a drop in the bucket »
An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem.
|
against all odds »
Despite seemingly insurmountable opposition or probability.
|
all's well that ends well »
Problems do not matter if things turn out well in the end.
|
angle for »
To try to obtain something by subtle indirect means. Political manoeuvres, suggestion, etc.
|
apple of somebody's eye »
A favourite, a particular preference, or a loved one; the object of somebody's affections.
|
ark ruffian »
Rogues who, in conjunction with watermen, robbed, and sometimes murdered, on the water, by picking a quarrel with the passengers in a boat, boarding it, plundering, stripping, and throwing them overboard, etc. A species of badger.
|
around Robin Hood's barn »
All over the place.
|
around Robin Hood's barn »
The long way around; a roundabout or circuitous route.
|
bang up »
He’s doing a bang up good job..
|
bang up job »
Something done very well; something performed above average or better than expected.
|
bankers' hours »
Any easy job, especially one with a short working day.
|
bat away »
To knock an object, usually a ball.
|
bawdy basket »
The twenty-third rank of canters, who carry pins, tape, ballads, and obscene books to sell, but live mostly by stealing.
|
be after »
To try to obtain.
|
be in a spot of bother »
To have a slight problem, to be in a predicament.
|
be left holding the baby »
To be left with the responsibility of resolving a problem.
|
beam up »
To teleport another person or object in the same manner.
|
bear out »
To corroborate, prove, or confirm; to demonstrate; to provide evidence for.
|
bee in one's bonnet »
Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.
|
before you can say Jack Robinson »
Very quickly. Quicker than you expect.
|
bent on »
Completely determined; obstinate.
|
bid fair »
seem probable
|
bid fair »
seems probable
|
big boy »
A large object or person.
|
bits and bobs »
A random assortment of things; small remaining pieces and things.
|
black-on-black »
A description of the colors of an automobile .
|
black-on-black »
Something that is invisible or intentionally obfuscated, such as warnings or fine print.
|
bleep out »
To censor inappropriate spoken words by obscuring them with the sound of a bleep.
|
blot out »
To obscure.
|
blot out »
To make something undecipherable; to obliterate.
|
boil down »
As an allusion to the cooking technique of reducing liquids by heat, one boils down a problem, argument, etc. to its most central elements.
|
bolt bucket »
A machine, especially an automobile. Implies that the machine is clunky or unreliable.
|
booby prize »
A prize or status, often unwelcome, awarded as a joke or disincentive to the loser of a contest or for poor performance.
|
boys and their toys »
Used to evoke the idea that adult men sometimes dote excessively on machines, automobiles, and gadgets in a childish manner.
|
brass ring »
Figuratively, a prize or goal. Often used with respect to employment goals e.g. promotion, better job, etc.
|
brick wall »
An obstacle.
|
bright-line rule »
A clearly defined rule or standard, comprised of objective factors, which leaves little or no room for varying interpretation.
|
bring home the bacon »
To have a job and earn money or to lead a successful career.
|
bring to heel »
To be forced to obey.
|
bring to heel »
To force someone to obey.
|
bung up »
To close an opening with a cork, cork like object or other improvised obstruction.
|
business before pleasure »
An admonishment that discharging one's obligations must take precedence over devoting time to pursuits meant solely for one's own gratification.
|
calling card »
An attribute, object, or behavior which is distinctly characteristic of someone or something.
|
can of worms »
A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
|
carry the message to Garcia »
To perform a requisite task despite obstacles.
|
cat's pyjamas »
A highly sought-after and fancy example of something, usually referring to inanimate objects.
|
catch-as-catch-can »
A. 1681, John Fryer, Richard Chiswell, Robert Roberts, Robert White, A New Account of East-India and Persia, in Eight Letters, Being Nine Years Travels, Begun 1672 and Finished 1681.
|
caught with one's hand in the cookie jar »
Observed or apprehended while committing a theft, especially while embezzling money.
