a cat can look at a king »
Alternative form of a cat may look at a king.1982, A J Ayer,
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a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step »
even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point
|
a penny saved is a penny earned »
A maxim for thrift that says that money not spent may be spent later, or may earn interest in the meantime
|
a picture is worth a thousand words »
Alternative form of a picture paints a thousand words.
|
a pull of the hair for being unfair »
The general response to "A kick and a flick for being so quick", which is in turn a response in itself to "A pinch and a punch for the first day of the month".
|
a watched kettle never boils »
Alternative form of a watched pot never boils.
|
about turn »
A complete change of opinion, direction, etc.
|
about turn »
An about face; a military command to a formation of soldiers to reverse the direction in which they are facing.
|
accident of birth »
Reference to the fact that various benefits or detriments to the life of a person arise from the circumstances into which that person was born, these being entirely beyond his control.
|
acknowledge the corn »
To cop a plea; to admit to a small error but not a larger one.
|
albatross »
Any of various large seabirds of the family Diomedeidae ranging widely in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific and having a hooked beak and long narrow wings.
|
all at once »
Unexpectedly; without warning; all of a sudden.
|
all nations »
A composition of all the different spirits sold in a dram-shop, collected in a vessel into which the drainings of the bottles and quartern pots are emptied.
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all over the board »
Showing a wide range of values with no particular pattern.
|
all over the place »
Inconsistent; lacking a clear pattern.
|
all things being equal »
Without considering or being affected by external factors.
|
all's well that ends well »
Problems do not matter if things turn out well in the end.
|
apple does not fall far from the stem »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
|
apple does not fall far from the trunk »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
|
apple never falls far from the tree »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
|
are your ears burning »
Said of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.
|
around Robin Hood's barn »
All over the place.
|
around Robin Hood's barn »
The long way around; a roundabout or circuitous route.
|
around the corner »
Imminent.
|
as a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly »
Foolish people repeatedly do foolish things.
|
as luck would have it »
As it happened; how it turned out; by good fortune; fortunately or luckily.
|
at a moment's notice »
Immediately; instantaneously; without need of warning.
|
at all hours »
Late into the night or early morning; when people ought to be sleeping.
|
at bay »
Cornered; unable to flee.
|
back at you »
Used to return a greeting.
|
back burner »
A section of a stove used to keep some pots warm while one focuses on others.
|
back burner »
A state of low urgency; a state of low current importance.
|
back-assward »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
back-asswards »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
back-burner »
Having low urgency; not currently important.
|
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.
|
backassward »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
backasswards »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
bale out »
Alternative spelling of bail out.
|
banyan day »
In modern usage it refers to a picnic or cookout for the ship's crew.
|
barking dogs never bite »
Alternative form of barking dogs seldom bite.
|
barn burner »
Any successful or impressive event.
|
barnburner »
Liberal faction of the New York state United States Democratic Party in the mid 19th century.
|
bass-ackward »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
bass-ackwards »
Alternative form of ass-backwards.
|
bassackward »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
bassackwards »
Alternative form of bass-ackwards.
|
be the way to go »
Represent the best of all possible options or courses of action; pre-eminate over all other choices or alternatives.
|
beat up »
To sail to windward using a series of alternate tacks across the wind.
|
bee in one's bonnet »
Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.
|
big deal »
Something very important, difficult, or of concern.
|
birds of the feather flock together »
People who are alike physically tend to congregate and socialize together, despite government efforts at forced integration.
|
bit by a barn mouse »
Tipsy.
|
black-on-black »
Something that is invisible or intentionally obfuscated, such as warnings or fine print.
|
bleeding edge »
Something very current, or modern where there may actually be a hazard or risk in using it, such as with potentially unstable software. The term relates to a sword.
|
blow out of proportion »
To overreact to or overstate; to treat too seriously or be overly concerned with.
|
blow the whistle »
To disclose information to the public or to appropriate authorities concerning the illegal or socially harmful actions of a person or group, especially a corporation or government agency.
|
boot camp »
A short, intensive, quasi-military program generally aimed at young offenders as an alternative to a jail term.
|
borganism »
Some forms of government.
|
born in a barn »
Engaging in the annoying behavior of inappropriately, and usually neglectfully, leaving open a door or window.
|
born in a barn »
Lacking a sense of etiquette; ill-mannered.
|
born in a barn »
Of humble birth, especially when referring to Jesus Christ.
|
born on the Fourth of July »
Demonstratively patriotic.
