a closed mouth gathers no feet »
One who does not speak can be certain he won't say anything embarrassing.
|
a day late and a dollar short »
Action that was taken too late and too feeble to be of any use.
|
a golden key can open any door »
Sufficient money can accomplish anything.
|
a man is known by the company he keeps »
People are similar in character to their friends.
|
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 picture paints a thousand words »
A visualisation is a better description than a verbal description.1971, David Gates (of Bread), If, from Manna album:If a picture paints a thousand wordsThen why can't I paint you;The words will never showThe you I've come to know.1989, Alan Kay, quoted in K?o-tung Huang, Timothy D. Huang, Introduction to Chinese, Japanese and Korean Computing, World Scientific, ISBN 9971506645, p. 9:Most human beings, no matter how familiar they are with abstract symbols, respond to voice and images better than written language. In other words, A picture paints a thousand words.2006, Paul Shakespeare, Building a Dune Buggy: The Essential Manual, ISBN 1904788734, p. 52:See accompanying diagram: a picture paints a thousand words, and all that!
|
after all »
In the end; anyway; referring to something that was believed to be the case, but has now been shown not to be.
|
albatross »
A double eagle, or three under par on any one hole.
|
albatross »
Any of various large seabirds of the family Diomedeidae ranging widely in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific and having a hooked beak and long narrow wings.
|
all the same »
Anyway; nevertheless; nonetheless.
|
an offer one can't refuse »
An offer from one side in any transaction with terms so attractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
|
an offer one can't refuse »
An offer from one side in any transaction with the results of failing to accept so unattractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
|
any press is good press »
Being mentioned in the media is beneficial to the subject because it gets publicity.
|
any way one slices it »
From any perspective; in every case.
|
anything goes »
There are no rules or restrictions.
|
April showers bring May flowers »
April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains.By extension, that a period of discomfort can provide the basis for a period of happiness.
|
ask my arse »
A common reply to any question; still deemed wit at sea, and formerly at court, under the denomination of selling bargains.
|
assume the mantle »
To take on a specific role or position, along with any associated responsibilites.
|
at all »
Indicating degree, quantity or frequency greater than zero; to the slightest degree, in any way, somewhat, rather.
|
at the drop of a hat »
Without any hesitation; instantly.
|
back office »
The IT and infrastructure support services for a company, separate from the public face of the business.
|
backseat driver »
By extension, anybody offering unsolicited or unwelcome advice.
|
bad penny »
A counterfeit or damaged penny.
|
bad penny »
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
|
badge bunny »
A woman who is romantically attracted to police officers and who seeks out their companionship.
|
bag of bones »
A skinny, malnourished person.
|
balance the books »
To put or keep any closed or conservative system or its analysis in balance.
|
balancing act »
An effort to manage many conflicting or competing items or interests.
|
balum rancum »
A hop or dance, where the women are all prostitutes. N. B. The company dance in their birthday suits.
|
bankers' hours »
Any easy job, especially one with a short working day.
|
banyan day »
In British naval tradition, this originally referred to a day of the week when galley kitchens served no meat on board ship.
|
banyan day »
In modern usage it refers to a picnic or cookout for the ship's crew.
|
barn burner »
Any successful or impressive event.
|
barrel »
The ribs and belly of a horse or pony.
|
barrel of monkeys »
Something very funny or amusing.
|
bat an eyelash »
To react in any slight way; to respond.
|
bat an eyelid »
To react in any slight way; to respond.
|
be at one's beck and call »
To be in the position of serving someone in any way they desire, usually unwillingly.
|
beat a dead horse »
To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.
|
beyond the pale »
Describing behaviour that is considered to be outside the bounds of morality, good behaviour or judgement in civilised company.
|
blind »
Any device intended to conceal or hide; as, a duck blind.
|
blood is thicker than water »
Family relations and loyalties are stronger than relationships with people who are not family members.1866, Anthony Trollope, The Belton Estate, ch. 30,Blood is thicker than water, is it not? If cousins are not friends, who can be?circa 1915, Lucy Fitch Perkins, The Scotch Twins, ch. 5,The old clans are scattered now, but blood is thicker than water still, and you're welcome to the fireside of your kinsman!
