a new broom sweeps clean »
New management will often make radical changes.
|
a penny saved is a penny earned »
A maxim for thrift that says that money not spent may be spent later, or may earn interest in the meantime
|
a rising tide lifts all boats »
Benefits provided to a few may lead to conditions that are beneficial to all.
|
after all »
In the end; anyway; referring to something that was believed to be the case, but has now been shown not to be.
|
after all »
in spite of everything
|
after one's own heart »
Of a person: having the same ideas, opinions or behaviour as oneself.
|
after the fact »
Too late; after something is finished or final.
|
air rage »
Disruptive behaviour on an aircraft.
|
all the time »
Very often; frequently.
|
all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy »
Too much focus on one's career is often viewed unfavorably.Too much hard work and not enough leisure time can be unhealthy.
|
and shit »
Used after a noun or list of nouns in place of "etc".
|
Apa Sâmbetei »
"for nothing", "to no result", or that what you have done was destroyed or is rendered useless after you finish it.
|
Après-ski »
A place "after skiing". Typically a bar or pub where people go after a day on the slopes to ease off and meet other people.
|
as a rule »
In general; most often.
|
at last »
After a long time; eventually.
|
at sea »
Confused, lost, or adrift; bewildered.
|
baby blues »
Period and feeling of depressiveness after giving birth; a less severe form of postnatal depression.
|
back to square one »
Located back at the start, as after a dead-end or failure.
|
baggage »
In a metaphorical sense, factors that restrict a person's freedom, often in an intellectual or psychological way: emotional baggage.
|
bail out »
To exit an aircraft while in flight.
|
be after »
To try to obtain.
|
be after »
To try to capture.
|
be glad to see the back of »
To be glad to get rid of someone; to be glad someone has left.
|
be left holding the baby »
To be left with the responsibility of resolving a problem.
|
beat around the bush »
To treat a topic but omit its main points, often intentionally.
|
beefed out »
Muscular, often in an exaggerated way.
|
beggars can't be choosers »
(proverb) When resources are limited, one must accept even substandard gifts.
|
behind its time »
Showing characteristics of the past; present in one's work after later advances in the field; coming later than could be generally accepted.
|
better safe than sorry »
It is preferable to be cautious in one's choices and actions than to suffer afterwards.
|
big gun »
Someone who is powerful or influential most often in plural form.
|
big kahuna »
A boss, leader, chieftain, or top-ranking person in an organization.
|
birds of a feather »
C1710, Jonathan Swift, "A Conference," lines 11-12.
|
bitter end »
That part of an anchor cable which is abaft the bitts and thus remains onboard when a ship is riding at anchor.
|
blame Canada »
A catch phrase for shifting attention away from a serious social issue by laying responsibility with Canada.
|
blanket term »
A word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things. The degree of relation may vary. Blanket terms often trade specificity for ease-of-use; in other words, a blanket term by itself gives little detail about the things that it describes or the relationships between them, but is easy to say and remember. Blanket terms often originate as slang, and eventually become integrated into the general vocabulary.
|
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.
|
blue note »
Notes added to the major scale for expressive quality in jazz and blues music, particularly the flatted third, fifth and seventh.
|
booby prize »
A prize or status, often unwelcome, awarded as a joke or disincentive to the loser of a contest or for poor performance.
|
bottom line »
The final balance; the amount of money or profit left after everything has been tallied.
|
bought the farm »
Simple past tense and past participle of buy the farm: died; often refers to death in battle.
|
boys will be boys »
It is hard, often fruitless, to attempt to curb the natural playfulness and tendency to mischief of most growing boys.1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13But just then there was a slight altercation between Master Tommy and Master Jacky. Boys will be boys and our two twins were no exception to this golden rule.Even grown men usually remain somewhat boyish in heart"Boys will be boys", grinned grandpa while he joined his adult son playing with the fancy train-set he gave his grandson for Christmas while the kid was in school.
|
brass ring »
Figuratively, a prize or goal. Often used with respect to employment goals e.g. promotion, better job, etc.
|
break ground »
To lift off the sea bottom when being weighed.
|
bridge »
A song contained within another song, often demarcated by meter, key, or melody.
|
bucket of bolts »
A piece of machinery that is not worth more than its scrap value, often of old cars.
