according to »
Our zeal should be according to knowledge. - Thomas Sprat.
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ace in the hole »
A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage.
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acknowledge the corn »
To cop a plea; to admit to a small error but not a larger one.
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agree to disagree »
To tolerate each other's opinion and stop arguing; to acknowledge that an agreement will not be reached.
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as far as one knows »
To the best of one's knowledge.
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at stake »
In danger; hazarded; pledged; at risk.
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balls-up »
Something which becomes muddled or botched in some way.
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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.
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base over apex »
Falling over in a jumbled heap.
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been there, done that »
An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is now bored.
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behind somebody's back »
Without somebody's knowledge; secretly.
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best laid plans »
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the outcome is uncertain.
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bird in the bosom »
A secret pledge that one makes for another.
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bone up »
To study or cram, especially in order to refresh one's knowledge of a topic.
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bowled over »
to be astonished; overwhelmed; surprised; shocked
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brain surgery »
Something that is overly complex, detailed or confusing.
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break a leg »
A wish for a successful performance; primarily a valediction to an actor wishing him or her a successful theatrical stage performance.
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brickbat »
A criticism or uncomplimentary remark hurled at artwork or other recipient.
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brickbat »
For example, it's quite common for magazines to have a section called Bouquets and Brickbats for compliments and criticisms.
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bridge »
An elevated platform above the upper deck of a mechanically propelled ship from which it is navigated and from which all activities on deck can be seen and controlled by the captain, etc; smaller ships have a wheelhouse, and sailing ships were controlled from a quarterdeck.
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bridge »
Cue for extended or tedious shots. Also called a spider.
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bright-eyed and bushy-tailed »
Alert and in an eager, frisky, or playful mood; full of life.
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buried treasure »
Something, having been concealed for a long time, which later is found and is profitable.
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bury the lede »
To begin a story with details of secondary importance to the reader while postponing more essential points or facts.
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busted flush »
A potential flush which ultimately was not filled.
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but seriously folks »
Directs attention to immediately preceding failed attempt at humor.
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carry off »
Knowledge, confidence, or familiarity.
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cat in the meal-tub »
Something concealed; a hidden danger.
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cheaper by the dozen »
Things are handled more efficiently as a group, rather than individually.
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cite chapter and verse »
To speak authoritatively, providing detailed factual information.
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come out »
To be discovered, be revealed.
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controlled substance »
Except for very limited professional testing purposes.
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crab mentality »
A way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot.
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curiosity killed the cat »
One should not be curious about things that can be dangerous.
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dirty laundry »
A clothes hamper or other container used to place unclean or soiled laundry.
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dirty laundry »
Laundry that is unclean or soiled.
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don't cry over spilled milk »
Alternative spelling of don't cry over spilt milk.
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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.
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draw out »
To extract, bring out, as concealed information; elicit; educe.
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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.
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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.
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emperor's new clothes »
Something obvious and embarrassing that is politely ignored or that goes unacknowledged.
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evil twin »
A rogue wireless access point installed near a legitimate one for purposes of eavesdropping or phishing.
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fail over »
To automatically switch processing from a failed component in a critical system to its live spare or backup component.
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fair enough »
An expression used to concede a point; denotes that, upon consideration, something is correct or reasonable; an expression of acknowledgment or understanding.
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fall for »
To be fooled; to walk into a trap or respond to a scam or trick.
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fall through »
To be unsuccessful, abort, come to nothing/naught; to be cancelled; not to proceed.
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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.
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feed the dragon »
To buy or sell products labeled as "Made in China.".
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flat-earther »
A person who believes or advocates an outlandish, discredited theory; a person who refuses to acknowledge the truth despite overwhelming evidence.
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full-fledged »
Having all its feathers; able to fly.
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full-fledged »
Having full qualification, credentials or preparation; entire; real.
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get taken in »
To be fooled; to fall for.
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give the devil his due »
To acknowledge the positive qualities of a person who is unpleasant or disliked.
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give the time of day »
To acknowledge somebody; to give somebody any respect or attention.
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go in one ear and out the other »
Failed to pay attention.
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go through the mill »
To experience the suffering or discipline necessary to bring one to a certain degree of knowledge or skill, or to a certain mental state.
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Gone to the bad »
soured, spoiled, turned rotten
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grab bag »
A gift, purchase, etc. whose contents are concealed until after a selection is made.
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grow a pair »
To be brave; to show some courage, especially in a situation in which one has so far failed to do so.
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hardwired »
Of devices, closely or tightly coupled.
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have a way with »
To be skilled, adept, or graceful in something.
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have someone by the short hairs »
To have someone in a difficult situation in which he or she is without alternatives and can be controlled.
