abide by »
To accept a decision or law and act in accordance with it; to conform to; to acquiesce; as, to abide by an award.
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ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
|
all at once »
Unexpectedly; without warning; all of a sudden.
|
all thumbs »
Clumsy; awkward; not dextrous.
|
all's fair in love and war »
unpleasant behavior is acceptable during love and conflict.
|
as you sow, so shall you reap »
The personal consequences of one's actions are in proportion to the good or bad intentions towards others.
|
at a moment's notice »
Immediately; instantaneously; without need of warning.
|
at peace with »
Not menacing or hostile toward.
|
autem diver »
Pickpockets who practice in churches; also churchwardens and overseers of the poor.
|
back burner »
A section of a stove used to keep some pots warm while one focuses on others.
|
back into »
To back up or walk backwards and hit something.
|
back off »
To move backwards away from something.
|
back up »
To move backwards, especially for a vehicle to do so.
|
back up »
To move a vehicle backwards.
|
back-assward »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
back-asswards »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
backassward »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
backasswards »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
bass-ackward »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
bass-ackwards »
Alternative form of ass-backwards.
|
bassackward »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
bassackwards »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
battle cry »
Something the troops yell out when going to war or battle.
|
bear down »
To approach another vessel from windward.
|
beat up »
To sail to windward using a series of alternate tacks across the wind.
|
bend over backwards »
To make a great effort; to take extraordinary care; to go to great lengths.
|
better safe than sorry »
It is preferable to be cautious in one's choices and actions than to suffer afterwards.
|
big enchilada »
Some item of high value, especially a top prize or reward.
|
bite the bullet »
To accept a negative aspect of a situation in order to continue moving forward.
|
black-on-black »
Something that is invisible or intentionally obfuscated, such as warnings or fine print.
|
bleeding edge »
Something very current, or modern where there may actually be a hazard or risk in using it, such as with potentially unstable software. The term relates to a sword.
|
blow a kiss »
To kiss one's hand, then blow on the hand in a direction towards the recipient.
|
blue moon »
The moon tinted towards blue as it appears in the sky, caused by dust or smoke in the atmosphere.
|
booby prize »
A prize or status, often unwelcome, awarded as a joke or disincentive to the loser of a contest or for poor performance.
|
break the ice »
To start to get to know people, by avoiding awkwardness.
|
bring forward »
To call up for consideration.
|
bring forward »
To make something happen earlier than originally planned.
|
bring owls to Athens »
Perhaps we have not been sufficiently aware that talking about access and its implications in Scandinavia is like bringing owls to Athens. — Herbert Burkert.
|
bug out »
To abandon someone without warning.
|
button up »
To fasten all the buttons on a coat, or similar item of clothing, to keep warm.
|
carrot and stick »
Simultaneous rewards for good behavior and punishments for bad behavior.
|
catch flies »
An ostensible product of awkwardly having one's mouth open wide.
|
caveat lector »
Reader beware.
|
cheese it »
A minced oath used as a warning to stop, hide, or flee.
|
chump change »
An amount of remuneration, reward, or other monetary recompense considered to be insultingly small.
|
clean code »
Software code that is formatted correctly and in an organized manner so that another coder can easily read or modify it.
|
clear cut »
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
|
cold hands, warm heart »
Implies inner beauty; a caring person; warm-hearted
|
Cold hands, warm heart; Dirty feet, no sweetheart! »
A few old timer's "fun" way to compliment a lady & to find out if she could be courted.
|
come up »
To come towards, to approach.
|
comfort woman »
A woman forced, or supposedly recruited, into brothels by the Japanese occupation forces during World War II.
|
cry wolf »
To raise a false alarm; to constantly warn others about an imagined threat, thereby failing to get assistance when a real threat appears.
|
cut and dried »
Simple, straightforward, clear, or certain.
|
draw back »
To move backwards.
|
drop a bomb »
To announce surprising or alarming information suddenly and without warning.
|
Drop out of warp »
Dis-engage the cruise control on the car
|
eat out of somebody's hand »
To behave in a docile, submissive way towards somebody.
|
err on the side of »
To behave in a manner which favours or which is biassed toward.
|
every cloud has a silver lining »
In every bad situation there is an element of good1881, National Academy of Code Administration (U.S.), Folio, page 417:Every cloud has a silver lining; but in the old-fashioned meeting-houses every cloud of hymnal melody generally had a nasal lining before the congregation...1887, Shakers, Religion, page 36:that "a little reserve and thou'lt fail surely," will prove to be true in our experience. Every cloud has a silver lining and so has every sorrow,1918, George Jean Nathan, Performing Arts, page 222:But the most popular attitude toward what we may call "sad" plays is the peculiar one of believing that, since every cloud has a silver lining,
|
every little helps »
Even the smallest things are helpful when towards a goal.