|
buoy up »
To uplift, hearten, inspire or raise the spirits.
|
but who's counting »
Used as a retort or comeback, often to deprecate oneself or another for excessive concern or attention to.
|
buy the farm »
To die; often, to die in battle.
|
call off the dogs »
During a one-sided sports contest, to remove the first-string unit of a team from the game after dominating the opponent.
|
call off the dogs »
To ease up on after inflicting great punishment.
|
carry a torch for »
[2] To harbor feelings of love despite not being in a relationship; generally unrequited or after a relationship has ended, and sometimes implying secret feelings. There is the implication of keeping hope alive.
|
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.
|
cat's meow »
A highly sought-after and fancy example of something.
|
cat's pyjamas »
A highly sought-after and fancy example of something, usually referring to inanimate objects.
|
catbird seat »
Expression used to describe an enviable position, often one of great advantage.
|
caught with one's hand in the cookie jar »
Observed or apprehended while committing a theft, especially while embezzling money.
|
center field »
The part of a baseball field which is beyond the infield and straight ahead left if you stand on home plate and face the pitcher.
|
ceterum censeo »
A formulaic expression used to end a speech by reinforcing one, often unrelated, major view.
|
chalkface »
A musical concept or genre in which music is completely improvised and never played twice. Most often mixing elements of hip-hop, metal, punk and avant-garde jazz.
|
chase after »
To chase someone.
|
chase after »
To pursue someone with romantic intentions; to woo.
|
chip off the old block »
Someone who takes after their parent.
|
clean code »
Software code that is formatted correctly and in an organized manner so that another coder can easily read or modify it.
|
close the stable door after the horse has bolted »
To attempt to prevent a problem only to find it has already happened.
|
cloud nine »
A state of happiness, elation or bliss; often used in the phrase on cloud nine.
|
collect one's thoughts »
To become mentally composed, especially after being distressed, surprised, or disoriented; to become calm or organized in one's emotional state or thinking, as in preparation for a conversation, speech, decision, etc.
|
come about »
To tack; to change tack; to maneuver the bow of a sailing vessel across the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the vessel to the other; to position a boat with respect to the wind after tacking.
|
come to »
To recover consciousness after fainting etc.
|
crank up »
To start something mechanical, an act that often used to involve cranking.
|
cry for help »
In her second year at the school Alexis stopped doing her homework and would often scribble on walls. Her teachers wondered whether this was a cry for help, or if she was simply misbehaving.
|
dead last »
The standings, often by a considerable margin to the next-to-last-place finisher or after an exceptionally poor showing or season.
|
deadstick landing »
When a pilot lands a plane after the engine has died; a landing lacking any propulsion control.
|
deep water »
Waters suitable for deep-draft ships, especially ocean-going.
|
developments »
A group of building complexes or apartments. Often used for low income housing.
|
dicky-bird »
Endearing term for a small bird, often used when talking with young children.
|
die »
Followed by for. Often expressing wider contextual motivations, though sometimes indicating direct causes.
|
discretion is the better part of valour »
It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.1597
|
do one »
To depart from a place, often with a sense of urgency.
|
don't look a gift horse in the mouth »
Do not unappreciatively question a gift or handout too closely.
|
double up »
After a fly ball has been caught.
|
drag »
To move a mouse cursor while holding down a button on the mouse, often to move something on the screen.
|
drain the swamp when up to one's neck in alligators »
(idiomatic) When performing a long and complex task, and when you've gotten utterly immersed in secondary and tertiary unexpected tangential subtasks, it's easy to lose sight of the initial objective. This sort of distraction can be particularly problematic if the all-consuming subtask or sub-subtask is not, after all, particularly vital to the original, primary goal, but ends up sucking up time and resources (out of all proportion to its actual importance) only because it seems so urgent.
|
drift off »
To fall asleep in a gradual manner.
|
drop back »
Of a quarterback or other player in the backfield, to take a number of steps back from the line of scrimmage immediately after the snap or hike of the ball, to avoid defenders.
|
drop in »
. Often hyphenated drop-in.
|
due course »
A. 1735, Jonathan Swift, Gulliver's Travels.
|
dust off »
To use something after a long time without it.
|
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.
|
economical with the truth »
Not telling the whole truth, especially in order to present a false image of a situation; untruthful; lying. Often used with sarcasm or satire.
