a nod is as good as a wink »
The hint, suggestion etc can be understood without further explaining.
|
a notch above »
Superior to; of a higher quality than.
|
a watched kettle never boils »
Alternative form of a watched pot never boils.
|
a watched pot never boils »
A process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.
|
about turn »
A complete change of opinion, direction, etc.
|
all eyes »
Watching alertly or attentively.
|
all well and good »
Basically good, but with some shortcoming or limitation.
|
and shit »
Used after a noun or list of nouns in place of "etc".
|
angle for »
To try to obtain something by subtle indirect means. Political manoeuvres, suggestion, etc.
|
answer back »
To issue echo characters, protocol responses, reflexive connection requests, etc.
|
answer on a postcard »
To give a brief answer or opinion.
|
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.
|
asleep at the switch »
Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.
|
back up »
For the non-striker to take a few steps down the pitch, in preparation to taking a run, just as the bowler bowls the ball.
|
balls-up »
Something which becomes muddled or botched in some way.
|
banyan day »
In British naval tradition, this originally referred to a day of the week when galley kitchens served no meat on board ship.
|
batten down »
To close or make watertight, referring to hatches and cargo.
|
batten down the hatches »
Prepare for trouble.
|
best laid plans »
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the outcome is uncertain.
|
blame Canada »
A catch phrase for shifting attention away from a serious social issue by laying responsibility with Canada.
|
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!
|
board up »
To block doors or windows with boards, either to prevent access or as protection from storms, etc.
|
boil down »
As an allusion to the cooking technique of reducing liquids by heat, one boils down a problem, argument, etc. to its most central elements.
|
booze can »
A nightclub or bar, especially one which operates illegally or is otherwise disreputable.
|
brass ring »
Figuratively, a prize or goal. Often used with respect to employment goals e.g. promotion, better job, etc.
|
bridge »
An elevated platform above the upper deck of a mechanically propelled ship from which it is navigated and from which all activities on deck can be seen and controlled by the captain, etc; smaller ships have a wheelhouse, and sailing ships were controlled from a quarterdeck.
|
bring back »
To fetch something.
|
bring it on »
Used to indicate one's willingness to accept a challenge, confront a threat, etc.
|
bugger up »
To break or spoil something, or make it inoperative, useless etc.
|
bunk off »
We all bunked off school yesterday to watch the football.
|
burn one's bridges »
To destroy one's path, connections, reputation, opportunities, etc.
|
burn up »
To catch fire and burn until destroyed.
|
bury the hatchet »
To stop fighting or arguing; to reach an agreement, or at least a truce.
|
bush league »
A low-ranking or inferior level among groups, professions, organizations, etc.
|
call in »
To communicate with a base etc, by telephone.
|
carry a tune »
To produce music, especially to sing, with accurate pitch.
|
carry one's weight »
To contribute or produce one's fair share, as of work, money, etc.
|
cast off »
To let go a cable or rope securing a vessel to a buoy, wharf etc so that she may proceed.
|
cast off »
To finish the last row of knitted stitches and remove them securely from the needle.
|
cast on »
To start the first row of knitting by putting stitches on a needle.
|
catch a buzz »
To become slightly inebriated, but not yet be drunk.
|
catch a cold »
To become infected with cold.
|
catch a tan »
To get a suntan.
|
catch air »
To make a jump.
|
catch big air »
Superlative of catch air; make a big jump high off the ground.
|
catch dust »
To be rarely used.
|
catch fire »
Become engulfed with flames.
|
catch flies »
An ostensible product of awkwardly having one's mouth open wide.
|
catch hell »
Be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
|
catch it »
Be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
|
catch on »
To begin to understand; to realize or detect.
|
catch on »
To become popular; to become commonplace; to become the standard.
|
catch out »
To discover or expose as fake or insincere.
|
catch out »
To put a batsman out by catching the batted ball before it touches the ground.
|
catch some z's »
To sleep.
