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 great deal »
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
|
abound in »
To have something in great numbers or quantities; to possess in such abundance as to be characterized by.
|
abound with »
To have something in great numbers or quantities; to possess in such abundance as to be characterized by.
|
ace of spades »
The playing card belonging to the spades suit and featuring one pip.
|
all fur coat and no knickers »
Of superficial appearance and with no real substance beneath.
|
all hell broke loose »
A great disaster happened or chaos ensued.
|
all over the map »
Widely scattered or distributed; numerous and differing greatly.
|
all-a-mort »
Sad; at death's door.
|
an apple a day »
Healthy eating and living using traditional temperate-zone fresh foods.
|
an apple a day keeps the doctor away »
Apples are healthy and stave off illness.Eat healthy and you won't get sick.
|
arm candy »
An attractive, seemingly romantic companion who accompanies a person in public simply so that one or both of the individuals can gain attention, enhance social status, or create an impression of sexual appeal.
|
as a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly »
Foolish people repeatedly do foolish things.
|
assault and battery »
. This legal distinction exists only in jurisdictions that distinguish assault as threatened violence rather than actual violence.
|
at all »
Indicating degree, quantity or frequency greater than zero; to the slightest degree, in any way, somewhat, rather.
|
at death's door »
About to die; in a life-threatening state of health.
|
At ease with nudity »
ISM free identification with nude recreation
|
backseat driver »
A passenger in a car who insists on giving the driver directions.
|
backseat driver »
By extension, anybody offering unsolicited or unwelcome advice.
|
bad penny »
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
|
bank night »
An event where patrons are enticed to buy entry tickets into some venue, for example a movie theater, with the anticipation that they will be entered into a drawing to win an amount of money if their ticket is drawn and they are on-site at the time of the winning.
|
banyan day »
In British naval tradition, this originally referred to a day of the week when galley kitchens served no meat on board ship.
|
barking dogs seldom bite »
People who make big threats never usually carry them out.
|
barrel »
A round vessel or cask, of greater length than breadth, and bulging in the middle, made of staves bound with hoops, and having flat ends or heads. Sometimes applied to a similar cylindrical container made of metal, usually called a drum.
|
barrel »
The hollow basal part of a feather.
|
be on the edge of one's seat »
To be in suspense; to wait eagerly or anxiously for some resolution.
|
beat a dead horse »
To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.
|
beat around the bush »
To delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant.
|
beat around the bush »
To treat a topic but omit its main points, often intentionally.
|
beat Banaghan »
An Irish saying of one who tells wonderful stories, or of something which is amazing and remarkable.
|
beat down »
To strike with great force.
|
beat down »
To haggle someone to sell at a lower price.
|
beat down »
To severely beat someone up.
|
beat feet »
To flee.
|
beat feet »
To run.
|
beat it »
To go away.
|
beat off »
To drive something away with blows.
|
beat off »
To masturbate.
|
beat off »
To waste time.
|
beat one's head against a stone wall »
To waste effort on a futile project.
|
beat one's meat »
To masturbate.
|
beat out »
To sound a rhythm on a percussion instrument such as a drum.
|
beat out »
To extinguish.
|
beat out »
To win by a narrow margin.
|
beat somebody to the punch »
To do something before somebody else is able to.
|
beat someone's brains out »
To beat someone very severely.
|
beat the crap out of »
To beat really badly.
|
beat the shit out of »
To beat really badly.
|
beat up »
To give a severe beating to.
|
beat up »
To alarm by a sudden attack.
|
beat up »
To sail to windward using a series of alternate tacks across the wind.
|
beat up »
To cause by some other means, injuries comparable to the result of being beaten up.
|
beat up »
To feel badly guilty and accuse oneself over something. Usually followed by over.
|
beat up »
Repeatedly bomb a military target or targets.
|
beat up »
To get something done, derived from the idea of beating for game.
|
beat up »
To verbally assault repeatedly.
|
beats me »
I don't know; I have no idea.
|
beddable »
[...] feminine, great body great legs great taste, trained and beddable, Jesus, how beddable.
|
beefed out »
Having been improved greatly or upgraded; beefed up.
|
bells and whistles »
Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features.
|
bend over backwards »
To make a great effort; to take extraordinary care; to go to great lengths.
|
big picture »
The main film in a double feature.
|
big sleep »
Death.
|
big wheel »
A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
|
birds of a feather »
C1710, Jonathan Swift, "A Conference," lines 11-12.
|
birds of a feather »
People having similar characters, backgrounds, interests, or beliefs.
|
birds of a feather flock together »
People of similar character, background, or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another.
|
birds of the feather flock together »
People who are alike physically tend to congregate and socialize together, despite government efforts at forced integration.
|
bite to eat »
A snack or quick meal.
|
blimp out »
To become fat or fatter, especially as a result of excessive eating.
|
blow away »
Flabbergast; scintillate; impress greatly.
|
blow out of proportion »
To overreact to or overstate; to treat too seriously or be overly concerned with.
|
blow someone out of the water »
To trounce; to defeat someone thoroughly, at a game or in battle.
|
bog standard »
Especially plain, ordinary, or unremarkable; having no special, excess or unusual features; plain vanilla.
|
boil down »
As an allusion to the cooking technique of reducing liquids by heat, one boils down a problem, argument, etc. to its most central elements.
|
bought the farm »
Simple past tense and past participle of buy the farm: died; often refers to death in battle.
|
brass monkey »
Said of the weather when it is very cold.