|
empty vessels make the most sound »
noisy, opinionated people are often stupid.
|
enquire after »
To ask about the health of someone.
|
faceplant »
The act of landing face first, often associated with bailing during extreme sports.
|
fall by the wayside »
To fail to be completed, particularly for lack of interest; to be left out.
|
farmer's tan »
The tan line left by clothing, especially, by a short-sleeved shirt.
|
fifteen minutes of fame »
A very short time in the spotlight or brief flurry with fame, after which the person or subject involved is quickly forgotten.
|
fifteen minutes of fame »
Alternate form of 15 minutes of fame.
|
fifth wheel »
A type of trailer hitch, which consists of a horseshoe-shaped plate on a multi-directional pivot, with a locking pin to couple with the kingpin of a truck trailer.
|
fifth wheel »
A very large trailer that is towed with a pickup truck.
|
fifth wheel »
A very large truck trailer; an 18-wheeler.
|
fifth wheel »
Anything superfluous or unnecessary.
|
final cut »
A group, after a selection process getting rid of other candidates.
|
fine print »
The details, restrictions, terms, or conditions, especially of a contract, often printed in very small type.
|
first port of call »
The first port that a vessel calls in at after the start of a voyage.
|
five-finger discount »
Theft or pilferage, typically of a small item; shoplifting.
|
flower »
Typically including sepals, petals, stamens, and ovaries; often conspicuously colourful.
|
flunk out »
Often requiring a retaking of the course or academic year.
|
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.
|
force someone's hand »
Bring about a situation which necessitates an agent to act, often causing a plan to be executed prematurely.
|
fox in the henhouse »
A relationships wherein a predator is granted free reign within the prey's home confinement, often used in the political sense.
|
fresh out of »
Of someone who has recently left one stage of life to begin another.
|
fruit of one's loins »
C. 1950, Kay Boyle, "Adam's Death" in Fifty Stories , ISBN 9780811212069, p. 541.
|
funny stuff »
Irregular, often illegal, activities.
|
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 a leg up »
To get a boost or a lift.
|
get off »
To complete a shift or a day's work.
|
get the drift »
To understand, at least at some basic or general level.
|
gift of the gab »
The ability to talk readily, glibly, and convincingly.
|
ginger beer »
soft drink
|
give a shit »
To care, often used in the negative.
|
go by the board »
To estimate the velocity of a boat or ship in knots by casting overboard the knotted line to whose end is attached the lead and thereafter counting the knots in the line as it goes aft along the side boards of the vessel.
|
go from zero to hero »
To become very popular after being unpopular.
|
go in off »
To pot the cue ball accidentally after hitting the object ball.
|
go out with »
Often in hopes that the relationship will become more longterm as in definition 1.
|
going to the dogs »
In such a poor state that it should be left to the dogs.
|
gold mine »
A plentiful stockpile of something sought after.
|
golden duck »
The score of zero runs after getting out on the first ball faced.
|
good to go »
Ready for some specific task or ready for normal activity, especially after preparation or recovery.
|
good to go »
Ready for use or ready for normal operation, especially after repair or renewal.
|
grab bag »
A gift, purchase, etc. whose contents are concealed until after a selection is made.
|
grease monkey »
A mechanic, often with the specific connotation of an automobile mechanic.
|
guinea pig »
A tailless rodent of the Cavia genus, with short ears and larger than a hamster; the species Cavia porcellus is often kept as a pet.
|
gunshy »
Fearing the consequences of repeating an act, especially after being reprimanded.
|
hair of the dog »
An alcoholic drink taken the morning after to cure a hangover or withdrawal symptoms.
|
halcyon days »
A period of calm, often nostalgic: “halcyon days of yore”, “halcyon days of youth”..
|
hammer out »
To come to an agreement after much arguing.
|
hang a Louie »
Make a left turn while driving a vehicle.
|
happily ever after »
Living happily until death. Typically associated with fairy tales.
|
hardball »
In baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softball.
|
have other fish to fry »
C. 1710, Jonathan Swift, The Journal to Stella, ch. 2, Letter 15.
|
he who laughs last laughs best »
success is better after having previously endured ridicule.
|
heads or tails »
A game to bet upon a which side of a coin lays face up after it is thrown.
|
hightail it »
To hurry or run; often, to flee.