|
catch someone's eye »
To capture someone's attention.
|
catch up »
To pick up suddenly.
|
catch up »
To entangle.
|
catch up »
To provide with news.
|
catch up »
To be reaching something that had been ahead.
|
catch up »
To compensate for or make up a deficiency.
|
catch up »
To get news.
|
catch up »
get level with
|
catch-as-catch-can »
A. 1681, John Fryer, Richard Chiswell, Robert Roberts, Robert White, A New Account of East-India and Persia, in Eight Letters, Being Nine Years Travels, Begun 1672 and Finished 1681.
|
catch-as-catch-can »
Intermittent; only when possible or when the opportunity presents itself.
|
center field »
The part of a baseball field which is beyond the infield and straight ahead left if you stand on home plate and face the pitcher.
|
cheat sheet »
Any summary or quick reference used as a shortcut or reminder, a crib sheet.
|
check in »
To announce or record one's arrival at a hotel, airport etc.
|
close in on »
To catch up with in a chase; to near the end of a pursuit.
|
cock-and-bull story »
A far-fetched and fanciful story or tale of highly dubious validity.
|
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 out of the closet »
To tell others about homosexuality, bisexuality or any minority or disapproved-of belief, preference, etc., where previously this had been kept secret.
|
come to »
To recover consciousness after fainting etc.
|
come to grief »
To have a disastrous outcome.
|
coug it »
To suddenly lose a contest through reversal of fortune, mistakes, or bad judgment. The phrase is analogous to "blow it", or "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory".
|
cough up »
To expel from the lungs, throat, etc. by coughing.
|
could not get elected dogcatcher »
Is unpopular.
|
crown jewels »
The jewelry that accompany the office of rulership in a monarchy. I.e., crown, scepter, signet ring, etc.
|
cue up »
The act of taking aim on the cue ball with the cue in a game of snooker, or billiards, etc.
|
curveball »
A forespin pitch thrown by rotating the index and middle fingers down and resulting in motion down "curve".
|
damned if one does and damned if one doesn't »
A dilemma where either choice results in a negative outcome.
|
deathblow »
Something that prevents the completion, or ends the existence of some project etc.
|
do up »
To redecorate a room etc.
|
don't count your chickens before they're hatched »
You should not count on something before it happens.
|
don't shit where you eat »
(idiomatic, vulgar) One should not cause trouble in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself.1998 April 14, Nelson Navarro, "Ever faithful, ever true," Manila Standard (Philippines) (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):The guiding principle is Don't shit where you eat. Office romances are always destructive of morale and objectivity.2003 Oct. 8, Jonathan Valania, "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Pussy," Philadelphia Weekly (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Limbaugh was scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the NAB convention in, of all places, Philadelphia, thus violating the cardinal law of the animal kingdom: Don't shit where you eat.2006 Sept. 19, Michael Musto, "NY Mirror," Village Voice (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Mitchell refused to indulge in on-set romances with either gender. "You don't shit where you eat," he told me, plainly.
|
double Dutch »
A date where both man and woman pay for their portion of the bill.
|
double Dutch »
A game of jump rope with two ropes and frequently two jumpers.
|
double Dutch »
A language game akin to pig Latin.
|
double Dutch »
Incomprehensible language.
|
double Dutch »
Sex using a condom and the contraceptive pill at the same time.
|
draw on »
To sketch or mark with pencil, crayon, etc., on a given surface.
|
ear tunnel »
A piece of jewelry that fits into a stretched earlobe hole and makes it seem like a peephole and makes it see-through.
|
early bird catches the worm »
Alternative form of early bird gets the worm.
|
everything and the kitchen sink »
Alternative form of everything but the kitchen sink.
|
everything but the kitchen sink »
Almost everything, whether needed or not.
|
face off »
The starting point, in a match of ice hockey. Two players face each other, for snatching the puck.
|
face value »
The amount or value listed on a bill, note, stamp, etc.; the stated value or amount.