|
break a leg »
A wish for a successful performance; primarily a valediction to an actor wishing him or her a successful theatrical stage performance.
|
break a leg »
To perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
|
break a sweat »
' , Karon Karter - The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method page 119.
|
break a sweat »
January 2008, The Age - Walkovers blaze a trail for women's equal-pay theory.
|
break a sweat »
To put effort into something.
|
break a sweat »
To start sweating.
|
break the back of »
To achieve the greater part of some project.
|
breath of fresh air »
Something relieving, refreshing, or new.
|
breathe down someone's neck »
To follow someone too closely, making it uncomfortable for them.
|
breathe easy »
To relax or feel secure about something.
|
brick by brick »
To create or build something in a steady, step-by-step fashion.
|
bridge »
A construction or natural feature that spans a divide.
|
bring forth »
To create, generate, bring into existence.
|
bring it on »
Used to indicate one's willingness to accept a challenge, confront a threat, etc.
|
buckle up »
To fasten one's seat belt or safety belt.
|
build a better mousetrap »
To invent the next great thing; to have a better idea.
|
bunny hug »
A sweatshirt with a hood.
|
busted flush »
Anything which ends up worthless despite great potential.
|
by one's own hand »
As a result of one's own actions, especially with reference to death by suicide.
|
call off the dogs »
To ease up on after inflicting great punishment.
|
cat and mouse game »
Two individuals and/or groups repeatedly keeping check on each other in a suspicious or self-protective way, often with the goal of one or both parties trying to gain a malicious advantage over the other.
|
catbird seat »
Expression used to describe an enviable position, often one of great advantage.
|
catch hell »
Be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
|
catch it »
Be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
|
catmeat »
Catfood consisting of meat.
|
catmeat »
Meat from a cat.
|
catmeat »
Someone who has been badly beaten.
|
caveat lector »
Reader beware.
|
che sera sera »
Used to express a personal philosophy of fatalism1604, Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus:Why then belike we must sin, / And so consequently die. / Aye, we must die an everlasting death. / What doctrine call you this ? Che, sera, sera: / What will be*, shall be; Divinity adieu. / These Metaphysics of Magicians, / And necromantic books, are heavenly.
|
cheat on »
To be unfaithful to.
|
cheat sheet »
A sheet of paper containing notes used to assist on a test.
|
cheat sheet »
Any summary or quick reference used as a shortcut or reminder, a crib sheet.
|
cheaters never prosper »
One does not gain from cheating.
|
cheese down »
To coil the tail of a rope on deck so as to present a neat appearance.
|
chow down »
To eat, especially to eat vigorously.
|
clean someone's clock »
To defeat decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.
|
clear up »
Of stormy weather, to dissipate, to become calm.
|
clue stick »
A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.
|
cold snap »
A period of exceptionally cold weather.
|
come up »
To begin to feel the effects of a recreational drug.
|
come up with »
To invent, create, or think of.
|
coming out of one's ears »
In great or excess quantity.
|
consume mass quantities »
To eat or drink abundant amounts of food or beverage.
|
cook up »
To prepare a heroin dose by heating.
|
coug it »
To suddenly lose a contest through reversal of fortune, mistakes, or bad judgment. The phrase is analogous to "blow it", or "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory".
|
country mile »
A long way, a great distance.
|
creature comfort »
Any small item or detail that makes a person comfortable and at home.
|
creature feature »
A horror film in which one or more monsters plays a prominent role.
|
cross the aisle »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
cross the floor »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
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 up »
distress greatly
|
cutting edge »
The forefront, or position of greatest advancement in some field.
|
dead heat »
A close race or contest in which no winner is apparent.
|
deadbeat dad »
A man, especially one who is divorced or estranged from his partner, who fails to provide monetary child support when he is legally required to do so.
|
death by spellcheck »
The problems caused by spellcheckers being incapable of correcting most homophone confusions.
|
death knell »
A sign or omen foretelling the death or destruction of something.
|
death knell »
The tolling of a bell announcing death.
|
deathblow »
A strike or blow that leads to death, especially a coup de grace.
|
deathblow »
Something that prevents the completion, or ends the existence of some project etc.
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
...heaves in a deep breath, gathers himself as though he's crossed a continent to deliver the message to Garcia.
|
desk jockey »
One who spends his or her time seated at a desk; especially one who is more concerned with procedure, paperwork, or administration than with its ultimate goal or practical consequence.
|
die »
To stop living; to become dead; to undergo death.
|
dig in »
To begin eating.
|
dish out »
On to a dish ready for eating.
|
do a number on »
To damage; to treat harshly; to produce ill effects.
|
dog and pony show »
Originally, a small, traveling circus featuring animals as entertainment.
|
dog-eat-dog »
Harsh and ruthless.
|
don't hold your breath »
"Don't wait." Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned to is unlikely to happen soon or at all.
|
don't shit where you eat »
(idiomatic, vulgar) One should not cause trouble in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself.1998 April 14, Nelson Navarro, "Ever faithful, ever true," Manila Standard (Philippines) (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):The guiding principle is Don't shit where you eat. Office romances are always destructive of morale and objectivity.2003 Oct. 8, Jonathan Valania, "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Pussy," Philadelphia Weekly (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Limbaugh was scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the NAB convention in, of all places, Philadelphia, thus violating the cardinal law of the animal kingdom: Don't shit where you eat.2006 Sept. 19, Michael Musto, "NY Mirror," Village Voice (retrieved 12 Aug. 2011):Mitchell refused to indulge in on-set romances with either gender. "You don't shit where you eat," he told me, plainly.
