a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush »
It is preferable to have a small but certain advantage than a mere potential of a greater one.
|
a bit much »
More than is reasonable.
|
a gentleman and a scholar »
An admirable person.
|
a scholar and a gentleman »
An admirable person.
|
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.
|
a stopped clock is right twice a day »
A normally unreliable person or instrument can occasionally provide correct information, even if only by accident.
|
able seaman »
ordinary sailor
|
abominable snowman »
yeti
|
add up »
To make sense; to be reasonable or consistent.
|
against all odds »
Despite seemingly insurmountable opposition or probability.
|
air bed »
inflatable mattress
|
all that glitters is not gold »
Things that appear valuable or worthwhile might not actually be so, things that look nice might not be as good as they look.
|
all the rage »
Very fashionable and popular, like a craze.
|
all the tea in China »
Something priceless or invaluable.
|
all's fair in love and war »
unpleasant behavior is acceptable during love and conflict.
|
am I right or am I right »
Rhetorical question from somebody who has stated what they consider to be an unassailable truth.
|
apples and oranges »
Said of a comparison of items that are not comparable.
|
arse over tit »
Tumbling; falling; upside-down; unstable or unbalanced.
|
at bay »
Cornered; unable to flee.
|
at bay »
Unable to come closer; at a distance.
|
at best »
In the most favorable of conditions; at the most.
|
at hand »
Readily available; within easy reach; nearby.
|
at home »
At ease, comfortable.
|
at loggerheads »
Unable to agree; opposing.
|
at one's fingertips »
Readily available.
|
at risk »
vulnerable
|
bad egg »
disreputable character
|
bad penny »
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
|
bad taste in one's mouth »
A feeling something is morally despicable as to cause nausea.
|
ballpark figure »
An educated guess or estimation within acceptable bounds.
|
barrel of laughs »
That which is enjoyable or entertaining.
|
be in for »
To be able to expect or anticipate; to be about to suffer, generally said of something unpleasant.
|
be there for »
To be available to provide comfort and support for someone, especially in a period of difficulty.
|
beat Banaghan »
An Irish saying of one who tells wonderful stories, or of something which is amazing and remarkable.
|
beat somebody to the punch »
To do something before somebody else is able to.
|
beat up »
To cause by some other means, injuries comparable to the result of being beaten up.
|
bed of roses »
A comfortable or luxurious position.
|
beddable »
Sexually attractive.
|
beddable »
[...] feminine, great body great legs great taste, trained and beddable, Jesus, how beddable.
|
beer and skittles »
Something pleasurable.
|
better safe than sorry »
It is preferable to be cautious in one's choices and actions than to suffer afterwards.
|
bid fair »
seem probable
|
bid fair »
seems probable
|
bite off more than one can chew »
To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.
|
bitter end »
That part of an anchor cable which is abaft the bitts and thus remains onboard when a ship is riding at anchor.
|
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.
|
blessed event »
An occurrence or occasion which is particularly noteworthy and enjoyable.
|
blot out »
To make something undecipherable; to obliterate.
|
blow chunks »
To be very bad, inadequate, unpleasant, or miserable; to thoroughly suck.
|
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.
|
booze can »
A nightclub or bar, especially one which operates illegally or is otherwise disreputable.
|
born with a silver spoon in one's mouth »
Note. The original nautical expression is just born with a silver spoon and describes those young gentlemen who were able to enter the Royal Navy without examination and whose promotion was assured. the converse was born with a wooden ladle.
|
bowl of cherries »
An enjoyable experience.
|
box the compass »
To know, and be able to recite the 32 points and quarter points of the magnetic compass from North, both clockwise and anticlockwise.
|
break a leg »
To perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
|
break down »
To become unstable, mentally or otherwise.
|
break the bank »
To win more money than is available to be paid.
|
break up »
Of a telephone conversation, to cease to be understandable because of a bad connection.
