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!
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a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down »
An otherwise unpleasant situation can be pleasant when a pleasant aspect is deliberately introduced.1999, Eli Yassif, The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning, Indiana University Press, ISBN 0253335833, page 372,One is known as the "sweetening parable," that is to say a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Thus, when the aim is to preach to the people, to guide them along the "bitter," arduous path of upholding burdensome precepts and prohibitions, a tale can lighten the load, make the "medicine" easier "to swallow."2001, Maureen Reagan, First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir, Little, Brown, ISBN 0316736368, page 319,It put some fun into the tedious business of preparing for a presidential debate. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?2004, John Hoover, How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive... Without Killing Your Boss, Career Press, ISBN 1564147045, page 11,If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, a barrel of laughs can wash down the big pills you might need to swallow.
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a watched pot never boils »
A process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.
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ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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across the pond »
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
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agree to disagree »
To tolerate each other's opinion and stop arguing; to acknowledge that an agreement will not be reached.
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all that jazz »
Everything else related to something; other similar things.
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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.
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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.
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another nail in one's coffin »
One in a series of factors which lead, or purport to lead, to downfall.
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Après-ski »
A place "after skiing". Typically a bar or pub where people go after a day on the slopes to ease off and meet other people.
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as you sow, so shall you reap »
The personal consequences of one's actions are in proportion to the good or bad intentions towards others.
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at cross purposes »
Against one another; contrary in direction or goals.
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at cross-purposes »
Mutually misunderstanding each other's plans, intentions or meanings.
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back burner »
A section of a stove used to keep some pots warm while one focuses on others.
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back-cloth star »
An actor who stands upstage, forcing the other actors to face him and turn their backs to the audience, in order to gain more attention to himself.
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bad apple »
A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy, especially one who has an adverse influence on others.
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bad penny »
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
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balance out »
To counteract one another so as to be balanced.
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bat for the other team »
To be homosexual.
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be in a spot of bother »
To have a slight problem, to be in a predicament.
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be mother »
To pour out tea for others.
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be the way to go »
Represent the best of all possible options or courses of action; pre-eminate over all other choices or alternatives.
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beam up »
To teleport another person or object in the same manner.
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bear down »
To approach another vessel from windward.
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beat up »
To cause by some other means, injuries comparable to the result of being beaten up.
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behind the counter »
Of drugs, dispensed by a pharmacist without needing a doctor's prescription or other form of compliance.
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believe in »
To ascribe some powers or other attributes to.
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betwixt and between »
Neither one thing nor the other.
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bird in the bosom »
A secret pledge that one makes for another.
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birds of a feather flock together »
People of similar character, background, or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another.
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bite me »
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
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blanket term »
A word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things. The degree of relation may vary. Blanket terms often trade specificity for ease-of-use; in other words, a blanket term by itself gives little detail about the things that it describes or the relationships between them, but is easy to say and remember. Blanket terms often originate as slang, and eventually become integrated into the general vocabulary.
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booze can »
A nightclub or bar, especially one which operates illegally or is otherwise disreputable.
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boss about »
To act in a bossy manner with another person, ordering them to do things, whether or not one is actually their superior.
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boss around »
To act in a bossy manner with another person, ordering them to do things, whether or not one is actually their superior.
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break down »
To become unstable, mentally or otherwise.
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breakfast of champions »
An ironic appellation for beer, junk food, or other foods implied to be unhealthy.
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brickbat »
A criticism or uncomplimentary remark hurled at artwork or other recipient.
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bridge »
A song contained within another song, often demarcated by meter, key, or melody.
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brown bread »
Bread with a brown colour as distinct from white bread, wholemeal, granary or other specific types of bread.
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bung up »
To close an opening with a cork, cork like object or other improvised obstruction.
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business end »
The part of a tool or other similar item, that is physically used for its operation, rather than the part which is held.
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but then »
Then again, on the other hand; used to show that the opposite viewpoint is possible.
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but who's counting »
Used as a retort or comeback, often to deprecate oneself or another for excessive concern or attention to.
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by hook or by crook »
By any means possible; one way or another.
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by oneself »
Alone; without assistance, accompaniment, or help from others.
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by the way »
His mother will be coming for dinner tomorrow, and, by the way, she volunteered to bring dessert.
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call it even »
To declare debts resolved or favors or other exchange equitable.
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call someone's bluff »
To take action on the basis that another person is bluffing.
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cast the first stone »
To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing that one is blameless.
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cat and mouse game »
Two individuals and/or groups repeatedly keeping check on each other in a suspicious or self-protective way, often with the goal of one or both parties trying to gain a malicious advantage over the other.