|
don't take any wooden nickels »
Do not permit yourself be cheated or duped; do not be naive.
|
down for the count »
Decisively beaten; rendered irrelevant for the long term.
|
draw back »
To retreat from a position.
|
drill down »
To examine information at another level or in greater detail; especially in a database, to navigate to a more detailed level or record.
|
drug of choice »
The best-choice medication to treat a particular medical problem.
|
each to his own »
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion or tastes.My housemate is a strict vegan. I personally could never not eat meat, but each to his own.
|
eat crow »
To recognize that one has been shown to be mistaken or outdone, especially by admitting that one has made a humiliating error.
|
eat for two »
To be pregnant.
|
eat humble pie »
To admit one's faults; to make a humiliating apology.
|
eat one's hat »
Used in a result clause to express disbelief in the conditional clause proposition.
|
eat one's heart out »
To feel overwhelming sorrow, jealousy or longing, to grieve.
|
eat one's own dog food »
To test the beta programs that are in the test phase on one's own computers; to dogfood.
|
eat one's own dog food »
To use or consume the economic goods or services that oneself is producing; to be part of a closed household economy.
|
eat one's words »
To regret or retract what one has said.
|
eat one's young »
To betray a constituent or charge out of self-serving interests or desperation; savaging.
|
eat out »
To dine at a restaurant or such public place.
|
eat out »
To perform cunnilingus.
|
eat out of somebody's hand »
To behave in a docile, submissive way towards somebody.
|
eat pussy »
To perform cunnilingus.
|
eat someone out of house and home »
C. 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2, Act II Scene I.
|
eat someone out of house and home »
To consume such a portion of one's store of food that little is left for the owner.
|
eat someone's dust »
To be outrun.
|
eat someone's dust »
To get one to be on a losing end.
|
eat the wind »
To take a walk.
|
eat up »
To accept or believe entirely, immediately, and without questioning.
|
eat up »
To consume completely.
|
elbow grease »
Effort or hard work, especially physical work involving repeated motion of the forearm, such as scrubbing.
|
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.
|
every silver lining has a cloud »
Every good situation has the potential to turn bad.2007, Diab A. Shetayh, Actuality : The Reality RequiemA great partnership isn't a self-maintaining entity. Perseverance and persistence make it thrive. For every silver lining has a cloud. Ignorance of this reality is not an option.
|
everything happens for a reason »
All events are purposeful.Everything happens for a reason, so there is no such thing as failure. Mary-Kate OlsenPeople like to say "everything happens for a reason." If you repeat that in your head long enough that starts to sound like "anything can happen with a razor." Laura KightlingerI believe that everything happens for a reason, but I think it's important to seek out that reason - that's how we learn. Drew Barrymore
|
f** it »
An expression of great indifference or nonchalance.
|
f**ing hell »
An exclamation of great surprise.
|
faceplant »
Death or defeat in popular multiplayer online games.
|
fair game »
A game that is fair, that does not involve cheating etc.
|
fair weather friend »
Only when it is advantageous or easy.
|
fall back »
To retreat.
|
far and away »
By a large degree or margin; greatly.
|
far and wide »
Over a great distance, or large area; nearly everywhere.
|
fat of the land »
The greatest part of anything; the finest and most abundant share of resources; the cream of the crop.
|
fear »
A strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger or threat.
|
feather in one's cap »
An accomplishment; particularly one that is flaunted or boasted of.
|
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.
|
feed a cold, starve a fever »
Eating more will cure the common cold, and eating less will cure a fever.1887, J. H. Whelan, "The Treatment of Colds.", The Practitioner, vol. 38, pg. 180:"Feed a cold, starve a fever." There is a deal of wisdom in the first part of this advice. A person with a catarrh should take an abundance of light nutritious food, and some light wine, but avoid spirits, and above all tobacco.1968, Katinka Loeser, The Archers at Home, publ. Atheneum, New York, pg. 60:I have a cold. 'Feed a cold, starve a fever.' You certainly know that.2009, Shelly Reuben, Tabula Rasa, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN 015101079X, pg. 60:They say feed a cold, starve a fever, but they don't tell you what to do when you got both, so I figured scrambled eggs, tea, and toast.
|
fencepost problem »
In computer programming, a problem dealing with how to treat the initial or boundary values of a discrete problem.
|
field day »
A great time or a great deal to do, at somebody else's expense.
|
field day »
A great time or a great deal to do.
|
fight off »
To succeed in defeating a challenge, or an attack.
|
fine feathers make fine birds »
Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.
|
fire-breathing »
Caustic, vitriolic or scathing.
|
fire-breathing »
That emits flame from the mouth or nostrils.
|
flesh out »
To complete; to create details from a basic outline, structure or skeleton.
|
flutter in the dovecote »
I further argued that the principal cause for the political deadlock that persisted for thirty years after the guns fell silent was Israeli intransigence rather than Arab intransigence. The appearance of the first wave of revisionist studies excited a great deal of interest and controversy in the media and more than a flutter in the academic dovecote. — Israel Confronts Its Past.
|
fly-by-night »
A creatures which flies at night; a nocturnal flier or traveler.
|
force of habit »
An act that has been repeated to the point where the performance of the act becomes automatic.
|
four-on-the-floor »
Characterised by a steady, uniformly accented beat with a 4/4 time signature.
|
fourth wall »
The imaginary invisible wall at the front of the stage in a proscenium theatre, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play.