|
breathe down someone's neck »
To follow someone too closely, making it uncomfortable for them.
|
bridge »
A particular form of one hand placed on the table to support the cue when making a shot in cue sports.
|
bring it weak »
To fail to accomplish an accomplishable task or to make an attempt at less than maximum effort; to "half-ass" or "fake the funk".
|
bring to the table »
To provide a suggestion.
|
bulletproof »
Capable of withstanding a direct shot by a bullet fired from a gun.
|
bulletproof »
Reliable, infallible, sturdy or error-tolerant.
|
bulletproof »
Unbreakable, very tough.
|
bum rap »
An undeservedly unfavorable portrayal or reputation.
|
bundle of nerves »
A person with an especially nervous, excitable, or fearful disposition.
|
buried treasure »
Something, having been concealed for a long time, which later is found and is profitable.
|
burst someone's bubble »
To disillusion; to disabuse someone of a false notion or rationalization that has grown comfortable.
|
button-down »
Of a collar, able to be buttoned down to the shirt, as over a necktie.
|
by-the-numbers »
Done in a predictable manner; formulaic.
|
call it even »
To declare debts resolved or favors or other exchange equitable.
|
calling card »
A prepaid card or credit card, usually electronically readable, used to pay the charges when making a telephone call.
|
camel's nose »
A metaphor for a situation where the permitting of some small act will lead consequently to a larger undesirable act or circumstance.
|
can of worms »
A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
|
can't wait »
To eagerly anticipate; to find it unbearable to wait for a forthcoming pleasurable event.
|
Cannon fodder »
Military personnel who are regarded as expendable when attacking the enemy.
|
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.
|
carved in stone »
Unchangeable.
|
cash cow »
Someone or something which is a dependable source of appreciable amounts of money; a moneymaker.
|
cast off »
To let go a cable or rope securing a vessel to a buoy, wharf etc so that she may proceed.
|
catbird seat »
Expression used to describe an enviable position, often one of great advantage.
|
caught between the devil and the deep blue sea »
Having a choice between two alternatives, both undesirable.
|
chance'd be a fine thing »
Given to indicate that an aforementioned thing would be desirable but unlikely. Comparable to if I should be so lucky.
|
chances are »
It is likely that, it is probable that.
|
change horses in midstream »
To change plans or approaches at an inopportune time, such as when an effort is already underway, generally considered an inadvisable thing to do.
|
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.
|
circular firing squad »
A political party or other group experiencing considerable disarray because the members are engaging in internal disputes and mutual recrimination.
|
clean house »
To reform by removing undesirable personnel and procedures.
|
close the stable door after the horse has bolted »
To attempt to prevent a problem only to find it has already happened.
|
come in »
Of a broadcast, such as radio or television, to have a strong enough signal to be able to be received well.
|
copper-bottomed »
Thoroughly reliable.
|
cream of the crop »
The best or most desirable among some selection.
|
creature comfort »
Any small item or detail that makes a person comfortable and at home.
|
cross the line »
To overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.
|
crying shame »
A situation that is considered to be a disgrace, or deplorable.
|
date with destiny »
An inevitable future event or encounter, especially one which is likely to be momentous.
|
dead »
Broken or inoperable.
|
dead last »
The standings, often by a considerable margin to the next-to-last-place finisher or after an exceptionally poor showing or season.
|
deadweight »
The largest weight of cargo a ship is able to carry; i.e, the weight of a ship when fully loaded minus its weight when empty.
|
death by spellcheck »
The problems caused by spellcheckers being incapable of correcting most homophone confusions.
|
deep water »
Waters suitable for deep-draft ships, especially ocean-going.
|
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.
|
diamond in the rough »
A person whose goodness or other positive qualities are hidden by a harsh or unremarkable surface appearance.
|
diamonds are a girl's best friend »
A statement that suggests, while love is a luxury, material wealth (particularly jewellery) is more valuable in the long run.