|
execution style »
Resembling an execution; with the victim aware, but unable to defend himself or resist.
|
fall in »
To collapse inwards.
|
fear »
Extreme veneration or awe, as toward a supreme being or deity.
|
fend away »
To turn something away; to ward off.
|
fight a losing battle »
To continue to wage war when it is clear that one is not going to win.
|
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."
|
forewarned, forearmed »
Alternative form of forewarned is forearmed.
|
freak flag »
Unconventional or unrestrained behavior; extreme, nonconformist views; the side of one's personality which harbors a tendency toward such behavior or such views.
|
full speed ahead »
A command, especially on military vessels, to move forward at maximum speed.
|
garbage in, garbage out »
(computing, information technology) If input data is not complete, accurate, and timely, then the resulting output is unreliable and of no useful value.1963, Raymond Crowley, "Robot Tax Collector Seeks Indications of 'Fudging'," Times Daily (Alabama, USA), 1 April (retrieved 26 July 2010):Officials explained that the quality of the computer's work depends on the quality of the data fed into it. Neil Hoke, administrative assistant to Stewart, quoted an adage of computer men: "Garbage in, garbage out."2008, Roger K. Lewis, "'In Architectural Design, Brains and Talent Trump the Best Software," Washington Post, 19 July (retrieved 26 July 2010):The old caveat "GIGO"
|
get stuck in »
To dedicate a large amount of effort towards.
|
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.
|
go for the gold »
To attempt to achieve the maximum reward or result in an endeavor.
|
go out »
1922, Alfred Edward Housman, XXVIII, lines 3-4.
|
go to the mattresses »
To go to war; to use ruthless tactics; to act without restraint.
|
guilt trip »
A feeling of shame or embarrassment, especially if self-indulgent, unwarranted, exaggerated or felt over a significant period of time.
|
hand down »
To forward to the proper officer .
|
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 one's wits about one »
To remain calm, composed, or aware.
|
head for »
go towards
|
heads up »
Used as an informal warning, caution, or call for attention; pay attention!.
|
heads-up »
A warning or call to pay attention; an advisory notice.
|
hear the grass grow »
To be very aware or discerning; to pay attention to every small detail.
|
hike up »
To lift; to tug or pull upwards.
|
hold out »
To hold something out; to extend forward.
|
honorable mention »
An award or recognition given to something that does not make it to a higher standing but is worth mentioning in an honorable way.
|
hot chocolate »
warm drink
|
hot mess »
A warm meal, usually cooked in a large pot, often similar to a stew or porridge; or, service of such a heated meal to soldiers.
|
hot potato »
An awkward or delicate problem with which nobody wants to be associated.
|
house warming »
Presented as a way of welcoming someone to a home into which he or she recently moved.
|
hunger is a good sauce »
(dated) Being hungry makes one less concerned about the taste of one's food.1854, Mark Lemon, Henry Mayhew, Tom Taylor, Shirley Brooks, Francis Cowley Burnand, Owen Seaman, Punch, Vol. XXVI, Punch Publications Ltd., page 74:His bread and cheese were somewhat dry, to be sure; his ale had become flat, and considerably warmer than was desirable; but hunger is a good sauce, and thirst is not particular.
|
idiot light »
Any warning light or indicator on the dashboard of a car, designed to alert the driver of problems, such as the parking brake being on or the oil being low.
|
if pigs had wings they would fly »
(colloquial) Expresses speakers skepticism toward a hypothetical argument by another.
|
it pays to advertise »
Good qualities do not get rewarded automatically.
|
ivory tower »
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.
|
jump »
That is further forward.
|
jump »
To cause oneself to leave an elevated location and fall downward.
|
jump »
To propel oneself rapidly upward such that momentum causes the body to become airborne.
|
jump ship »
To depart a project without warning.
|
just deserts »
A punishment or reward that is considered to be what the recipient deserved.
|
just like that »
Unexpectedly, without warning.
|
keep a weather eye open »
To maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying your full attention.
|
keep out »
After being warned, he kept out.
|
keep out »
The warning kept him out.
|
keep the wolf from the door »
To ward off poverty or hunger.
|
kettle of fish »
An awkward situation; a predicament.
|
kick in »
To kick or strike so as to cause the object struck to collapse or fall inwards.
|
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 around »
To hit someone, or behave violently towards them.
|
knock on wood »
A self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.
|
knock on wood »
To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted my a presumptuous statement.
|
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.
|
know the score »
Be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
|
last burst of fire »
A final effort or warning.
|
lean towards »
To favor in a decision.
|
let go an anchor to the windward of the law »
To keep within the letter of the law.
|
lick one's chops »
To look forward avidly to eating something.
|
lily-livered »
Cowardly, lacking bravery.