|
fruit of one's loins »
C. 1950, Kay Boyle, "Adam's Death" in Fifty Stories , ISBN 9780811212069, p. 541.
|
full as a goog »
Having eaten too much, or being drunk.
|
full-fledged »
Having all its feathers; able to fly.
|
gallows humor »
Comedy that makes light of death or other very serious matters.
|
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 it »
To "get what's coming to him/her"; to feel one's wrath; to receive punishment; to receive a retaliation; to receive a beating.
|
get on someone's wick »
To annoy or upset someone, usually by repeated disagreeable actions.
|
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.
|
give ear »
Dante Gabriel Rosetti, A Death-Parting, lines 5-6.
|
give me liberty or give me death »
A set-phrase indicating enormous displeasure at any over-authoritarian policy or law.
|
gloss over »
To treat something with less care than it deserves; to skimp.
|
go down »
To decrease; to change from a greater value to a lesser one.
|
go down the wrong way »
To swallow food or drink so that it goes down the wrong tube in one's throat and makes one cough or for a short period lose one's breath or choke.
|
go Dutch »
To pay for one's own food and bills, or split the cost, when eating at a restaurant or going out for entertainment.
|
go off the boil »
Cease to boil when heat is no longer applied.
|
go over »
To create a response or impression.
|
go round in circles »
To repeatedly do the same thing; without making any progress.
|
go to the mat »
To continue to struggle or fight until either victorious or defeated.
|
go to work »
Beat up, batter.
|
golden rule »
The principle that one should treat other people in the manner in which one would want to be treated by them.
|
great dane »
dog
|
great minds think alike »
Used to emphasize a coincidence, or two people reaching the same conclusion in any manner at the same time.
|
great oaks from little acorns grow »
Alternative form of mighty oaks from little acorns grow.
|
great unwashed »
A contemptuous term for the populace, particularly the working class.
|
greatest thing since sliced bread »
A relatively recent invention likely to significantly improve people's lives.
|
gulp down »
To eat very quickly without chewing the food properly.
|
gunshy »
Fearing the consequences of repeating an act, especially after being reprimanded.
|
half-baked »
Partially cooked by heating in an oven.
|
hand over fist »
Quickly or in great quantity, especially in reference to earning money.
|
handle with kid gloves »
To treat something very delicately or carefully.
|
hanging offence »
A crime so serious that it is punishable by means of death by hanging.
|
happily ever after »
Living happily until death. Typically associated with fairy tales.
|
hard done by »
Used, cheated, dejected.
|
hatchet job »
A treatment which serves primarily to disparage its subject; a piece of criticism which aims to destroy a reputation.
|
have a heart »
To be kind or sympathetic; to treat others kindly.
|
have a seat »
A polite directive to sit down.
|
have a seat »
See have; seat.
|
have a seat »
To sit down; to take a seat.
|
have a whale of a time »
To enjoy oneself greatly.
|
have eyes bigger than one's belly »
To take more food on one's plate than one can eat; to be greedy.
|
have eyes bigger than one's stomach »
To take more food on one's plate than one can eat; to be greedy.
|
have something to eat »
To eat anything.
|
have the biscuit »
To be of no further use; to be near death.
|
head-in-the-sand »
Exhibiting disregard or denial of a problem or threat.
|
heat up »
To heat, to cause to become hotter.
|
heat wave »
A period of exceptionally hot weather.
|
heat wave »
spell of hot weather
|
hiding to nothing »
A situation in which victory has little or no value, but defeat has a huge cost.
|
history repeats itself »
Things that have happened in the past will happen again.
|
hit home »
To do something particularly great.
|
hit it big »
To have great success.
|
hit one out of the ballpark »
To hit a fair ball so well that the ball flies over all of the spectators' seats and lands outside the stadium.
|
hold forth »
Talk at great length; expatiate; harangue.
|
hold one's breath »
To inhale and then intentionally close the epiglottis so that one's breath is not exhaled.
|
hold one's breath »
To wait, as if breathlessly.
|
horse opera »
A theatrical production, film, or program on radio or television depicting adventures of characters in the American Old West; a western.
|
Horsefeathers »
Absolute nonsense; poppycock
|
hospital pass »
A throw that stays in the air long enough that it allows too many people to get underneath it, increasing the risk of injury and a trip to the hospital. Thus, a hospital pass.
|
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 off the presses »
Freshly printed, minted, written, or created.
|
hot up »
To become more heated.
|
hothouse »
A heated greenhouse.
|
household name »
A brand name that is well known to the great majority of households.
|
how's the weather »
An inquiry about the weather.
|
how's the weather »
Indicating a change of subject to unimportant topics.
|
if you can't beat them, join them »
If your adversaries are stronger than yourself, it is better to join the adversaries.
|
if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen »
If you cannot handle the pressure, you should not be in a position where you have to deal with it.
|
ill use »
maltreat
|
in no uncertain terms »
With great clarity, emphasis, or exactness; without any ambiguity.
|
in one hell of a hurry »
In a very great hurry; very fast or hastily.
|
in the black »
Having positive net income; having greater income than expenses; making a profit.
|
in the driver's seat »
Having the most important role in a storyline or recognition. Of primary importance.
|
in the hot seat »
Under pressure to perform; under scrutiny; at the center of attention.
|
in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king »
Among others with a disadvantage or disability, the one with the mildest disadvantage or disability is regarded as the greatest.Even someone without much talent or ability is considered special by those with no talent or ability at all.
|
in the woods »
In critical condition; near death's door.
|
it is easy to find a stick to beat a dog »
(rare or obsolete, proverb) If a person is determined to punish someone, they will find a way to do so.1596
|
it's better to ask forgiveness than permission »
The value of acting promptly and making a mistake requiring forgiveness is greater than value of delaying to get permission.
|
jump rope »
The activity, game or exercise in which a person must jump, bounce or skip repeatedly while a length of rope is swung over and under, both ends held in the hands of the jumper, or alternately, held by two other participants. Often used for athletic training and among schoolchildren. Variations involve speed, chants, varied rope and jumper movement patterns, multiple jumpers and/or multiple ropes.