|
dirty laundry »
Unflattering facts or questionable activities that one wants to remain secret, but which some other may use to blackmail with.
|
dog's life »
A miserable, unhappy existence.
|
don't look at me »
A response indicating that one is not willing or able to perform a task.
|
don't shoot the messenger »
The bearer of bad news should not be held accountable for the bad news.
|
down the drain »
Wasted, squandered; irretrievable.
|
draw a blank »
To be unable to produce a required piece of information.
|
dress up »
To present in a favorable light.
|
drip »
To have a superabundance of valuable things. Usually followed by "with".
|
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.
|
even money »
By extension, an event that is somewhat likely to happen, but far from inevitable.
|
execution style »
Resembling an execution; with the victim aware, but unable to defend himself or resist.
|
eye candy »
Any object or sight with considerable visual appeal.
|
f** someone over »
To exploit somebody in a way which result in an advantage to oneself, at the cost of the other party gaining a considerable disadvantage.
|
face up to »
To confront a condition or situation, typically one that is unpleasant or uncomfortable.
|
fair and square »
Within the applicable rules.
|
fair enough »
An expression used to concede a point; denotes that, upon consideration, something is correct or reasonable; an expression of acknowledgment or understanding.
|
far fetched »
improbable
|
fear »
A strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger or threat.
|
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.
|
feel up to »
To be confident in being able to do something.
|
fits and starts »
Activity which is intermittent, variable in intensity, and prolonged by interruptions.
|
flash in the pan »
A career notable for early success not followed by significant accomplishment.
|
fly in the ointment »
Something which ruins or spoils everything else; a nuisance or problem; an unpleasant or disagreeable detail.
|
fools rush in where angels fear to tread »
A person who does not plan ahead and think matters through becomes involved in risky or unfavorable situations which prudent people avoid.
|
footloose and fancy free »
Able to do as one pleases, unconstrained by social ties or responsibilities.
|
full-fledged »
Having all its feathers; able to fly.
|
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.
|
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 on someone's wick »
To annoy or upset someone, usually by repeated disagreeable actions.
|
get one's back up »
To become angry, defensive, or irritable.
|
get stuck »
To be unable to make progress.
|
go south »
To become unfavorable; to decrease; to take a turn for the worse.
|
go through hell »
To have a miserable experience.
|
go too far »
To exceed an unstated limit, especially a limit of acceptable behaviour.
|
God works in mysterious ways »
Expressing confidence that a conundrum has a solution despite it not being apparent.Expressing that a seemingly unfortunate or unfavourable situation or change may be beneficial later or in the long run.Person A: It seems that I'm about to be fired from my job.Person B: Well, God works in mysterious ways - maybe it'll be the kick you need to apply to university...
|
gold mine »
A very profitable economic venture.
|
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.
|
good drunk »
A person who is cheerful and companionable when intoxicated, retaining reasonable control of his or her mental and emotional faculties.
|
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.
|
gravy train »
An occupation or any lucrative endeavor that generates considerable income whilst requiring little effort and carrying little risk.
|
green with envy »
Consumed by envy; envious to the point where it is noticeable to others.
|
greener pastures »
Any place or condition that is more favorable or beneficial.
|
grow on »
To become more likeable to someone.
|
grunt work »
That is considered undesirable and therefore delegated to underlings.
|
hair-splitting »
The act of finding exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hair-splittingly »
With exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hanging offence »
A crime so serious that it is punishable by means of death by hanging.
|
hardwired »
Not changeable.
|
head and shoulders »
To a considerable degree; better; outstanding.
|
head south »
Alternative form of go south; to decrease or become unfavorable; to take a turn for the worse.
|
high road »
A course of action which is honorable, dignified, or respectable.
|
hindsight is 20/20 »
(idiomatic) In hindsight things are obvious that were not obvious from the outset; one is able to evaluate past choices more clearly than at the time of the choice.
|
hit home »
To be especially memorable or meaningful; to be fully understood, believed or appreciated.