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cat that ate the canary »
A person whose appearance and behavior suggest guilt mixed with other qualities, such as satisfaction or feigned nonchalance.
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chain reaction »
A nuclear reaction in which particles produced by the fission of one atom trigger fissions of other atoms.
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cherry picking »
Selecting only the best from a group or other range of choices.
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chrome horn »
The front bumper of a car when used to bump another vehicle, usually to inform the driver of the other vehicle, that the first car would like to pass.
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chump change »
An amount of remuneration, reward, or other monetary recompense considered to be insultingly small.
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circular firing squad »
A political party or other group experiencing considerable disarray because the members are engaging in internal disputes and mutual recrimination.
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clean code »
Software code that is formatted correctly and in an organized manner so that another coder can easily read or modify it.
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clean someone's clock »
To defeat decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.
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close up »
To heal a cut or other wound.
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come about »
To tack; to change tack; to maneuver the bow of a sailing vessel across the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the vessel to the other; to position a boat with respect to the wind after tacking.
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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.
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concrete jungle »
An urban or other populated area containing a high density of buildings constructed of concrete or similar materials, especially one which lacks greenery and which seems unattractive, harsh, or unsafe.
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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.
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crab mentality »
A way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot.
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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.
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crocodile tear »
A tear shed insincerely, in a false display of sorrow or some other emotion.
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cross the aisle »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
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cross the aisle »
To vote, unite, or otherwise co-operate with members of another political party in order to achieve governmental or political action.
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cross the floor »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
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crown jewels »
A part of a company sought by another in a hostile takeover.
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cruising for a bruising »
Following a course of action likely to result in injury or other trouble for oneself.
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cry someone a river »
To try to obtain the sympathy of another person by complaining or sniveling.
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cry someone a river »
To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.
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cry wolf »
To raise a false alarm; to constantly warn others about an imagined threat, thereby failing to get assistance when a real threat appears.
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cut a wide swath »
To clear a broad track through a grassland, woodland, geographical region, or other area, either by natural means or by human action.
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cut up »
To aggressively move in front of another vehicle.
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dead ringer »
Someone or something that very closely resembles another; someone or something easily mistaken for another.
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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.
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desperate times call for desperate measures »
In adverse circumstances actions that might have been rejected under other circumstances may become the best choice.
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diamond in the rough »
A person whose goodness or other positive qualities are hidden by a harsh or unremarkable surface appearance.
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diplomatic flu »
An illness feigned by one or more government officials or other public figures as an excuse for an absence really based on political reasons.
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dirty laundry »
A clothes hamper or other container used to place unclean or soiled laundry.
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dirty laundry »
Unflattering facts or questionable activities that one wants to remain secret, but which some other may use to blackmail with.
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does Macy's tell Gimbel's »
(US, dated, colloquial, rhetorical question) A rhetorical question with the implied answer being that competitors do not share business secrets with one another.
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don't give up your day job »
Implying that they could not earn a living from it without other regular employment.
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double entendre »
A phrase that has two meanings, especially where one is innocent and literal, the other risqué, bawdy, or ironic; an innuendo..
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double-tongued »
Saying one thing to one person and something different to another; double talking; deceitful in speech.
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draw the short straw »
To select the shortest straw or other object while drawing straws.
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drill down »
To examine information at another level or in greater detail; especially in a database, to navigate to a more detailed level or record.
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drive-by media »
Media professionals who "spray" a bunch of repetitive misstatements, mistaken and misinterpreted news reports to cause excitement and confusion. They then figuratively "drive off" leaving the cleanup of their mess and hysteria to others, to correct and properly explain and interpret.
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drop a dime »
To make a phone call, usually means calling the police to report another's activities.
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drop back »
Of a quarterback or other player in the backfield, to take a number of steps back from the line of scrimmage immediately after the snap or hike of the ball, to avoid defenders.
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dry out »
To have excess water evaporate or be otherwise removed.
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earn one's keep »
To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.
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ears are burning »
Being the topic of discussion in another place; or sensing that this is happening.
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engine room »
The source of power in a team or other group.
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even keel »
Of a business or other activity which is under control and running smoothly.
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everybody and their brother »
A large number of people; most people.
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everyone and their brother »
A large number of people; most people.
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f** someone over »
To exploit somebody in a way which result in an advantage to oneself, at the cost of the other party gaining a considerable disadvantage.
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face off »
The starting point, in a match of ice hockey. Two players face each other, for snatching the puck.
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factor space »
A space obtained from another by identification of points that are equivalent to one another in some equivalence relation.
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fall on one's sword »
To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so.
