a good voice to beg bacon »
Said in ridicule of a bad voice.
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a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
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a rising tide lifts all boats »
Benefits provided to a few may lead to conditions that are beneficial to all.
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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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above one's bend »
Out of one's control or power.
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accident of birth »
Reference to the fact that various benefits or detriments to the life of a person arise from the circumstances into which that person was born, these being entirely beyond his control.
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according to »
In a manner conforming or corresponding to; in proportion.
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across the board »
A racing bet where one bets that the same competitor will place in first, second and third.
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ad fontes »
Go to the sources: An expression emphasizing the importance of conducting fundamental research and of consulting primary sources.
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add fuel to the fire »
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
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add up »
To make sense; to be reasonable or consistent.
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against the grain »
Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.
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all hollow »
As a foregone conclusion.
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all in all »
everything considered
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all kidding aside »
Used to attempt to make a serious point in a jocular conversation.
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