|
hit one's stride »
When walking or running, to reach a full or comfortable pace.
|
hit the jackpot »
To realise a huge load of luck; to receive a more favorable outcome than imagined.
|
hold a grudge »
Far longer than is reasonable.
|
hold one's own »
To stand up to; to give a respectable performance; to provide worthy competition.
|
hold someone's feet to the fire »
To maintain personal, social, political, or legal pressure on someone in order to induce him or her to comply with one's desires; to hold someone accountable for his or her actions.
|
hole in one »
Any rare, wonderful, or remarkable accomplishment.
|
home away from home »
A place in which one is as comfortable as one's actual home.
|
honesty is the best policy »
Honesty is the most honorable and fulfilling way to live one's life.
|
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.
|
horse's ass »
A jerk; an unpleasant, unlikable person; an asshole.
|
hospital pass »
An unwinnable case, often passed to a newly-qualified member of the firm.
|
hot on »
Knowledgeable about.
|
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.
|
if the mountain won't come to Muhammad »
"If one cannot get one's own way, one must bow to the inevitable.".
|
ignorance is bliss »
Lack of knowledge results in happinessSometime you are more comfortable if you dont know something.
|
in a pinch »
In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.
|
in evidence »
Visibly present; noticeable.
|
in line »
Suitable or appropriate; keeping with expectations, norms, ideals, or rules.
|
in one's right mind »
Sane, sensible, reasonable; thinking clearly.
|
in the wake of »
In the noticeable disturbance of water behind .
|
it's one's funeral »
One's decisions or actions will bring undesirable consequences only on oneself.
|
jack of all trades, master of none »
A master of integration, who knows enough from many learned trades and skills to be able to bring their disciplines together in a practical manner; a polymath; a renaissance man.
|
jet setting »
The actions of the jet set; travelling from one fashionable location to another by jet.
|
jet-setting »
The actions of the jet set; travelling from one fashionable location to another by jet.
|
keep one's options open »
To not commit to a decision, to keep various options available.
|
kettle of fish »
A situation which is recognized as different from or as an alternative to some other situation, and which is not necessarily unfavorable.
|
kill the messenger »
To blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable a problem because he/she brought attention to it.
|
kind »
Favorable.
|
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.
|
knacker's yard »
A place to send a person or object that is spent beyond all reasonable use.
|
knock up »
To exhaust; wear out; weary; beat; tire out; to fatigue until unable to do more.
|
know like the back of one's hand »
To be intimately knowledgeable about something, especially a place.
|
lay up »
To disable.
|
leave no stone unturned »
To search thoroughly for something, looking in every conceivable place.
|
less is more »
That which is less complicated is often better understood and more appreciated than what is more complicated; simplicity is preferable to complexity; brevity in communication is more effective than verbosity.1855, Robert Browning, "Men and Women":Well, less is more, Lucrezia: I am judged.1954, "'Less Is More'," Time, 14 Jun.:The essence of Mies's architectural philosophy is in his famous and sometimes derided phrase, "Less is more." This means, he says, having "the greatest effect with the least means."2007, Gia Kourlas, "Dance Review: An Ordered World Defined With Soothing Spareness," New York Times, 3 Mar. (retrieved 22 Oct. 2008):The program, which features two premieres
|
lie back and think of England »
Used to preface any unpleasant but inevitable experience.
|
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.
|
like gangbusters »
Vigorously, rapidly, zealously, or forcibly; in a manner which has considerable impact.
|
line one's pockets »
To accumulate personal wealth, especially in an illegal or morally objectionable manner.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Loose cannon »
An uncontrolled or unpredictable person who causes damage to his own friends, faction, political party, etc.
|
lose the plot »
To cease to be behaving in a predictable and/or rational manner.
|
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.
|
low-hanging fruit »
Easily obtained gains; what can be obtained by readily available means.
|
make a living »
To earn enough income to support oneself and, if applicable, one's family.