|
hike up »
To lift; to tug or pull upwards.
|
hold one's liquor »
To be resistant to intoxication or to show few signs of intoxication, even after consuming a significant amount of alcohol.
|
hold over »
Something left from an earlier time.
|
hold up »
To support or lift.
|
holding pattern »
A path taken by an aircraft waiting to land.
|
hospital pass »
An unwinnable case, often passed to a newly-qualified member of the firm.
|
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 mess »
Refers to a person, thing, or situation in such a state of disarray or disapproval by peers, often in reference to physical appearance, perceived to be disastrously embarrassing, pitiful, or beyond repair.
|
hot potato »
A child's game in which players pass a ball or other item between them, with the object of avoiding being left holding the item when time expires.
|
in the long run »
After a very long time; eventually; over a long period of time; more generally.
|
inquire after »
To ask about the health of someone.
|
jack in »
To stop doing a regular activity. Often a job or studies.
|
jack up »
To raise, hoist, or lift a thing using a jack, or similar means.
|
jack up »
To raise, increase, or accelerate; often said of prices, fees, or rates. See also jack up the price.
|
jive turkey »
Someone who is jiving, as in dancing. Often applied to people being funny or showy.
|
jump »
To employ a parachute to leave an aircraft or elevated location.
|
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.
|
keep one's eye on the ball »
My ethos has always been to be very straight with people, tell it as it is. It doesn't often make people happy but I found that over a period of time it's better to be that way. So being straight, also being very focused on your objectives, keep your eye on the ball and not get deflected away from it.
|
keep out »
After being warned, he kept out.
|
kick up a fuss »
To show annoyance, or to complain loudly about something, often when it is of little importance in reality.
|
kitchen table software »
Especially in the early years of personal computers, a set of computer programs developed by an entrepreneurial advanced amateur or self-employed professional computer programmer in his or her own home; software developed by a small business using the services of such programmers.
|
knock back »
To drink an alcoholic beverage swiftly or often.
|
knock-on effect »
A secondary, often unintended effect.
|
knock-on effect »
The continued running of an engine after the ignition has been turned off; dieseling.
|
l'esprit de l'escalier »
The experience of thinking of a devastating rejoinder only after leaving the scene of the debate.
|
land on one's feet »
To be lucky, or successful, often in difficult situations.
|
landing strip »
A runway for aircraft, especially one which is auxiliary or temporary.
|
lay off »
From employment, e.g. at a time of low business volume, often with a severance package.
|
leave nothing to the imagination »
He stripped down to a pair of see-through briefs that left nothing to the imagination.
|
left and right »
All over the place; indiscriminately; frequently or excessively.
|
left field »
The defensive position in the outfield to the left.
|
left field »
The part of a baseball field which is beyond the infield and to your left if you stand on home plate and face the pitcher.
|
left, right and center »
All over the place; indiscriminately; frequently or excessively.
|
left-handed compliment »
A complimentary remark which is ambiguous or ineptly worded, so that it may be interpreted as having an unflattering or dismissive sense.
|
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
|
let the cat out of the bag »
To disclose a secret; to let a secret be known, often inadvertently.
|
letters after one's name »
A list of abbreviations, separated by commas, representing the academic qualifications and civil or military honours achieved by a person.
|
level up »
To progress to the next level of player character stats and abilities. Often used in role-playing games when the character has aquired enough experience points.
|
lift a finger »
To make minimal effort; to help as little as possible.
|
lift up »
To elevate to a higher position.
|
lift up »
To lighten the mood of someone.
|
listen up »
To listen closely; to pay attention. Often used in the imperative.
|
little pitchers have big ears »
Small children often overhear more of what is said than adults realize or desire.1844, Charlotte M. Yonge, Abbeychurch, ch. 2:Seeing me listening to something she was saying to Mamma, she turned round upon me with that odious proverb, "Little pitchers have long ears."1939, "Bedtime Bedlam," Time, 17 Apr.:A caution to U. S. parents, but a joy to radio merchandising, is the dread truth that little pitchers have big ears.2002, Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, ISBN 9780743455961, p. 185:I suppose he might say pushed or went woowoo, but took a shit is, I fear, very much in the ballpark (little pitchers have big ears, after all).
|
Living high on the hog »
Living richly, often above one's means
|
look after »
To watch or protect; to keep safe.