|
chances are »
It is likely that, it is probable that.
|
check out »
To obtain computer source code from a repository.
|
cherry-pick »
To pick out the best, or most desirable items from a list or group, especially to obtain some advantage or to present something in the best possible light.
|
chopped liver »
A person or object which is not worthy of being noticed; someone or something insignificant.
|
clear cut »
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
|
close the stable door after the horse has bolted »
To attempt to prevent a problem only to find it has already happened.
|
come by »
To obtain; to get, now especially by chance or involuntarily.
|
come out in the wash »
Of problems or difficulties, to work out, resolve, or become understood eventually and naturally.
|
conversation piece »
interesting object
|
cookie-cutter »
A solution to a problem that can be applied in many situations without modification.
|
correlation does not imply causation »
(statistics) The observed correlation between two parameters, say, the growth of a market and the growth of a neighbor's child may, in fact, have nothing to do with each other's causation.
|
cradle robber »
A person who marries or becomes romantically involved with someone who is much younger or who employs or otherwise engages a young person for a purpose inappropriate for his or her age.
|
cross that bridge when one comes to it »
To deal with a problem or situation only when it arises.
|
cry someone a river »
To try to obtain the sympathy of another person by complaining or sniveling.
|
cry the blues »
To complain, especially in order to obtain sympathy for one's own purportedly sad situation.
|
cut corners »
To do a less than thorough or complete job; to do something poorly or take short cuts.
|
daylight robbery »
An exorbitant charge for a product or service.
|
dead as a doorknob »
Entirely, unquestionably or certainly dead.
|
dead as a doornail »
Unquestionably dead. Used for both inanimate objects and once living beings.
|
dead giveaway »
Obvious, easily apparent.
|
death by spellcheck »
The problems caused by spellcheckers being incapable of correcting most homophone confusions.
|
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 »
What we need is people who get the job done, no matter how. We don't want pickers who'll only learn if we use their preferred learning method. Have you read "A Message to Garcia" ? That's what we need today - young people who can deliver the message to Garcia.
|
divide and conquer »
A combination of political, military and economic strategies that aim to gain and maintain power by breaking up larger concentrations of power into chunks that individually have less power than the one implementing the strategy.(computing) Applied to various algorithms, such as quicksort, that solve a problem by splitting it recursively into smaller problems until all of the remaining problems are trivial.(as imperative, proverb) In order to rule securely, don't allow alliances of your enemies.
|
do as I say and not as I do »
Don't imitate my behavior but obey my instructions.
|
do the trick »
To work; to be successful; to solve a problem.
|
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 give up your day job »
Implying that they could not earn a living from it without other regular employment.
|
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.
|
double-edged sword »
A benefit that is also a liability, or that carries some significant but non-obvious cost or risk.
|
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.
|
draw the short straw »
To select the shortest straw or other object while drawing straws.
|
drown out »
To cover, obscure, or hide by being louder than.
|
drug of choice »
The best-choice medication to treat a particular medical problem.
|
dry out »
To sober up; to cease to be drunk.
|
ear tunnel »
A piece of jewelry that fits into a stretched earlobe hole and makes it seem like a peephole and makes it see-through.
|
elephant in the room »
A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.
|
emperor's new clothes »
Something obvious and embarrassing that is politely ignored or that goes unacknowledged.
|
eye candy »
Any object or sight with considerable visual appeal.
|
f** knows »
I don't know; nobody knows; it is unclear.
|
factor space »
A space obtained from another by identification of points that are equivalent to one another in some equivalence relation.
|
facts on the ground »
A euphemism, similar to fait accompli, used as an oblique way of saying that discussions over the possession of a given piece of territory has been rendered moot by the presence of military forces.
|
fair game »
An goal or object that may legitimately be sought.
|
fall in line »
To submit to the rules of a higher authority; obey; conform.
|
fall on one's sword »
To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so.
|
far fetched »
improbable
|
fear »
A phobia, a sense of fear induced by something or someone.
