, especially to begin to agree or appreciate what one was reluctant to accept at first.
|
come by »
To obtain; to get, now especially by chance or involuntarily.
|
come in handy »
To be useful or helpful, especially at some time in the future.
|
come of age »
To reach a specific age where one is legally considered to be an adult.
|
come the acid »
To make oneself unpleasant, especially by sarcasm.
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come to »
To stop a sailing vessel, especially by turning into the wind. See also come about.
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come to »
To regard or specify, as narrowing a field of choices by category.
|
come up »
To emerge or become known, especially unexpectedly; to come to attention, present itself.
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common or garden variety »
Ordinary, standard. Nothing special.
|
company »
In non-legal context, any business, without respect to incorporation.
|
concrete jungle »
An urban or other populated area containing a high density of buildings constructed of concrete or similar materials, especially one which lacks greenery and which seems unattractive, harsh, or unsafe.
|
crash course »
A quick, intense course of learning, especially one which is informal or hurried.
|
crop up »
To occur, especially suddenly or unexpectedly.
|
cross someone's palm »
To give money to a person, especially as a bribe or as an inducement to perform a service.
|
cry the blues »
To complain, especially in order to obtain sympathy for one's own purportedly sad situation.
|
cut a rug »
To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
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cut a wide swath »
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
|
cut in »
Especially, to dance with someone who is already dancing by replacing his or her partner.
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cut of one's jib »
Someone’s general appearance or the implications thereof, especially in relation to making an impression or one’s style..
|
date with destiny »
An inevitable future event or encounter, especially one which is likely to be momentous.
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day in, day out »
Every day; daily; constantly or continuously; especially, of something that has become routine or monotonous.
|
deadbeat dad »
A man, especially one who is divorced or estranged from his partner, who fails to provide monetary child support when he is legally required to do so.
|
deathblow »
A strike or blow that leads to death, especially a coup de grace.
|
deep pockets »
An ample supply of money, especially money which one is willing to spend; the possessor of such money.
|
deep water »
Waters suitable for deep-draft ships, especially ocean-going.
|
desk jockey »
One who spends his or her time seated at a desk; especially one who is more concerned with procedure, paperwork, or administration than with its ultimate goal or practical consequence.
|
devil is in the details »
The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.
|
dig deep »
Try especially hard.
|
dirty money »
Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized. Especially money gained through forgery, bribery, or thievery.
|
do drugs »
To abuse an illegal drug or drugs, especially as a result of chemical addiction.
|
double entendre »
A phrase that has two meanings, especially where one is innocent and literal, the other risqué, bawdy, or ironic; an innuendo..
|
double talk »
Lying, especially in a formal political statement.
|
down in the mouth »
Sad or discouraged, especially as indicated by one's facial appearance.
|
down on one's luck »
Unlucky or undergoing a period of bad luck, especially with respect to financial matters.
|
down to the short strokes »
In the final steps or decisive phase of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
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down to the wire »
At the very end of a process or project, especially one with a fast-approaching deadline.
|
draw the line »
To set a boundary, rule, or limit, especially on what one will tolerate.
|
drill down »
To examine information at another level or in greater detail; especially in a database, to navigate to a more detailed level or record.
|
drink off »
To drink the entirety of in a short period; originally and especially, in a single gulp.
|
drive the porcelain bus »
To vomit, especially while drunk or hung over.
|
drop the ball »
To fail in one's responsibilities or duties, or to make a mistake, especially at a critical point or when the result is very negative.
|
drug of choice »
Substance that a suspect is addicted to.
|
duke it out »
To fight, especially with the fists.
|
dumb down »
To convey some subject matter in simple terms, avoiding technical or academic language, especially in a way that is considered condescending.
|
dusty miller »
One of several species of plants with leaves of a dusty appearance: Centaurea cineraria, Senecio cineraria, and Lychnis coronaria.
|
easy street »
A carefree situation or lifestyle, especially as resulting from possession of wealth.
|
eat crow »
To recognize that one has been shown to be mistaken or outdone, especially by admitting that one has made a humiliating error.
|
economical with the truth »
Not telling the whole truth, especially in order to present a false image of a situation; untruthful; lying. Often used with sarcasm or satire.
|
egg on »
To encourage or coax a person to do something, especially something foolhardy or reckless.
|
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.
|
face off »
Either an actual or a figurative face to face confrontation, especially a bitter one.
|
facts on the ground »
Some aspects of the situation in a particular location.
|
fall on one's face »
To fail, especially in a dramatic or particularly decisive manner.
|
fall on one's sword »
To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so.
|
farmer's tan »
The tan line left by clothing, especially, by a short-sleeved shirt.
|
fashion plate »
A person who dresses in especially stylish fashions.
|
fat lip »
A swelling on the lip, especially one resulting from a punch or other blow.
|
feather one's nest »
To achieve benefits, especially financial ones, by taking advantage of the opportunities with which one is presented; to amass a comfortable amount of personal wealth.
|
fill in »
To inform somebody, especially to supply someone missing or missed information.
|
fill the bill »
To satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements.
|
fine print »
The details, restrictions, terms, or conditions, especially of a contract, often printed in very small type.
|
first things first »
Deal with matters of highest priority first; deal with matters in logical sequence.1922, H. G. Wells, The Secret Places of the Heart, ch.4,"First things first," said Sir Richmond. If we set about getting fuel sanely, if we do it as the deliberate, co-operative act of the whole species, then it follows that we shall look very closely into the use that is being made of it.1999, Frank Pellegrini, "House Republicans Quell Mutiny Over Tax Bounty," Time, 23 Jul.,Judging by the polls
|
fishing expedition »
A non-specific search for information, especially incriminating information.