|
fail over »
To automatically switch processing from a failed component in a critical system to its live spare or backup component.
|
fair game »
A game that is fair, that does not involve cheating etc.
|
fall on deaf ears »
Of a request, complaint, etc, to be ignored.
|
familiarity breeds contempt »
The more acquainted one becomes with a person, the more one knows about his or her shortcomings and, hence, the easier it is to dislike that person.1894, H. Rider Haggard, The People Of The Mist, ch. 25:This was the beginning of evil, for if no man is a hero to his valet de chambre, much less can he remain a god for long in the eyes of a curious woman. Here, as in other matters, familiarity breeds contempt.
|
far fetched »
improbable
|
fifth wheel »
A type of trailer hitch, which consists of a horseshoe-shaped plate on a multi-directional pivot, with a locking pin to couple with the kingpin of a truck trailer.
|
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.
|
fly-by-night »
One who departs or flees at night in order to avoid creditors, law enforcement etc. .
|
foul up »
To botch; to make a mess of.
|
fresh legs »
Somebody who has yet to play in a match, and therefore has plenty of energy.
|
from scratch »
From the beginning; starting with no advantage or prior preparation; starting from raw ingredients.
|
front runner »
The most likely winners in a contest, election, etc.
|
full of oneself »
Egotistical, believing oneself to be superior to others; preoccupied with one's own work, interests, point of view, etc.
|
get one's act together »
To become serious, organized, worthwhile, etc.
|
give a sneck posset »
To fasten the door latch.
|
go Dutch »
To pay for one's own food and bills, or split the cost, when eating at a restaurant or going out for entertainment.
|
go dutch »
share expenses equally
|
go from zero to hero »
To change from negative outcome to positive outcome. To improve one's fortunes significantly.
|
go out the window »
To vanish or cease, especially due to lack of care, attention, etc.; to be discarded, disregarded, or ignored.
|
go the distance »
To participate in a boxing match for its maximum number of rounds.
|
go up in smoke »
To catch fire and burn.
|
gongoozle »
To leisurely watch the passage of boats, from the bank of a canal, lock or bridge.
|
grab bag »
A gift, purchase, etc. whose contents are concealed until after a selection is made.
|
hatchet job »
A treatment which serves primarily to disparage its subject; a piece of criticism which aims to destroy a reputation.
|
hatchet man »
A professional killer.
|
hatchet man »
Someone who carries out brutal and unpleasant duties on behalf of another, such as firing dead wood employees.
|
have a frog in one's throat »
To feel the need to cough; to have a tickle in one's throat; to have a scratchy or uneven voice.
|
head scratcher »
A device used to scratch the head.
|
head scratcher »
A particularly puzzling or confusing event.
|
head scratcher »
December 2007, W:Daily News Tribune - Golden Globes nominations a head-scratcher.
|
head scratcher »
July 2002, Fox News - Attorney: Williams' Kids Near Compromise About Father's Remains.
|
hit on »
To flirt with; to approach and speak to (someone), seeking romance, love, sex, etc.
|
hit one's stride »
To reach a full level of efficiency, competence, comfort, etc.; to get going.
|
hit the jackpot »
To realise a huge load of luck; to receive a more favorable outcome than imagined.
|
hold a candle »
To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another.
|
home stretch »
The final part of a distance or the final effort needed to finish.
|
if looks could kill »
A phrase said upon catching sight of someone's giving you a particularly nasty look of discontent or disapproval.
|
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!"
|
if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen »
If you cannot handle the pressure, you should not be in a position where you have to deal with it.
|
in Dutch »
In trouble or in disfavor.
|
in Dutch »
Written or spoken in the dutch language.
|
in for an inch, in for a mile »
Given that one is partly involved in or committed to a project, action, position, etc., there is no reason to refrain from becoming fully involved or fully committed.
|
itchy trigger finger »
A tendency to act in haste or without consideration.