|
born with a silver spoon in one's mouth »
Born rich or in a wealthy family.
|
born with a silver spoon in one's mouth »
Note. The original nautical expression is just born with a silver spoon and describes those young gentlemen who were able to enter the Royal Navy without examination and whose promotion was assured. the converse was born with a wooden ladle.
|
born yesterday »
New, naive, innocent, inexperienced or easily deceived.
|
borne out »
Past participle of bear out.
|
borne out »
Substantiated.
|
bread and butter »
That which is central or fundamental, as to one's business, survival, or income; a staple or cornerstone.
|
breadwinner »
The member of a household who earns all or most of the income
|
bring down the house »
To garner enthusiastic or wild applause.
|
bring home the bacon »
To have a job and earn money or to lead a successful career.
|
bring in »
To earn money for a company or for the family.
|
bring in »
To return a verdict in a court of law.
|
bring up »
To turn on power or start, as of a machine.
|
broken-hearted »
Alternative spelling of brokenhearted. Feeling depressed, despondent, or hopeless, especially over losing a love.
|
bros before hos »
Alternative spelling of bros before hoes.
|
bug out »
To abandon someone without warning.
|
bundle of joy »
A newborn baby.
|
burn a hole in one's pocket »
To cause someone to be tempted to spend money.
|
burn down »
To burn to nothing.
|
burn down »
To completely burn, so that nothing remains.
|
burn one's bridges »
To destroy one's path, connections, reputation, opportunities, etc.
|
burn one's candle at both ends »
To work extremely or excessively hard; to work too hard for good health or peace of mind.
|
burn one's fingers »
To harm oneself; to suffer consequences of one's actions.
|
burn out »
To extinguish due to lack of fuel.
|
burn out »
To tire due to overwork.
|
burn rubber »
To accelerate so rapidly from standstill that it leaves a mark of burnt rubber on the road from the tire.
|
burn the midnight oil »
To work studiously, especially late into the night.
|
burn up »
To catch fire and burn until destroyed.
|
burn up »
To destroy by burning.
|
burn up »
To anger; to annoy.
|
burnt to a crisp »
Inedible.
|
bust a cap in someone's ass »
Alternative form of pop a cap in someone's ass.
|
but who's counting »
Used as a retort or comeback, often to deprecate oneself or another for excessive concern or attention to.
|
buttoned-down »
Alternative form of button-down.
|
caught between the devil and the deep blue sea »
Having a choice between two alternatives, both undesirable.
|
cheese it »
A minced oath used as a warning to stop, hide, or flee.
|
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.
|
circular firing squad »
A political party or other group experiencing considerable disarray because the members are engaging in internal disputes and mutual recrimination.
|
clogs to clogs in three generations »
(UK) Wealth earned in one generation seldom lasts through the third (grandchild
|
close enough for government work »
It is not worth investing additional time on perfecting this thing.
|
clue stick »
A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.
|
come back »
To return to a place.
|
come full circle »
To complete a cycle of transition, returning to the point of origin.
|
come to »
To stop a sailing vessel, especially by turning into the wind. See also come about.
|
come to a head »
To rapidly come to a turning point.
|
corner the market »
To have exclusive possession; to possess something to a high or excessive degree.
|
corner the market »
To monopolize a resource or commodity, as with the intent of driving up prices.
|
crash and burn »
To fail utterly.
|
crash course »
A quick, intense course of learning, especially one which is informal or hurried.
|
cross paths »
To be, by chance, in the same physical place at the same time, as a result of two completely separate journeys.
|
cross the aisle »
To vote, unite, or otherwise co-operate with members of another political party in order to achieve governmental or political action.
|
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.
|
cuckoo clock »
ornate timepiece
|
curveball »
An unexpected turn of events initiated by an opponent or chance.
|
cut corners »
To do a less than thorough or complete job; to do something poorly or take short cuts.
|
cut in »
When painting, to paint edges, corners, or trim in preparation for rolling larger areas.
|
darn tootin' »
Absolute, utter, complete, very.
|
darn tootin' »
Absolutely correct; speaking the truth.
|
dawn of a new day »
A new beginning; a fresh start; an important, promising turning point.
|
day out »
An excursion, returning home on the same day.
|
dead as a doornail »
Unquestionably dead. Used for both inanimate objects and once living beings.
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
...grasp the demands and exactions of business life. He learns that the main thing to do is to "deliver the message to Garcia"....