|
bone dry »
Completely dry; without any trace of moisture.
|
boot camp »
Any short, intensive course of training.
|
bottom of the ninth »
By extension, any last chance or final opportunity.
|
bounce back »
To recover from a negative without seemingly any damage.
|
brain surgery »
Surgery on any part of the nervous system, especially the brain; neurosurgery.
|
bridge »
Any of several electrical devices that measure characteristics such as impedance and inductance by balancing different parts of a circuit.
|
bridge »
The upper bony ridge of the human nose.
|
bring in »
To earn money for a company or for the family.
|
bump and grind »
A combination of movements resembling such a dance, as in road racing, whitewater kayaking, or exercising; any activity involving prolonged jarring or shaking.
|
bunny hop »
A dance from the big band era, a variation of the conga.
|
bunny hop »
A ground ball that hops along the field instead of rolling.
|
bunny hop »
A jump made where both wheels leave the ground.
|
bunny hug »
A style of dance.
|
bunny hug »
A sweatshirt with a hood.
|
busted flush »
Anything which ends up worthless despite great potential.
|
buy out »
To purchase the ownership of a company.
|
by hook or by crook »
By any means possible; one way or another.
|
cake crumbs »
Hardly anything.
|
castle in the air »
A visionary project or scheme; a day-dream; an idle fancy; a pipe dream; any plan, desire, or idea that is unlikely to be ever realized; a near impossibility.
|
cat got someone's tongue »
Why are you not saying anything?.
|
cat's cradle »
Any complicated structure which appears to be without purpose.
|
cattle call »
An audition which is open to the public and thus draws a large number of applicants, many of whom are inexperienced.
|
cheat sheet »
Any summary or quick reference used as a shortcut or reminder, a crib sheet.
|
come along »
To accompany.
|
come out of the closet »
To tell others about homosexuality, bisexuality or any minority or disapproved-of belief, preference, etc., where previously this had been kept secret.
|
come what may »
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
|
company »
A group of individuals with a common purpose, as in a company of actors.
|
company »
A military unit, typically consisting of two or three platoons.
|
company »
A unit of firefighters and their equipment.
|
company »
As he had worked for the CIA for over 30 years, he would soon take retirement from the company.
|
company »
Companionship.
|
company »
I treasure your company.
|
company »
In legal context, an entity that manufactures or sells products , or provides services as a commercial venture. A corporation.
|
company »
In non-legal context, any business, without respect to incorporation.
|
company »
It took six companies to put out the fire.
|
company »
Keep the house clean, I have company coming.
|
company »
Nickname for an intelligence service.
|
company »
Social visitors.
|
company »
The Boys in Company C.
|
company »
The entire crew of a ship.
|
consume mass quantities »
To use large amounts of any resource.
|
cookie-cutter »
A solution to a problem that can be applied in many situations without modification.
|
cost a pretty penny »
To be expensive.
|
crashpad »
Any place used for temporary lodging.
|
creature comfort »
Any small item or detail that makes a person comfortable and at home.
|
crown jewels »
A part of a company sought by another in a hostile takeover.
|
crown jewels »
The jewelry that accompany the office of rulership in a monarchy. I.e., crown, scepter, signet ring, etc.
|
damp squib »
Anything that doesn’t work properly, or fails to come up to expectations..
|
date with destiny »
An inevitable future event or encounter, especially one which is likely to be momentous.
|
deadstick landing »
When a pilot lands a plane after the engine has died; a landing lacking any propulsion control.
|
deafening silence »
A silence, or a lack of any response, that signifies disapproval or lack of any enthusiasm.
|
debris field »
Any area, non-dependent of locale, space, or contour, that contains the debris of wreckage, impact, sinking, or other material that once constituted a complete object. Debris fields can be found at the site of air crashes, water vessel sinking, explosions of buildings, collapses, and other events that render a whole entity into components, pieces, or other non-whole items.
