ace in the hole »
A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage.
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all bark and no bite »
Full of big talk but lacking action, power, or substance; pretentious.
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all hat and no cattle »
Full of big talk but lacking action, power, or substance; pretentious.
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as a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly »
Foolish people repeatedly do foolish things.
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autem gogler »
Pretended French prophet.
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back at you »
Used to return a greeting.
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be in on »
To be a party to a secret shared by a small group of people.
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beg to differ »
To differ strongly in opinion or interpretation.
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behind somebody's back »
Without somebody's knowledge; secretly.
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behind the scenes »
In secret; out of public view.
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bird in the bosom »
A secret pledge that one makes for another.
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bright-line rule »
A clearly defined rule or standard, comprised of objective factors, which leaves little or no room for varying interpretation.
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bring in »
To return a verdict in a court of law.
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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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call it a day »
To retire.
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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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change one's tune »
To reconsider; rethink; to reach a different conclusion.
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che sara sara »
Used to express a personal philosophy of fatalism1892 March 17, Cigarette,
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clout list »
A usually secret list containing the names of people who are to be given special access, benefits, or influence in a political or social situation, especially as a result of having personal, professional, or financial relationships with those in authority.
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come back »
To return to a place.
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come full circle »
To complete a cycle of transition, returning to the point of origin.
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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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company »
As he had worked for the CIA for over 30 years, he would soon take retirement from the company.
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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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cost a pretty penny »
To be expensive.
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day out »
An excursion, returning home on the same day.
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death knell »
A sign or omen foretelling the death or destruction of something.
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dictated but not read »
Dictated, as to a secretary or stenographer, but not proofread by the person who dictated the text so annotated.
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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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discretion is the better part of valour »
It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.1597
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do something with mirrors »
To jokingly pretend that one did something using magic mirrors, that one is a magician; a joking explanation of the fantastic or the unexplained.
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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 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.
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double back »
To retrace one's steps; to go back where one has already gone.
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down the drain »
Wasted, squandered; irretrievable.
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draw back »
To retreat from a position.
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dress up »
To decorate; to prettify.
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drink off »
To drink the entirety of in a short period; originally and especially, in a single gulp.
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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 bomb »
To release faeces from the bowels; to excrete.
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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.
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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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eat one's words »
To regret or retract what one has said.
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face value »
No more or less than what is stated; a literal or direct meaning or interpretation.
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fall back »
To retreat.
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fencepost problem »
In computer programming, a problem dealing with how to treat the initial or boundary values of a discrete problem.
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first things first »
Deal with matters of highest priority first; deal with matters in logical sequence.1922, H. G. Wells, The Secret Places of the Heart, ch.4,"First things first," said Sir Richmond. If we set about getting fuel sanely, if we do it as the deliberate, co-operative act of the whole species, then it follows that we shall look very closely into the use that is being made of it.1999, Frank Pellegrini, "House Republicans Quell Mutiny Over Tax Bounty," Time, 23 Jul.,Judging by the polls
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flower »
An inflorescence that resembles a flower, but actually contains many small florets, such as a sunflower.
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flunk out »
Often requiring a retaking of the course or academic year.
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for keeps »
With an agreement or intention to retain what one gains or receives.
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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"
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get »
A difficult return or block of a shot.
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get back at »
To retaliate; to take revenge.
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get it »
To "get what's coming to him/her"; to feel one's wrath; to receive punishment; to receive a retaliation; to receive a beating.
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get it »
To get, retrieve, or receive something.
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getting even »
retaliating
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go back »
To return to a place.
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golden handcuffs »
Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage participant from wanting to leave, especially to retain a choice employee.
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good drunk »
A person who is cheerful and companionable when intoxicated, retaining reasonable control of his or her mental and emotional faculties.
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gray area »
A part that is not clear or certain; something that is open to interpretation.
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hang up one's boots »
Retire, call it a day.
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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.
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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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hold your fire »
Wait, don't retaliate, calm down, be quiet.