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
Alternative form of carry the message to Garcia.
|
deliver the message to Garcia »
What we need is people who get the job done, no matter how. We don't want pickers who'll only learn if we use their preferred learning method. Have you read "A Message to Garcia" ? That's what we need today - young people who can deliver the message to Garcia.
|
desk jockey »
One who spends his or her time seated at a desk; especially one who is more concerned with procedure, paperwork, or administration than with its ultimate goal or practical consequence.
|
desperate times require desperate measures »
Alternative form of desperate times call for desperate measures.
|
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.
|
do a slow burn »
To experience a gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
do one's darnedest »
To do one's utmost; to make every effort or to try every possible approach or way.
|
do out »
to redecorate; to adorn
|
don't cry over spilled milk »
Alternative spelling of don't cry over spilt milk.
|
don't dip your pen in company ink »
Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink.
|
don't give up your day job »
Implying that they could not earn a living from it without other regular employment.
|
drama queen »
Who behaves and speaks in an overly dramatic manner so as to garner attention.
|
drop a bomb »
To announce surprising or alarming information suddenly and without warning.
|
early bird catches the worm »
Alternative form of early bird gets the worm.
|
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.
|
ears are burning »
Being the topic of discussion in another place; or sensing that this is happening.
|
end up »
To conclude, turn out, sometimes unexpectedly.
|
even Jove nods »
Alternative form of even Homer nods.
|
every day is a school day »
You learn something new every day.
|
Every rose has it's thorns »
everything, even if it seems perfect, has faults
|
every rule has an exception »
Alternative form of there is an exception to every rule.
|
every silver lining has a cloud »
Every good situation has the potential to turn bad.2007, Diab A. Shetayh, Actuality : The Reality RequiemA great partnership isn't a self-maintaining entity. Perseverance and persistence make it thrive. For every silver lining has a cloud. Ignorance of this reality is not an option.
|
everything and the kitchen sink »
Alternative form of everything but the kitchen sink.
|
everything happens for a reason »
All events are purposeful.Everything happens for a reason, so there is no such thing as failure. Mary-Kate OlsenPeople like to say "everything happens for a reason." If you repeat that in your head long enough that starts to sound like "anything can happen with a razor." Laura KightlingerI believe that everything happens for a reason, but I think it's important to seek out that reason - that's how we learn. Drew Barrymore
|
experience is the best teacher »
Lessons learned from experience are the most lasting.
|
fall off the turnip truck »
To be naive, uninformed, or unsophisticated, in the manner of a rustic person.
|
fancypants »
Alternative spelling of fancy pants. The condition of being overly showy; concerned more about one's reputation than anything else.
|
fend away »
To turn something away; to ward off.
|
fend off »
Away; to turn away; to defend against; to repel with force or effort.
|
fifteen minutes of fame »
Alternate form of 15 minutes of fame.
|
fine line »
A difference, albeit vague and difficult to discern.
|
fly-by-night »
A creatures which flies at night; a nocturnal flier or traveler.
|
for that matter »
As far as that is concerned.
|
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."
|
forewarned, forearmed »
Alternative form of forewarned is forearmed.
|
fork over »
I forked over half the allotment this morning.
|
fork over »
To turn over soil with a gardening fork.
|
fortune favors the brave »
Alternative form of fortune favors the bold.
|
fortune favours the bold »
Alternative form of fortune favors the bold.
|
fortune favours the brave »
Alternative form of fortune favors the bold.
|
fourth estate »
Journalism or journalists considered as a group; the Press.
|
fourth estate »
Which governed legislation.
|
friend with benefits »
A friendship with no reserves when it comes to the release of shared sexual tension thus leading to sexual fraternization.
|
from the bottom of one's heart »
In earnest; sincerely; with one's full feeling.
|
get »
A difficult return or block of a shot.
|
get into one's stride »
To become familiar with something recently learnt.
|
give somebody pause »
To give somebody cause for concern.
|
go back »
To return to a place.
|
go out »
To be turned off or extinguished.
|
go red »
To become sunburnt.
|
go south »
To become unfavorable; to decrease; to take a turn for the worse.
|
go up in smoke »
To catch fire and burn.
|
go with the flow »
To act as others are acting, conforming to common behavior patterns with an attitude of calm acceptance.
|
Gone to the bad »
soured, spoiled, turned rotten
|
good old boy »
A friendly, unambitious, relatively uneducated, sometimes racially biased white man who embodies the stereotype of the folksy culture of the rural southern USA.