|
feed a cold, starve a fever »
Eating more will cure the common cold, and eating less will cure a fever.1887, J. H. Whelan, "The Treatment of Colds.", The Practitioner, vol. 38, pg. 180:"Feed a cold, starve a fever." There is a deal of wisdom in the first part of this advice. A person with a catarrh should take an abundance of light nutritious food, and some light wine, but avoid spirits, and above all tobacco.1968, Katinka Loeser, The Archers at Home, publ. Atheneum, New York, pg. 60:I have a cold. 'Feed a cold, starve a fever.' You certainly know that.2009, Shelly Reuben, Tabula Rasa, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN 015101079X, pg. 60:They say feed a cold, starve a fever, but they don't tell you what to do when you got both, so I figured scrambled eggs, tea, and toast.
|
fencepost problem »
In computer programming, a problem dealing with how to treat the initial or boundary values of a discrete problem.
|
fight a losing battle »
To try to do something so difficult that it will probably end in failure.
|
fill somebody's shoes »
To do somebody's job; to perform or assume somebody's role.
|
fishtail »
The tail of a fish, or an object resembling this.
|
fly in the ointment »
Something which ruins or spoils everything else; a nuisance or problem; an unpleasant or disagreeable detail.
|
fly on the wall »
A quiet, non-participating, or unseen observer; an eavesdropper or witness.
|
for kicks »
In order to obtain pleasure or excitement; for fun.
|
free lunch »
Something obtained without any payment, obligation or effort.
|
from the Department of the Bleeding Obvious »
So obvious it was unnecessary to say.
|
fudge the issue »
Adopt a solution to a specific problem which does not address the larger, more general problem of which the specific problem is an instance.
|
game plan »
Any strategy devised to reach a given objective.
|
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 rise out of »
To obtain a reaction from someone, especially one of annoyance.
|
get one's foot in the door »
To initiate contact or a relationship; to gain access, especially to an entry-level job.
|
get one's hands on »
To get; to obtain; to secure.
|
get the bacon bad »
To be morbidly obese.
|
give notice »
To announce one's intent to leave a job; to inform an employer that one is leaving.
|
go by the board »
To be superseded, rejected, or obliterated; to pass by with little consequence; to amount to nothing.
|
go by the wayside »
To become obsolete or outmoded.
|
go in off »
To pot the cue ball accidentally after hitting the object ball.
|
go the extra mile »
To make an extra effort; to do a particularly good job.
|
go the way of the dinosaurs »
To go extinct or become obsolete; to fall out of common use or practice; to go off the firsthand market; to become a thing of the past.
|
go the way of the dodo »
To go extinct or become obsolete; to fall out of common use or practice; to go out of the firsthand market; to become a thing of the past.
|
go to work »
To go to one's job, as by commuting.
|
go without saying »
To be obvious, apparent or clear, or already established.
|
God works in mysterious ways »
Expressing confidence that a conundrum has a solution despite it not being apparent.Expressing that a seemingly unfortunate or unfavourable situation or change may be beneficial later or in the long run.Person A: It seems that I'm about to be fired from my job.Person B: Well, God works in mysterious ways - maybe it'll be the kick you need to apply to university...
|
gongoozle »
To observe things idly.
|
good job »
Well done; congratulations!.
|
grand poobah »
A person who is important or high-ranking.
|
grate »
A horizontal metal grille through which water, ash, or small objects can fall, while larger objects cannot.
|
grease monkey »
A mechanic, often with the specific connotation of an automobile mechanic.
|
greenwash »
A false or misleading picture of environmental friendliness used to conceal or obscure damaging activities.
|
grind to a halt »
Coming to a standstill, or ceasing to be productive or make progress, due to an obstacle.
|
gunboat diplomacy »
The pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of military power.
|
hair-splitting »
The act of finding exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hair-splittingly »
With exceedingly small differences which are probably neither important nor noticeable to most people.