|
make do with »
To get along with whatever is available.
|
make hay while the sun shines »
To act while an opportunity exists; to take action while a situation is favorable.
|
make sense »
To be coherent or reasonable.
|
meals on wheels »
Food delivered to the homes of those unable to cook for themselves.
|
memory lane »
A set of recollections available to be reviewed, especially accompanied by a feeling of nostalgia.
|
misery loves company »
Misery is easier to bear when one is not the only one miserable.1995, Chris Abbott,
|
money maker »
Something profitable.
|
monkey business »
An activity that may be considered illegal, questionable, or a vice, but not felonious.
|
monkey wrench »
A wrench with a smooth adjustable jaw to grip different sizes of nuts.
|
moral high ground »
A position or point of view which is ethically superior or more reputable, in comparison to others which are under consideration.
|
more like it »
Better, more desirable.
|
moses basket »
portable cradle
|
muck out »
To clean the excrement and other rubbish from the area where an animal is kept, such as a horse stable or a dog kennel.
|
music to one's ear »
Some unexpected good news; a favorable outcome after some initial confusion or delay.
|
mutual admiration society »
A group of two or more people, in a workplace or other social environment, who routinely express considerable esteem and support for one another, sometimes to the point of exaggeration or pretense.
|
nail biter »
A nervous or uncomfortable situation.
|
needle in a haystack »
Something that is difficult or impossible to locate; something impossibly complex or intractable.
|
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.
|
no dice »
An unacceptable alternative.
|
no dice »
An unfavorable result.
|
not a pretty sight »
Something disappointing, disquieting, disreputable, or otherwise unworthy of admiration.
|
not be able to get a word in edgeways »
To be unable to say a single word because of someone else's talkativeness.
|
not in Kansas anymore »
No longer in quiet and comfortable surroundings; in the big city.
|
nothing to sneeze at »
Not bad; decent; acceptable; worthwhile.
|
now you're cooking »
A phrase, often given in response, meaning that the subject has switched to a more suitable or more efficient approach.
|
off chance »
A condition of not being likely or probable.
|
off the table »
Beyond consideration.
|
off the wagon »
No longer maintaining a program of self-improvement or abstinence from an undesirable habit, especially drinking alcohol.
|
off-the-shelf »
As purchased or as commonly available, without modification or customization.
|
old school »
Characteristic of a style, outlook, or method employed in a former era, remembered either as inferior to the current style, or alternately, remembered nostalgically as superior or preferable to the new style, the older denoting something that would be considered out of date or out of fashion to some, but as such, is considered by others as cool and hip.
|
on acid »
Exaggerated, bizarre or unpredictable.
|
on edge »
Tense, nervous or irritable.
|
on hand »
Available; ready; in stock.
|
on one's feet »
Being stable or capable, especially in a financial or emotional sense.
|
on the bubble »
Holding the last qualifying position with qualification still in progress, and thus liable to lose that position.
|
on the mend »
Improving or undergoing restoration to a previous, more favorable condition.
|
on the plus side »
Positively; from a favorable view or perspective.
|
on the wagon »
By extension, maintaining a program of self-improvement or abstinence from some other undesirable habit.
|
on wheels »
Having wheels affixed to the bottom, and so transportable.
|
on wheels »
Mobile; able to be moved.
|
one who hesitates is lost »
A person who spends too much time contemplating what to do may miss a valuable but fleeting opportunity.
|
one-track mind »
That said to be possessed by someone who is obsessed with something or only able to think of one thing.
|
out of bounds »
Beyond the bounds of civility or morality; extremely unreasonable.
|
out of line »
Inappropriate or unsuitable, especially by reason of being unmannerly or indelicate.
|
out of nowhere »
In an unexpected or inexplicable manner of arrival or occurrence.
|
out of order »
Inappropriate or unsuitable.
|
out of reach »
Inaccessible or unattainable.