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familiarity breeds contempt »
The more acquainted one becomes with a person, the more one knows about his or her shortcomings and, hence, the easier it is to dislike that person.1894, H. Rider Haggard, The People Of The Mist, ch. 25:This was the beginning of evil, for if no man is a hero to his valet de chambre, much less can he remain a god for long in the eyes of a curious woman. Here, as in other matters, familiarity breeds contempt.
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farm out »
To subcontract some task to another; to outsource.
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fat lip »
A swelling on the lip, especially one resulting from a punch or other blow.
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feed into »
To be a tributary of another river or waterway.
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final cut »
A group, after a selection process getting rid of other candidates.
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fire drill »
An organised practice to prepare occupants of an office, school or other public building for evacuation in the event of a fire.
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first among equals »
A person or position that if formally equivalent to others in a group, but is superior in some attribute.
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first among equals »
In the British and other parliamentary systems, a term used to describe the relationship of the prime minister to the other members of the cabinet.
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fish or cut bait »
To choose between taking action now, or forgoing the opportunity and putting that energy into another endeavor; to decide.
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forbidden fruit »
Illicit pleasure; something that one should not take or get involved with, such as an another person's spouse.
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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."
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free ride »
An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.
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fresh out of »
Of someone who has recently left one stage of life to begin another.
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from pillar to post »
To another; hither and thither, to and fro.
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full English »
A cooked breakfast consisting of bacon and eggs, and other foods.
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full of oneself »
Egotistical, believing oneself to be superior to others; preoccupied with one's own work, interests, point of view, etc.
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gallows humor »
Comedy that makes light of death or other very serious matters.
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gapers' block »
A traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction.
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get a jump on »
To start early, especially to start before something begins or before others begin.
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get high »
To intoxicate oneself with drugs or other substances.
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get on somebody's nerves »
To annoy or irritate; to bother.
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get somebody's goat »
To annoy, infuriate, bother, or incense.
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give as good as one gets »
To behave toward others in a manner resembling or commensurate with their behavior towards oneself, especially in a situation where one is insulted or otherwise ill-treated.
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give away the store »
To transact, trade, or negotiate badly, by paying, providing, or conceding too much to the other party.
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give head »
To perform oral sex on another person.
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give over »
To entrust something to another.
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go in one ear and out the other »
Failed to pay attention.
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go with the flow »
To act as others are acting, conforming to common behavior patterns with an attitude of calm acceptance.
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golden rule »
The principle that one should treat other people in the manner in which one would want to be treated by them.
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good fences make good neighbors »
It is better to mind one's own business than get involved with other people's affairs.
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good old boy »
A male friend or chum, especially a schoolmate; a man with an established network of friends who assist one another in social and business situations; a decent, dependable fellow.
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grass widow »
A mother out of wedlock.
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grease payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
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greasy spoon »
An inexpensive diner or other informal restaurant, especially one specializing in frying or grilling.
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green with envy »
Consumed by envy; envious to the point where it is noticeable to others.
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grey area »
A topic that is not clearly one thing or the other.
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harsh one's mellow »
Disturbing someone otherwise in a state of calm.
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harsh one's mellow »
To annoy or irritate; to bother.
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hatchet man »
Someone who carries out brutal and unpleasant duties on behalf of another, such as firing dead wood employees.
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have a heart »
To be kind or sympathetic; to treat others kindly.
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have one's back to the wall »
To have no other options remaining.
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have one's head in the clouds »
To daydream; to think about matters other than the present reality.
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have other fish to fry »
C. 1710, Jonathan Swift, The Journal to Stella, ch. 2, Letter 15.
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have other fish to fry »
To have more important things to do.
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head and shoulders »
"He was head and shoulders above the others in the law firm.".
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here and there »
In one place and another.
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hide one's light under a bushel »
For a person to keep some talent or skill hidden from other people. The tone is that a person having a talent which they can be proud of ought not hide it.
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hind tit »
An inferior source of food or other resources.
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hit someone for six »
To hit another person very hard.
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hit the bricks »
To participate in a workplace strike or other job action; to participate in a public protest, especially one involving picketing.
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hit the pavement »
To get moving in an automobile or other road vehicle.
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hit the road »
To begin traveling in an automobile or other road vehicle.
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hit the rock »
To make a gesture to show celebration, friendship, or to be part of a secret handshake by one person raising their fist so the fist is pointing at the person and the other person lightly punches the fist.
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hoist by one's own petard »
To be hurt, or destroyed by one's own plot or device, of one's own doing which one intended for another; to be "blown up by one's own bomb".
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hold a candle »
To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another.
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hold the fort »
To assume responsibility, especially in another’s absence..