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home stretch »
The final part of a distance or the final effort needed to finish.
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homeless dumping »
The practice of hospital employees or emergency workers releasing homeless patients on the streets instead of placing them into the custody of a relative or shelter or retaining them in a hospital where they may require expensive medical care.
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honey trap »
The use of a seductive woman to entice a man into revealing secret information.
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in bed with »
Engaging in a close mutually beneficial relationship, especially secretly and illicitly.
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in other words »
Stated or interpreted another way; introduces an explanation.
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just another pretty face »
Someone who is attractive, but not too distinguished.
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keep a lid on »
To keep something secret.
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keep mum »
Do not talk; especially keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
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keep one's lips sealed »
To keep quiet; to keep a secret; to not tell.
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keep one's mouth shut »
To keep a secret; to refrain from speaking indiscreetly or carelessly.
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keep quiet »
To refrain from talking about something; to keep a secret.
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keep shtum »
Don't tell anyone; especially, keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
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keep up appearances »
To pretend to be all right or that everything is going well.
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kill the fatted calf »
To begin a festive celebration and rejoicing for someone's long-awaited return.
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left-handed compliment »
A complimentary remark which is ambiguous or ineptly worded, so that it may be interpreted as having an unflattering or dismissive sense.
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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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let in on »
To tell someone a secret.
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let slip »
To divulge a secret, as by accident or mistake.
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let somebody in on »
To disclose; to tell somebody a secret or share privileged information.
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let the cat out of the bag »
To disclose a secret; to let a secret be known, often inadvertently.
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light up »
To light a cigarette, pipe, etc.
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listen in »
To eavesdrop; to listen secretly.
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make believe »
To pretend or imagine.
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many happy returns »
A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!.
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mark up »
To increase the price of something between its wholesale and retail phase.
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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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mind the store »
To remain present in a retail business, in order to maintain the security of the premises and to serve customers.
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mum's the word »
The accompanying facts are a secret, not to be divulged.
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murder will out »
Secrets or hidden crimes will eventually be exposed or discovered.
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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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never mind »
It is not important; do not fret.
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no comment »
A refusal to say the obvious impolite retort.
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no slouch »
Pretty good; not bad.
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not a pretty sight »
Something disappointing, disquieting, disreputable, or otherwise unworthy of admiration.
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not a pretty sight »
Something visually unappealing, ranging from mildly unattractive to utterly disgusting in appearance.
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not half bad »
Pretty good; okay; decent.
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on the sly »
Slyly, in an inconspicuous manner, so as not to be seen; secretly; stealthily.
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on the square »
A discrete, unassuming reference to freemasonry.
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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.
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pick up »
To clean up; to return to an organized state.
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play dumb »
To pretend to be mute.
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play dumb »
To pretend to be slow-witted or lacking in specific knowledge, usually in order to avoid responsibility or to gain some advantage.
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point of no return »
The point in an aircraft's flight when there is insufficient fuel to reverse direction and return to the place of origin.
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point of no return »
The point in any journey, process, or sequence of events when it is no longer possible to reverse course or stop the process.
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pop off »
To leave, and return in a short time.
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pop out »
To leave a room or building with the expectation of returning soon.
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pretty penny »
A considerable amount of money; a high price or a high income.
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pretty pictures »
Image supplements in a presentation: graphs, charts, etc.
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pretzel »
A toasted bread or cracker usually in the shape of a loose knot.
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pretzel »
Anything that is knotted, twisted, or tangled.
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pull out »
To withdraw; especially of military forces; to retreat.
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pull up »
Retrieve; get.
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put back »
To return something to it's original place.
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put on the dog »
To dress up; to put on airs; to make a show of wealth and/or importance; to be pretentious.
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rag the puck »
To retain possession of the puck by skillful skating and stickhandling without attempting to score, as a deliberate tactic intended to use up time.
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rebrousser chemin »
To retrace one's steps, to turn back.
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reinvent the wheel »
To redo work unnecessarily when it has already been done satisfactorily; to rethink an already working system, technique, etc. in a pointless attempt to improve it.