|
hard-nosed »
Guided by practical experience and observation rather than by theory.
|
hatchet job »
A treatment which serves primarily to disparage its subject; a piece of criticism which aims to destroy a reputation.
|
haul off »
To alter course so as to get farther away from an object.
|
have eyes in the back of one's head »
To be particularly, especially uncannily, observant; a perceived ability to see in all directions at once.
|
have got »
To be obliged.
|
he who smelt it dealt it »
(colloquial, originally) A person who calls attention to or complains about a fart is likely trying to pretend it wasn't his or her own.(colloquial, by extension) Used to suggest that a person calling attention to or complaining about a given problem may in fact be the source of the problem.
|
head scratcher »
December 2007, W:Daily News Tribune - Golden Globes nominations a head-scratcher.
|
head-in-the-sand »
Exhibiting disregard or denial of a problem or threat.
|
heaven helps those who help themselves »
A maxim encouraging people to get involved in their own problems.
|
hen's teeth »
Anything very rare or impossible to obtain is said to be like finding hen’s teeth.
|
highway robbery »
Said of excessive or exorbitant prices.
|
hindsight is 20/20 »
(idiomatic) In hindsight things are obvious that were not obvious from the outset; one is able to evaluate past choices more clearly than at the time of the choice.
|
hit a snag »
To encounter an unexpected problem or delay.
|
hit the bricks »
To participate in a workplace strike or other job action; to participate in a public protest, especially one involving picketing.
|
hit the pavement »
To get moving in an automobile or other road vehicle.
|
hit the road »
To begin traveling in an automobile or other road vehicle.
|
hold up »
To rob at gunpoint.
|
hold up one's end »
To hold up one's end of the bargain; to fulfill one's promise or obligation.
|
horses for courses »
A person suited for one job may not be suited for another job, regardless of their expertise in the former job.
|
horses for courses »
The practice of choosing the best person for a particular job.
|
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.
|
hot potato »
An awkward or delicate problem with which nobody wants to be associated.
|
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.
|
if the shoe fits »
If it has all of the characteristics of a thing, it probably is that thing.
|
in a bind »
In a difficult situation, usually of one's own making; having a dilemma; faced with a problem or a set of problems for which there is no easy solution.
|
in a pig's eye »
Very unlikely; probably never.
|
in front of one's nose »
Plain; clearly apparent; obvious.
|
in the same boat »
In the same situation or predicament; having the same problems.
|
in the way »
Obstructing, blocking, or hindering.
|
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.
|
iron out »
To resolve (a dispute); to solve (a problem).
|
is the Pope Catholic »
The answer to the question is, obviously, resoundingly affirmative.
|
it is easy to find a stick to beat a dog »
(rare or obsolete, proverb) If a person is determined to punish someone, they will find a way to do so.1596
|
it's a long road that has no turning »
encouragement when things are not going well. Just as a long road eventually has a turning, problems also eventually have a solution, even though one might have to wait.
|
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 in »
To stop doing a regular activity. Often a job or studies.
|
jew down »
To bargain or haggle with a seller in order to obtain a lower price for a good or service.
|
joe job »
An act of e-mail spamming where the sender's identity and address are those of an innocent third party, intended either to tarnish that person's reputation or to flood that person's e-mail with bounces.
|
joe job »
An uninteresting, low-level, low-paying job.
|
jump at »
To accept something enthusiastically. Usually an opportunity, or chance, or job etc.
|
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 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.
|
kick in »
To kick or strike so as to cause the object struck to collapse or fall inwards.
|
kill the messenger »
To blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable a problem because he/she brought attention to it.
|
kill two birds with one stone »
To solve two problems at once.
|
kiss of death »
A kiss on the cheek that signifies the death of the receiver, as delivered by a mob boss or one with such influence.
|
knacker's yard »
A place to send a person or object that is spent beyond all reasonable use.
|
knock over »
To rob; to stage a heist.