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
Programmers are consistently dehumanized because so many do indeed deliver the message to Garcia only to be at best ignored.
|
dog and pony show »
Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate.
|
dog and pony show »
Originally, a small, traveling circus featuring animals as entertainment.
|
don't be penny wise and pound foolish »
Don't be careful when it comes to spending small amounts of money, but careless when spending much larger amounts.Don't focus on minutiae and lose sight of the big picture; don't obsess over tiny inconsequential efficiencies while glaring inefficiencies are going on elsewhere.
|
don't dip your pen in company ink »
Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink.
|
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.
|
drama queen »
Any exaggeratedly dramatic person.
|
dumb bunny »
A stupid person.
|
e pluribus unum »
A national motto of the United States of America, meaning "From many, one", or "out of many, one", referring to the integration of 13 independent colonies into one country, and that has taken an additional meaning, giving the pluralistic nature of American society from immigration.
|
early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise »
platitude from Benjamin Franklin under the pseudonym Poor Richard.
|
end of the world »
Any change that seems catastrophic or devastating.
|
every nook and cranny »
Everywhere.
|
everybody and his cousin »
Everybody; a huge crowd; too many people.
|
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
|
eye candy »
Any object or sight with considerable visual appeal.
|
factotum »
A person having many diverse activities or responsibilities.
|
faith will move mountains »
Belief in oneself (read sometimes as belief in God) can help one overcome any hurdle in life's path.
|
fancypants »
Alternative spelling of fancy pants. The condition of being overly showy; concerned more about one's reputation than anything else.
|
fat of the land »
The greatest part of anything; the finest and most abundant share of resources; the cream of the crop.
|
federal case »
Any over-exaggerated ordeal.
|
fifth wheel »
Anything superfluous or unnecessary.
|
first of all »
Firstly; before anything else.
|
first things first »
Deal with matters of highest priority first; deal with matters in logical sequence.1922, H. G. Wells, The Secret Places of the Heart, ch.4,"First things first," said Sir Richmond. If we set about getting fuel sanely, if we do it as the deliberate, co-operative act of the whole species, then it follows that we shall look very closely into the use that is being made of it.1999, Frank Pellegrini, "House Republicans Quell Mutiny Over Tax Bounty," Time, 23 Jul.,Judging by the polls
|
flower »
An inflorescence that resembles a flower, but actually contains many small florets, such as a sunflower.
|
forewarned is forearmed »
Advance awareness of a situation, especially a risky one, prepares one to deal with it.1863, Charles Reade, Hard Cash, ch. 4:[W]hatever a young gentleman of that age says to you, he says to many other ladies; but your experience is not equal to your sense; so profit by mine . . . forewarned is forearmed.1885, G. A. Henty, Saint George for England, ch. 4:Sometimes, they say, it is wiser to remain in ignorance; at other times forewarned is forearmed.circa 1903, Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Why Mr. Cropper Changed His Mind":"Well, Miss Maxwell, I think it only fair to tell you that you may have trouble with those boys when they do come. Forewarned is forearmed, you know."
|
fountain of youth »
Anything reputed to have the power to restore health and vitality or to restore a youthful appearance.
|
free lunch »
Something obtained without any payment, obligation or effort.
|
frog in one's throat »
Any temporary physical difficulty in speaking.
|
full of hot air »
Talking a lot, especially without saying anything of value or meaning.
|
funny farm »
An insane asylum.
|
funny money »
A highly inflated currency.
|
funny money »
Bills of any foreign currency or of counterfeit origin.
|
funny money »
Money gained in a devious or sneaky manner.
|
funny money »
Play money.
|
funny stuff »
Irregular, often illegal, activities.
|
game plan »
Any strategy devised to reach a given objective.
|
get it »
To realize or understand why a joke is funny.
|
give me liberty or give me death »
A set-phrase indicating enormous displeasure at any over-authoritarian policy or law.
|
give the time of day »
To acknowledge somebody; to give somebody any respect or attention.
|
go along for the ride »
To accompany someone passively, or to take a passive role in a project.