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jump the queue »
To desire preferential treatment, undue influence; impatient.
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keep a weather eye open »
To be alert; to concentrate on a matter in hand.
|
keep a weather eye open »
To maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying your full attention.
|
kick around »
To abuse or mistreat; to bully.
|
kick ass »
To beat someone at something.
|
kick ass »
To beat someone in a fight.
|
kiss of death »
A kiss on the cheek that signifies the death of the receiver, as delivered by a mob boss or one with such influence.
|
kiss of death »
Something that may seem good and favourable but that actually brings ruin to hopes, plans, etc.
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knock somebody's socks off »
To impress greatly; amaze; stun.
|
knock up »
To exhaust; wear out; weary; beat; tire out; to fatigue until unable to do more.
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knocked for a six »
to be defeated; outwitted; outfoxed; beaten
|
knocking on heaven's door »
Dying, close to death.
|
larger-than-life »
Of greater size or magnitude than is naturally or normally the case.
|
last word »
The final statement uttered by a person before death.
|
lay the groundwork »
To create a foundation; to provide the basics or fundamentals.
|
leather working »
The technology of making products from leather.
|
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
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let someone have it »
To attack someone with great force.
|
lick one's chops »
To look forward avidly to eating something.
|
lick one's wounds »
To withdraw temporarily while recovering from a defeat.
|
like crazy »
To a great or excessive degree; with great speed, output, enthusiasm, etc.
|
like the new time »
Furiously or vigorously, repeatedly.
|
link whore »
Someone who goes to great lengths to get other people to link to his/her website or blog.
|
long shot »
Something unlikely; something that has little chance of happening or working. The term arose from the accuracy of early ship guns, which were effective only at close range and unlikely to hit the mark at any great distance.
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luck out »
To experience great luck; to be extremely fortunate or lucky.
|
lump together »
To put different items or groups together and treat them, or think of them as one single group.
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magnum opus »
greatest work
|
make a mountain out of a molehill »
To treat a problem as greater than it is; to blow something out of proportion; to exaggerate the importance of something trivial.
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make out like a bandit »
To profit greatly; to get an excessively good deal.
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march to the beat of a different drum »
To do things in one's own way regardless of societal norms and expectations.
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mean the world to »
To be loved or cared about a great deal by.
|
meat market »
A market where meat is sold.
|
meat market »
Or night club.
|
meat rack »
A place where people can meet looking for sexual partners.
|
meat rack »
A rack used for storing meat.
|
meatball surgery »
A nickname for surgery that is meant to be performed rapidly to stabilize the patient as quickly as possible.
|
meaty »
Of a person or a body part, large and solid.
|
meaty »
Of, relating to, or containing meat.
|
meaty »
Resembling meat in flavour, etc.
|
meaty »
Substantial.
|
mess up »
To manhandle; beat up; rough up.
|
mighty oaks from little acorns grow »
Something great can come from a modest beginning.Don't give up on the project - mighty oaks from little acorns grow!
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mine arse on a bandbox »
An answer to the offer of any thing inadequate to the purpose for which it is proffered, like offering a bandbox for a seat.
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mixed blessing »
Something that has both good and bad features.
|
mock up »
To create a model or demonstration; to create a preliminary version or sample.
|
mop the floor with somebody »
To trounce or defeat thoroughly or in a humiliating manner.
|
mouth breather »
A person who is boorish, stupid, or otherwise unattractive.
|
mouth breather »
A person who routinely inhales and exhales through the mouth, instead of through the nose.
|
necessity is the mother of invention »
A person who is in great need of something will find a way to get it.
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neither fish nor fowl »
Said of something not easily categorized or not fitting neatly into any established group.
|
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 great shakes »
Unexceptional; not special or noteworthy; not very effective.
|
no sweat »
See: no problem.
|
nod off »
To fall asleep, especially while in a seated position or in inappropriate circumstances.
|
nose test »
An inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties.
|
nosebleed seat »
A seat high in the back of bleachers, stands, or the balcony at a theater.
|
not touch something with a ten foot pole »
Ambrose Bierce , The Fiend's Delight In conclusion, his respect for letter-writing ladies is so great that he would not touch one of them with a ten-foot pole.
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not win for losing »
To repeatedly fail in one's gambles or efforts.
|
number one with a bullet »
Superlative; impossible to beat.
|
off the beaten path »
In a secluded location; in a place which is not frequently visited or not widely known.
|
off the beaten track »
In a place or places not commonly visited.
|
off the top of one's head »
Without great thought or investigation; extemporaneous; natural; offhand.
|
off-the-wall »
Greatly inappropriate.
|
oil burner »
A heating device which burns fuel oil; an oil furnace.
|
old masters »
great painters
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on a full stomach »
Directly after eating, after a meal.
|
on one's deathbed »
Close to death.
|
on spec »
Short form of "on speculation": Creating a work with the hope of selling it, as opposed to creating a work "on commission" for hire.
|
on steroids »
To a greater degree, exaggerating the characteristics of the previously named object.
|
on the anvil »
Refers to anything in the making, being created, or in production, especially in the metalworking field.
|
on the ropes »
Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.