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hold one's breath »
To inhale and then intentionally close the epiglottis so that one's breath is not exhaled.
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hold that thought »
Used to acknowledge that one's attention needs to be diverted from what an speaker was saying.
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hospital pass »
A poorly executed pass to a team-mate causing the receiver to present an easy target for a defender, and thus be tackled hard.
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hot lunch »
A sexual act in which a pouch of clingfilm or similar material filled with faeces is placed in one of the participants' mouth and subsequently penetrated by the second participant.
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hot on »
Knowledgeable about.
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hot on »
Skilled at.
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ignorance is bliss »
Lack of knowledge results in happinessSometime you are more comfortable if you dont know something.
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in for a dime, in for a dollar »
Americanised form of in for a penny, in for a pound.1983, Allen Drury, Decision, p. 356:In for a dime, in for a dollar, he thought crazily, and said what he had to say in a voice he forced to stay level and calm.1998, Ellen Miller, Like Being Killed, p. 47:In for a dime, in for a dollar. I whispered to Gerry,
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installed base »
The number of units of a system or product that are currently in use.
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it's not what you know but who you know »
For success, and especially to obtain employment, one's knowledge and skills are less useful and less important than one's network of personal contacts.1951, G. P. Bush and L. H. Hattery, "Federal Recruitment of Junior Engineers," Science, vol. 114, no. 2966, p. 456:Eighty-four students referred to political influence as a disadvantage of federal employment with such remarks as: "There are too many political connections necessary . . . it's not what you know but who you know
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keep an eye peeled »
To look out attentively.
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keep down »
To lie low. To stay concealed by not standing up.
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keep one's eyes peeled »
To watch closely; to look for.
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keep one's lips sealed »
To keep quiet; to keep a secret; to not tell.
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know like the back of one's hand »
To be intimately knowledgeable about something, especially a place.
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knowledge is power »
With knowledge and/or education, one's potential or ability to succeed in the pursuit of his objectives will certainly increase.
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lap of luxury »
A position or situation in which one is spoiled and indulged.
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laughing stock »
An object of ridicule, someone who is publicly ridiculed; a butt of sport.
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lemon drop »
boiled sweet
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live one »
Someone who is easily fooled, victimized, or ridiculed.
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look what the cat's dragged in »
Used as an ironic acknowledgement of someone's arrival, especially to imply that they are unwelcome or disagreeable in some way.
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Loose cannon »
An uncontrolled or unpredictable person who causes damage to his own friends, faction, political party, etc.
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member for Barkshire »
Said of one troubled with a cough, vulgarly styled barking.
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mess up »
To cause a problem with; to introduce an error or mistake in; to make muddled or confused; spoil; ruin.
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mouthful of marbles »
An indistinct, muffled or garbled manner of speaking.
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my lips are sealed »
See keep one's lips sealed.
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nearly never bulled a cow »
(Irish) Near enough is not good enough.
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nobody's perfect »
Used when someone's mistakes or flaws are acknowledged, to remind that everyone else makes mistakes and has flaws1995, New York Magazine Vol. 28, No. 5, 30 January 1995, The de-moralization of society (Book Review)Hypocrisy, particularly in sexual matters, is excused on the grounds that hey, nobody's perfect, and at least folks back then felt bad enough to lie.2000, Madonna, Nobody's PerfectI feel so sad. What I did wasn't right. I feel so bad and I must say to you: Sorry, but nobody's perfect. Nobody's perfect. What did you expect? I'm doing my best
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none of someone's business »
A matter that someone is not entitled to be involved in or informed about.
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of course »
Acknowledges the validity of the associated phrase.
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old hat »
Something with which one is very familiar, or in which one is experienced or skilled.
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out on the tiles »
I've had a pint of bitter and now I'm feeling better and I'm out on the tiles." Led Zeppelin in their song "Out on the tiles", 1970.
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over a barrel »
In a disadvantageous or helpless situation, in which one may be controlled or victimized.
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over the moon »
Delighted, thrilled.
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own up »
To acknowledge, confess, or admit guilt. Often used with to.
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packing heat »
Carrying one or more firearms on one's person, especially in a concealed manner.
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party to »
Privy to; having knowledge of.
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people person »
Someone who is happier or more skilled at dealing with people rather than things or concepts.
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pick somebody's brain »
To seek information from someone knowledgeable; to ask questions of someone.
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pig in a poke »
Something whose true value is concealed or unknown, especially something offered for sale.
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pinch-hit »
To do something in the place of another person who is not able to perform or is less skilled; to substitute or stand in for somebody.
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play dumb »
To pretend to be slow-witted or lacking in specific knowledge, usually in order to avoid responsibility or to gain some advantage.