|
jump at »
To accept something enthusiastically. Usually an opportunity, or chance, or job etc.
|
keep a close watch on »
To pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.
|
keep an eye on »
To watch and pay attention to.
|
keep an eye out »
To watch for, look for, or search for.
|
keep one's eyes peeled »
To watch closely; to look for.
|
keep somebody in stitches »
To keep somebody laughing hard or amused.
|
keep tabs on »
To monitor; to keep track of; to watch.
|
kiss of death »
Something that may seem good and favourable but that actually brings ruin to hopes, plans, etc.
|
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.
|
knock out of the box »
To cause a pitcher to be replaced by heavy hitting.
|
knock up »
To gently hit the ball back and forth before a tennis match, as practice or warm-up, and to gauge the state of the playing surface, lighting, etc. See knock-up.
|
lady or tiger »
A pure gamble with highly divergent outcomes.
|
last-ditch »
Final, as a last resort; done in desperation.
|
latch onto »
To obtain, acquire or get and keep hold of something.
|
left field »
The part of a baseball field which is beyond the infield and to your left if you stand on home plate and face the pitcher.
|
life's a bitch »
An expression of acceptance of misfortune.1950, Joy Davidman, Weeping Bay, page 184:She'd have been willing enough to use them, poor dead little bitch. Life's a bitch. Life's a bad joke.
|
light up »
To light a cigarette, pipe, etc.
|
like crazy »
To a great or excessive degree; with great speed, output, enthusiasm, etc.
|
little pitcher »
A child.
|
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).
|
little pitchers have long ears »
Alternative form of little pitchers have big ears.
|
live by the sword, die by the sword »
One who uses violence can expect a violent response. It is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.(figuratively) One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey poetic justice.
|
look after »
To watch or protect; to keep safe.
|
look on »
To watch; to observe.
|
Loose cannon »
An uncontrolled or unpredictable person who causes damage to his own friends, faction, political party, etc.
|
lucky break »
A stroke of luck; a fortunate event, particularly of the sort that propels one to success, fame, etc.
|
make someone's teeth itch »
To bother or unsettle a person; to put someone on edge.
|
make up »
To compensate, fill in or catch up.
|
man up »
His station, prepared for departure of an aircraft, ship, etc.
|
man up »
To "be a man about it"; to do the things a good man is traditionally expected to do, such as: taking responsibility for the consequences of one's actions; displaying bravery or toughness in the face of adversity; providing for one's family, etc.
|
match made in heaven »
A marriage that is likely to be happy and successful because the two people are very compatible with each other.
|
match made in heaven »
A very successful combination of two people or things.
|
match made in hell »
A marriage that is likely to be unhappy or abusive and unsuccessful because the two people are very incompatible with each other.
|
match made in hell »
A very unsuccessful or conflicting combination of two people or things.
|
matter of course »
A natural or logical outcome.
|
matter of course »
An expected or customary outcome.
|
meaty »
Resembling meat in flavour, etc.
|
mess up »
To botch, bungle; to perform poorly on.
|
mind-numbing »
Excessively boring, tedious, or dull; repetitive; of an activity, etc., lacking any interest or variety that might serve as intellectual stimulation.
|
miss out »
To miss an experience or lose an opportunity, etc. that should not be missed.
|
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.
|
music to one's ear »
Some unexpected good news; a favorable outcome after some initial confusion or delay.
|
nightcap »
A beverage drunk before bed that is usually alcoholic.
|
nightcap »
A warm cloth cap worn while sleeping, often with pajamas. Nightcaps were common in northern Europe before central heating was available, when homes were cold at night.
|
nightcap »
The second game of a doubleheader.
|
nip and tuck »
So evenly matched that the advantage shifts from one to the other, and the outcome is uncertain.
|
no joy »
A negative outcome.
|
no strings attached »
Without conditions or obligations; without a catch.
|
notch up »
To achieve something.