|
out of sorts »
Irritable or somewhat unwell, with vague medical symptoms.
|
out of stock »
Temporarily unavailable for sale.
|
over the top »
Bold; beyond normal, expected, or reasonable limits; excessive; outrageous.
|
ox is in the ditch »
This is a big problem; there is unavoidable or demanding work ahead.
|
pay for »
To be punished or held accountable for.
|
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.
|
peaches and cream »
A very enjoyable experience.
|
pi%C3%A8ce de r%C3%A9sistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
|
pick somebody's brain »
To seek information from someone knowledgeable; to ask questions of someone.
|
pickle »
Any vegetable preserved in vinegar and consumed as relish.
|
piece de resistance »
A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime..
|
pinch-hit »
To do something in the place of another person who is not able to perform or is less skilled; to substitute or stand in for somebody.
|
pretty penny »
A considerable amount of money; a high price or a high income.
|
price is right »
The cost of a thing is reasonable and of good value.
|
pulcher »
Noble, honorable, excellent.
|
put one's best foot forward »
To show oneself in the best or most positive way possible; to make a favorable impression.
|
put up or shut up »
Desist from saying something unless one is able to prove it.
|
quick on the uptake »
Able to readily understand things; intelligent.
|
quick-and-dirty »
Done or constructed in a hasty, approximate, temporarily adequate manner, but not exact, fully formed, or reliable for a long period of time.
|
quite a bit »
A considerable amount.
|
rain check »
In social interactions, a polite way to turn down an invitation, with the implication one is simply postponing it and that another time would be acceptable.
|
real job »
A job which requires the employee to, work regular hours for a consistent wage that often exceeds the provisions of applicable minimum wage legislation. A job that produces a living wage.
|
reality check »
A check or review to make sure something is consistent, reasonable, etc.
|
red mist »
Uncontrollable rage.
|
ride the short bus »
To have a need for a special education program, as because learning disabled.
|
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.
|
ropable »
Alternative spelling of ropeable. Able to be roped.
|
ropable »
Upset; irate.
|
rules are made to be broken »
it is acceptable to break rules.
|
run for one's money »
A reasonable opportunity to succeed, perform acceptably, or escape harm, especially in a difficult situation.
|
scrape the bottom of the barrel »
To use the least desirable parts of something.
|
see through »
To be able to predict or read someone.
|
sell-by date »
The final date on which a perishable product can be legally sold to the public.
|
settle for »
To accept or allow something, especially something not entirely desirable.
|
settle in »
To get comfortable or established, as in a new place.
|
sex machine »
Someone with considerable sexual prowess.
|
sex up »
To enhance in terms of fashionable appeal.
|
sex up »
To make more palatable or acceptable to the general public; to improve the image or perception.
|
shitstorm »
Considerable backlash from the public.
|
shoot 'em up »
A short story, novel, television show, film, computer game, or other narrative which depicts considerable gunplay.
|
shoot the messenger »
To blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable a problem because he/she brought attention to it.
|
shrinking violet »
A very shy person, who avoids contact with others if avoidable.
|
shroud »
A rope or cable serving to support the mast sideways.
|
sitting pretty »
Having a comfortable or certain supply of money or resources.
|
sitting pretty »
In a favorable situation, especially a situation in which one possesses an advantage.
|
slip into something a little more comfortable »
To wear something suitable to be stripped off by a lover.
|
slippery slope »
A chain of events that, once initiated, cannot be halted; especially one in which the final outcome is undesirable or precarious.
|
smell like a rose »
To be regarded as appealing, virtuous, or respectable; to be untainted or unharmed.
|
snake oil »
Any product with exaggerated marketing but questionable or unverifiable quality.
|
snug as a bug in a rug »
Very cosy and comfortable.
|
soft touch »
A comfortable situation; an easy task or undemanding occupation, especially one which is comfortably remunerative.
|
spring fever »
A feeling of laziness or listlessness associated with the arrival of the warm, comfortable weather of the spring season.