|
knowledge is power »
With knowledge and/or education, one's potential or ability to succeed in the pursuit of his objectives will certainly increase.
|
last word »
The finest, highest, or ultimate representative of some class of objects.
|
latch onto »
To obtain, acquire or get and keep hold of something.
|
laughing stock »
An object of ridicule, someone who is publicly ridiculed; a butt of sport.
|
lay hands on »
To find, obtain or procure.
|
lean and mean »
Efficient because of having nothing in excess of what is needed, and single-minded in one's objective.
|
lemon law »
A law dealing with defective items, especially automobiles, and consumers' rights.
|
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
|
lex dubia non obligat »
(law) A doubtful law is not binding.
|
light bucket »
Nickname for a reflecting telescope, especially one with a relatively large aperture and suitable for observing deep sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.
|
like nobody's business »
In an extreme manner; rapidly; excessively; like crazy.
|
line one's pockets »
To accumulate personal wealth, especially in an illegal or morally objectionable manner.
|
look off »
To mislead by directing one's apparent attention away from one's true object of intent.
|
look on »
To watch; to observe.
|
look up »
To obtain information about something from a text source.
|
loose end »
A small job that needs to be done, or minor problem that needs to be resolved, before a task can be considered complete.
|
low-hanging fruit »
Easily obtained gains; what can be obtained by readily available means.
|
lower the boom »
To use one's superior physical strength; clobber.
|
magic bullet »
A simple remedy to a difficult or complex problem, especially a cure for a disease.
|
make a mountain out of a molehill »
To treat a problem as greater than it is; to blow something out of proportion; to exaggerate the importance of something trivial.
|
make a stink »
To complain; to demand attention or remedy for a problem.
|
make an example of »
He made an example of the drunken sailor with twenty lashes, to show that he must have a sober crew.
|
make no bones about »
To see no difficulty in, have no objection to.
|
manoeuvre the apostles »
To rob Peter to pay Paul; that is, to borrow money of one man to pay another.
|
marry in haste, repent at leisure »
Two things together too soon will lead to problems.
|
mess up »
To cause a problem with; to introduce an error or mistake in; to make muddled or confused; spoil; ruin.
|
mess up »
To make unwanted mistakes in a given task, usually through distraction or obnoxious behavior.
|
mess up »
To discombobulate, utterly confuse, or confound psychologically; to throw into a state of mental disarray.
|
mind over matter »
Willpower alone can overcome a physical problem.
|
monkey wrench »
A problem, obstacle or dilemma; something unexpected or troublesome.
|
mop up »
To fix problems; to correct or repair.
|
necker's knob »
A knob attached to the steering wheel of an automobile, especially before the widespread availability of power steering, helping the driver steer with one arm and leaving the other arm free to provide romantic attention to a companion.
|
no comment »
A refusal to say the obvious impolite retort.
|
no strings attached »
Without conditions or obligations; without a catch.
|
no sweat »
See: no problem.
|
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
|
nose test »
An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food.
|
nugget of truth »
January 2008, Chicago Tribune - Clinton's Hispanic edge over Obama.
|
object lesson »
A lesson taught using a familiar or unusual object as a focus.
|
object lesson »
A punishment intended as a deterrent to others.
|
object lesson »
An example that typifies a principle.
|
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.
|
of course »
Asserts that the associated phrase should not be argued, particularly if it is obvious or there is no choice in the matter.
|
off chance »
A condition of not being likely or probable.
|
off-color »
Considered dirty, vulgar or obscene.
|
old time used to be »
Roberta, lyrics by Leadbelly.
|
on high »
"According to those on high there is no global warming".
|
on steroids »
To a greater degree, exaggerating the characteristics of the previously named object.
|
on the brain »
Obsessively in mind.
|
on the clock »
Working at one's job; occupied in some manner during one's hours of remunerated employment.
|
on the right track »
Using the correct general approach to a particular task or problem; pursuing something in a promising way.