|
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 out »
Be vigilant and aware.
|
look out »
warning
|
look up »
To look in an upwards manner.
|
look-in »
A quick short pass to a receiver running diagonally toward the center of the field.
|
make a meal of »
To spend more time and energy on some task than it warrants; to make something overly complicated.
|
make an example of »
To punish someone so as to be a warning to others.
|
make for »
To move towards.
|
make for »
head towards
|
make headway »
To progress; to move forward.
|
managerial inbreeding »
Bad management, caused by managers making poor selection choices in recruitment, rewards, and promotions of the staff that report to them, leading to another generation of managers who lack the necessary skill sets to reward and promote the most effective staff.
|
miner's canary »
A caged bird kept caged in mines because its demise provided a warning of dangerous levels of toxic gases.
|
miner's canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
miners' canary »
A caged bird kept caged in mines because its demise provided a warning of dangerous levels of toxic gases.
|
miners' canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
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.
|
nothing to it »
Easy; simple or straightforward.
|
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.
|
off one's game »
Performing in any activity below one's usual level; behaving in an irregular, inept, or awkward manner; feeling unwell.
|
on good terms with »
Friendly towards; having good relations with.
|
on high »
"According to those on high there is no global warming".
|
on the level »
Honest, sincere, straightforward.
|
on the spot »
Having to answer or decide without warning or preparation.
|
on tiptoe »
Moving carefully, quietly, warily or stealthily.
|
one step forward, two steps back »
A situation in which progress is more than offset by adverse developments.
|
out of the blue »
Unexpectedly; without warning or preparation.
|
out of touch »
No longer conversant with facts; not aware or realistic.
|
pendre la cr%C3%A9maill%C3%A8re »
To have a housewarming party.
|
plus »
(literally) The more it changes, the more it's the same thing (sometimes loosely translated as the more things change, the more they stay the same).Although the outward appearance may change, fundamentals are constant.
|
pop up »
To appear without warning.
|
potter »
One who makes pots and other ceramic wares.
|
pre-war »
Describing the most recent or significant war in a culture's history.
|
pre-war »
Describing the period before a war.
|
pre-war »
Describing the period before the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
|
prone out »
In order to be propelled shorewards by a broken wave.
|
pull up »
Lift upwards or vertically.
|
put forward »
To propose for consideration.
|
put forward »
To change the time in a time zone to a later time.
|
put on »
To cook or warm.
|
put one foot in front of the other »
To move forward, progress steadily.
|
put one's best foot forward »
To show oneself in the best or most positive way possible; to make a favorable impression.
|
put someone in mind of »
To remind someone of; to inspire a mental image or awareness of; to cause thoughts concerning.
|
put the clock forward »
To change the time in a time zone to a later time.
|
quick-and-dirty »
Of or pertaining to the creation or repair of software or hardware in a manner which permits operation within a brief period of time, although with compromised functionality or reliability.
|
quicumque vult »
A forward girl, ready to oblige every man that shall ask her.
|
reap what one sows »
To receive as a reward or harvest in the same measure as one's exertions, in a good or a bad sense. To receive justice.
|
red flag »
A cue, warning, or alert; a sign or signal that something is wrong.
|
red light »
A warning light, especially as a traffic signal indicating ‘stop’..
|
ride roughshod over »
To act in a bullying or inconsiderate manner; to display disregard towards someone or something.
|
roadwarrior »
A person who carries a mobile device such as a laptop or PDA and uses wireless internet connections to work.
|
roadwarrior »
Alternative spelling of road warrior.
|
rock up »
To turn up to a place or function unexpectedly, or without notice or prior warning.
|
run out on »
To leave a partner suddenly and without prior warning.
|
scissorbill »
And railroad term for someone who refused to join the union or who openly colluded with management to thwart the union.
|
sell »
To promote a particular viewpoint; to manipulate towards a desired end.
|
sexual tension »
Physically induced libidinal unrest arising between two individuals when aware of each other's presence.
|
shit-eating grin »
A broad smile indicating self-awareness that may suggest self-satisfaction, smugness, discomfort, or embarrassment.
|
shoot oneself in the foot »
To deliberately sabotage an activity in order to avoid obligation, though it causes personal suffering. Origins in first world war trench warfare.
|
shoot the moon »
To achieve the lowest score possible, such that the player is usually rewarded with bonus points.
|
shoot the moon »
To take a risk which may result in great rewards; to succeed after taking such a risk.
|
silver bullet »
Any straightforward solution perceived to have great effectiveness or bring miraculous results.
|
sit out »
To lean out to the windward side of a sailboat in order to counterbalance the effects of the wind on the sails.
|
spit-and-polish »
Paying much attention to outward appearance.
|
spring fever »
A feeling of invigoration and restlessness associated with the arrival of the warm weather and renewal of nature in the spring season.