|
flat-footed »
Having the specific physical condition of flat feet.
|
flight of fancy »
An idea, narrative, suggestion, etc. which is extremely imaginative and which appears to be entirely unrealistic, untrue, or impractical; thinking which is very speculative.
|
flipside »
A necessary consequence or corollary of something; especially one seen as opposite, or as pro versus con.
|
flower »
The vulva, especially the labia majora.
|
fold one's tent »
To withdraw, especially in a discreet manner; to disengage; to quit.
|
follow through »
To finish; to complete, especially, of a commitment.
|
food chain »
The feeding relationships between species in a biotic community.
|
fool's errand »
A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail.
|
for all intents and purposes »
For every functional purpose; in every practical sense; in every important respect; practically speaking.
|
for XYZ reasons »
For reasons unknown and not worth speculating on.
|
forewarned is forearmed »
Advance awareness of a situation, especially a risky one, prepares one to deal with it.1863, Charles Reade, Hard Cash, ch. 4:[W]hatever a young gentleman of that age says to you, he says to many other ladies; but your experience is not equal to your sense; so profit by mine . . . forewarned is forearmed.1885, G. A. Henty, Saint George for England, ch. 4:Sometimes, they say, it is wiser to remain in ignorance; at other times forewarned is forearmed.circa 1903, Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Why Mr. Cropper Changed His Mind":"Well, Miss Maxwell, I think it only fair to tell you that you may have trouble with those boys when they do come. Forewarned is forearmed, you know."
|
fork over »
Hundreds of spectators forked over the 70 bucks for tickets.
|
four-eyes »
A person who wears spectacles.
|
free ride »
An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.
|
fresh off the boat »
Newly arrived from a foreign place, especially as an immigrant who is still unfamiliar with the customs and language of his or her new environment.
|
fruit of the union »
A child, especially from a marriage or similar union.
|
fudge the issue »
Adopt a solution to a specific problem which does not address the larger, more general problem of which the specific problem is an instance.
|
full of hot air »
Talking a lot, especially without saying anything of value or meaning.
|
full speed ahead »
A command, especially on military vessels, to move forward at maximum speed.
|
game face »
The expression of one who is prepared for or is facing a lot of difficult and/or undesirable work, especially when it is imminent.
|
gandy dancer »
A railway laborer, especially a member of a crew which carries rails and affixes them to ties.
|
get a jump on »
To start early, especially to start before something begins or before others begin.
|
get a load of »
To experience someone or something, especially by looking or listening.
|
get a rise out of »
To obtain a reaction from someone, especially one of annoyance.
|
get by the balls »
To have complete control over someone, especially of a woman abusing a man's infatuation with her.
|
get it over with »
To do or finish, especially said of something unpleasant.
|
get off with »
To befriend someone and snog them, especially in a public place.
|
get on somebody's case »
To lecture, berate, or complain to somebody, especially to find fault or criticize.
|
get one's butt somewhere »
Go somewhere, especially quickly.
|
get one's foot in the door »
To initiate contact or a relationship; to gain access, especially to an entry-level job.
|
get something over with »
To do something quickly and hastily; without procrastination, especially so as to have something unpleasant behind oneself.
|
give as good as one gets »
To behave toward others in a manner resembling or commensurate with their behavior towards oneself, especially in a situation where one is insulted or otherwise ill-treated.
|
give face »
To honor; to pay respect.
|
give of oneself »
To devote oneself unselfishly to a task, especially to give time and energy.
|
give somebody the runaround »
Especially by providing useless information or directions .
|
give the time of day »
To acknowledge somebody; to give somebody any respect or attention.
|
go apeshit »
To behave in an extreme manner; to act without restraint, especially by becoming explosively angry.
|
go belly-up »
To fail or fold; especially, to close or shut down a business; to go out of business.
|
go for »
To do something, especially for leisure.
|
go it alone »
To do something alone or independently, especially something that is normally or better done in groups.
|
go native »
To adopt the lifestyle or outlook of local inhabitants, especially when dwelling in a colonial region; to become less refined under the influence of a less cultured, more primitive, or simpler social environment.
|
go out »
To leave, especially a building.
|
go out the window »
To vanish or cease, especially due to lack of care, attention, etc.; to be discarded, disregarded, or ignored.
|
go to someone's head »
To strongly affect a person, especially to the detriment of their senses or mental faculties.
|
go too far »
To exceed an unstated limit, especially a limit of acceptable behaviour.
|
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.
|
golden handshake »
A generous severance payment, especially as an inducement to leave employment.
|
golden hello »
A payment offered to an employee as an inducement to join, especially if currently working for a competitor.
|
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.
|
good to go »
Ready for some specific task or ready for normal activity, especially after preparation or recovery.
|
good to go »
Ready for use or ready for normal operation, especially after repair or renewal.
|
goodbye cruel world »
A call said before taking a stiff drink, especially a shot of vodka.
|
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.
|
grease monkey »
A mechanic, often with the specific connotation of an automobile mechanic.
|
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.
|
greasy spoon »
An inexpensive diner or other informal restaurant, especially one specializing in frying or grilling.
|
grin like a Cheshire cat »
To smile broadly, especially in a self-satisfied way.
