against the grain »
Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.
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all's fair in love and war »
unpleasant behavior is acceptable during love and conflict.
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apple does not fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.1842, E. A. Freidlaender (translator), Frederika Bremer (author), The Neighbours, ch. 10:It is impossible to look at Madam Rhen, without at once making the conclusion that she is pleasantness, hospitality, and loquacity itself; nor can one look upon her daughter Renetta without thinking, "the apple does not fall far from the tree!"1978, Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, "Doctor Asks Patient
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blot one's copy book »
To damage one's own reputation through bad behavior.
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born in a barn »
Engaging in the annoying behavior of inappropriately, and usually neglectfully, leaving open a door or window.
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calling card »
An attribute, object, or behavior which is distinctly characteristic of someone or something.
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carrot and stick »
Simultaneous rewards for good behavior and punishments for bad behavior.
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cat that ate the canary »
A person whose appearance and behavior suggest guilt mixed with other qualities, such as satisfaction or feigned nonchalance.
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deer in the headlights »
A mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety fear, panic, surpriseand/or confusion, or substance abuse. The behavioral signs are like a deer subjected to a car's headlights, such as widely opened eyes and a lack of motor reactions.
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den of iniquity »
A place of immoral behavior, usually of a sexual type.
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do a »
To emulate the behavior/behaviour that is generally attributed to the individual named.
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do as I say and not as I do »
Don't imitate my behavior but obey my instructions.
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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.
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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.
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go with the flow »
To act as others are acting, conforming to common behavior patterns with an attitude of calm acceptance.
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hardwired »
In humans and animals, genetically determined, instinctive behavior, as opposed to learned behavior.
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hold with the hare and run with the hounds »
To oppose an action or behavior and yet engage in the same action or behavior; to be a hypocrite.
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it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God »
The rich can afford more immoral behavior than the poor.
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mess up »
To make unwanted mistakes in a given task, usually through distraction or obnoxious behavior.
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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.
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party animal »
A person known for frequent, enthusiastic attendance at parties, especially one whose partying behavior is exuberant or excessive.
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play fast and loose »
To ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits ones purpose.
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problem child »
A child who is particularly difficult to raise or educate, especially due to a lack of self-control and disruptive and antisocial behavior.
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second childhood »
The period or state of cognitive decline of an elderly person, characterized by childlike judgment and behavior.
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second nature »
A mindset, skill, or type of behavior so ingrained through habit or practice that it seems natural, automatic, or without a basis in conscious thought.
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shape up »
To improve; to correct one's bad habits or behavior.
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shape up or ship out »
To either improve one's behavior or else be required to leave; to either improve one's performance in an activity or else withdraw from that activity completely.
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sow one's wild oats »
To indulge in a period of irresponsible behavior, particularly sexually; Often used in reference to young adults or to the recently divorced.
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tough love »
The compassionate use of stringent disciplinary measures, to attempt to improve someone's behavior.
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wrap around one's fingers »
To make one susceptible to desire, in that their behavior or actions are influenced.
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