|
square meal »
A satisfying meal, especially suitable for one performing physical labor.
|
stand to reason »
To make sense; to seem logical, reasonable, or rational.
|
standard fare »
Menu items or dining options which are regularly available in a restaurant or other place where food is served.
|
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.
|
stick one's neck out »
To take a risk, putting oneself in a vulnerable position.
|
stick out »
To be prominent, noticeable, or obtrusive.
|
still water runs deep »
A person with a calm appearance has, or may have, considerable inner emotion, character, or intellect
|
still waters run deep »
A person with a calm appearance has, or may have, considerable inner emotion, character, or intellect.
|
stir-crazy »
By extension, restless, uncomfortable, or impatient due to inactivity.
|
sweeten the pot »
To make something more desirable.
|
sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
|
switch off »
To turn a switch to the "off" position in order to stop or disable a device.
|
switch on »
To turn a switch to the "on" position in order to start or enable a device.
|
take apart »
To move someone away from others to be able to talk to, or give them something in private.
|
take one's time »
To take more time to do something than is considered acceptable.
|
take something in one's stride »
Not to allow oneself to be set back, daunted, upset or embarrassed by unpleasant or undesirable circumstances.
|
take the biscuit »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
|
take the cake »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
|
take to task »
To lecture, berate, admonish, or hold somebody accountable for his or her actions.
|
take to the cleaners »
To take a significant quantity of a person's money or valuables, through gambling, unfavorable investing, fraud, litigation, etc.
|
talk somebody under the table »
With excessive talk or numerous arguments.
|
talk the talk »
Speak like an expert, claim to be knowledgeable about something.
|
tar with the same brush »
To characterize using the same undesirable attribute, especially unjustly.
|
tear up the pea patch »
To put on a notable performance, especially in sports; to go on a rampage.
|
tell apart »
To be able to know the difference between things; to distinguish.
|
tempus fugit »
time flies (used as an alternative to this phrase)."Meanwhile, the irreplaceable time escapes", expressing concern that one's limited time is being consumed by something which may have little intrinsic substance or importance at that moment.
|
the early bird gets the worm »
Whoever arrives first has the best chance of success; some opportunities are only available to the first competitors.
|
the grass is always greener on the other side »
Other circumstances seem more desirable than one's own but in reality are often not
|
the pits »
Something miserable or unpleasant.
|
the terrorists will have won »
Phrase used following a description of an activity to indicate that if that activity is not continued or carried out, those who seek to disrupt normal activities through terror will have succeeded, an which is an unacceptable result.
|
there are plenty more fish in the sea »
There are many more potential opportunities available.
|
there are plenty of fish in the sea »
There are many more potential opportunities available.
|
there is an exception to every rule »
Usually said in a situation when the rule is incorrect and unusable.
|
there's no place like home »
one feels the most comfortable at home
|
those who will not when they may, when they will they shall have nay »
(archaic) One should take immediate advantage of an opportunity that may not be available later.
|
throw dirt enough, and some will stick »
If enough allegations are made about someone or something, then even if they are all untrue, people's opinion of the person or thing will be diminished.1759, John Wesley, letter to John Downes, Rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, read at Wesley Center Online at [1] on 14 Oct 06.I hope...that you are ignorant of the whole affair, and are so bold only because you are blind...And blind enough; so that you blunder on through thick and thin, bespattering all that come in your way, according to the old, laudable maxim, 'Throw dirt enough, and some will stick.'1857, Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown's Schooldays, read at fullbooks.com on 14 Oct 06,But whatever harm a spiteful tongue could do them, he took care should be done. Only throw dirt enough, and some will stick.1864, John Henry Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, Penguin Classics (1994), p. 10,Archbishop Whately used to say
|
throw down »
To accomplish or produce something in a grand, respectable, or successful manner; to "represent".
|
throw one's weight around »
To exercise influence or authority especially to an excessive degree or in an objectionable manner.