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horses for courses »
A person suited for one job may not be suited for another job, regardless of their expertise in the former job.
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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.
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house of cards »
A structure made by laying cards perpendicularly on top of each other.
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idiot mittens »
Mittens connected by yarn or string running through one sleeve, along the back and out the other sleeve of a coat, to prevent the mittens becoming lost. Generally worn by small children.
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if it's all the same »
If it makes no difference; if nobody minds; if it doesn't bother anyone.
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if pigs had wings they would fly »
(colloquial) Expresses speakers skepticism toward a hypothetical argument by another.
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if you want a thing done well, do it yourself »
It is better to do something oneself, than rely on others to do it well.
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in a pinch »
In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.
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in one's stockinged feet »
Wearing socks, stockings or other hosiery on one's feet but no shoes.
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in other words »
Stated or interpreted another way; introduces an explanation.
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in the fast lane »
In a lifestyle, employment position, or other set of circumstances where the rapid pace is exciting, frantic, or risky.
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in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king »
Among others with a disadvantage or disability, the one with the mildest disadvantage or disability is regarded as the greatest.Even someone without much talent or ability is considered special by those with no talent or ability at all.
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inside job »
A crime or other illicit action committed by or with the help of someone either employed by the victim or entrusted with access to the victim's affairs and premises.
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jet setting »
The actions of the jet set; travelling from one fashionable location to another by jet.
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jet-setting »
The actions of the jet set; travelling from one fashionable location to another by jet.
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jump »
To employ a move in certain board games where one game piece is moved from one legal position to another passing over the position of another piece.
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jump rope »
The activity, game or exercise in which a person must jump, bounce or skip repeatedly while a length of rope is swung over and under, both ends held in the hands of the jumper, or alternately, held by two other participants. Often used for athletic training and among schoolchildren. Variations involve speed, chants, varied rope and jumper movement patterns, multiple jumpers and/or multiple ropes.
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jump rope »
The length of rope, sometimes with handles, casing or other additions, used in that activity.
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jump the queue »
To move into a queue ahead of others who have been waiting longer or that have a higher priority; push in.
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just another pretty face »
Someone who is attractive, but not too distinguished.
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kangaroo court »
A judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding, or a group which conducts such proceedings, which is without proper authority, abusive, or otherwise unjust.
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keep oneself to oneself »
To be introverted; to stay away from others.
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kettle of fish »
A situation which is recognized as different from or as an alternative to some other situation, and which is not necessarily unfavorable.
|
kick off »
To force the weaning of a bovine cow's calf by restricting the calf's access to its mother's udders. Used figuratively or literally.
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kick off the team »
In sports, to dismiss an athlete from a team, usually for misconduct, poor academic performance or other offenses.
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kick with the other foot »
To belong to a different religion.
|
kiss up »
To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.
|
lapsed academic »
A person formerly employed as a professor or researcher in a university or other institution of higher education, especially one who no longer attempts to remain current in his or her former academic field.
|
lay a finger on »
If you lay a finger on my little brother, I'll have your guts for garters.
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lay off »
To place all or part of a bet with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.
|
life of the party »
A person who participates in entertainment events in a very enthusiastic manner and who has a leading role in inspiring others to join in the spirit of festivity.
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link whore »
Someone who goes to great lengths to get other people to link to his/her website or blog.
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live one »
Someone who is eccentric, nonconformist, or otherwise peculiar.
|
look the other way »
To ignore something wrong. Similar to connive.
|
lose face »
To lose the respect of others, to be humiliated or experience public disgrace.
|
low road »
A course of action which is undignified, wrongful, or otherwise unseemly.
|
lubrication payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
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make a fool of oneself »
To appear foolish to others.
|
make an example of »
To punish someone so as to be a warning to others.
|
make an exhibition of oneself »
To embarrass oneself or others in public.
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make someone's skin crawl »
To disturb or bother; to frighten or disgust.
|
make someone's teeth itch »
To bother or unsettle a person; to put someone on edge.
|
mama's boy »
A male person, especially a young man or boy, who is overly attached to or influenced by his mother; a sissy.
|
managerial inbreeding »
Bad management, caused by managers making poor selection choices in recruitment, rewards, and promotions of the staff that report to them, leading to another generation of managers who lack the necessary skill sets to reward and promote the most effective staff.
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manoeuvre the apostles »
To rob Peter to pay Paul; that is, to borrow money of one man to pay another.
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match made in heaven »
A marriage that is likely to be happy and successful because the two people are very compatible with each other.
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match made in hell »
A marriage that is likely to be unhappy or abusive and unsuccessful because the two people are very incompatible with each other.