|
grow a pair »
To be brave; to show some courage, especially in a situation in which one has so far failed to do so.
|
grow out of »
To become too physically large for something, especially clothes.
|
guilt trip »
A feeling of shame or embarrassment, especially if self-indulgent, unwarranted, exaggerated or felt over a significant period of time.
|
guinea pig »
A tailless rodent of the Cavia genus, with short ears and larger than a hamster; the species Cavia porcellus is often kept as a pet.
|
gunshy »
Fearing the consequences of repeating an act, especially after being reprimanded.
|
ham it up »
To act or emote, especially to overact or act badly.
|
hand over fist »
Quickly or in great quantity, especially in reference to earning money.
|
hang out one's shingle »
To open an office or business, especially in a profession.
|
hardwired »
Designed to perform a specific task.
|
hash out »
To work through the details of something; especially to work through difficulties.
|
haul ass »
To hurry; to move quickly, especially to leave.
|
have eyes in the back of one's head »
To be particularly, especially uncannily, observant; a perceived ability to see in all directions at once.
|
have one's ducks in a row »
To be organized; to have one's affairs in order; specifically, to have a multi-person effort coordinated towards the exact same goal.
|
have the floor »
To have permission or time to speak, especially in a formal situation.
|
head for the hills »
To travel to a higher elevation, especially to a rural region on vacation.
|
hide nor hair »
A trace, indication, or evidence, especially of a person.
|
high ground »
A location which is at a relatively high elevation, especially in comparison to the immediate surrounding area.
|
high road »
A course of action which is honorable, dignified, or respectable.
|
hit home »
To be especially memorable or meaningful; to be fully understood, believed or appreciated.
|
hit one out of the ballpark »
To hit a fair ball so well that the ball flies over all of the spectators' seats and lands outside the stadium.
|
hit one out of the ballpark »
To produce a spectacular achievement.
|
hit the books »
To study, especially with particular intensity.
|
hit the bricks »
To participate in a workplace strike or other job action; to participate in a public protest, especially one involving picketing.
|
hit the bricks »
To travel about, especially on foot.
|
hit the headlines »
To appear prominently in the news, especially on the front page.
|
hold back »
To delay, especially in school.
|
hold off »
To delay commencing an action (until some specified time or event has passed).
|
hold one's own »
To stand up to; to give a respectable performance; to provide worthy competition.
|
hold one's tongue »
To keep quiet; especially, to leave something unsaid.
|
hold the fort »
To assume responsibility, especially in another’s absence..
|
home run »
A success; especially, a popular success.
|
hoover up »
Into a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand.
|
hoover up »
Quickly, especially by taking it into the mouth directly from the plate rather than using cutlery.
|
horse sense »
Common sense, especially with a connotation of folk wisdom independent from, and trumping, formal education.
|
hot button »
A central issue, concern or characteristic, especially one that motivates people to make a choice.
|
if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle »
(colloquial, vulgar, humorous) It is fruitless to speculate about counterfactual situations."We would have won the match if we'd had a decent goalkeeper.""And if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle!"
|
in bed »
Lying on a bed, especially under some bedsheets.
|
in bed with »
Engaging in a close mutually beneficial relationship, especially secretly and illicitly.
|
in particular »
specially
|
in so far as »
With respect to.
|
in spite of »
Despite, irrespective of, notwithstanding.
|
in the clear »
Not guilty or not suspected of wrongdoing.
|
in the dock »
Under scrutiny; subject to critical inspection.
|
in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king »
Among others with a disadvantage or disability, the one with the mildest disadvantage or disability is regarded as the greatest.Even someone without much talent or ability is considered special by those with no talent or ability at all.
|
in the limelight »
In the focus of attention, especially from the media.
|
in vain »
In a disrespectful manner, especially when concerning religion.
|
inside baseball »
Technical matters concerning baseball not apparent to spectators.
|
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
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ivory tower »
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.
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jack of all trades »
One competent in many endeavors, especially one who excels in none of them.
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keep mum »
Do not talk; especially keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
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keep one's cool »
To remain composed, calm, and even-tempered, especially in a provocative situation.
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keep shtum »
Don't tell anyone; especially, keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
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keep up with the Joneses »
To do or buy things for status, show, or image rather than out of need, especially for the purpose of competing with friends or neighbors.
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kick in »
To contribute, especially to a collection of money.
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kick up the arse »
A severe reprimand, especially one to motivate someone into doing something.
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kiss up »
To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.
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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.
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knee high to a grasshopper »
Short; especially relating to when the subject was a small child.
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kneel before »
To kneel in front of someone or something, especially in order to worship or supplicate.
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knock off »
An imitation, especially one of poorer quality.
|
knock out »
To complete, especially in haste; knock off.
|
knock up »
To impregnate, especially out of wedlock. See knocked up.
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know like the back of one's hand »
To be intimately knowledgeable about something, especially a place.
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know the score »
Be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
|
knuckle sandwich »
A punch to the face, especially to the mouth.
|
landing strip »
A runway for aircraft, especially one which is auxiliary or temporary.
|
lapsed academic »
A person formerly employed as a professor or researcher in a university or other institution of higher education, especially one who no longer attempts to remain current in his or her former academic field.
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laundry list »
Hence, a long list of items, especially an exhaustive one.
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lay down »
To specify, institute, enact, assert firmly, state authoritatively, establish or formulate .
|
lay down »
To sacrifice, especially in the phrase "to lay down one's life.".
|
leave somebody in the lurch »
To abandon somebody; especially, to abandon somebody and leave him or her in a difficult situation.