|
loose ends »
Leftover items that have not been addressed or attended to.
|
mad money »
A sum of money, often relatively small in amount, kept in reserve to use for impulsive, frivolous purposes.
|
make out »
To characterize as; often with to be.
|
man up »
His station, prepared for departure of an aircraft, ship, etc.
|
me three »
Used to express agreement, after someone has already said "me too".
|
meet one's maker »
To die or to pass into the afterlife.
|
mend fences »
To repair damage to a friendship or relationship after a disagreement or other mishap.
|
more haste, less speed »
When we are in a hurry, we often end up completing our task slower.
|
music to one's ear »
Some unexpected good news; a favorable outcome after some initial confusion or delay.
|
ne'er cast a clout til May be out »
Advice not to change from winter clothes to summer clothes until June, as there is often a sudden cold snap in May.
|
never look a gift horse in the mouth »
Alternative form of don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
|
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.
|
nip and tuck »
So evenly matched that the advantage shifts from one to the other, and the outcome is uncertain.
|
no good deed ever goes unpunished »
Used to express the idea that beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility.
|
no good deed goes unpunished »
Used to express the idea that beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility.
|
no smoke without fire »
Indicative of the fact that gossip or accusations are often substantiated by fact.
|
now you're cooking »
A phrase, often given in response, meaning that the subject has switched to a more suitable or more efficient approach.
|
old time used to be »
Ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend. Often used in songs.
|
on a full stomach »
Directly after eating, after a meal.
|
on average »
Usually, typically; as a rule; as often as not.
|
on one's feet »
Being well again after a bout of illness.
|
on second thought »
After reconsidering; on further consideration.
|
on the go »
Actively traveling; busy; moving often.
|
one-hit wonder »
A musical performer or musical group known for a single hit song, especially after failing at later attempts at success.
|
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.
|
own up »
To acknowledge, confess, or admit guilt. Often used with to.
|
pack up »
To prepare for shipping, as a gift.
|
paper trail »
The records left by a person or organization in the course of activities.
|
parking lot »
An open area, generally paved, where automobiles may be left when not in use.
|
party crasher »
Someone who attempts and often gains entry to a party or club to which they were not invited, often using social engineering techniques. The party crasher usually tries to blend into the party so as not to be kicked out.
|
patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels »
The appeal to patriotism is often used to distract the public from real issues.
|
pay off »
To become worthwhile after a lapse.
|
pay up »
To pay for something in total, after a certain amount of time after receiving a purchase.
|
peachy keen »
Extremely good, exactly right; all right. Often used in the negative or with an ironic or sarcastic connotation to mean the opposite.
|
pelt of the dog »
An immoderate, excessive quantity of alcohol drunk the morning after whilst suffering withdrawal symptoms or a hangover, which goes beyond alleviating the complaint to causing drunkenness; cf. hair of the dog.
|
penalty box »
That is assessed after an infraction.
|
penny wise and pound foolish »
Prudent and thrifty with small amounts of money, but wasteful and profligate with large amounts.
|
pick up »
To lift; to grasp and raise.
|
pick up »
To notice, detect or discern, often used with "on".
|
piece of work »
A product or manufactured article, especially an item of art or craft.
|
plead the fifth »
To invoke the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects witnesses from being forced to incriminate themselves.
|
plead the fifth »
To refuse to answer a question, or refuse to speak, especially when the response would reflect badly on the speaker.
|
point of no return »
The point in an aircraft's flight when there is insufficient fuel to reverse direction and return to the place of origin.
|
power chord »
A chord or combination of notes used in rock music and typically selected to sound good at high volume and high levels of distortion. Power chords make extensive use of intervals such as open fourths and fifths.
|
pride comes before a fall »
A person who is extremely proud of his or her abilities will often suffer a setback or failure, because he or she tends to be overconfident and to make errors of judgment.
|
proverbs often come in pairs »
Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs.
|
pull oneself together »
To become mentally focused after a period of being unfocused.
|
pull up »
Lift upwards or vertically.
|
pump iron »
To lift weights; to engage in weight or strength training.
|
pump up »
To cause one's muscles to swell by means of focussed weightlifting.
|
push one's luck »
To take an excessive risk or to attempt some task unlikely to succeed, especially after having already been unexpectedly lucky.
|
put down »
To halt, eliminate, stop, or squelch, often by force.
|
put down »
To land an aircraft.
|
quarter of »
Fifteen minutes before the next hour.
|
quarter past »
Fifteen minutes past any hour.