|
now you're cooking »
A phrase, often given in response, meaning that the subject has switched to a more suitable or more efficient approach.
|
nutty as a fruitcake »
Behaving in an eccentric, foolish, or kooky manner; very nutty.
|
object lesson »
Anything used an example or lesson which serves to warn others as to the outcomes that result from a particular action or behavior, as exemplified by the fates of those who followed that course.
|
odd one out »
A visual puzzle where the guesser has to choose which word/picture/symbol etc. does not fit with the others.
|
on one's watch »
During the period of time when one is in a position of authority or responsibility.
|
one-note »
Having only one opinion, outlook, tone, etc., especially as expressed repetitively; without variety or range.
|
onesie-twosie »
Individually or in very small groups, rather in larger batches.
|
out of one's league »
In a situation in which one is mismatched with one or more others, whose accomplishments, preparedness, or other characteristics are on a significantly higher or lower level than one's own.
|
ox is in the ditch »
This is a big problem; there is unavoidable or demanding work ahead.
|
payback's a bitch »
Usually a complete sentence as an interjection: I am amused that someone got their revenge on you...but you certainly had it coming.
|
payback's a bitch »
Usually a complete sentence: I will get revenge when you least expect it.
|
pea patch »
A baseball field.
|
pea patch »
A realm of endeavor.
|
pea patch »
A small farm.
|
pea patch »
A small piece of land planted with peas.
|
pick up stitches »
Stitches to the knitting needle that were previously bound off, or that belong to the selvage, during the process of knitting or entrelac.
|
pig out »
They watched the game and pigged out on chips and pizza.
|
pitch a tent »
To have an erection that shows through the trousers.
|
pitch in »
To help out; lend assistance; contribute; to do one's part.
|
pitch woo »
To court.
|
pitch woo »
To flatter.
|
pitch woo »
To make love.
|
pitched battle »
A hostile engagement involving sustained, full-scale fighting between opposing forces in close combat.
|
pitched battle »
An intense, rancorous argument or confrontation.
|
play possum »
To feign sleep, illness, etc.
|
pretty pictures »
Image supplements in a presentation: graphs, charts, etc.
|
put away »
To catch a fly ball or tag out a baserunner.
|
put by »
To preserve food by canning, freezing, drying, etc.
|
put out feelers »
To explore or watch for; ask around; investigate.
|
queer one's pitch »
To make a task more difficult for the speaker.
|
rain pitchforks »
To rain heavily.
|
read somebody's lips »
To discern what somebody is saying by watching the shape of the mouth rather than by hearing the sounds of the words.
|
reality check »
A check or review to make sure something is consistent, reasonable, etc.
|
reinvent the wheel »
To redo work unnecessarily when it has already been done satisfactorily; to rethink an already working system, technique, etc. in a pointless attempt to improve it.
|
ride the rails »
To travel by railway train, trolley, etc.
|
ringside seat »
A seat in the front row of a boxing or wrestling match.
|
rolling pin »
kitchen utensil
|
root cause »
An initiating cause of a chain of events which leads to an outcome or effect of interest.
|
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 to »
To reach a particular maximum amount, size, value, etc.
|
sacred cow »
Something which cannot be tampered with, or criticized, for fear of public outcry.
|
scotch mist »
fine rain
|
scratch one's head »
To puzzle, ponder, or wonder about something.
|
scratch that »
To disregard, omit, or ignore the previous statement.
|
scratch the surface »
To barely begin; to see or do only a fraction of what is possible.
|
send away »
To send to a particular place for a long time, as a family member, an employee, etc.
|
send up »
To make prices or temperatures etc. rise.
|
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.
|
shotgun approach »
An approach in which the subject is indiscriminate and haphazard, using breadth, spread, or quantity in lieu of accuracy, planning, etc.
|
show off »
To exhibit; to demonstrate one's skill, talent, etc. for its own sake.
|
show somebody the door »
To escort someone to the exit of the premises; to expel someone from a room, gathering, etc.