|
go native »
Of a contractor or consultant, to begin working directly as an employee for a company and cease to work through a contracting firm or agency.
|
go round in circles »
To repeatedly do the same thing; without making any progress.
|
golden handcuffs »
Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage participant from wanting to leave, especially to retain a choice employee.
|
grab bag »
Any random assortment, selection or possibility.
|
granny smith »
apple
|
grasp at straws »
To guess randomly at or pursue any apparent option, as due to lack of options or information.
|
gravy train »
An occupation or any lucrative endeavor that generates considerable income whilst requiring little effort and carrying little risk.
|
great minds think alike »
Used to emphasize a coincidence, or two people reaching the same conclusion in any manner at the same time.
|
greener pastures »
Any place or condition that is more favorable or beneficial.
|
have something to eat »
To eat anything.
|
have to do with the price of tea in China »
To have any relation or bearing whatsoever on the topic at hand, usually used to emphasize the lack of relationship of a non sequitur.
|
head and shoulders »
"She was head and shoulders better than any of her rivals.".
|
helping hand »
Any assistance, help or aid.
|
hen's teeth »
Anything very rare or impossible to obtain is said to be like finding hen’s teeth.
|
hen's tooth »
Anything not naturally occuring.
|
hold water »
To withstand scrutiny or criticism; to be valid.
|
hold your fire »
Do not discharge your weapon. Used originally for weapons needing a spark or lighting of a fuse to ignite gunpowder, now sometimes used to mean any weapon launching a projectile.
|
holding pattern »
Any failure to advance; useless or unproductive activity.
|
hole in one »
Any rare, wonderful, or remarkable accomplishment.
|
home is where you hang your hat »
Rather than feeling nostalgic or sentimental, one should simply accept any place where one happens to reside as one's home.1948, Ruth L. Yorck, "D.P.
|
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.
|
household name »
A genericized trademark or anepronym.
|
hunger is the best spice »
When one is hungry, anything will taste good.
|
idiot light »
Any warning light or indicator on the dashboard of a car, designed to alert the driver of problems, such as the parking brake being on or the oil being low.
|
if it's all the same »
If it makes no difference; if nobody minds; if it doesn't bother anyone.
|
in a league of one's own »
Far excelling even the closest contender; not having any worthy competition.
|
in any way, shape, or form »
In any way at all; whatsoever.
|
in black and white »
Explicitly, in writing, clearly and without doubt or misunderstanding, without any grey areas.
|
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,
|
in for a penny, in for a pound »
Expressing recognition that one must, having started something, see it through to its end, rather than stopping short thereof; accepting that one must
|
in no uncertain terms »
With great clarity, emphasis, or exactness; without any ambiguity.
|
in no way, shape, or form »
Not in any way at all; not at all, nohow.
|
in the dock »
Under scrutiny; subject to critical inspection.
|
in the hot seat »
Under pressure to perform; under scrutiny; at the center of attention.
|
in thunderation »
In any set of circumstances whatsoever.
|
inside track »
Any advantage.
|
it's all Greek to me »
I don’t understand any of it; it makes no sense..
|
it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good »
There is usually something of benefit to someone, no matter how bad the situation.
|
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
|
jack of all trades »
One competent in many endeavors, especially one who excels in none of them.
|
jack of all trades, master of none »
A master of integration, who knows enough from many learned trades and skills to be able to bring their disciplines together in a practical manner; a polymath; a renaissance man.
|
jack of all trades, master of none »
A person who has a competent grasp of many skills but who is not outstanding in any one.
|
jive turkey »
Someone who is jiving, as in dancing. Often applied to people being funny or showy.
|
just the same »
Anyway; despite.
|
keep a close watch on »
To pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.
|
keep away from »
To deny access to.
|
keep shtum »
Don't tell anyone; especially, keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
|
lady's man »
A man who attracts women and enjoys their company.
|
lame joke »
An attempt at humor which is perceived to have been used previously to the point of being cliche, or was never funny to begin with.
|
leave no stone unturned »
To do a task very carefully and thoroughly, not missing any step.
|
lemonize »
To damage something and then deny or be aloof from the damage.