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measure twice and cut once »
(literally, carpentry) One should double-check one's measurements for accuracy before cutting a piece of wood; otherwise it may be necessary to cut again, wasting time and material.1872, "Dressmaking," Hall's Journal of Health, vol. 19, no. 12, p. 280:Look at Carpenters! . . . In old times it was a proverb "Measure twice, and cut once."(figuratively, by extension) Plan and prepare in a careful, thorough manner before taking action.2008, Hilary Johnson, "Mergers rattle bank relations," Financial Week, 9 Nov. (retrieved 9 Nov. 2008):Mr. Paz noted that since the onset of the credit crisis, eBay, like other companies, hasn
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mend fences »
To repair damage to a friendship or relationship after a disagreement or other mishap.
|
might makes right »
The stronger and more powerful rule others, control the situation or determine right and wrong.
|
mind one's own business »
To concern oneself only with what is of interest to oneself and not interfere in the affairs of others.
|
mocking is catching »
An admonishment to be careful of criticising others, lest the same happen to you.Mocking is Catching was the title of a 1726 song by Henry Carey.
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moral high ground »
A position or point of view which is ethically superior or more reputable, in comparison to others which are under consideration.
|
mother hen »
A female chicken who bears eggs or chicks.
|
mother hen »
An outspoken and overprotective woman dealing with others' affairs.
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mouth breather »
A person who is boorish, stupid, or otherwise unattractive.
|
move on »
To leave somewhere for another place.
|
muck out »
To clean the excrement and other rubbish from the area where an animal is kept, such as a horse stable or a dog kennel.
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mutual admiration society »
A group of two or more people, in a workplace or other social environment, who routinely express considerable esteem and support for one another, sometimes to the point of exaggeration or pretense.
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necessity is the mother of innovation »
Alternative form of necessity is the mother of invention.
|
necessity is the mother of invention »
A person who is in great need of something will find a way to get it.
|
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.
|
nip and tuck »
So evenly matched that the advantage shifts from one to the other, and the outcome is uncertain.
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no man is an island »
All people are connected to other people and dependent on other people.1623, John Donne,
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no two ways about it »
No other possible action, choice or option.
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not a pretty sight »
Something disappointing, disquieting, disreputable, or otherwise unworthy of admiration.
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nut-cutting time »
Time to gather nuts before they are taken by other animals or buried in snow.
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object lesson »
A punishment intended as a deterrent to others.
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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.
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odd one out »
A visual puzzle where the guesser has to choose which word/picture/symbol etc. does not fit with the others.
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of all people »
Especially; more than other people.
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off one's game »
C. 1910, Ralph Henry Barbour, "The Dub" in The New Boy at Hilltop and Other Stories.
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old school »
Characteristic of a style, outlook, or method employed in a former era, remembered either as inferior to the current style, or alternately, remembered nostalgically as superior or preferable to the new style, the older denoting something that would be considered out of date or out of fashion to some, but as such, is considered by others as cool and hip.
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on its merits »
Considering only intrinsic good points and bad points, without prejudice or other considerations, such as procedural ones.
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on one's high horse »
Self-righteous; proceeding on the belief one is more correct or proper than others.
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on one's own »
Alone; by oneself; without the companionship or assistance of others.
|
on one's soapbox »
Stating or professing one's opinion; attempting to persuade others of something.
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on the bubble »
Having qualification for an event depend on the upcoming performances of other competitors.
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on the clock »
In the official time expired in a game or other sporting event.
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on the clock »
In the official time remaining in a game or other sporting event.
|
on the fly »
Spontaneously or extemporaneously; done as one goes, or during another activity.
|
on the make »
Actively seeking an opportunity for self-advancement; eager to ingratiate oneself to others in order to secure some advantage.
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on the other hand »
From another point of view.
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on the wagon »
By extension, maintaining a program of self-improvement or abstinence from some other undesirable habit.
|
once you go black, you never go back »
An expression assuming that once a person of another race gets in a sexual relationship with a black person they won't return to their own race.
|
one another »
Used of a reciprocal relationship among a group of more than two people or things; compare each other.
|
one another »
each other
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one good turn deserves another »
One act of kindness should be paid back by another act of kindness.
|
opposite number »
A person who holds a position in an organization that corresponds to that held by another person in an other organization; a counterpart.
|
or else »
Otherwise or as an alternative.
|
other days, other ways »
People of the past thought and acted differently.
|
other half »
A spouse.