|
good turn »
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
|
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.
|
great oaks from little acorns grow »
Alternative form of mighty oaks from little acorns grow.
|
hair of the dog »
An alcoholic drink taken the morning after to cure a hangover or withdrawal symptoms.
|
hand over fist »
Quickly or in great quantity, especially in reference to earning money.
|
handwriting on the wall »
Alternative form of writing on the wall. A divine prediction or sentence to fate.
|
hang a Louie »
Make a left turn while driving a vehicle.
|
hang a Ralph »
Make a right turn while driving a vehicle.
|
hardwired »
In humans and animals, genetically determined, instinctive behavior, as opposed to learned behavior.
|
have other fish to fry »
C. 1710, Jonathan Swift, The Journal to Stella, ch. 2, Letter 15.
|
have someone by the short hairs »
To have someone in a difficult situation in which he or she is without alternatives and can be controlled.
|
he who laughs last laughs hardest »
Alternative form of he who laughs last laughs best.
|
head scratcher »
July 2002, Fox News - Attorney: Williams' Kids Near Compromise About Father's Remains.
|
head south »
Alternative form of go south; to decrease or become unfavorable; to take a turn for the worse.
|
heads up »
Used as an informal warning, caution, or call for attention; pay attention!.
|
heads-up »
A warning or call to pay attention; an advisory notice.
|
hear on the grapevine »
To hear rumors; to learn through friends of friends.
|
hear the grass grow »
To be very aware or discerning; to pay attention to every small detail.
|
hear through the grapevine »
To hear rumors; to learn through friends of friends.
|
hell hath no fury like a woman scorned »
A woman will make someone suffer if they reject her.
|
hens' teeth »
Alternative form of hen's teeth.
|
holding pattern »
A path taken by an aircraft waiting to land.
|
holding pattern »
Any failure to advance; useless or unproductive activity.
|
home run »
The portion of a journey that ends at home.
|
horse opera »
A theatrical production, film, or program on radio or television depicting adventures of characters in the American Old West; a western.
|
hospital pass »
A throw that stays in the air long enough that it allows too many people to get underneath it, increasing the risk of injury and a trip to the hospital. Thus, a hospital pass.
|
hot button »
A central issue, concern or characteristic, especially one that motivates people to make a choice.
|
how do I get to Carnegie Hall »
A set phrase, spoken as a rhetorical question, which is answered "Practice, practice, practice!" or sometimes with the humorous literal directions to Seventh Avenue between 56th and 57th.
|
hunger is a good sauce »
(dated) Being hungry makes one less concerned about the taste of one's food.1854, Mark Lemon, Henry Mayhew, Tom Taylor, Shirley Brooks, Francis Cowley Burnand, Owen Seaman, Punch, Vol. XXVI, Punch Publications Ltd., page 74:His bread and cheese were somewhat dry, to be sure; his ale had become flat, and considerably warmer than was desirable; but hunger is a good sauce, and thirst is not particular.
|
hunger is the best sauce »
Being hungry makes one less concerned about the taste of one's food.
|
hunker down »
To stubbornly hold to a position.
|
idiot light »
Any warning light or indicator on the dashboard of a car, designed to alert the driver of problems, such as the parking brake being on or the oil being low.
|
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.
|
in all my born days »
Ever.
|
in line »
On a queue; waiting one's turn for something.
|
in order »
In accordance with the procedural rules governing formal meetings of a deliberative body.
|
in vain »
In a disrespectful manner, especially when concerning religion.
|
inside baseball »
Technical matters concerning baseball not apparent to spectators.
|
it ain't the whistle that pulls the train »
Alternative form of it's not the whistle that pulls the train.
|
it is not the whistle that pulls the train »
Alternative form of it's not the whistle that pulls the train.
|
it isn't the whistle that pulls the train »
Alternative form of it's not the whistle that pulls the train.
|
it's a long road that has no turning »
encouragement when things are not going well. Just as a long road eventually has a turning, problems also eventually have a solution, even though one might have to wait.
|
it's all good »
Used to express unconcern.
|
it's all grist to the mill »
Everything referred to in the present context has some sort of use.1999, Simon Blackburn, Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press paperback, ISBN 0199690871), ch. 7 section 6: "Kant
|
jack of all trades, master of none »
A master of integration, who knows enough from many learned trades and skills to be able to bring their disciplines together in a practical manner; a polymath; a renaissance man.
