a camel is a horse designed by a committee »
An expression critical of committees
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back off »
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
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by heart »
Knowing completely; as having committed completely to memory.
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camel's nose »
A metaphor for a situation where the permitting of some small act will lead consequently to a larger undesirable act or circumstance.
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catch-as-catch-can »
Intermittent; only when possible or when the opportunity presents itself.
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caught with one's hand in the cookie jar »
Observed or apprehended while committing a theft, especially while embezzling money.
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eat crow »
To recognize that one has been shown to be mistaken or outdone, especially by admitting that one has made a humiliating error.
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fits and starts »
Activity which is intermittent, variable in intensity, and prolonged by interruptions.
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fruit of the poisonous tree »
And which is therefore excluded from being admitted as evidence in a trial.
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head over heels »
Hopelessly smitten.
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idiot mittens »
Mittens connected by yarn or string running through one sleeve, along the back and out the other sleeve of a coat, to prevent the mittens becoming lost. Generally worn by small children.
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in for an inch, in for a mile »
Given that one is partly involved in or committed to a project, action, position, etc., there is no reason to refrain from becoming fully involved or fully committed.
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in the hospital »
Admitted as a patient in a hospital.
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inside job »
A crime or other illicit action committed by or with the help of someone either employed by the victim or entrusted with access to the victim's affairs and premises.
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lay down the law »
To authoritatively or dogmatically assert what is permitted or not permitted.
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mess around »
To have a non-committal sexual relationship.
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mike up »
To fit a microphone and transmitter to a person. Usually for television performers, or for police informers.
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off and on »
Intermittently.
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old college try »
A vigorous, committed attempt or effort.
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over the transom »
Said of an unsolicited work submitted for publication.
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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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smoke signal »
A method of long-distance communication sometimes used in ancient and undeveloped societies, consisting of messages conveyed by means of columns or intermittent puffs of smoke.
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supposed to »
Permitted.
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to be sure »
Admittedly, undoubtedly, certainly.
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truth be told »
Used when admitting something one might otherwise lie about, e.g. to keep up appearances or be polite.
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