|
throw the baby out with the bathwater »
To discard something valuable, often inadvertently, in the process of removing waste.
|
throw to the dogs »
To give up on something valuable.
|
tickle someone's fancy »
To amuse, entertain, or appeal to someone; to stimulate someone's imagination in a favorable manner.
|
time is money »
When a person's time is not used productively; time is valuable and should not be wasted.
|
to die for »
Very good; exquisite; excellent; particularly desirable.
|
to the moon »
To a very distant or unreachable place.
|
today we are all »
An expression indicating that the speaker empathizes with members of an identifiable group that was the subject of a disaster, and projects that others empathize as well.
|
tone down »
To make a television program, piece of writing, etc. less offensive and so more suitable for a family audience.
|
tongue-tied »
Unable to speak; at a loss for words.
|
too big for one's boots »
Far less capable than one's claims to be.
|
toss-up »
A decision in which neither choice is clearly favorable or unfavorable, or for which the outcome does not matter.
|
touch off »
To start; to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.
|
train wreck »
An inevitable disaster.
|
turn a phrase »
To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.
|
turn heads »
To garner a considerable amount of attention.
|
turn the tables »
To reverse a situation, such that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged.
|
turnabout is fair play »
It is allowable to retaliate against an enemy's dirty tricks by using the same ones against him.
|
under the table »
Secretly or without reporting, especially of payments made or business transacted.
|
up for grabs »
Available for anyone to obtain, claim or win.
|
up the ante »
To make something more desirable.
|
up to »
Able; willing.
|
up to scratch »
Sufficient; adequate; of acceptable or satisfactory quality.
|
up to snuff »
Adequate; of acceptable or quality; satisfying an appropriate standard.
|
valley of death »
The phase of a startup business beginning with the entrepreneur's fulltime commitment to it and ending when the business has achieved sustainable cash flow.
|
variable tandem repeat locus »
Any DNA sequence that exists in multiple copies strung together in various tandem lengths.
|
wait for the other shoe to drop »
To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one which is not desirable.
|
wake up on the wrong side of bed »
To feel grumpy, irritable; to be easily annoyed.
|
way out of a paper bag »
A minimal level of competence or effectiveness, as used in phrases where one is unable to perform such.
|
weak sister »
A person or thing which is the least robust or least dependable member of a group.
|
wear out »
To deteriorate or become unusable or ineffective due to continued use, exposure, or strain.
|
what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander »
If something is acceptable for one person, it is acceptable for another.
|
white elephant »
An ornament etc that is unwanted or is a financial burden; an unprofitable investment.
|
white lie »
A deliberate, untrue statement which does no harm or is intended to produce a favorable result.
|
willful ignorance »
A bad faith decision to avoid becoming informed about something so as to avoid having to make undesirable decisions that such information might prompt. It may also be shown as for a person to have no clue in a decision but still goes ahead in their decision.
|
window dressing »
A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
|
wolf down »
Quickly and without regard for table manners.
|
world »
A planet,especially one which is inhabited or inhabitable.
|
worth its weight in gold »
Highly valuable.
|
worth the risk »
The benefit of the success is more valuable than the problems caused by the potential loss.
|
write off »
unrepairable car
|
yellow journalism »
Material published in a broadcast or periodical, such as a tabloid newspaper or magazine, which is sensationalistic and of questionable accuracy and taste.
|
you can't judge a book by its cover »
It is not possible to make reliable judgments about things or people by considering external appearances alone.
|
you can't make a silk purse of a sow's ear »
It is not possible to produce something refined, admirable, or valuable from something which is unrefined, unpleasant, or of little or no value.
|
you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs »
In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that something should be destroyed.
|
you can't say fairer than that »
That is good, reasonable, or fair; one cannot hope for a better decision or outcome.
|
you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette »
In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that something should be destroyed.
|
| New: We also know Zip Codes FYI! |
[