|
jack-tar »
Alternative spelling of jacktar.
|
joe job »
An act of e-mail spamming where the sender's identity and address are those of an innocent third party, intended either to tarnish that person's reputation or to flood that person's e-mail with bounces.
|
jump »
To propel oneself rapidly upward such that momentum causes the body to become airborne.
|
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.
|
jump ship »
To depart a project without warning.
|
just like that »
Unexpectedly, without warning.
|
keep out »
After being warned, he kept out.
|
keep out »
The warning kept him out.
|
kernel of truth »
A core accuracy at the heart of a claim or narrative which also contains dubious or fictitious elements.
|
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 shut down or turn_off suddenly.
|
kill the fatted calf »
To begin a festive celebration and rejoicing for someone's long-awaited return.
|
knock up »
In the morning as by knocking at the door; rouse; call; summon; also, to go door-to-door on election day to persuade a candidate's supporters to go to the polling station and vote. See also knocker up.
|
knock up »
To become exhausted or worn out; to fail of strength; to become wearied, as with labor; to give out.
|
knock-on effect »
The continued running of an engine after the ignition has been turned off; dieseling.
|
ladies man »
Alternative spelling of lady's man.
|
ladies' man »
Alternative spelling of lady's man.
|
landing strip »
A cultivated pubic hair pattern in which much of the pubic hair is removed, leaving only a central vertical line or rectangle.
|
last burst of fire »
A final effort or warning.
|
latter day »
modern
|
lay rubber »
To accelerate so rapidly from standstill that it leaves a mark of burnt rubber on the road from the tire.
|
lead »
A roof covered with lead sheets or terne plates.
|
learn by heart »
To memorize.
|
leave no stone unturned »
To do a task very carefully and thoroughly, not missing any step.
|
leave no stone unturned »
To search thoroughly for something, looking in every conceivable place.
|
legal beagle »
A skillful and adroit attorney.
|
legal eagle »
A skillful and adroit attorney.
|
lion »
The arms of the University of the West Indies are Barry wavy of six Argent and Azure an open Book proper bound Gules garnished Or on a Chief of the third a Lion passant guardant Erminois. Crest: A Pelican proper. . See talk page.
|
little pitchers have big ears »
Small children often overhear more of what is said than adults realize or desire.1844, Charlotte M. Yonge, Abbeychurch, ch. 2:Seeing me listening to something she was saying to Mamma, she turned round upon me with that odious proverb, "Little pitchers have long ears."1939, "Bedtime Bedlam," Time, 17 Apr.:A caution to U. S. parents, but a joy to radio merchandising, is the dread truth that little pitchers have big ears.2002, Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, ISBN 9780743455961, p. 185:I suppose he might say pushed or went woowoo, but took a shit is, I fear, very much in the ballpark (little pitchers have big ears, after all).
|
little pitchers have long ears »
Alternative form of little pitchers have big ears.
|
live paycheck to paycheck »
To spend all that one earns without saving anything.
|
lock horns »
To come into conflict.
|
look out »
warning
|
look through rose-tinted glasses »
Alternative spelling of wear rose-colored glasses.
|
loved up »
Alternative spelling of loved-up.
|
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.
|
make a killing »
To win or earn a large amount of money.
|
make a living »
To earn enough income to support oneself and, if applicable, one's family.
|
make a virtue of necessity »
To make the best of a difficult situation; to recast or portray an action or situation in which one has no alternatives as an action or situation which was deliberately chosen on its merits.
|
make an example of »
To punish someone so as to be a warning to others.
|
make hay »
To cut grass to turn into hay for animal feed.
|
make out »
To discern.
|
make out »
To succeed; to turn out or end up.
|
many happy returns »
A greeting, usually for birthdays, in reference to the passing year; Happy birthday!.
|
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
|
measure twice, cut once »
Alternative form of measure twice and cut once.
|
mighty oaks from little acorns grow »
Something great can come from a modest beginning.Don't give up on the project - mighty oaks from little acorns grow!
|
mind one's own business »
To concern oneself only with what is of interest to oneself and not interfere in the affairs of others.
|
mind one's P's and Q's »
Alternative spelling of mind one's p's and q's.
|
miner's canary »
A caged bird kept caged in mines because its demise provided a warning of dangerous levels of toxic gases.