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legwork »
Work, especially research or preparation, that involves significant walking, travel, or similar effort.
|
lemon law »
A law dealing with defective items, especially automobiles, and consumers' rights.
|
lend a hand »
To help or assist, especially voluntarily.
|
let sleeping dogs lie »
To leave things as they are; especially, to avoid restarting or rekindling an old argument; to leave disagreements in the past.
|
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.
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like hot cakes »
Quickly, especially by purchase or consumption.
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line one's pockets »
To accumulate personal wealth, especially in an illegal or morally objectionable manner.
|
lion »
A large cat, Panthera leo, native to Africa, India and formerly to much of Europe. The term may apply to the species as a whole, to individuals, or to male individuals. It also applies to related species like mountain lions.
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live wire »
An especially energetic, alert, or vivacious person.
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lone gunman »
An individual person who acts on his or her own initiative, without partners, especially one who has sole responsibility for doing something questionable, confidential, or iniquitous.
|
long goodbye »
Nickname for Alzheimer's disease, especially for the final phase of the disease, during which the patient suffers a progressive decline of cognitive and motor skills and gradually loses the ability to recognize and to communicate with family and friends.[1]; nickname for the relationship between a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease and that person's family or friends.
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look before you leap »
Don't jump into something too precipitously; be at least a bit foresightful or circumspect.
|
look forward »
To anticipate or expect; especially, to expect something to be pleasant.
|
look forward to »
To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure.
|
look up to »
To show respect or admiration for.
|
look what the cat's dragged in »
Used as an ironic acknowledgement of someone's arrival, especially to imply that they are unwelcome or disagreeable in some way.
|
lose face »
To lose the respect of others, to be humiliated or experience public disgrace.
|
lose one's touch »
To lose one's special mastery of or knack for a particular skill or activity.
|
lose the plot »
To have one's results decline severely in quality or suddenly fall below an acceptable standard, especially when compared to past excellence.
|
love nest »
A room, especially a bedroom or boudoir, used for sexual intercourse.
|
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.
|
magic bullet »
A simple remedy to a difficult or complex problem, especially a cure for a disease.
|
make a go of it »
To attempt; especially, to attempt to make a living.
|
make an honest woman »
Especially if she is having a sexual relationship.
|
make over »
To transfer ownership, especially by means of a legal document.
|
make quick work of »
To accomplish a specified task easily and quickly.
|
mama's boy »
A male person, especially a young man or boy, who is overly attached to or influenced by his mother; a sissy.
|
meal ticket »
Someone or something that provides income or livelihood, especially as an exploited source.
|
memory lane »
A set of recollections available to be reviewed, especially accompanied by a feeling of nostalgia.
|
mess of pottage »
Something of trivial value, especially of immediate value.
|
middle of the road »
Having a centrist attitude or philosophy; not extreme, especially politically.
|
mind the store »
To take active responsibility for a group or process, especially within an organization.
|
miner's canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
miners' canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
mixed message »
Any communication that is contradictory, inconsistent, or unclear, especially in its motive or intent.
|
monkey on one's back »
An addiction, especially to narcotic drugs.
|
mop up »
To clean with a mop; especially to clean up a spill or mess.
|
mouth of a sailor »
The characteristic of regularly using vulgar language, especially strong profanities; a person having this characteristic.
|
move the goal posts »
To unilaterally change the rules, or terms of an agreement, especially in an unfair or underhand way.
|
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.
|
mutton dressed as lamb »
A mature woman dressed in a style more suited to a young woman, especially if a deliberate attempt to appear young.
|
naked as a jaybird »
Stark naked; nude; especially, naked in a public setting and without embarrassment.
|
narrow down »
Make more specific.
|
necker's knob »
A knob attached to the steering wheel of an automobile, especially before the widespread availability of power steering, helping the driver steer with one arm and leaving the other arm free to provide romantic attention to a companion.
|
necktie party »
An execution by hanging, especially a lynching.
|
no great shakes »
Unexceptional; not special or noteworthy; not very effective.
|
no holds barred »
Without reserve; in an especially ruthless or vicious manner.
|
nod off »
To fall asleep, especially while in a seated position or in inappropriate circumstances.
|
nose test »
An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food.
|
nose test »
An inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties.
|
nose-picking »
To insert a finger into one's nostril, especially to remove mucus.
|
not touch something with a ten foot pole »
Ambrose Bierce , The Fiend's Delight In conclusion, his respect for letter-writing ladies is so great that he would not touch one of them with a ten-foot pole.
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nothing special »
Ordinary, run-of-the-mill.
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nothing to write home about »
Not exceptional; not noteworthy or especially good.
|
odd and curious »
A way to designate special coins, namely coins that are both odd and imperfect or seriously damaged.
|
of all people »
Especially; more than other people.
|
off the rails »
In an abnormal manner, especially in a manner that causes damage or malfunctioning.
|
off the wagon »
No longer maintaining a program of self-improvement or abstinence from an undesirable habit, especially drinking alcohol.
|
oh dark hundred »
Some unspecified hour in the early morning.
|
oh dark thirty »
Some unspecified hour in the early morning.
|
old saw »
A cliché, saying, or overused expression; especially a proverb or maxim.
|
on one's feet »
Being stable or capable, especially in a financial or emotional sense.
|
on spec »
I'm writing an article on spec. I hope some magazine will buy it.