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right back »
Used in several informal constructions to indicate return -- especially imminent return to a point of origin.
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ring back »
To return a phone call.
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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.
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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.
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run out the clock »
To preserve a lead in a game by retaining possession, to waste time.
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secret agent »
spy
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sell »
To pretend that an opponent's blows or maneuvers are causing legitimate injury; to act.
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shoot off at the mouth »
Don't let [presidential press secretary Ron] Ziegler shoot off at the mouth without our knowledge.
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shoot off at the mouth »
To disclose some information that was supposed to be secret.
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shroud »
A covered place used as a retreat or shelter, as a cave or den; also, a vault or crypt.
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sitting pretty »
Having a comfortable or certain supply of money or resources.
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sitting pretty »
In a favorable situation, especially a situation in which one possesses an advantage.
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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.
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snappy comeback »
A prompt, clever retort.
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spill one's guts »
To confess, or to divulge secrets, typically speaking freely and at length after a change of motive or an incentive.
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spill the beans »
To reveal a secret; to disclose.
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spy on »
To secretly watch; to surveil.
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start over »
To begin again; to return to the beginning.
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steal away »
To leave secretively.
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stretch limo »
long car
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stretch one's legs »
To walk about, especially after prolonged time sitting or lying down.
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stretch out »
To lie fully extended.
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stretch out »
To fully extend a part of the body.
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stretch the truth »
To exaggerate, often to the point where the truth is obscured or lost.
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swan song »
A final performance or accomplishment, especially one before retirement.
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swing the lead »
To pretend to be unwell so that you do not have to work.
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take back »
To retract an earlier statement.
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take back »
To return something.
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take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves »
If you take care of little things one at a time, they can add up to big things.1750, Chesterfield, letter 5 Feb. (1932) IV. 1500:Old Mr. Lowndes, the famous Secretary of the Treasury, ?used to say?Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves.1912, G. B. Shaw, Pygmalion ii. 132:Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves is as true of personal habits as of money.1979, R. Cassilis, Arrow of God, iv. xvii.:Little things, Master Mally. Look after the pennies, Master Mally, and the pounds will look after themselves.1999,
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take out of context »
To interpret something in a manner in which it was not intended to be understood, often deliberately.
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there you have it »
Used to introduce a speaker's interpretation of what has just transpired or been described.
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tight lips »
Of a person, silence or reticence.
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tip one's hand »
To inadvertently reveal any secret, particularly a secret that puts one at an advantage or disadvantage.
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tit for tat »
Equivalent retribution, an eye for an eye, returning exactly what you get.
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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
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track record »
An organization's, product's, or person's past performance reviewed in its entirety, usually for the purpose of making a judgment.
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turn back »
To reverse one's direction and retrace one's steps.
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turn in »
To go to sleep; retire to bed.
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turn the other cheek »
To accept a punishment or an injury and not act out revenge or retaliate.
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turnabout is fair play »
It is allowable to retaliate against an enemy's dirty tricks by using the same ones against him.
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under one's hat »
Concealed; confidential; secret.
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under the radar »
Without attracting notice; in an undetected or secretive manner.
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under the table »
Secretly or without reporting, especially of payments made or business transacted.
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under wraps »
Secret or hidden.
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wait up »
To stay awake waiting for somebody to return.
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walk in the snow »
An occasion when a momentous career decision is made, especially a decision to resign or retire.
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wash over »
Of open water. To surge over the banks, or other retaining structure.
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what goes around comes around »
The status eventually returns to its original value after completing some sort of cycle.A person's actions, whether good or bad, will often have consequences for that person.
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when the shit hits the fan »
A reference to the messy consequences of a secret or private situation becoming public.
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white hole »
A theoretically possible but physically highly unlikely singularity which would emit matter and energy; the antithesis of a black hole.
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wind back the clock »
Figuratively to return in time to an earlier period of history.
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window dressing »
The decorative display of retail merchandise in store windows.
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