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miner's canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
miners' canary »
A caged bird kept caged in mines because its demise provided a warning of dangerous levels of toxic gases.
|
miners' canary »
Any thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
|
money can't buy happiness »
Money can buy external things, but true happiness comes from inside.
|
morning person »
A person whose who wakes up without difficulty early each morning and who is alert and active during the first part of the day.
|
morning, noon and night »
Constantly; ceaselessly; without stopping.
|
nail biter »
One who bites or chews his or her fingernails.
|
necessity is the mother of innovation »
Alternative form of necessity is the mother of invention.
|
never look a gift horse in the mouth »
Alternative form of don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
|
never mind »
Do not be concerned.
|
never you mind »
Do not concern yourself with it; it is none of your business.
|
nickel-and-dime »
Alternative spelling of nickel and dime.
|
night person »
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours, and who usually sleeps during part of the daytime.
|
nightcap »
A warm cloth cap worn while sleeping, often with pajamas. Nightcaps were common in northern Europe before central heating was available, when homes were cold at night.
|
nighthawk »
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours.
|
no dice »
An unacceptable alternative.
|
not give a monkey's »
Not to have the slightest interest or concern.
|
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.
|
oh dark hundred »
Some unspecified hour in the early morning.
|
oh dark thirty »
Some unspecified hour in the early morning.
|
oil burner »
A device whose operation causes apparent combustion of lubricating oil.
|
oil burner »
A heating device which burns fuel oil; an oil furnace.
|
oil burner »
A machine that uses oil as its fuel.
|
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.
|
on a regular basis »
Regularly, occurring in regular time intervals or patterns.
|
on an irregular basis »
Irregularly, occurring in irregular time intervals or patterns.
|
on the back burner »
Not immediate; inactive; receiving less than full or regular attention.
|
on the horn »
On the telephone.
|
on the spot »
Having to answer or decide without warning or preparation.
|
on track »
Proceeding as planned, as expected, or in a manner consistent with an established pattern.
|
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 good turn deserves another »
One act of kindness should be paid back by another act of kindness.
|
one's jig is up »
Alternative form of the jig is up. [for one].
|
only fools and horses work »
Philosophy of life that people who do not look for an easy way of earning a living are foolish.
|
ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny »
(biology, social sciences, art, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization.1905, J. A. Harris, "The Importance of Investigations of Seedling Stages," Science, New Series, vol. 22, no. 554, p. 186:With reference to seedling stages the statement that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny must be made with great reserve.1961, M. E. Wolfgang, "Pioneers in Criminology: Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909)," The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, vol. 52, no. 4, p. 367:Haeckel maintained that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, and this idea was incorporated by Lombroso into his parallelism between the criminal and the child.2002, B. S. Jackson, "Models in Legal History: The Case of Biblical Law," Journal of Law and Religion, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 11:For even if we accept that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny," those responsible for the drafting of ancient legal documents were not children, and are hardly to be endowed with some form of infantile mentality.
|
or else »
Otherwise or as an alternative.
|
or what »
Or something else; allows for the existence of an unexpressed alternative to what was said.
|
out of the blue »
Unexpectedly; without warning or preparation.
|
outside world »
The world external to the human mind.
|
paint oneself into a corner »
To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
|
painting rocks »
Pointless or futile work organised by the government, supposedly to increase employment but in fact merely disguising the unemployment level.
|
palace politics »
The relationships and interactions of top-level officials, advisors and other powerbrokers within a government, especially as involving internal rivalry and intrigue.
|
paper »
A written document that reports scientific or academic research and is usually subjected to peer review before publication in a scientific journal or in the proceedings of a scientific or academic meeting .
|
paper »
A written document, generally shorter than a book , in particular one written for the Government.
|
park that thought »
Alternative form of hold that thought.
|
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 one's dues »
To acquire status or to earn the right to enjoy certain benefits, especially through lengthy experience, hardship, or service to an organization.
|
pelt of the dog »
An immoderate, excessive quantity of alcohol drunk the morning after whilst suffering withdrawal symptoms or a hangover, which goes beyond alleviating the complaint to causing drunkenness; cf. hair of the dog.
|
pick up »
To clean up; to return to an organized state.
|
pick up »
To learn, to grasp; to begin to understand.
|
pick up »
To notice, detect or discern, often used with "on".
|
pin down »
To corner somebody in order to get a firm answer.
|
pin tuck »
narrow ornamental fold
|
poacher turned gamekeeper »
A person who now works against the same people they once supported.
|
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.
|
point of no return »
The point in any journey, process, or sequence of events when it is no longer possible to reverse course or stop the process.