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out of one's league »
In a situation in which one is mismatched with one or more others, whose accomplishments, preparedness, or other characteristics are on a significantly higher or lower level than one's own.
|
out of proportion »
Not in a proper or pleasing relation to other things, especially in terms of size.
|
out on one's ear »
Fired, dismissed or thrown out, especially for some wrongdoing or otherwise with disgrace.
|
outshout »
To shout louder or for longer than another.
|
pachyderm »
What others say about him or her.
|
pain in the ass »
Something that causes discomfort or is otherwise troublesome.
|
palace politics »
The relationships and interactions of top-level officials, advisors and other powerbrokers within a government, especially as involving internal rivalry and intrigue.
|
pass the buck »
To transfer responsibility or blame from oneself onto another; to absolve oneself of concern for a given matter by claiming to lack authority or jurisdiction.
|
pay through the nose »
To pay a high price, especially an exorbitant or excessive amount, either in money or in some other manner.
|
penny for your thoughts »
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
|
people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones »
Do not criticize others if you have weaknesses yourself.
|
perfect storm »
A powerful hurricane or other major weather disturbance, especially as produced by a combination of meteorological conditions.
|
pick on »
To bully or make fun of a victim; to bother or harass.
|
pick one's nose »
The act of picking one's nose, insertion of a finger or other object into one's nostril.
|
piece of cake »
A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple to do.
|
pinch-hit »
To bat in place of another player.
|
pinch-hit »
To do something in the place of another person who is not able to perform or is less skilled; to substitute or stand in for somebody.
|
play fast and loose »
To be recklessly inaccurate, inappropriate, or otherwise ignoring guidelines and conventions.
|
play hooky »
To miss school, work, or other duties without permission or an excuse.
|
play one against another »
To manipulate two persons into competing against one another in a way that benefits the person carrying out the manipulation.
|
poison pen »
A usually intentionally rude, spiteful, and/or condescending piece of writing directed at a person, group, lifestyle, way of thought, or other target.
|
potter »
One who makes pots and other ceramic wares.
|
potter »
One who places flowers or other plants inside their pots.
|
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 the other leg »
In imperative/precative form, used to imply that the speaker does not accept or believe what another has just said.
|
pull the other one, it's got bells on »
The implication is that one leg has been pulled, and the joker will have more fun with the other one due to the bells.
|
pull the other one, it's got bells on »
Monty Python's Holy Grail.
|
put one foot in front of the other »
To move forward, progress steadily.
|
put one foot in front of the other »
To walk, decomposed to stress the fundamentality of the task.
|
put oneself across »
To explain one's ideas and opinions clearly so that another person can understand them and get a picture of your personality.
|
put oneself in someone's shoes »
To try to look at a situation from a different point of view; as if one were the other person. To empathise.
|
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.
|
rain check »
In social interactions, a polite way to turn down an invitation, with the implication one is simply postponing it and that another time would be acceptable.
|
read out »
To read something and say the words to inform other people.
|
red face test »
A hypothetical test of a person's embarrassment, that is either passed or failed. Saying one passes the red face test means one would not blush and thus would not be embarrassed by disclosing something to others or doing something, and saying one fails the red face test means a situation would cause them discernible embarrassment.
|
rim job »
Anilingus; act where one person licks the other's anus.
|
ring back »
To make another phone call to the same person.
|
road to Damascus »
That was my Road to Damascus moment. They played one hit after another and this is the song I remember most clearly.
|
rob Peter to pay Paul »
To solve a problem in a way that makes another problem worse.
|
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.
|
round down »
To the greatest integer that is not greater than it, or to some other lower value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
round of applause »
An outburst of clapping among a group or audience. Often asked for by the Master of Ceremonies at a concert or other performance.
|
round up »
To the smallest integer that is not less than it, or to some other greater value, especially a whole number of hundreds, thousands, etc.
|
rub it in »
To add insult to injury; to emphasize one's strengths or another's weaknesses in a manner that degrades another.
|
rub somebody the wrong way »
To bother, disturb, irritate, or annoy.
|
rub up against »
To touch another person with one's body in a sexually stimulating manner.
|
rumor campaign »
A method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are deliberately spread concerning a person or other target, while the source of the rumors tries to avoid detection.
|
rumor mill »
A group or network of persons who originate or promulgate gossip and other unsubstantiated claims.
|
run around after »
To spend a lot of time doing things for another person or group of people. Often used when that person could reasonably do the things for themselves.
|
run away »
To leave home, or other place of residence, usually unannounced, or to make good on a threat, with such action usually performed by a child or juvenile.
|
run away with »
To leave secretly with another person. Usually with the intention of getting married or of living together against the wishes of the family.
|
run down »
To hit someone with a car or other vehicle and injure or kill them.
|
run down »
To lose power slowly. Used for a machine, battery, or other powered device.
|
run down »
To read quickly a list or other short text.