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one's bark is worse than one's bite »
The individual acts threatening but is relatively harmless.
|
one-night stand »
An occasion when a performer or team of them expects to perform at a theater for a single evening.
|
ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny »
(biology, social sciences, art, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization.1905, J. A. Harris, "The Importance of Investigations of Seedling Stages," Science, New Series, vol. 22, no. 554, p. 186:With reference to seedling stages the statement that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny must be made with great reserve.1961, M. E. Wolfgang, "Pioneers in Criminology: Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909)," The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, vol. 52, no. 4, p. 367:Haeckel maintained that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, and this idea was incorporated by Lombroso into his parallelism between the criminal and the child.2002, B. S. Jackson, "Models in Legal History: The Case of Biblical Law," Journal of Law and Religion, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 11:For even if we accept that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny," those responsible for the drafting of ancient legal documents were not children, and are hardly to be endowed with some form of infantile mentality.
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open a can of whoop ass »
A good-humored threat of physical harm.
|
out of character »
Not in character; not successfully performing within the mindset of a given character in a theatrical performance. See also break character, drop character.
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out of the mouths of babes »
The greatest wisdom comes from children, who are not afraid or weary of the world and its pressures.
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out of the woods »
Out of peril; likely to recover or prevail over trouble; finished with the worst or most threatening part of a problem or illness.
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out to lunch »
Away eating lunch or for a midday break; especially, away from work or a job.
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over and over »
Repeatedly; again and again; many times.
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over one's head »
Performing at a level greatly superior to one's usual level of performance.
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pack away »
To eat a great deal.
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packing heat »
Carrying one or more firearms on one's person, especially in a concealed manner.
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paint oneself into a corner »
To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
|
parade of horribles »
A parade featuring a progression of people wearing comic and grotesque costumes.
|
pardon me »
Polite expression to get someone to repeat.
|
patience of Job »
An great amount of patience.
|
perfect storm »
A powerful hurricane or other major weather disturbance, especially as produced by a combination of meteorological conditions.
|
pig out »
To eat voraciously or ravenously; to gorge oneself.
|
play possum »
To feign death; to remain quiet and still to escape attention or remain undetected; to lay low.
|
play the same tape »
To repeat exactly what one previously said or did.
|
potter »
God, the creator.
|
potter's clay »
A person or people created and shaped by God.
|
power behind the throne »
Someone who appears to be without special status, but who has great covert influence on a person in authority.
|
prevention is better than cure »
it is better to prevent the creation of a bad thing, than to destroy it.
|
pull out »
To withdraw; especially of military forces; to retreat.
|
put across »
To perform a theatrical production.
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put away »
To eat a great deal.
|
put forth »
To give or supply; to make or create.
|
put the bee on »
To finish off, to beat.
|
put the feedbag on »
To dine; to eat.
|
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.
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rain or shine »
Regardless of what the circumstances are, and how the weather is.
|
raise hell »
To cause a great disturbance.
|
raise the bar »
To raise standards or expectations, especially by creating something to a higher standard.
|
re run »
repeat
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reach an early grave »
To be sentenced to death before the age of 18.
|
real men don't eat quiche »
(aphorism, humorous) The stereotypical man does not do things that are considered effeminate, as to do so would imply they are effeminate.
|
rex-pat »
A repeat expatriate, one who becomes ex-patriated a second time.
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ridden hard and put away wet »
Mistreated; not properly cared for.
|
ride shotgun »
To ride in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, next to the driver.
|
ringside seat »
A seat in the front row of a boxing or wrestling match.
|
ringside seat »
Any vantage point providing an excellent view.
|
rip off »
To steal, cheat or swindle.
|
rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
|
road to Damascus »
A road to Damascus moment, or change, is an important point in someone's life where a great change, or reversal, of ideas or beliefs occurs.
|
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.
|
roll out the red carpet »
To extend the utmost hospitality; to treat someone as an honored guest; to welcome or host, especially in a showy or extravagant manner.
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Rome wasn't built in a day »
It takes a long time to create something complicated or impressive.
|
rough up »
To manhandle or beat up.
|
round down »
To the greatest integer that is not greater than it, or to some other lower value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
round up »
To the smallest integer that is not less than it, or to some other greater value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
ruffle some feathers »
To disturb; to arouse resentment, anger, or concern.
|
run away »
To leave home, or other place of residence, usually unannounced, or to make good on a threat, with such action usually performed by a child or juvenile.
|
run by »
To repeat some information.
|
run over »
To drive over, causing injury or death.
|
run roughshod over »
To treat roughly or without care, respect, or moderation; to act without control; to damage.
|
run scared »
To try everything to avoid defeat.
|
run through »
To repeat something.
|
sabre-rattling »
A flamboyant display of military power as an implied threat that it might be used.
|
sabre-rattling »
Any threat, such as one company threatening another with a lawsuit.
|
scared to death »
Extremely frightened.
|
scarf down »
To eat something quickly.
|
scrimp and save »
To scrimp greatly; to economize; to live very frugally, particularly when saving for something.
|
seat-of-the-pants »
Done by feel, guess, or trial and error rather than by careful planning, thought or technique.