|
lie back and think of England »
Used to preface any unpleasant but inevitable experience.
|
lion's den »
Any dangerous or frightening place.
|
live by the sword, die by the sword »
One who uses violence can expect a violent response. It is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.(figuratively) One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey poetic justice.
|
live paycheck to paycheck »
To spend all that one earns without saving anything.
|
loaded word »
Any word, set phrase or idiom that has strong positive or negative connotations beyond their ordinary definition.
|
long drink »
Any drink containing more than 5 ounces of liquid and less than 9 ounces. Typically, a long drink will have lots of ice and mixer.
|
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.
|
many a mickle makes a muckle »
(UK) a lot of small amounts together, become a large amount.
|
many hands make light work »
A large number of people co-operating can perform tasks easily.
|
many happy returns »
A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!.
|
mark time »
Marching in place; not going anywhere.
|
middle of nowhere »
Nowhere; any place lacking population, interesting things, or defining characteristics.
|
mind-numbing »
Excessively boring, tedious, or dull; repetitive; of an activity, etc., lacking any interest or variety that might serve as intellectual stimulation.
|
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.
|
miner's canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
miners' canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
misery loves company »
Misery is easier to bear when one is not the only one miserable.1995, Chris Abbott,
|
mixed bag »
Any bag containing a mixture of something.
|
mixed message »
Any communication that is contradictory, inconsistent, or unclear, especially in its motive or intent.
|
much of a muchness »
Of two or more things, having little difference of any significance between them.
|
mum's the word »
The accompanying facts are a secret, not to be divulged.
|
neither fish nor fowl »
Said of something not easily categorized or not fitting neatly into any established group.
|
no comment »
An "official" refusal to relay any further information, as a response to a newspaper reporter's question.
|
no frills »
Basic or simple; providing only what is necessary, without anything extra or fancy.
|
no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney »
Regardless of how many clever points or fine distinctions one makes, what one is saying is still false or is still nonsense.
|
noarch »
Short for "no architecture". It is a term used mainly in package management systems to mark packages which are architecture independent. Such packages usually contain graphics, documentation or similar data that can be used on any architecture.
|
nosebleed seat »
A seat high in the back of bleachers, stands, or the balcony at a theater.
|
not in Kansas anymore »
No longer in quiet and comfortable surroundings; in the big city.
|
not much of anything »
Very little; not a lot.
|
nothing ventured, nothing gained »
If one takes no risks, one will not gain any benefits.
|
object lesson »
Anything used an example or lesson which serves to warn others as to the outcomes that result from a particular action or behavior, as exemplified by the fates of those who followed that course.
|
off one's game »
Performing in any activity below one's usual level; behaving in an irregular, inept, or awkward manner; feeling unwell.
|
on the anvil »
Refers to anything in the making, being created, or in production, especially in the metalworking field.
|
on the pull »
Seeking the intimate company of a member of the opposite sex.
|
one fell swoop »
One stroke; one action or event with many results.
|
one-trick pony »
A performing animal that knows only one trick.
|
one-trick pony »
A person or group noteworthy for only a single achievement, skill, or characteristic.
|
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.
|
over and over »
Repeatedly; again and again; many times.
|
paper »
A newspaper or anything used as such .
|
pass out »
To graduate, usually marked by the ceremony at the end of their training.
|
peanut gallery »
Any source of heckling, unwelcome commentary or criticism, especially from a know-it-all or of an inexpert nature.
|
peashooter »
Any small or ineffective gun.
|
penny black »
old stamp
|
penny for your thoughts »
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
|
penny pincher »
One who spends little money; one who is very frugal or cautious with money.
|
penny wise and pound foolish »
Prudent and thrifty with small amounts of money, but wasteful and profligate with large amounts.
|
pickle »
Any vegetable preserved in vinegar and consumed as relish.
|
pinchpenny »
One who spends little money; one who is very frugal or cautious with money.
|
play ball »
To start anything tumultuous.
|
point of no return »
The point in any journey, process, or sequence of events when it is no longer possible to reverse course or stop the process.