|
on wheels »
Mobile; able to be moved.
|
one-track mind »
That said to be possessed by someone who is obsessed with something or only able to think of one thing.
|
out of house and home »
Global Checkup: How Healthy is Earth?, Science NOW.
|
out of the way »
Not obstructing or hindering; not in the way.
|
out of the woods »
Out of peril; likely to recover or prevail over trouble; finished with the worst or most threatening part of a problem or illness.
|
out the window »
Made obsolete; altered drastically as a result of situational change.
|
out to lunch »
Away eating lunch or for a midday break; especially, away from work or a job.
|
ox is in the ditch »
This is a big problem; there is unavoidable or demanding work ahead.
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pachyderm »
A member of the obsolete taxonomic group Pachydermata, grouping of thick-skinned, hoofed animals such as the rhinoceros, hippopotamus, elephant, pig and horse.
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paint oneself into a corner »
To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
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paint with a broad brush »
To describe a class of objects or a kind of phenomenon in general terms, without specific details and without attention to individual variations.
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parking lot »
An open area, generally paved, where automobiles may be left when not in use.
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patience of Job »
An great amount of patience.
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patience of Job »
From the Bible, James Ch.5 V.11.
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peashooter »
A toy gun, consisting of a tube through which peas or small objects are blown.
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pick one's nose »
The act of picking one's nose, insertion of a finger or other object into one's nostril.
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pick up »
To collect an object, especially in passing.
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piece of ass »
A very attractive woman, when considered as a sex object.
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piece of cake »
A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple to do.
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pink slip »
An automobile roadworthiness inspection certificate.
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play down »
To make or attempt to make something seem less important, likely, or obvious.
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play to the gallery »
To appeal to the least sophisticated parts of an audience in order to obtain maximum approval.
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play up »
To make or attempt to make something appear more important, likely or obvious; to showcase or highlight.
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problem child »
A child who is particularly difficult to raise or educate, especially due to a lack of self-control and disruptive and antisocial behavior.
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problem child »
Someone or something persistently difficult or vexing; a frequent source of trouble or annoyance.
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pulcher »
Noble, honorable, excellent.
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pull one's own weight »
To do the work that one is obligated to.
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pull one's weight »
To do the work that one is obligated to.
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pull together »
To unite for a common objective.
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put one's money where one's mouth is »
More generally, to take an obvious stake in the truth of a claim that one is making.
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quantum mechanics »
The branch of physics which studies matter and energy at the level of atoms and other elementary particles, and substitutes probabilistic mechanisms for classical Newtonian ones.
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quicumque vult »
A forward girl, ready to oblige every man that shall ask her.
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rabble rouser »
Someone or something that tends to inspire mobs; something controversial or provocative.
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raise a stink »
To complain; to demand attention or remedy for a problem.
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real job »
A hobby that takes all of a person's free time.
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real job »
A job that can't be replaced advantageously by a machine or a procedure.
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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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rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic »
To do something pointless or insignificant that will soon be overtaken by events, or that contributes nothing to the solution of a current problem.
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ride out »
To tackle a difficult problem and survive.
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rim job »
Anilingus; act where one person licks the other's anus.
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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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roadwarrior »
A person who carries a mobile device such as a laptop or PDA and uses wireless internet connections to work.
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rob Peter to pay Paul »
To solve a problem in a way that makes another problem worse.
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rob the cradle »
To marry or become romantically involved with a much younger person.
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rob the cradle »
To use a young person for a purpose inappropriate to his or her age.
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robber baron »
Especially in the 19th-century and early 20th-century, a business tycoon who had great wealth and influence but whose methods were morally questionable.
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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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round off »
To change the shape of an object to make it more circular.
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run for »
To try to obtain political position through the democratic voting process.
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run something by »
To bring an idea or proposal to the attention of someone in order to obtain their opinion.
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run something past »
To bring an idea or proposal to the attention of someone in order to obtain their opinion.