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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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rag doll »
soft toy
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rake »
The sloped edge of a roof at or adjacent to the first or last rafter.
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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.
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rise from the ashes »
To make a comeback after a long hiatus. To come back into common use or practice. To come back into popularity. To come back to being a thing of today.
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road to Damascus »
That was my Road to Damascus moment. They played one hit after another and this is the song I remember most clearly.
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rock up »
To work one's way vertically up a chimney or cleft using a rocking movement.
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rose-colored glasses »
An optimistic perception of something; a positive opinion; seeing something in a positive way, often thinking of it as better than it actually is.
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round of applause »
An outburst of clapping among a group or audience. Often asked for by the Master of Ceremonies at a concert or other performance.
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rub off on »
To adapt to a way of behaving after constant exposure to it.
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run after »
To chase.
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run after »
To make a determined effort to win someone's affections.
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run around after »
To spend a lot of time doing things for another person or group of people. Often used when that person could reasonably do the things for themselves.
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run around with »
To spend a lot of time with a person or group of people. Often used to talk about a person's group of friends that one does not like much.
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run back »
To take someone home by car. Give someone a lift to their house.
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run down »
To criticize someone or an organisation, often unfairly.
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run down »
To find something or someone after searching for a long time.
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run down »
To reduce the size or stock levels of a business, often with a view to closure.
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safe and sound »
Having come to no harm, especially after being exposed to danger.
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sell a bargain »
A species of wit, much in vogue about the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, and frequently alluded to by Dean Swift, who says the maids of honour often amused themselves with it. It consisted in the seller naming his or her hinder parts, in answer to the question, What? which the buyer was artfully led to ask. As a specimen, take the following instance: A lady would come into a room full of company, apparently frightened, crying out "It is white, and follows me!" As soon as someone responded "What?" she sold him the bargain, by saying "Mine arse".
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serpentine »
Of, or having attributes associated with, the mythological serpent, such as craftiness or deceitfulness.
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shift gears »
To change pace or mode of operation.
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shift gears »
To change the gear by which motion is transmitted from a powered shaft to another shaft, especially in a motor vehicle.
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Shittin in high cotton »
Living well, often above one's means
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shoot the boots »
To kick swiftly and violently, especially in the groin.
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shoot the moon »
To take a risk which may result in great rewards; to succeed after taking such a risk.
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show up »
To outperform or one-up, often in an arrogant manner.
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shuffle »
An instance of walking without lifting one's feet.
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sign in »
In order to get into the office after hours, you'll have to sign in at the security desk.
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sign on »
The time of day when a radio or television station begins broadcasting, usually after being off the air for several hours.
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silence is golden »
Peace and quiet have immense value.Often the best choice is to say nothing.
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silver-tongue »
The trait of being clever at speaking, often in a deceitful way.
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sleep on »
To consider after a period of sleep, implying a decision will be made the next day.
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slippery as an eel »
So crafty, or cunning that they cannot be caught by the police, although it is known that they are acting illegally.
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small arms »
Firearms designed to be carried and fired by a single person; often held in the hand.
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snake eyes »
Two ones, after rolling two dice.
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snow on the rooftop »
Gray or white hair on one's head, especially as an indication of aging.
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soft as a grape »
someone who is limited in their ability
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soft hearted »
Be kind; Fall for someone
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soft mick »
An extravagant person.
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soft sawder »
"How the old boy swallowed my soft sawder and Brummagem notes!" —Tom Taylor, The Ticket-of-Leave Man.
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soft sawder »
"If she goes to act ugly, I'll give her a dose of "soft sawder"; that will take the frown out of her frontispiece...!" —Thomas Haliburton, "The Trotting Horse" — first usage.
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soft sawder »
Cajoling or flattery.
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soft shoe »
A kind of tap dancing performed in soft-soled shoes, popular in vaudeville.
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soft shoe »
A speech, explanation, sales pitch, or other set of remarks delivered in a restrained or conciliatory manner in order to persuade, distract, or otherwise influence someone.
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soft spot »
A fontanelle.