|
sing soprano »
To perform vocal music in a higher pitch than alto.
|
slanging match »
A row; an argument in which names are called.
|
sleeping at the switch »
Variant form of asleep at the switch.
|
slippery slope »
A chain of events that, once initiated, cannot be halted; especially one in which the final outcome is undesirable or precarious.
|
smell the barn »
To experience heightened anticipation or to act with renewed speed or energy as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome, like a livestock animal at day's end returning to its barn.
|
smooth operator »
A person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace, especially one with verbal skills who is persuasive in interpersonal relationships, negotiation, etc.
|
sneck posset »
A fastened latch.
|
soft shoe »
A speech, explanation, sales pitch, or other set of remarks delivered in a restrained or conciliatory manner in order to persuade, distract, or otherwise influence someone.
|
space out »
To plant seedlings etc at regular intervals with a calculated space between them.
|
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.
|
spy on »
To secretly watch; to surveil.
|
stand back »
To stand a long way behind the wicket so as to catch balls from a fast bowler.
|
stand up »
To stand immediately behind the wicket so as to catch balls from a slow or spin bowler, and to attempt to stump the batsman.
|
stitch up »
To close by sewing.
|
stitch up »
To maliciously or dishonestly incriminate someone.
|
stretch limo »
long car
|
stretch one's legs »
To walk about, especially after prolonged time sitting or lying down.
|
stretch out »
To lie fully extended.
|
stretch out »
To fully extend a part of the body.
|
stretch the truth »
To exaggerate, often to the point where the truth is obscured or lost.
|
switch off »
To turn a switch to the "off" position in order to stop or disable a device.
|
switch off »
To lose interest, and start thinking about something else.
|
switch off »
To alternate between; to trade.
|
switch on »
To turn a switch to the "on" position in order to start or enable a device.
|
switch on »
To change one's expression or appearance as if by turning a switch.
|
take a dim view of »
To dislike; to regard with skepticism, disbelief, disfavor, etc.
|
take aback »
Of a ship: to catch it with the sails aback suddenly.
|
take to the cleaners »
To take a significant quantity of a person's money or valuables, through gambling, unfavorable investing, fraud, litigation, etc.
|
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.
|
taper off »
To diminish or lessen gradually; to become smaller, slower, quieter, etc.
|
tear up the pea patch »
To put on a notable performance, especially in sports; to go on a rampage.
|
test bed »
Any venue, setup, etc. used for experimentation, testing, proving a concept, etc.
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the early bird catches the worm »
the early bird gets the worm
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the end justifies the means »
Morally wrong actions are sometimes necessary to achieve morally right outcomes; actions can only be considered morally right or wrong by virtue of the morality of the outcome.
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the whole nine yards »
And everything. Often used, like etc., to finish out a list.
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the whole shooting match »
Everything; the entire collection, endeavor, or activity.
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think of England »
To tolerate or endure bad sex. Used in conjunction with "I just lie on my back and.." "I just go through the motions and..." etc.
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throw a fit »
To become angry, enraged, or upset; to act or react with an outburst, as by shouting, swearing, etc.
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throw off balance »
To unsettle, to catch by surprise.
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throw smoke »
To consistently pitch fastballs that are difficult to hit.
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throw somebody a curve »
To pitch a curve ball.
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tie up »
To secure with rope, string, etc.
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timing is everything »
Consideration of other events can greatly influence some desired outcome (such as an audience laughing to a comedian's joke).Telling the old joke about a butt-crack was not a good idea, just as the plumber arrived, Bob.You know what they say: "timing is everything." I'm sure we can find another plumber before the house floods.