|
pony in the barn »
An exciting and real prospect, something to be legitimately excited about.
|
pop off »
To leave, and return in a short time.
|
pop out »
To leave a room or building with the expectation of returning soon.
|
pop up »
To appear without warning.
|
power up »
To turn the electrical power on to a device as a precondition to make it operational.
|
pride cometh before a fall »
Alternative form of pride comes before a fall.
|
pride goes before a fall »
Alternative form of pride comes before a fall.
|
pride goeth before a fall »
Alternative form of pride comes before a fall.
|
pronunciamiento »
A military uprising or coup in Spain or the Spanish American republics, particularly in the 19th century. They received this designation because coups were usually accompanied by a statement declaring the existing government null and void.
|
proverbs come in pairs »
Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs.1979, Irving Howe, John Hollander, David Bromwich, Literature as Experience: An Anthology, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, ISBN 0155511130, page 325:Sometimes proverbs come in pairs, the first one providing the context, the second, the revision.
|
proverbs go in pairs »
Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs.1932, Bertrand Russell,
|
proverbs hunt in pairs »
Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs.
|
proverbs often come in pairs »
Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs.
|
pure and simple »
Plain and unadorned.
|
put back »
To return something to it's original place.
|
put someone in mind of »
To remind someone of; to inspire a mental image or awareness of; to cause thoughts concerning.
|
put two and two together »
To figure out; to deduce or discern.
|
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.
|
raise the spectre »
To cause concern that something unfortunate might happen.
|
ramp up »
To be in the process of learning a new ability.
|
rat race »
An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or tedious, especially in the context of a busy, modern urban lifestyle.
|
read somebody's lips »
To discern what somebody is saying by watching the shape of the mouth rather than by hearing the sounds of the words.
|
rebrousser chemin »
To retrace one's steps, to turn back.
|
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.
|
red flag »
A cue, warning, or alert; a sign or signal that something is wrong.
|
red light »
A warning light, especially as a traffic signal indicating ‘stop’..
|
rediscover fire »
To relearn fundamental concepts, principles or practices that had been previously well known and widely practiced at a prior time in human society.
|
ride the short bus »
To have a need for a special education program, as because learning disabled.
|
ride the short bus »
To participate in a special education program, such as for those with learning disabilities.
|
right back »
Used in several informal constructions to indicate return -- especially imminent return to a point of origin.
|
ring back »
To return a phone call.
|
ring out »
To make a phone call from an internal phone system to a general telephone network number.
|
road movie »
A film in which much of the action takes place during a journey, especially one involving overland travel.
|
roadwarrior »
A person who carries a mobile device such as a laptop or PDA and uses wireless internet connections to work.
|
roadwarrior »
Alternative spelling of road warrior.
|
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.
|
rock up »
To turn up to a place or function unexpectedly, or without notice or prior warning.
|
rocking-horse shit »
Alternative form of rocking horse shit.
|
root around »
Alternative form of root about.
|
ropable »
Alternative spelling of ropeable. Able to be roped.
|
ruffle some feathers »
To disturb; to arouse resentment, anger, or concern.
|
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.
|
run hot and cold »
To alternate between two opposite extremes, such as enthusiasm and disinterest or success and failure.
|
run in »
Alternative spelling of run-in.
|
run out »
Alternative spelling of runout.
|
run out on »
To leave a partner suddenly and without prior warning.
|
sea legs »
Alternative name of surimi.
|
see the forest for the trees »
To discern an overall pattern from a mass of detail; to see the bigger picture, or the broader, more general situation. Generally used in the negative.
|
serpentine »
Sinuous; curving in alternate directions.
|
set aside »
To disagree with something and reject or overturn it.
|
set off »
To leave; to begin a journey or trip.
|
shotgun »
A one-story dwelling with no hallways or corridors, with the rooms arranged in a straight line. Mostly heard in the southern United States.
|
shotgun shack »
A house with no internal barrier between the front and back doors.
|
shut down »
To turn off or stop.
|
shy bairns get noot »
(Geordie) Alternative spelling of shy bairns get nowt.
|
shy bairns get nowt »
If you're too shy, or don't ask, you will not get what you want.A' forgot te ask hor for me money back!Wye, shy bairns get nowt
|
side issue »
An issue or topic which is not of direct significance to a primary concern.
|
sign off »
Term used to describe the closing of a radio or television station's studios and cessation of a broadcasting signal, usually during the overnight hours.