|
pony in the barn »
An exciting and real prospect, something to be legitimately excited about.
|
pretty penny »
A considerable amount of money; a high price or a high income.
|
pretzel »
Anything that is knotted, twisted, or tangled.
|
proverbs run in pairs »
Every proverb seems to be contradicted by another proverb with an opposed message, such as "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "many hands make light work."1863, Sir Richard Burton, Abeokuta and the Camaroons Mountains, vol. 1, Tinsley (London), p. 309:Moreover, all the world over, proverbs run in pairs, and pull both ways: for the most part one neutralizes, by contradiction, the other.
|
pull oneself up by one's bootstraps »
To begin an enterprise or recover from a setback without any outside help; to succeed only on one's own effort or abilities.
|
quarter past »
Fifteen minutes past any hour.
|
quote unquote »
Emphasizes the following word or phrase for irony, as used almost exclusively in spoken language.
|
rag bagger »
A sailboat, usually a cruising sailboats which tend to carry and store lots of supplies along the deck, or any sailboat that looks like a neglected vessel, or messy vessel.
|
rag the puck »
To proceed slowly at any activity in order to use up time; to stall for time.
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rain cheque »
Any postponement, especially of an offer.
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rain cheque »
Any voucher or note issued by a store to allow a customer to get a special or sale price later if an item is out of stock.
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rainy day »
A difficult period of need, when things do not go right.
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rank and file »
Those lacking any particular title or status; those having no station.
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red light »
Denial to proceed. Ruling out of any possibility.
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ringside seat »
Any vantage point providing an excellent view.
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rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
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rocket science »
Anything overly complex, detailed or confusing.
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run about »
To be very busy doing many different things.
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run around »
To be very busy doing many different things.
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run for the roses »
A hard-fought competition or demanding challenge of any kind.
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sabre-rattling »
Any threat, such as one company threatening another with a lawsuit.
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second childhood »
A childlike state in any adult, resulting from mental illness, trauma, or other conditions.
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second fiddle »
A fiddle part in harmony to the first fiddle.
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see a man about a horse »
A message signaling one needs to go missing for a short while, for any reason, without giving a real explanation.
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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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senior note »
A bond that takes priority over other debt securities sold by the issuer. In the event the issuer goes bankrupt, senior debt must be repaid before other creditors receive any payment.
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sex machine »
Any machine that is used for sexual pleasure.
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shanks' pony »
Transportation by foot.
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short leash »
Forcing one to function within a strict set of rules, or under great scrutiny or oversight.
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showstopper »
Any impediment that prevents all further progress.
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silver bullet »
Any straightforward solution perceived to have great effectiveness or bring miraculous results.
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skin and bones »
Said of one who is emaciated; very skinny, as from lack of nutrition.
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skinny as a rail »
Especially of a person, very skinny.
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snake oil »
Any product with exaggerated marketing but questionable or unverifiable quality.
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so far so good »
Up to this point, all is OK.Well, you've packed your bags for the holiday, bought your tickets, reserved the hotel and put the dog in kennels. So far so good, now let's get to Minorca without any troubles.
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so-and-so »
Anything generic.
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soapbox »
A crate for packing soap, or, by extension, any inexpensive crude platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it, especially when used for speeches.
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socialized medicine »
An umbrella term for any system of government-run health care.
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sow one's wild oats »
To spread one's genes around by impregnating many females.
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spaghetti western »
Nickname for a motion picture produced by an Italian-based company and filmed in Europe, depicting a tale of cowboys and desperadoes set in the American Old West.
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spend a penny »
To use the toilet.
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squint like a bag of nails »
To squint very much, as though one's eyes were directed as many ways as the points of a bag of nails.
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stand off »
To prevent any would-be attacker from coming close by adopting an offensive posture.
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stand on one's own two feet »
To be independent. To survive without any help.
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stone cold »
Very cold; lacking any semblance of warmth.
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strip off »
To remove anything by stripping, e.g. items of clothing or paint from the side of a ship.
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success has many fathers, failure is an orphan »
Many will seek credit for success, few will accept responsibility for failure.