|
on spec »
Short form of "on speculation": Creating a work with the hope of selling it, as opposed to creating a work "on commission" for hire.
|
on the anvil »
Refers to anything in the making, being created, or in production, especially in the metalworking field.
|
on the cheap »
Economically, especially if too economically.
|
on the dot »
Exactly; precisely, especially of a numerical quantity.
|
on the line »
On a level with the eye of the spectator; said of a picture, as hung in an exhibition of pictures.
|
on the plus side »
Positively; from a favorable view or perspective.
|
on the uptake »
In understanding or in the ability to absorb new information; especially in the phrases "quick on the uptake" and "slow on the uptake".
|
one in the eye for »
An event or achievement which is unpleasant for someone, especially for those who considered it impossible or unwelcome; an annoyance.
|
one-hit wonder »
A musical performer or musical group known for a single hit song, especially after failing at later attempts at success.
|
one-note »
Having only one opinion, outlook, tone, etc., especially as expressed repetitively; without variety or range.
|
ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny »
(biology, social sciences, art, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization.1905, J. A. Harris, "The Importance of Investigations of Seedling Stages," Science, New Series, vol. 22, no. 554, p. 186:With reference to seedling stages the statement that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny must be made with great reserve.1961, M. E. Wolfgang, "Pioneers in Criminology: Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909)," The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, vol. 52, no. 4, p. 367:Haeckel maintained that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, and this idea was incorporated by Lombroso into his parallelism between the criminal and the child.2002, B. S. Jackson, "Models in Legal History: The Case of Biblical Law," Journal of Law and Religion, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 11:For even if we accept that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny," those responsible for the drafting of ancient legal documents were not children, and are hardly to be endowed with some form of infantile mentality.
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out of house and home »
In a manner that deprives one of dwelling or some aspect thereof.
|
out of line »
Inappropriate or unsuitable, especially by reason of being unmannerly or indelicate.
|
out of proportion »
Not in a proper or pleasing relation to other things, especially in terms of size.
|
out of whack »
Wrong, broken; specifically.
|
out on one's ear »
Fired, dismissed or thrown out, especially for some wrongdoing or otherwise with disgrace.
|
out to lunch »
Away eating lunch or for a midday break; especially, away from work or a job.
|
over and out »
Used to signal the end of a conversation, especially one conducted by CB radio or the like.
|
overkill »
A destructive capacity that exceeds that needed to destroy an enemy; especially with nuclear weapons.
|
pack away »
To store away, place out of the way, or stash, especially for the longer term.
|
packing heat »
Carrying one or more firearms on one's person, especially in a concealed manner.
|
paint the town red »
To party or celebrate in a rowdy, wild manner, especially in a public place.
|
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.
|
palace politics »
The relationships and interactions of top-level officials, advisors and other powerbrokers within a government, especially as involving internal rivalry and intrigue.
|
pan out »
By swirling dirt or crushed rock in a pan of water, in the manner of a traditional prospector seeking gold.
|
party animal »
A person known for frequent, enthusiastic attendance at parties, especially one whose partying behavior is exuberant or excessive.
|
pass muster »
To adequately pass a formal or informal inspection.
|
pass the hat »
To ask for money, especially from a group of people; to solicit donations or contributions.
|
pay for »
To exchange for, especially money for goods or services.
|
pay off »
To bribe, especially to deter oversight.
|
pay one's dues »
To acquire status or to earn the right to enjoy certain benefits, especially through lengthy experience, hardship, or service to an organization.
|
pay the piper »
To pay a monetary debt or experience unfavorable consequences, especially when the payment or consequences are inevitable in spite of attempts to avoid them.
|
pay through the nose »
To pay a high price, especially an exorbitant or excessive amount, either in money or in some other manner.
|
peanut gallery »
Any source of heckling, unwelcome commentary or criticism, especially from a know-it-all or of an inexpert nature.
|
peel out »
To start abruptly from a standing stop, accelerating rapidly, especially so as to produce skid marks.
|
penny for your thoughts »
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
|
perfect storm »
A powerful hurricane or other major weather disturbance, especially as produced by a combination of meteorological conditions.
|
perp walk »
The intentional public display before news cameras of someone in police custody, especially someone famous or notorious, for the purpose of satisfying public interest, demonstrating the authorities' effectiveness, or shaming the person.
|
pick up »
To collect an object, especially in passing.
|
pick up »
To meet and seduce somebody for romantic purposes, especially in a social situation, sometimes used with "on".
|
pick up the tab »
To accept a charge and pay for it, especially at a bar or restaurant.
|
pickin' and grinnin' »
Vigorously playing folk or country music on a stringed musical instrument, especially the guitar or banjo, while smiling broadly.
|
piece of ass »
An act of intercourse, especially a one night stand.
|
piece of work »
A product or manufactured article, especially an item of art or craft.
|
pig in a poke »
Something whose true value is concealed or unknown, especially something offered for sale.
|
pink slip »
An automobile roadworthiness inspection certificate.
|
piss and moan »
To complain, especially needlessly and loudly.
|
piss and vinegar »
Exuberance or enthusiasm, especially to an excessive degree; bravado; youthful energy.
|
play dumb »
To pretend to be slow-witted or lacking in specific knowledge, usually in order to avoid responsibility or to gain some advantage.
|
play fast and loose »
To ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits ones purpose.
|
play hardball »
To act rough and ruthless, especially in politics or business.
|
play hardball »
To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
|
play hookey »
To be absent without permission, especially from school.
|
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.