|
second banana »
A comedian who plays a secondary or supporting role, especially as straight man and traditionally in vaudeville or burlesque theatre.
|
sell »
To trick, or cheat someone.
|
sell someone a bill of goods »
To deceive or cheat someone.
|
sell wolf tickets »
To make empty threats or promises; to bluff.
|
separate the wheat from the chaff »
To select only that which is of value.
|
set the Thames on fire »
To achieve something amazing; to do something which brings great public acclaim.
|
shell out »
To pay money; especially, to pay a great deal of money.
|
shit-eating grin »
A broad smile indicating self-awareness that may suggest self-satisfaction, smugness, discomfort, or embarrassment.
|
shoot the moon »
To attain great heights, a high value, or a numerically high measurement.
|
shoot the moon »
To take a risk which may result in great rewards; to succeed after taking such a risk.
|
short leash »
Forcing one to function within a strict set of rules, or under great scrutiny or oversight.
|
shotgun »
The front passenger seat in a vehicle, next to the driver.
|
showstopper »
A performance or segment of a theatrical production that induces a positive reaction strong enough to pause the production.
|
shroud »
A covered place used as a retreat or shelter, as a cave or den; also, a vault or crypt.
|
sigh of relief »
A release of stress through breathing motions.
|
silver bullet »
Any straightforward solution perceived to have great effectiveness or bring miraculous results.
|
sit back »
To recline while still in a seated position, with one's back on the frame of the seat.
|
sit through »
To unwillingly stay seated until the end of an event.
|
snake oil »
Snake oil is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat joint pain.
|
snazz up »
To improve appearance or appeal by increasing stylishness or functionality, or by adding other attractive features.
|
social death »
The alienation of certain people from society to the point of being forgotten, excluded, or ignored in society.
|
spin a yarn »
To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
|
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.
|
spruce up »
To dress or arrange smartly, elegantly, and neatly.
|
squirrel away »
To stash or hide; to hoard, collect, save, or accumulate; to create a reserve, stash, or hoard of some supply, so as to recall a squirrel's burying of nuts.
|
sticking point »
The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking-place.
|
sticking-place »
The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking point.
|
straight man »
A member of a team of comic performers who plays a supporting role by helping to set up jokes and punch lines through engaging in preparatory dialog with the principal comedian; a foil who plays such a role in theatrical comedy.
|
stuffed like a turkey »
Engorged from overeating.
|
swear on a stack of Bibles »
To make a promise or give one's assurance with great conviction.
|
sweat »
Fluid that exits the body through pores in the skin usually due to physical stress and/or high temperature for the purpose of regulating body temperature and removing certain compounds from the circulation.
|
sweat bullets »
To sweat profusely; especially, to be very nervous or anxious.
|
take a back seat »
To be second to someone or something; to be less important or have a lower priority.
|
take a bite »
To eat a quick, light snack.
|
take a bow »
To accept applause at the end of a performance in a theatre. Often this includes actually bowing to the audience.
|
take a breather »
To take a break; to pause or relax briefly.
|
take a licking »
To suffer a defeat or a beating.
|
take a seat »
To sit down; to become seated.
|
take apart »
To soundly defeat someone, or a team.
|
take the biscuit »
To be of no further use; to be near death.
|
take the heat »
To take the blame; to be the focus of anger or scrutiny; to take the consequences.
|
take the wind out of someone's sails »
To discourage someone greatly; to cause someone to lose hope or the will to continue.
|
talk a blue streak »
To talk for a long time, at great length, or to the point of tedium.
|
tall tale »
A greatly exaggerated, fantastic story.
|
tan someone's hide »
To beat or spank someone.
|
than a bygod »
Used with a comparative to express extreme heat or cold.
|
the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get »
(vulgar) The sexual satisfactions that one receives from a spouse or romantic partner are not sufficient to compensate for the significant periods of bad faith and unpleasant treatment which such relationships routinely involve.1971, Allen Churchill, The Literary Decade, ISBN 9780135375228:Years later she expressed her disillusionment with sex by saying, "The fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."1999, Ben Sonnenberg, Lost Property: Memoirs and Confessions of a Bad Boy, ISBN 9781582430454, p. 93:Maitland got drunk at his parties and threw his arm around you and pulled you over to his wife and made you look down her dress, saying, "The trouble with marriage is that the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."2008, Joseph Heywood, Blue Wolf In Green Fire, ISBN 9781599213590, p. 63:"I can't believe a little pussy got me into dis mess." "Shit happens," Service said. "Sometimes the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."
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the long and short of it »
The gist; the essence or substance; the most important or salient features; said of a summary or digest.
|
the proof is in the pudding »
Alternative form of the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
|
the proof of the pudding is in the eating »
The only real test of something is as what it is intended to be used for.
|
there's a sucker born every minute »
There are a great number of fools in the world, and there always be.