|
run off with »
To leave with someone with the intention of living with them or marrying them. Usually in secret because other people think it is wrong.
|
sabre-rattling »
Any threat, such as one company threatening another with a lawsuit.
|
second childhood »
A childlike state in any adult, resulting from mental illness, trauma, or other conditions.
|
sell out »
To abandon one's supporters or principles to seek profit or other personal advantage.
|
send away for »
To write to a business or other organisation, requesting a thing.
|
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.
|
settle upon »
To decide something over other options.
|
sexual tension »
Physically induced libidinal unrest arising between two individuals when aware of each other's presence.
|
sharp tongue »
The practice or characteristic of speaking to others in a harsh, critical, or insulting manner.
|
shift gears »
To change the gear by which motion is transmitted from a powered shaft to another shaft, especially in a motor vehicle.
|
shit one's pants »
To involuntarily defecate into one's pants or other clothing.
|
shoot 'em up »
A short story, novel, television show, film, computer game, or other narrative which depicts considerable gunplay.
|
shoot the moon »
To hit the moon, with a rocket or by other means.
|
shoulder to cry on »
Someone offering emotional support to another in distress.
|
show the flag »
To represent one's country or some other group in a manner intended to suggest the authority or importance of that country or group.
|
shrinking violet »
A very shy person, who avoids contact with others if avoidable.
|
shy bladder »
An inability to urinate in the presence of others.
|
sing the praises of »
To commend someone's attributes to others.
|
six of one, half a dozen of the other »
The two alternatives are equivalent or indifferent; it doesn't matter which one we choose.
|
skip rope »
To jump over a rope, both of whose ends are held by the jumper or by two others, while the rope is moved under the jumper's feet in a continual rhythm; to play the game of jump rope or exercise by jumping rope.
|
sleep together »
To be intimate with another person in the same bed.
|
sleep with the fishes »
To be killed and have one's body disposed off in the sea or other body of water.
|
smell the barn »
To experience heightened anticipation or to act with renewed speed or energy as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome, like a livestock animal at day's end returning to its barn.
|
snazz up »
To improve appearance or appeal by increasing stylishness or functionality, or by adding other attractive features.
|
sob story »
A sad story told to make others feel sympathy for the teller.
|
soft shoe »
A speech, explanation, sales pitch, or other set of remarks delivered in a restrained or conciliatory manner in order to persuade, distract, or otherwise influence someone.
|
soft touch »
A person or group which is sympathetic, accommodating, easily overcome, or easily persuaded, especially one which loans or readily gives money to another.
|
some days you get the bear, other days the bear gets you »
One cannot always overcome a powerful adversary.
|
speak for oneself »
Expressing disagreement with an opinion expressed by another.
|
spill over »
To enter into another zone by way of accident or overcrowding; to overflow.
|
stand in someone's shoes »
To see from another's point of view; to feel what another feels.
|
stand on its own »
To be independent of others.
|
standard fare »
Menu items or dining options which are regularly available in a restaurant or other place where food is served.
|
standard fare »
The usual price for travel by air, rail, or another means of transport.
|
stick one's nose in »
To be nosy; to meddle or interfere in the affairs of another.
|
strut one's stuff »
To behave, or to perform in a showy or ostentatious manner, especially in a way to impress others; to show off.
|
stuck up »
Snobbish, conceited; believing oneself to be better than others; haughty.
|
suffer fools gladly »
To be tolerant of stupidity or incompetence in other people.
|
sweetheart deal »
A transaction, contract, or other agreement in which one party provides particularly favorable terms to the other, especially in suspicious circumstances.
|
sword and sorcery »
Of or pertaining to a genre of narratives—including short stories, novels, television shows, films, and computer games—which combines wizardry and other fantastical supernatural elements with violent combat using medieval weaponry..
|
take a bullet »
To purposely receive a gunshot that was intended for another.
|
take a leaf out of someone's book »
To adopt an idea or practice of another person.
|
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.
|
take apart »
To move someone away from others to be able to talk to, or give them something in private.
|
take it out on »
To unleash one's anger on [a person or thing other than the one that caused it].
|
take off »
To absent oneself from work or other responsibility, especially with permission.
|
take one's lumps »
To endure through criticism or other adversity.
|
take the rap »
To be blamed or punished for something, especially for the actions of another.
|
take up the cudgel for »
To make a defense for in lieu of another person.
|
team up with »
To associate with another in a joint enterprise.
|
the grass is always greener on the other side »
Other circumstances seem more desirable than one's own but in reality are often not
|
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.
|
the other day »
Recently; lately; a few days ago.