|
plead the fifth »
To refuse to answer a question, or refuse to speak, especially when the response would reflect badly on the speaker.
|
pony in the barn »
An exciting and real prospect, something to be legitimately excited about.
|
potty mouth »
The characteristic of regularly using vulgar language, especially strong profanities; a person having this characteristic.
|
power behind the throne »
Someone who appears to be without special status, but who has great covert influence on a person in authority.
|
powers that be »
The holders of power or the authorities in a given situation, especially as seen as being faceless or unreasonably bureaucratic.
|
press the flesh »
To shake hands and socialize, especially in a political gathering.
|
price on one's head »
A compensation for capturing or killing a person, especially someone guilty of a crime.
|
problem child »
A child who is particularly difficult to raise or educate, especially due to a lack of self-control and disruptive and antisocial behavior.
|
pull out »
To withdraw; especially of military forces; to retreat.
|
pull strings »
To manipulate, especially by asking favours of.
|
pull teeth »
To do something that is especially difficult or effortful.
|
pull up »
Drive close to something, especially a curb.
|
purple prose »
Extravagant or flowery writing, especially in a literary work.
|
push one's luck »
To take an excessive risk or to attempt some task unlikely to succeed, especially after having already been unexpectedly lucky.
|
push the boat out »
To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.
|
put one past somebody »
To deceive, trick, or fool, especially by concealing something.
|
put something into perspective »
To compare with something similar to give a clearer, more accurate idea.
|
put up »
To present, especially in "put up a fight".
|
rain cheque »
Any postponement, especially of an offer.
|
rain cheque »
Any voucher or note issued by a store to allow a customer to get a special or sale price later if an item is out of stock.
|
raise the bar »
To raise standards or expectations, especially by creating something to a higher standard.
|
raise the spectre »
To cause concern that something unfortunate might happen.
|
rat race »
An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or tedious, especially in the context of a busy, modern urban lifestyle.
|
red light »
A warning light, especially as a traffic signal indicating ‘stop’..
|
rev up »
To increase the speed of an engine, especially that of a stationary motor car.
|
ride the short bus »
To have a need for a special education program, as because learning disabled.
|
ride the short bus »
To participate in a special education program, such as for those with learning disabilities.
|
right back »
Used in several informal constructions to indicate return -- especially imminent return to a point of origin.
|
rip off »
To copy, especially illegally.
|
road apple »
Horse manure, especially when deposited on a road.
|
road movie »
A film in which much of the action takes place during a journey, especially one involving overland travel.
|
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.
|
rocket scientist »
One specializing in the science or study of rockets and their design.
|
roll out the red carpet »
To extend the utmost hospitality; to treat someone as an honored guest; to welcome or host, especially in a showy or extravagant manner.
|
round down »
To the greatest integer that is not greater than it, or to some other lower value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
round up »
To the smallest integer that is not less than it, or to some other greater value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
run for one's money »
A difficult challenge for the person indicated, especially one involving a competitive situation.
|
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 wear out, especially through excessive use.
|
run roughshod over »
To treat roughly or without care, respect, or moderation; to act without control; to damage.
|
run something up the flagpole »
To float an idea that one suspects might be controversial.
|
run-of-the-mill »
Ordinary; not special.
|
safe and sound »
Having come to no harm, especially after being exposed to danger.
|
school of hard knocks »
An education consisting of real-world experiences, especially harsh experiences.
|
seagull manager »
A manager who comes into the workplace or office only on occasion, especially when a problem arises or to criticize or critique employees.
|
second banana »
A comedian who plays a secondary or supporting role, especially as straight man and traditionally in vaudeville or burlesque theatre.
|
see a man »
To take one's leave for some urgent purpose, especially to go to the bathroom.
|
see the light »
To gain an understanding of something previously not understood, especially in a sudden insight.
|
sell a bargain »
A species of wit, much in vogue about the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, and frequently alluded to by Dean Swift, who says the maids of honour often amused themselves with it. It consisted in the seller naming his or her hinder parts, in answer to the question, What? which the buyer was artfully led to ask. As a specimen, take the following instance: A lady would come into a room full of company, apparently frightened, crying out "It is white, and follows me!" As soon as someone responded "What?" she sold him the bargain, by saying "Mine arse".
|
sell down the river »
To betray, especially in a manner which causes serious difficulty for the one betrayed.
|
set aside »
To separate and reserve something for a specific purpose.
|
set down »
Simple sum of parts set + down, to place, especially on the ground or a surface; to cease carrying.
|
set for life »
Possessing sufficient resources, especially financial, to last a lifetime.
|
settle for »
To accept or allow something, especially something not entirely desirable.
|
shack up »
To live together, especially of an unmarried couple.
|
sharp cookie »
One who is intelligent, bright, or sharp; especially, one who can identify attempts to deceive or mislead.
|
shell out »
To pay money; especially, to pay a great deal of money.
|
shift gears »
To change the gear by which motion is transmitted from a powered shaft to another shaft, especially in a motor vehicle.
|
shit a brick »
To react strongly or excessively, especially in anger or fear.
|
shoot one's bolt »
To use up one's resources, especially a singular one or one not readily restored.
|
shoot the boots »
To kick swiftly and violently, especially in the groin.
|
shooting iron »
A firearm, especially a handgun.
|
short strokes »
The final steps of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
|
show the flag »
Of a naval vessel or military force, to identify itself by displaying the flag of its country of origin, especially in order to establish an authoritative presence and to exert diplomatic or political influence.