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tomorrow is another day »
Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a fresh start for one's endeavors.1600, author unknown, "Phillidaes Love-call to her Coridon, and his replying" (song), in England's Helicon, printed at London by I.R. for John Flasket:Phil. Yonder comes my Mother, Coridon,whether shall I flie?Cor. Under yonder Beech my lovely one,while she passeth by.Say to her thy true-Love was not heere,remember, remember,to morrow is another day:1896, Amelia E. Barr, A Knight of the Nets, ch. 8:"Well, well, my dear lass, to-night we cannot work, but we may sleep. . . . Keep a still heart tonight, and tomorrow is another day."1936, Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, ch. 63:"Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."2005, Fran Schumer, "JERSEY: In Princeton, Taking On Harvard's Fuss About Women," New York Times, 19 June (retrieved 18 Aug. 2009):"Half of me is depressed
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tone down »
To make a television program, piece of writing, etc. less offensive and so more suitable for a family audience.
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too big for one's britches »
Disturbingly confident, unacceptably cocky.
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too big for one's britches »
Too large to fit into one's pants.
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top notch »
Very good; of the highest quality.
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toss-up »
A decision in which neither choice is clearly favorable or unfavorable, or for which the outcome does not matter.
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toss-up »
Either of two outcomes that are equally likely.
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touch-and-go »
Precarious, delicate, dangerous, risky, sensitive or of uncertain outcome.
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trick of the trade »
A shortcut or other quick, or very effective way of doing things, that professional workers learn from experience.
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try out »
To undergo a test before being selected for a team etc.
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tune in »
To select a channel, station, etc., as on television or radio.
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turn down »
To reposition by turning, flipping, etc. in a downward direction.
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turn off »
To power down; to stop a device by switching it off.
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turn on »
To power up; to start a device by switching it on.
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turn up »
To reposition by rotating, flipping, etc. upwards.
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two-fisted drinker »
Either someone who can handle their liquor well, or an alcoholic clutching a drink in each hand.
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under a spell »
Bewitched, held by the power of a magical spell.
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underwater basket weaving »
"Sure, somewhere out there, college slackers were taking broom ball and underwater basket weaving." — The Columbus Dispatch, September 15, 2005.
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up one's alley »
Matching a person's interests or abilities well.
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up to scratch »
Sufficient; adequate; of acceptable or satisfactory quality.
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walk the line »
To maintain an intermediate position between contrasting choices, opinions, etc..
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warts and all »
Of or pertaining to a description or other depiction which reveals the full range of characteristics of a person or thing, including the shortcomings and imperfections.
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wash up »
To clean the utensils, dishes etc. used in preparing and eating a meal.
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watch one's head »
To look out for things one's head might bump into.
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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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watch one's step »
To be cautious.
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watch one's step »
To move cautiously.
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watch out »
To be aware or conscious; to look closely or carefully; to use caution. Often used in the imperative.
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watch over »
To guard and protect.
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watch this space »
An indication that a development will follow.
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wet blanket »
A person who takes the fun out of a situation or activity, as by pessimism, demands, dullness, etc.
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what's eating somebody »
? Inquired of somebody who is upset, worried, angry, etc.
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whistle past the graveyard »
To attempt to stay cheerful in a dire situation; To proceed with a task, ignoring an upcoming hazard, hoping for a good outcome.
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whistle walk »
The path slaves took to deliver food from the kitchen building of a plantation to the main dining room. Slaves were expected to whistle during this walk in order to assure their masters that they were not eating the food.
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white elephant »
An ornament etc that is unwanted or is a financial burden; an unprofitable investment.
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white goods »
fridges, washing machines, etc
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wild-goose chase »
A task whose execution is inordinately complex relative to the value of the outcome.
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wind back »
To wind a tape, cassette, or film, etc towards the beginning; to rewind.
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you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar »
It's easier to persuade others with polite requests and a positive attitude than with rude demands and negativity.
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you can't say fairer than that »
That is good, reasonable, or fair; one cannot hope for a better decision or outcome.
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you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours »
If you do me a favor then I will do you a favor; quid pro quo.
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zoom down »
To move quickly along a particular route, list, etc.
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| BTW, Why won't you become an editor? |
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