|
the shoe is on the other foot »
The roles of people in a situation have been reversed, such the advantage has shifted to a party which was previously disadvantaged.
|
then again »
From another point of view; on the other hand; on second thought.
|
there are two sides to every question »
One should not make a judgement until one hears the other side.
|
there but for the grace of God go I »
A recognition that others' misfortune could be one's own, if it weren't for the blessing/kindness/luck bestowed by fate or the Divine.Man's fate is in God's hands.More generally, our fate is not entirely in our own hands.
|
think one's shit doesn't stink »
To be arrogant or snobbish; to feel superior to others.
|
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.
|
tiger team »
A specialized group tasked with testing the effectiveness of an organization's ability to protect assets by attempting to circumvent, defeat or otherwise thwart that organization's internal and external security.
|
tiger team »
An engineering or other group assembled to tackle especially difficult or critical problems, often outside the normal chain of command.
|
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.
|
tin god »
An individual that abuses or exceeds his authority over others, frequently in petty ways; for example a low-level manager in situational comedies and other entertainment.
|
today we are all »
An expression indicating that the speaker empathizes with members of an identifiable group that was the subject of a disaster, and projects that others empathize as well.
|
tomorrow is another day »
Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a fresh start for one's endeavors.1600, author unknown, "Phillidaes Love-call to her Coridon, and his replying" (song), in England's Helicon, printed at London by I.R. for John Flasket:Phil. Yonder comes my Mother, Coridon,whether shall I flie?Cor. Under yonder Beech my lovely one,while she passeth by.Say to her thy true-Love was not heere,remember, remember,to morrow is another day:1896, Amelia E. Barr, A Knight of the Nets, ch. 8:"Well, well, my dear lass, to-night we cannot work, but we may sleep. . . . Keep a still heart tonight, and tomorrow is another day."1936, Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, ch. 63:"Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."2005, Fran Schumer, "JERSEY: In Princeton, Taking On Harvard's Fuss About Women," New York Times, 19 June (retrieved 18 Aug. 2009):"Half of me is depressed
|
touchy-feely »
Having a fondness for physical contact with other people, especially to an excessive degree.
|
trick of the trade »
A shortcut or other quick, or very effective way of doing things, that professional workers learn from experience.
|
truth be told »
Used when admitting something one might otherwise lie about, e.g. to keep up appearances or be polite.
|
turn back »
No turn a dial anticlockwise or adjust a clock or other meter to an earlier time or reading.
|
turn out »
To extinguish a light or other device.
|
turn the other cheek »
To accept a punishment or an injury and not act out revenge or retaliate.
|
twiddle one's thumbs »
To circle one's thumbs around one another, usually with the fingers interlaced, usually done idly while waiting or bored.
|
two wrongs don't make a right »
(ethics) A wrongful action is not a morally appropriate way to correct or cancel a previous wrongful action.1915, William MacLeod Raine, The Highgrader, ch. 15:"But when it comes to taking what belongs to another
|
two wrongs make a right »
A logical fallacy whereby a wrongful action is justified by the commission of another
|
unwashed masses »
Of people who are considered by someone to be somehow uneducated, uninformed, godless, or in some other way unqualified for inclusion in the speaker's elite circles.
|
upper crust »
The topmost layer of a bread, pastry dish, or other item with a hardened coating.
|
victory at sea »
Ocean conditions very windblown and messy, possibly to the point of being inimical to surfing and other water sports.
|
vote out »
To expel the holder of an office or other position through an act of voting.
|
vote with one's feet »
To show a lack of support for something by departing or otherwise absenting oneself.
|
vote with one's feet »
To show support for something by going to or otherwise being present somewhere.
|
wait for the other shoe to drop »
To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one which is not desirable.
|
wait for the other shoe to drop »
To defer action or decision until another matter is finished or resolved.
|
wank off »
To sexually stimulate another's penis.
|
warts and all »
Of or pertaining to a description or other depiction which reveals the full range of characteristics of a person or thing, including the shortcomings and imperfections.
|
wash over »
Of open water. To surge over the banks, or other retaining structure.
|
wear out »
To exhaust; to cause or contribute to another's exhaustion, fatigue, or weariness, as by continued strain or exertion.
|
what's eating you »
What is annoying or bothering you?.
|
what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander »
If something is acceptable for one person, it is acceptable for another.
|
whisper campaign »
A method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are deliberately spread concerning a person or other target, while the source of the rumors tries to avoid detection.
|
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.
|
with no further ado »
Without any other formalities; with no further delay.
|
world-beater »
Someone or something superior to all others of its sort.
|
you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar »
It's easier to persuade others with polite requests and a positive attitude than with rude demands and negativity.
|
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