|
show the flag »
To display the flag of one's country, especially as an expression of patriotic pride.
|
show up »
To appear, arrive, or attend, especially suddenly or erratically.
|
shroud »
Especially, the dress for the dead; a winding sheet.
|
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.
|
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.
|
sitting pretty »
In a favorable situation, especially a situation in which one possesses an advantage.
|
skinny as a rail »
Especially of a person, very skinny.
|
skip out »
To shirk; to avoid attending or to leave early, especially without permission.
|
slippery slope »
A chain of events that, once initiated, cannot be halted; especially one in which the final outcome is undesirable or precarious.
|
smart off »
To show disrespect verbally.
|
smell like a rose »
To be regarded as appealing, virtuous, or respectable; to be untainted or unharmed.
|
smell test »
An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food.
|
smoke signal »
An indirect message or indication, especially concerning a future event.
|
smooth operator »
A person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace, especially one with verbal skills who is persuasive in interpersonal relationships, negotiation, etc.
|
snap someone's head off »
To suddenly and sharply rebuke or insult a person, especially in response to a harmless remark.
|
sniff out »
To find, especially to find something that cannot be seen.
|
snow on the mountaintop »
Gray or white hair on one's head, especially as an indication of aging.
|
snow on the rooftop »
Gray or white hair on one's head, especially as an indication of aging.
|
so much as »
Even; suggests a minimum, especially regarding what might be expected.
|
soapbox »
A crate for packing soap, or, by extension, any inexpensive crude platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it, especially when used for speeches.
|
soapbox »
Especially when only tangentially relevant to an ongoing discussion.
|
soft touch »
A comfortable situation; an easy task or undemanding occupation, especially one which is comfortably remunerative.
|
soft touch »
A person or group which is sympathetic, accommodating, easily overcome, or easily persuaded, especially one which loans or readily gives money to another.
|
somewhere along the line »
At some unspecified time; eventually or once; at some point.
|
space out »
To stupefy, intoxicate, disorient, or lose attention or focus, especially by the use of drugs.
|
spanner »
A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
|
special needs »
Needs for special care, services or accommodations.
|
spectator sport »
A sporting activity which has a relatively high ratio of watchers to direct participants.
|
spectator sport »
An activity which consists of watching or observing.
|
spectator sport »
Something, especially a process or activity, which is a popular object of observation; an activity which a person prefers to watch rather than to participate in.
|
spin a yarn »
To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
|
spot check »
A cursory inspection or examination or the inspection or examination of a sample of something.
|
spruce up »
To refresh, revamp; to freshen or improve something, especially its appearance.
|
square meal »
A satisfying meal, especially suitable for one performing physical labor.
|
stand on end »
To stand erect, bristle, especially from fear.
|
start off on the wrong foot »
To begin badly; especially, to begin a relationship badly.
|
state of affairs »
A specific situation; a set of circumstances.
|
stepping stone »
A stone that can be stepped on in crossing something, especially a marsh or creek.
|
stew in one's juices »
To be alone and self-absorbed in an uncomfortable state of mind, especially while experiencing the unpleasant effects of one's own actions.
|
stickhandle »
To deal capably and swiftly with a situation, especially in a manner which deflects potential problems.
|
stickhandle »
To maintain individual possession of the puck or ball by controlling it with movements of one's stick, especially to do so in a skillful manner.
|
sticking point »
A disputed issue or state of affairs that causes an interruption or outright impasse in progress towards some goal or resolution, especially in negotiation or argumentation.
|
sticking point »
The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking-place.
|
sticking-place »
The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking point.
|
stop the presses »
An imperative form used to introduce especially new, important, surprising, or recent developments.
|
straight face »
A face that is expressionless, especially not laughing.
|
strap on a pair »
To be brave; to show some courage, especially in a situation where one has so far failed to do so.
|
stretch one's legs »
To walk about, especially after prolonged time sitting or lying down.
|
string up »
To kill by hanging, especially to lynch.
|
strut one's stuff »
To behave, or to perform in a showy or ostentatious manner, especially in a way to impress others; to show off.
|
suck face »
To kiss, especially deeply and for a prolonged time.
|
surprise surprise »
An indication that the unsurprising happened, especially contrary to someone's hopes or assertions.
|
swan song »
A final performance or accomplishment, especially one before retirement.
|
sweat bullets »
To sweat profusely; especially, to be very nervous or anxious.
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sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
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tail between one's legs »
A reaction to a confrontation, specifically one with excessive shame and hurt pride.
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take a spin »
To go for a ride; especially, to try riding or driving something.
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take its toll »
To affect, especially negatively; to damage or degrade; to cause destruction.
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take liberties »
To behave disrespectfully, especially to make unwanted sexual advances.
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take off »
To absent oneself from work or other responsibility, especially with permission.
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take over »
To assume control of something, especially by force; to usurp.
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take the cake »
To be especially good or outstanding.
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take the fifth »
To decline to comment, especially on grounds that it might be incriminating.
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take the rap »
To be blamed or punished for something, especially for the actions of another.
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take to one's heels »
To leave; especially, to flee or run away.
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take up »
That which takes up or tightens; specifically, a device in a sewing machine for drawing up the slack thread as the needle rises, in completing a stitch.
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talk dirty »
To use profane language, especially sexual vulgarities for the purpose of arousal.
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talking head »
A pundit who discusses issues of the day, especially one on TV.
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tar with the same brush »
To characterize using the same undesirable attribute, especially unjustly.