|
spring fever »
A feeling of laziness or listlessness associated with the arrival of the warm, comfortable weather of the spring season.
|
stave in »
To stave from the outside, to crush inward, to cause to collapse inward.
|
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.
|
stone cold »
Very cold; lacking any semblance of warmth.
|
take to »
To enter; to go into or move towards.
|
task force »
A group of people working towards a particular task, project, or activity, especially assigned in a particular capacity.
|
tell off »
To speak to someone rudely, disrespectfully or angrily; to berate; to unleash one's fury verbally towards someone.
|
thanks for nothing »
Expression of displeasure towards a person who has not provided what was wanted.
|
that's the way life is »
That is the way things happenCertain things cannot be changed, helped or improved; struggle and objection are pointless.1935, Louis Bromfield, The Man Who Had Everything [1], page 279:That's the way life is, and there's no use trying to go against it.1979, Jay Edward Abrams, A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption [2], ISBN 0310511011, page 45:There are no standards, no values; that's the way life is. Learn to accept it and slide with it. Stop fighting it.2002, B. Eugene Ellison, Rings of the Templars, ISBN 059524050X, page 337:Shit happens; that's the way life is. In fact, I want you to take an additional thousand for your efforts.
|
the nose knows »
Despite the addressee's belief that the speaker was unaware of something, the speaker, in fact, was already aware.
|
thief in the night »
Something stealthy or that occurs without warning.
|
throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2005, Mike Busson (poster on UKScreen forum) Re: Voiceovers!, read at [1] on 02 Nov 06,In terms of places to send your URL or CD's, there's no easy answer. It really is a case of throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.2005, "forwardone" (administrator posting on the HYIPForum), re: Alertpay phishing email, read at [2] on 02 Nov 06,I also think that sometimes they send out phishing e-mails in the hope that it`ll hit people who do have an account with a particular organization. You know, throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick theory.2006, Rob Manuel, How to be funny, read in Comedy Soup on the BBC website at [3] on 02 Nov 06,Throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick. Be prolific and don't be afraid to make stuff that's rubbish. If you keep trying eventually you'll get there.2006, Rex Pierce, Re: [303rd-Talk] D Day read on 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Believe the planners worked on the principle of "throw enough mud at the wall, and some of it will stick".If enough (perhaps false or reckless) accusations are made against someone, his reputation will suffer, whether or not this is deserved2006, "money" (poster on eTalk Money), Some thoughts about compact surfing, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,Word of advice NVUS time to distance yourself from LuukH as quickly as possible and dish some dirt, otherwise well the saying goes - throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.
|
throw to the wolves »
To remove or cast out someone or something out of one's protection, such as onto the streets, especially towards predators.
|
tie someone's hands »
To render one powerless to act, to thwart someone.
|
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.
|
tune up »
To make preparations for vigorous exercise; to warm up.
|
turf war »
A dispute over territory between rival gangs.
|
turf war »
A fight or confrontation between two divisions or parties for access to resources or capital.
|
turn down »
To reposition by turning, flipping, etc. in a downward direction.
|
turn out »
To turn or rotate outwards or out of something.
|
turn up »
To reposition by rotating, flipping, etc. upwards.
|
up to »
Against; next to; near; towards.
|
wage war »
A figurative allusion to pay discrepancies.
|
war bride »
A company or individual whose business is increased by warfare.
|
war bride »
A woman who marries a man who is on active duty military in wartime.
|
ward off »
To parry, or turn aside.
|
ward off »
To avert or prevent.
|
warm down »
Gentle excercise at the end of a training session before cooling off.
|
warm fuzzy »
A good impression; a feeling of comfort or trust.
|
warm the cockles of someone's heart »
To provide happiness, to bring a deeply-felt contentment.
|
warm up »
To make an audience enthusiastic or animated before a show.
|
warm up »
To reheat food.
|
warm up »
To become warmer.
|
warm up »
To prepare for executing an already-learned activity by a limited amount of additional practice.
|
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.
|
watch one's mouth »
In the imperative form, used as a warning to avoid or stop using inappropriate language, especially profanity, or disrespectful utterances.
|
watch out »
To be aware or conscious; to look closely or carefully; to use caution. Often used in the imperative.
|
weak sister »
A person who is cowardly or indecisive.
|
weekend warrior »
A part-time soldier, or reservist.
|
weekend warrior »
A person who indulges in a sport or pastime on an infrequent basis, usually on weekends when work commitments are not present.
|
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.
|
wind back »
To wind a tape, cassette, or film, etc towards the beginning; to rewind.
|
worry wart »
One who worries excessively or unnecessarily.
|
write down »
To make a downward adjustment in the value of an asset.
|
yellowbelly »
A coward.
|
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