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run up against »
Begin to encounter problems with someone or something.
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screen out »
To use a screen, grate, sieve or similar means to separate large from small objects or particles.
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seagull manager »
A manager who comes into the workplace or office only on occasion, especially when a problem arises or to criticize or critique employees.
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set back »
To delay or obstruct.
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she'll be right »
OK, no problem, everything will be all right.
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shoot oneself in the foot »
To deliberately sabotage an activity in order to avoid obligation, though it causes personal suffering. Origins in first world war trench warfare.
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shoot the messenger »
To blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable a problem because he/she brought attention to it.
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sight unseen »
Not having seen the object beforehand.
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sitting duck »
An obvious or unconcealed target.
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slob »
A lazy and slovenly person.
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slob »
A term used to insult a lazy, obese person.
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smell test »
An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food.
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smoke like a chimney »
To smoke tobacco frequently.
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snow job »
An attempt to persuade a person using flattery or deception.
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sob story »
A sad story told to make others feel sympathy for the teller.
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sober up »
To become sober.
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sort oneself out »
To organize or solve one's personal problems.
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sort out »
To fix, as a problem.
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spanner »
A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome.
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spare the rod and spoil the child »
If one does not discipline a child, he or she will never learn obedience and good manners.
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spectator sport »
An activity which consists of watching or observing.
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spectator sport »
Something, especially a process or activity, which is a popular object of observation; an activity which a person prefers to watch rather than to participate in.
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squaring the circle »
The historical problem of how to construct, using compass and ruler, a square having the same area as a given circle.
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stand out »
To be obvious or conspicuous, in contrast to one's surroundings.
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stare someone in the face »
To be extremely visible and obvious.
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stave off »
To prevent something from happening; to obviate or avert.
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step in front of a moving train »
To sacrifice one's own life for a noble and loyal cause.
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stick it to the man »
To take some action intended to defy a source of oppression such as globalization, commercialization, big business or government.
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stick out »
To be prominent, noticeable, or obtrusive.
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stick up »
To rob at gunpoint.
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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 the truth »
To exaggerate, often to the point where the truth is obscured or lost.
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strike through »
Partly obliterate text by drawing a continuous line through the centre thereof, usually to indicate the deletion of an error or obsolete information.
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strip away »
To ignore a factor which obscures the reality.
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stuck up »
Snobbish, conceited; believing oneself to be better than others; haughty.
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stumbing-block »
A hindrance, obstacle or impediment.
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stumbling block »
A hindrance, obstacle or impediment.
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suck up »
To adulate or flatter somebody excessively, generally to obtain some personal benefit or favour.
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take a look »
To examine or observe.
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take exception »
To take offense; to object or protest.
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take the biscuit »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
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take the cake »
To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.
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take upon »
To take charge of an item of business, or an obligation, as a personal initiative.
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tall order »
A big job; a difficult challenge.
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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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test the waters »
To explore or probe, as before making a commitment.
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that's the way life is »
That is the way things happenCertain things cannot be changed, helped or improved; struggle and objection are pointless.1935, Louis Bromfield, The Man Who Had Everything [1], page 279:That's the way life is, and there's no use trying to go against it.1979, Jay Edward Abrams, A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption [2], ISBN 0310511011, page 45:There are no standards, no values; that's the way life is. Learn to accept it and slide with it. Stop fighting it.2002, B. Eugene Ellison, Rings of the Templars, ISBN 059524050X, page 337:Shit happens; that's the way life is. In fact, I want you to take an additional thousand for your efforts.
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the course of true love never did run smooth »
There will always be problems in a relationship.
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the end all-be all »
Something ultimate; the best part of something; the thing which solves all problems associated with something.
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the finger »
An obscene gesture, typically consisting of extending the middle finger at somebody.
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the man »
The best man for a job.
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the more things change, the more they stay the same »
A proverb making the observation that turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to cement the status quo.
