balance the books »
To put or keep any closed or conservative system or its analysis in balance.
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bite me »
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
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break ground »
To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation.
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break new ground »
To begin excavating and levelling earth for a new building, or, originally, for cultivation.
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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.
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button-down »
Conservative; conventional; unimaginative.
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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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charge up »
To motivate, to instill someone with determination.
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die »
Followed by for. Often expressing wider contextual motivations, though sometimes indicating direct causes.
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dig up »
To excavate something.
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full speed ahead »
Maximum effort without reservations or delay.
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get a room »
A jocular or sarcastic expression commanding a couple to stop displaying affection in public, and to rent a hotel or motel room to continue amorous activities in private.
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hard-nosed »
Guided by practical experience and observation rather than by theory.
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head for the hills »
To travel to a higher elevation, especially to a rural region on vacation.
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high ground »
A location which is at a relatively high elevation, especially in comparison to the immediate surrounding area.
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hot button »
A central issue, concern or characteristic, especially one that motivates people to make a choice.
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jump »
To cause oneself to leave an elevated location and fall downward.
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jump »
To employ a parachute to leave an aircraft or elevated location.
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jump down »
To leave an elevated position to a lower position by one jump.
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jump off »
To move from an elevated place by one jump.
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kick up the arse »
A severe reprimand, especially one to motivate someone into doing something.
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landing strip »
A cultivated pubic hair pattern in which much of the pubic hair is removed, leaving only a central vertical line or rectangle.
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lick one's chops »
To use one's tongue to remove moistness from the sides of one's mouth, as when salivating or at the conclusion of a meal.
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lift up »
To elevate to a higher position.
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make over »
To renovate or to convert to a different use.
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necessity is the mother of innovation »
Alternative form of necessity is the mother of invention.
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off the reservation »
Violating rules.
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out of gas »
Tired; lacking energy or motivation.
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private branch exchange »
Telephone lines.
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private eye »
A private personal detective, employed to gather information about someone.
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run out of steam »
To run out of energy; to run out of motivation.
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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.
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take apart »
To move someone away from others to be able to talk to, or give them something in private.
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the more things change, the more they stay the same »
A proverb making the observation that turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to cement the status quo.
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tick off »
To annoy, aggravate.
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when the shit hits the fan »
A reference to the messy consequences of a secret or private situation becoming public.
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white coat hypertension »
Elevated blood pressure measured by a medical practitioner and deemed to result from the patient's emotional response to the medical environment.
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with a vengeance »
Intensely motivated; resolute; forceful.
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