an axe to grind »
A grievance, with implications of confrontation.
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bring owls to Athens »
Perhaps we have not been sufficiently aware that talking about access and its implications in Scandinavia is like bringing owls to Athens. — Herbert Burkert.
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carbon copy »
duplicate
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carry a torch for »
[2] To harbor feelings of love despite not being in a relationship; generally unrequited or after a relationship has ended, and sometimes implying secret feelings. There is the implication of keeping hope alive.
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cat's cradle »
Any complicated structure which appears to be without purpose.
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cattle call »
An audition which is open to the public and thus draws a large number of applicants, many of whom are inexperienced.
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cut of one's jib »
Someone’s general appearance or the implications thereof, especially in relation to making an impression or one’s style..
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devil is in the details »
The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.
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do the math »
You can do the calculation yourself, with the implication that you don't have to trust someone else's assertions.
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evil twin »
A duplicate or counterpart of something or someone that acts in a contrary, nefarious, or insidious manner.
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fair and square »
Within the applicable rules.
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into thin air »
Immediately and inexplicably out of sight.
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kneel before »
To kneel in front of someone or something, especially in order to worship or supplicate.
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lay open »
In Japan and South Korea, to publish a patent for initial public review, prior to the formal application for registration.
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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
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