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soft spot »
A point of vulnerability in a defence.
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soft spot »
A sentimental fondness or affection.
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soft touch »
A comfortable situation; an easy task or undemanding occupation, especially one which is comfortably remunerative.
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soft touch »
A person or group which is sympathetic, accommodating, easily overcome, or easily persuaded, especially one which loans or readily gives money to another.
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softly softly »
Discreet, low-key, careful.
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softroader »
. This involves increased ground clearance with tyre, wheel, and suspension tweaks, skid plates and refers to mini SUV or wagons.
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sort out »
To separate from the remainder of a group; often construed with from.
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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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spill one's guts »
To confess, or to divulge secrets, typically speaking freely and at length after a change of motive or an incentive.
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spring to mind »
To appear suddenly in one's thoughts, often as an example of something.
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step out »
To exit a place on foot, often for a short time.
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stick in the mud »
A person unwilling to participate in activities, often because he or she believes the activity is not wholly kosher; a party pooper.
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stickhandle »
To deal capably and swiftly with a situation, especially in a manner which deflects potential problems.
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stretch one's legs »
To walk about, especially after prolonged time sitting or lying down.
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stretch the truth »
To exaggerate, often to the point where the truth is obscured or lost.
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stump up »
To pay for something. Often indicating reluctance to pay.
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suck in »
To cause someone to become slowly more and more involved in a business or situation that is often not to that person's liking.
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suck into »
To cause someone to become slowly more and more involved in a business or situation that is often not to that person's liking.
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sugarcoated »
Made superficially more attractive. This often implies the reality has faults that are being hidden.
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sweet hereafter »
Heaven; paradise as enjoyed in the afterlife.
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take a bow »
To accept applause at the end of a performance in a theatre. Often this includes actually bowing to the audience.
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take a powder »
To leave in a hurry; run away; scram; depart without taking leave or notifying anyone, often with a connotation of avoiding something unpleasant or shirking responsibility.
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take after »
In appearance or habit.
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take after »
To follow someone's example.
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take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves »
If you take care of little things one at a time, they can add up to big things.1750, Chesterfield, letter 5 Feb. (1932) IV. 1500:Old Mr. Lowndes, the famous Secretary of the Treasury, ?used to say?Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves.1912, G. B. Shaw, Pygmalion ii. 132:Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves is as true of personal habits as of money.1979, R. Cassilis, Arrow of God, iv. xvii.:Little things, Master Mally. Look after the pennies, Master Mally, and the pounds will look after themselves.1999,
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take off »
To imitate, often in a satirical manner.
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take out of context »
To interpret something in a manner in which it was not intended to be understood, often deliberately.
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take the fifth »
To decline to comment, especially on grounds that it might be incriminating.
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tear away »
To remove oneself reluctantly; often expressed in the negative.
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that's just me »
Indicates the expression of a personal opinion, but often used ironically as an understatement.
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the ball is in your court »
It is your turn to do something; often making a decision.
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the grass is always greener on the other side »
Other circumstances seem more desirable than one's own but in reality are often not
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the plot thickens »
Used, often ironically, to describe an increasingly complex or mysterious situation.
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the shoe is on the other foot »
The roles of people in a situation have been reversed, such the advantage has shifted to a party which was previously disadvantaged.
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the shoemaker's children go barefoot »
One often neglects those closest to oneself.
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the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak »
(proverbs) For much as one wishes to achieve something, the frailties of the human body often make it impossible.
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the whole nine yards »
And everything. Often used, like etc., to finish out a list.
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there may be snow on the rooftop but there is fire in the furnace »
Even if a person is in his or her senior years, with gray hair, he or she can still have ambition and energy, especially sexual energy.
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they're only after one thing »
Men are only interested in sex.
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three-on-the-tree »
On an automobile, describing the gearshift lever of a steering column-mounted three-speed manual transmission.
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throw down »
To cause something one is holding to drop, often forcefully.