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task force »
A group of people working towards a particular task, project, or activity, especially assigned in a particular capacity.
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tear up the pea patch »
To put on a notable performance, especially in sports; to go on a rampage.
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tell off »
To speak to someone rudely, disrespectfully or angrily; to berate; to unleash one's fury verbally towards someone.
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the bigger they are, the harder they fall »
The larger something is, the more disastrous and spectacular its downfall
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there may be snow on the rooftop but there is fire in the furnace »
Even if a person is in his or her senior years, with gray hair, he or she can still have ambition and energy, especially sexual energy.
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there, there »
Conveys comfort; used to calm somebody urge somebody to relax, especially when the person is crying.
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think better of it »
To change one's mind; especially to decide against.
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thorn in the flesh »
Ivar Specto. The Soviet Union and the Muslim World, 1917-1958.
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throw down »
To accomplish or produce something in a grand, respectable, or successful manner; to "represent".
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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 off »
To confuse; especially, to lose a pursuer.
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throw one's weight around »
To exercise influence or authority especially to an excessive degree or in an objectionable manner.
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throw to the wolves »
To remove or cast out someone or something out of one's protection, such as onto the streets, especially towards predators.
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throw to the wolves »
To sacrifice someone, especially in an attempt to save oneself.
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thumb one's nose »
To act disrespectfully, especially by flouting the object of disrespect.
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thumb one's nose »
To place a thumb upon the tip of the nose, usually while simultaneous wiggling one's fingers, in a gesture of disrespect.
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tide over »
To support or sustain someone, especially financially, for a limited period.
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tiger team »
A specialized group tasked with testing the effectiveness of an organization's ability to protect assets by attempting to circumvent, defeat or otherwise thwart that organization's internal and external security.
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tiger team »
An engineering or other group assembled to tackle especially difficult or critical problems, often outside the normal chain of command.
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timeserver »
A person who conforms to current opinions, especially for reasons of personal advantage; an opportunist.
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tip one's hat »
To acknowledge or show respect; to honor.
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tip one's hat »
To briefly remove or tap one's hat as a gesture of greeting, deference, or respect.
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to all intents and purposes »
For every functional purpose; in every practical sense; in every important respect; practically speaking.
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to the point »
Relevant or pertinent; succinct; specific.
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top of the line »
The best, fanciest, or highest quality, especially among selections in a product line.
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touch a nerve »
To make a remark or perform a deed which produces a strong response, especially an emotional response such as anxiety or annoyance, because it calls to mind something which has been a source of concern or embarrassment.
|
touch off »
To start; to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.
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touchy-feely »
Having a fondness for physical contact with other people, especially to an excessive degree.
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tough call »
A choice or judgment which is difficult to make, especially one involving only two alternatives.
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tread lightly »
To proceed carefully; especially, to seek to avoid causing offense.
|
trigger-happy »
Inclined to behave recklessly, especially with machinery.
|
tuck into »
To eat, especially with gusto.
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turn a blind eye »
To ignore or deliberately overlook, especially with respect to something unpleasant or improper.
|
turn up one's nose »
To refuse, especially as due to pride or status.
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turn-on »
Something that attracts, gives pleasure, or encourages, especially sexually.
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two for two »
In baseball, meeting two out of two attempts at-bat. Specifically, it means the batter has reached base safely two out of two times.
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two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
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under a cloud »
Under suspicion; subject to critical inspection.
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under the table »
Secretly or without reporting, especially of payments made or business transacted.
|
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.
|
wait for the other shoe to drop »
To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one which is not desirable.
|
walk in the park »
Something easy or pleasant, especially by comparison to something.
|
walk in the snow »
An occasion when a momentous career decision is made, especially a decision to resign or retire.
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walk out »
To leave suddenly, especially as a form of protest.
|
walk out on »
To abandon or desert someone, especially a spouse.
|
walk the line »
To behave in an authorized or socially accepted manner, especially as prescribed by law or morality; to exercise self-control.
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wash out »
To lose traction while going around a turn, especially in cycling, motorsports and skiing/snowboarding.
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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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watch one's mouth »
To be careful about what one says, especially with regard to disrespectful or profane language.
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wear out »
To cause to become damaged, useless, or ineffective through continued use, especially hard, heavy, or careless use.
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what for »
An unspecified punishment or rebuke.
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when, as, and if »
Used to indicate the timing and contingency of some obligation in contracts, especially financial.
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whip up »
To produce something quickly, especially of a meal.
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whistle-blower »
One who reports a problem or violation to the authorities; especially, an employee or former employee who reports a violation by an employer.
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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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work at »
To make a physical or mental effort to progress some specified task.
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work one's fingers to the bone »
Work especially hard, usually for an extended period.
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work out »
To habitually exercise rigorously, especially by lifting weights, in order to increase strength or muscle mass or maintain fitness.
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work out »
To do exercises, especially physical.
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work spouse »
A man or woman in the workplace with whom one shares a special relationship having bonds similar to those of a marriage: special confidences, loyalties, shared jokes and experiences, and unusual degree of honesty or openness.
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world »
A planet,especially one which is inhabited or inhabitable.
|
world »
An individual or group perspective or social setting.
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wouldn't you know it »
Expresses dismay or annoyance, especially at bad luck or misfortune.
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you made your bed, now sleep in it »
A moralizing rejection said to someone looking for an easy out, especially of a situation they put themselves into.
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you shouldn't have »
Used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity, especially when receiving a gift.
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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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