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play Old Harry »
Blenkiron and I have been moving in the best circles as skilled American engineers who are going to play Old Harry with the British on the Tigris. — John Buchan, "Greenmantle", 1916..
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pour oil on troubled waters »
To calm something or someone who is tenacious or misbehaving.
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pretzel »
Anything that is knotted, twisted, or tangled.
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prone out »
In order to be propelled shorewards by a broken wave.
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pull a »
He pulled an Elvis and got really fat.
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pull the other one, it's got bells on »
The implication is that one leg has been pulled, and the joker will have more fun with the other one due to the bells.
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quantum mechanics »
Something overly complicated or detailed.
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rake »
A set of coupled rail vehicles, normally coaches or wagons.
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red face test »
A hypothetical test of a person's embarrassment, that is either passed or failed. Saying one passes the red face test means one would not blush and thus would not be embarrassed by disclosing something to others or doing something, and saying one fails the red face test means a situation would cause them discernible embarrassment.
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ride the short bus »
To have a need for a special education program, as because learning disabled.
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robber baron »
In Europe, an aristocrat who charged exorbitant fees or otherwise exacted money from people who journeyed across land or waterways which he controlled.
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rocket science »
Anything overly complex, detailed or confusing.
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rocket scientist »
Someone qualified to understand or handle that which is overly complex, detailed or confusing; a genius.
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rough sledding »
A difficult period of time.
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rule of thumb »
A general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge.
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run afoul of »
To become entangled in; to run aground on.
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run away with »
To be misled by imagining that one's desires can come true.
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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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shoot off at the mouth »
Don't let [presidential press secretary Ron] Ziegler shoot off at the mouth without our knowledge.
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shot in the dark »
A guess, attempt, or choice made with little or no evidence or knowledge.
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shotgun »
A gun which fires loads consisting of small metal balls, called shot, from a cartridge.
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shrouded »
Concealed or hidden from sight, as if by a shroud.
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sitting duck »
An obvious or unconcealed target.
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slanging match »
A row; an argument in which names are called.
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sleep with the fishes »
To be killed and have one's body disposed off in the sea or other body of water.
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so-called »
Same as above, without the negative connotation.
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so-called »
So named; called by such a name, with a very strong connotation that the item is not worthy of that name.
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soft shoe »
A kind of tap dancing performed in soft-soled shoes, popular in vaudeville.
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stand corrected »
Said to acknowledge someone who corrects something that one says or writes that was not correct.
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strap on a pair »
To be brave; to show some courage, especially in a situation where one has so far failed to do so.
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take a shot in the dark »
To try on something without having any knowledge about the subject.
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talk like an apothecary »
To use hard or gallipot words: from the assumed gravity and affectation of knowledge generally put on by the gentlemen of this profession, who are commonly as superficial in their learning as they are pedantic in their language.
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talk the talk »
Speak like an expert, claim to be knowledgeable about something.
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talk through one's hat »
To speak lacking expertise, authority, or knowledge; to invent or fabricate facts.
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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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tickled pink »
Simple past tense and past participle of tickle pink.
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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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tip of the hat »
A gesture of acknowledgement; often, an expression of gratitude.
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tip one's hat »
To acknowledge or show respect; to honor.
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to each his own »
Every person is entitled to his or her personal preferences and tastes.
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touch%C3%A9 »
An acknowledgement of a hit.
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touch%C3%A9 »
An acknowledgement of the success, appropriateness or superiority of an argument, sometimes used sarcastically to mock one's opponent's absurd logic.
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tough cookie »
A person who can endure physical or mental hardship; a hardened, strong-willed person.
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turn in one's grave »
To be appalled, offended or disgusted by something, despite being deceased.
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under one's hat »
Concealed; confidential; secret.
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under one's thumb »
Completely controlled by someone; at someone’s command..
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under sail »
With sails unfurled; powered by the wind.
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water under the bridge »
Something in the past that cannot be controlled or undone, but must be accepted, forgiven, or forgotten.
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wear down »
To have one's long hair styled in a free, low-hanging, unencumbered style; i.e., not in an up-do or ponytail.
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what do I know »
Implies that a statement is based on a guess or assumption rather than on knowledge or evidence.
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wheel around »
To transport someone or something to various locations by pushing a wheeled transporter such as a wheelchair or a wheelbarrow or trolley.
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when the going gets tough, the tough get going »
in difficult times, it is the strong-willed who take action.
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whistle in the dark »
To speak of something despite having little knowledge of it.
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zoom in »
So as to make it larger and possibly more detailed.
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zoom out »
So as to make it smaller and possibly less detailed.
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