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throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2005, Mike Busson (poster on UKScreen forum) Re: Voiceovers!, read at [1] on 02 Nov 06,In terms of places to send your URL or CD's, there's no easy answer. It really is a case of throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.2005, "forwardone" (administrator posting on the HYIPForum), re: Alertpay phishing email, read at [2] on 02 Nov 06,I also think that sometimes they send out phishing e-mails in the hope that it`ll hit people who do have an account with a particular organization. You know, throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick theory.2006, Rob Manuel, How to be funny, read in Comedy Soup on the BBC website at [3] on 02 Nov 06,Throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick. Be prolific and don't be afraid to make stuff that's rubbish. If you keep trying eventually you'll get there.2006, Rex Pierce, Re: [303rd-Talk] D Day read on 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Believe the planners worked on the principle of "throw enough mud at the wall, and some of it will stick".If enough (perhaps false or reckless) accusations are made against someone, his reputation will suffer, whether or not this is deserved2006, "money" (poster on eTalk Money), Some thoughts about compact surfing, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,Word of advice NVUS time to distance yourself from LuukH as quickly as possible and dish some dirt, otherwise well the saying goes - throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.
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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
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throw the baby out with the bathwater »
To discard something valuable, often inadvertently, in the process of removing waste.
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tiger team »
An engineering or other group assembled to tackle especially difficult or critical problems, often outside the normal chain of command.
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time after time »
Again and again; repeatedly; every time; always.
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tip of the hat »
A gesture of acknowledgement; often, an expression of gratitude.
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to spare »
left over
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tomorrow is another day »
Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a fresh start for one's endeavors.1600, author unknown, "Phillidaes Love-call to her Coridon, and his replying" (song), in England's Helicon, printed at London by I.R. for John Flasket:Phil. Yonder comes my Mother, Coridon,whether shall I flie?Cor. Under yonder Beech my lovely one,while she passeth by.Say to her thy true-Love was not heere,remember, remember,to morrow is another day:1896, Amelia E. Barr, A Knight of the Nets, ch. 8:"Well, well, my dear lass, to-night we cannot work, but we may sleep. . . . Keep a still heart tonight, and tomorrow is another day."1936, Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, ch. 63:"Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."2005, Fran Schumer, "JERSEY: In Princeton, Taking On Harvard's Fuss About Women," New York Times, 19 June (retrieved 18 Aug. 2009):"Half of me is depressed
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top shelf »
Books, magazines, or movies that have adult content, or soft-core porn.
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touch down »
To land an aircraft.
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touch%C3%A9 »
Used in a conversation or debate to concede a point as true, often in response to a successful counter of one's own logic.
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train wreck »
The aftermath of a train crash.
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try one's hand »
To attempt a skill, craft, or trade.
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turn the tables »
To reverse a situation, such that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged.
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twelfth man »
reserve in cricket
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twenty-twenty hindsight »
Perfect understanding of events only after they have happened.
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two left feet »
Exhibiting particular clumsiness, especially at dancing or at soccer.
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under one's breath »
Softly, so as not to be heard.
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under the impression »
Thinking or making assumptions, often incorrectly.
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wash down »
To help to swallow by drinking a liquid, after eating something, or taking a pill.
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wash up »
To wash one's hands and/or face, often around mealtimes.
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washed out »
Of clothes. When they lose some of their original colour from being washed so often.
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watch out »
To be aware or conscious; to look closely or carefully; to use caution. Often used in the imperative.
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wee small hours »
The very early morning, just after midnight, when most people are asleep.
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well ain't that the catfish in the trap »
A sentence commonly spoken in the Southern United States. It can often be used in place of "well, I'll be damned". Used to express surprise.
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what goes around comes around »
The status eventually returns to its original value after completing some sort of cycle.A person's actions, whether good or bad, will often have consequences for that person.
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wild-goose chase »
A futile search, a fruitless errand; a useless and often lengthy pursuit.
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will on »
To wish intensely that someone succeeds in what they are doing. Often implies a silent, or almost inaudible wish.
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work out »
To habitually exercise rigorously, especially by lifting weights, in order to increase strength or muscle mass or maintain fitness.
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work over »
To improve a prototype, or first draft.
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yell at »
To scold, to rebuke - often by yelling.
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yes to death »
To agree with someone, often sarcastically.
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you can't fight city hall »
(chiefly US) Nothing can be done to change the situation, because it is a governmental decision.I see they're going to build the airport after all. I suppose you can't fight city hall.
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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
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you name it »
Used after a short list to show that further examples are unnecessary; all kinds of things.
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you shouldn't have »
Used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity, especially when receiving a gift.
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