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the name of the game »
The overall purpose; the principal goal, or objective.
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the world is one's lobster »
(UK, humorous) intentional misrendering of the proverb "the world is one's oyster"
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the world over »
All over the world; globally; throughout the world.
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there's more than one way to skin a cat »
A problem generally has more than one solution.
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there's no accounting for taste »
When it comes to subjective matters of taste, people have wildly different opinions.Disagreements about matters of taste can't be objectively resolved.
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think one's shit doesn't stink »
To be arrogant or snobbish; to feel superior to others.
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thrash out »
To discuss something so fully as to resolve a problem or conflict; to hammer out.
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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 a spanner in the works »
To be a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.
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throw a wobbly »
To burst out into a verbal uproar.
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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 one's weight around »
To exercise influence or authority especially to an excessive degree or in an objectionable manner.
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thumb one's nose »
To act disrespectfully, especially by flouting the object of disrespect.
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tick over »
To run smoothly and without problems.
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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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timing is everything »
Consideration of other events can greatly influence some desired outcome (such as an audience laughing to a comedian's joke).Telling the old joke about a butt-crack was not a good idea, just as the plumber arrived, Bob.You know what they say: "timing is everything." I'm sure we can find another plumber before the house floods.
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tip of the iceberg »
Only the beginning; just a small indication of a larger possibility; a problem is much bigger than it seems.
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tip-off »
An obvious clue or indication.
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today we are all »
August 12, 2008:, Robert Barnes, "McCain to Georgian President: "Today, We Are All Georgians"", Washington Post.
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tone down »
To relax; to make quieter or less obtrusive; to make milder.
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tough nut to crack »
A difficult or sticky problem.
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trick out »
To trick out; to mod or customize an object, typically for the purpose of both personalization as well as enhancing the object's performance capabilities and more particularly for the purpose of performing stunts with that object.
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two bob »
A small amount of value.
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two bob »
Two shillings.
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two heads are better than one »
Some problems may be solved more easily by two (or more) people working together than by one working alone.
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under one's nose »
Obvious or apparent.
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up for grabs »
Available for anyone to obtain, claim or win.
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weak sister »
A person or thing which is the least robust or least dependable member of a group.
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wear rose-colored glasses »
To see the positive in things while being oblivious to the negative.
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what's the matter »
What's wrong? What's the problem?.
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whatever it takes »
Anything that may be required to achieve an objective.
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when you're up to your neck in alligators, it's easy to forget that the initial objective was to drain the swamp »
Only because it seems so urgent.
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when, as, and if »
Used to indicate the timing and contingency of some obligation in contracts, especially financial.
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where there's muck there's brass »
(UK, Irish) There is money to be made in unpleasant dirty jobs.
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where there's smoke, there's fire »
If there is telltale evidence of some event, the event is probably occurring.
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whistle-blower »
One who reports a problem or violation to the authorities; especially, an employee or former employee who reports a violation by an employer.
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wind up one's bottoms »
To finish a job.
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window dressing »
These latest modifications are mere window dressing, the same problems remain.
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winter rat »
An old, unattractive automobile, purchased for little money, to be driven during brutal Great Lakes winters while the owner's "good" car remains garaged and protected from corrosive road salt for the season.
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wolf in sheep's clothing »
Something harmful or problematic disguised as something peaceful or pleasant.
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worm's-eye view »
A view of an object from below, from the ground.
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worth the risk »
The benefit of the success is more valuable than the problems caused by the potential loss.
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write one's own ticket »
To be empowered to choose whatever job, financial arrangement, or course of action one desires.
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written all over someone's face »
Very obvious, from someone's facial expression.
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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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yellow press »
Newspapers which publish sensationalist articles rather than well researched and sober journalism.
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yes-man »
A person of unquestioning obedience.
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zoom in »
To focus a zoom lens in order to obtain a larger image, or a closer view.
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zoom out »
To focus a zoom lens in order to obtain a smaller image, or a more distant view.
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