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tag along »
To accompany, join, or follow; to go with.
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take a number »
Recognize that many others are in the same situation; recognize that one's concerns are not of high priority; be prepared to wait.
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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 a shot in the dark »
To try on something without having any knowledge about the subject.
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take the heat »
To take the blame; to be the focus of anger or scrutiny; to take the consequences.
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talk of the town »
A subject discussed by many people.
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teeny weeny »
minute
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teething troubles »
Small problems such as are to be expected with some any new and untried system or product.
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ten a penny »
So common as to be practically worthless.
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test bed »
Any venue, setup, etc. used for experimentation, testing, proving a concept, etc.
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the company »
Nickname for an intelligence service.
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the straw that broke the camel's back »
A small and seemingly insignificant addition to a burden that renders it too much to bear; the small thing which causes failure, or causes inability or unwillingness to endure any more of something.
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the whole world and his dog »
Everybody; too many people; a huge crowd.
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there are plenty more fish in the sea »
There are many more potential opportunities available.
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there are plenty of fish in the sea »
There are many more potential opportunities available.
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there's many a slip twixt cup and lip »
In any situation, however well planned, something can always go wrong.
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three Rs »
The basic education any child can expect to receive, but not necessarily limited to reading, writing and arithmetic.
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three Rs »
The basic precepts of any subject matter.
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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 out »
To dismiss or expel someone from any longer performing duty or attending somewhere.
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tickle somebody's funny bone »
To amuse; to strike somebody as funny.
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time out of mind »
The distant past beyond anyone's memory.
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tip one's hand »
To inadvertently reveal any secret, particularly a secret that puts one at an advantage or disadvantage.
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to thine own self be true »
The easiest person to deceive is oneself."This above all:to thine own self be true,and it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man." -William Shakespeare
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too many cooks spoil the broth »
If too many people try to take charge at a task, the end product might be ruined.
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tuits »
"tricky": Needs many tuits. [2].
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tuppence worth »
Two pennys' worth.
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turn down »
To refuse, decline, or deny.
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two a penny »
Very common; cheap.
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two birds with one stone »
Any two things that were performed or completed at the same time by one action.
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two cents »
A nearly worthless amount, alluding to placing a copper penny on each of the eyelids of a pauper's or slave's body before burial.
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two penn%E2%80%99orth »
Two pennys' worth.
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two's company, three's a crowd »
One companion is better than two.
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under the microscope »
Under close scrutiny or examination.
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up a creek without a paddle »
In a difficult situation, without any help. Superlative form of up a creek: most up a creek.
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up for grabs »
Available for anyone to obtain, claim or win.
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valley of death »
Lord Alfred Tennyson, The Charge of the Light Brigade.
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variable tandem repeat locus »
Any DNA sequence that exists in multiple copies strung together in various tandem lengths.
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wail on »
To beat heavily on anything.
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walk the line »
To participate in the procession at a graduation ceremony; to graduate.
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war bride »
A company or individual whose business is increased by warfare.
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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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whale on »
To beat heavily on anything.
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whatever it takes »
Anything that may be required to achieve an objective.
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whistle-stop train tour »
A tour in a political campaign that makes many brief stops in small communities.
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whistle-stop train tour »
Any travel that's quick and with only brief pauses.
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who's 'she', the cat's mother%3F »
A rebuke especially directed towards children for having referred to their mother, or any other woman in the third person, instead of using a properly respectful title or their name when appropriate.
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window-shopping »
The browsing of shop windows without any intention of buying.
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with no further ado »
Without any other formalities; with no further delay.
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worth every penny »
Completely worthwhile.
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yak shaving »
Any apparently useless activity which, by allowing you to overcome intermediate difficulties, allows you to solve a larger problem.
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you don't dip your pen in company ink »
One should avoid romantic relationships in the workplace.
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you don't dip your pen in the company's ink »
Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink.
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you don't dip your pen in the inkwell »
Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink.
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you're never too old to learn »
It is possible to learn new things, at any age; (implying) follow your desires and dreams
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