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think up »
To create in one’s mind; to invent..
|
throw enough mud at the wall, 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.2001, And still no one is shouting stop. read in The Kingdom archives at [1] on 02 Nov 06,Many team managers are of the philosophy that if you throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick. They believe that team preparation is all about physical fitness. They run the players into the ground and they believe they will be "flying on the day".2001, Robert McCrum, Let them eat cake, in The Observer 16 Dec 01, read on Guardian Unlimited site at [2] on 02 Nov 06,Australian publishing boomed and in the past 10 years the country's literary culture has undergone a mini golden age, capped by Carey's triumph at the 2001 Booker Prize. As one Australian arts administrator said to me many years ago: 'Listen, mate, if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.'2001, Chris Collin, Re: 2-cp speys on The Strathspey Server mailing list archive at [3] on 02 Nov 06,I am finding that "if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick". It doesn't always work of course (especially on the nights when the class is mostly the beginners), but the class seems to thrive on the challange.2005, Ray Craft (poster on The right scale blog), Fitzhooie and his Burden, read at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Prosecutors everywhere have bad habits of overcharging lots of cases, knowing that if the throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick.2005, Sean Kelleher, Spike Milligan: His part in our downfall in Business 07 Aug 05, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,As long as there is negligible regulation and enforcement anyone can actually try and do the job...Weak regulation allows the industry to build strategies on full time recruitment. The theory goes: throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.c2005, Everything You've Learned About Marketing Is Wrong, read on LINC Performance website at [6] on 02 Nov 06,They have the money to continue to believe in the repetition side of the equation. You throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick. But it still isn
|
throw shapes »
To act tough or put up a front. For example, to threaten a person by making "karate chops" at them, without actually doing harm or knowing karate.
|
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.
|
time after time »
Again and again; repeatedly; every time; always.
|
timing is everything »
Consideration of other events can greatly influence some desired outcome (such as an audience laughing to a comedian's joke).Telling the old joke about a butt-crack was not a good idea, just as the plumber arrived, Bob.You know what they say: "timing is everything." I'm sure we can find another plumber before the house floods.
|
to a fare-thee-well »
To the greatest extent or to completion; to a state of refinement or perfection.
|
to a T »
Precisely; exactly; perfectly; with great attention to detail.
|
to beat the band »
Very vigorously; at a frantic pace; to a high degree; in large quantities.
|
to death »
To a great degree.
|
to go »
Served in a package or takeout container so as to be taken away from a restaurant rather than eaten on the premises.
|
to the gills »
Entirely or extremely; to the greatest degree possible.
|
to the max »
To a great degree or extent; very.
|
tourner autour du pot »
To beat around the bush.
|
trailer trash »
Deleted from the movie trailer. Not included in theatrical run.
|
treat them mean, keep them keen »
A woman will be more interested in a man if he is not kind to her.
|
tuck in »
To start to eat.
|
tuck into »
To eat, especially with gusto.
|
turn a phrase »
To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.
|
turn down »
To reduce the amount of something by means of a control, such as the volume, heat, or light.
|
turn up »
To increase the amount of something by means of a control, such as the volume, heat, or light.
|
turn up »
To belay or make fast a line on a cleat or pin.
|
under one's breath »
Softly, so as not to be heard.
|
under the gun »
Under great pressure to perform.
|
under the weather »
Experiencing adversity.
|
under the weather »
Somewhat ill or gloomy.
|
under the weather »
Somewhat intoxicated or suffering from a hangover.
|
valley of death »
Death; or a place or period where death is impending.
|
valley of death »
Lord Alfred Tennyson, The Charge of the Light Brigade.
|
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.
|
valley of the shadow of death »
Valleys on earth one must walk through, that is, part of the human experience.
|
variable tandem repeat locus »
Any DNA sequence that exists in multiple copies strung together in various tandem lengths.
|
venus flytrap »
insect-eating plant
|
wail on »
To strike an opponent heavily and repeatedly in a fight.
|
wail on »
To beat heavily on anything.
|
walk in the park »
A recreational walk in a park.
|
warm up »
To reheat food.
|
wash down »
To help to swallow by drinking a liquid, after eating something, or taking a pill.
|
wash out »
To cancel due to bad weather.
|
wash up »
To clean the utensils, dishes etc. used in preparing and eating a meal.
|
waste breath »
To speak in a manner which is needless or futile; in discussion or argument to make points which are not appreciated or heeded.
|
weather the storm »
To reach the end of a very difficult situation without too much harm or damage.
|
well, I never »
An exclamation of great surprise.
|
whale on »
To strike an opponent heavily and repeatedly in a fight.
|
whale on »
To beat heavily on anything.
|
what's eating somebody »
? Inquired of somebody who is upset, worried, angry, etc.
|
what's eating you »
What is annoying or bothering you?.
|
whistle walk »
The path slaves took to deliver food from the kitchen building of a plantation to the main dining room. Slaves were expected to whistle during this walk in order to assure their masters that they were not eating the food.
|
whomp on »
To assail with overwhelming force; to defeat decisively.
|
whoop it up »
To have a great time; to party or revel excessively or noisily.
|
window dressing »
A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
|
wine tosser »
A person who talks a great deal about wine but actually knows very little.
|
winter rat »
An old, unattractive automobile, purchased for little money, to be driven during brutal Great Lakes winters while the owner's "good" car remains garaged and protected from corrosive road salt for the season.
|
wipe somebody's eye »
To defeat; to humiliate.
|
with bated breath »
"holding one's breath".
|
with bated breath »
Eagerly; with great anticipation.
|
work like a charm »
works great - exactly as expected
|
world »
A great amount.
|
world-beater »
Someone or something superior to all others of its sort.
|
wrap up »
To wear more clothes as protection from the weather; to bundle up.
|
yes to death »
To agree with someone, often sarcastically.
|
you are what you eat »
If you eat well, you will be well; but if you eat badly you will feel bad
|
you can't take it with you »
It is not possible to take one's material wealth to whatever world may await one after death.1900, E. Phillips Oppenheim, A Millionaire of Yesterday, ch. 6:"The clause which
|
you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows »
You don't need an expert to tell you what you already know.
|
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