|
silver surfer »
An elderly person who regularly uses the Internet.
|
six of one, half a dozen of the other »
The two alternatives are equivalent or indifferent; it doesn't matter which one we choose.
|
skimp and save »
Alternative form of scrimp and save.
|
slow burn »
A gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
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.
|
smoke signal »
An indirect message or indication, especially concerning a future event.
|
socialized medicine »
A politically charged term used to contrast such systems with free market alternatives and emphasize the perceived link to socialism.
|
socialized medicine »
An umbrella term for any system of government-run health care.
|
son of the morning »
A traveler.
|
spaghetti western »
Nickname for a motion picture produced by an Italian-based company and filmed in Europe, depicting a tale of cowboys and desperadoes set in the American Old West.
|
spare the rod and spoil the child »
If one does not discipline a child, he or she will never learn obedience and good manners.
|
speak of the devil and he appears »
Alternative form of speak of the devil.
|
spick and span »
Alternative form of spick-and-span.
|
spin a yarn »
To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
|
start over »
To begin again; to return to the beginning.
|
stick it to the man »
To take some action intended to defy a source of oppression such as globalization, commercialization, big business or government.
|
stick-in-the-mud »
Alternative spelling of stick in the mud.
|
sticker shock »
Disgust, shock, or fright upon learning the price of an item offered for sale.
|
straighten out »
To eliminate confusion from or concerning.
|
switch off »
To turn a switch to the "off" position in order to stop or disable a device.
|
switch off »
To alternate between; to trade.
|
switch on »
To turn a switch to the "on" position in order to start or enable a device.
|
switch on »
To change one's expression or appearance as if by turning a switch.
|
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..
|
swot up on »
To study particularly hard to learn a subject quickly.
|
tag team »
Two or more people or groups acting alternately to accomplish some task.
|
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 back »
To return something.
|
take down a peg »
Alternative form of pull down a peg.
|
take out »
Alternative spelling of takeout.
|
take the bull by the horns »
To confront a difficulty, rather than avoiding it.
|
take the Michael »
Alternative form of take the mickey, usually considered more polite.
|
take the mick »
Alternative form of take the mickey.
|
take to »
To adapt to; to learn, grasp or master.
|
talk like an apothecary »
To use hard or gallipot words: from the assumed gravity and affectation of knowledge generally put on by the gentlemen of this profession, who are commonly as superficial in their learning as they are pedantic in their language.
|
talk of the devil »
Alternative form of speak of the devil.
|
talk out of turn »
To make a remark or provide information when it is inappropriate or indiscreet to do so, or when one does not have permission or the authority to do so.
|
tempus fugit »
time flies (used as an alternative to this phrase)."Meanwhile, the irreplaceable time escapes", expressing concern that one's limited time is being consumed by something which may have little intrinsic substance or importance at that moment.
|
that's that »
There is nothing more to say or to do concerning the matter.
|
that's the way life is »
That is the way things happenCertain things cannot be changed, helped or improved; struggle and objection are pointless.1935, Louis Bromfield, The Man Who Had Everything [1], page 279:That's the way life is, and there's no use trying to go against it.1979, Jay Edward Abrams, A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption [2], ISBN 0310511011, page 45:There are no standards, no values; that's the way life is. Learn to accept it and slide with it. Stop fighting it.2002, B. Eugene Ellison, Rings of the Templars, ISBN 059524050X, page 337:Shit happens; that's the way life is. In fact, I want you to take an additional thousand for your efforts.
|
the ball is in your court »
It is your turn to do something; often making a decision.
|
the ends justify the means »
Alternative form of the end justifies the means.
|
the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you take »
Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get.
|
the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you're going to get »
Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get.
|
the man »
The oppressive powers that be, including the government and corporations; the system, as coordinated outside of one’s control..
|
the proof is in the pudding »
Alternative form of the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
|
the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you get »
Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get.
|
the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you take »
Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get.
|
the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you're going to get »
Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get.
|
the sky is the moon »
A new modern combination of "the sky is the limit" and "shoot for the moon".
|
the whistle does not pull the train »
Alternative form of it's not the whistle that pulls the train.
|
the whistle doesn't pull the train »
Alternative form of it's not the whistle that pulls the train.
|
there and back »
One or for a round trip journey, literal or figurative.
|
there may be snow on the rooftop but there is fire in the furnace »
Even if a person is in his or her senior years, with gray hair, he or she can still have ambition and energy, especially sexual energy.
|
there's a sucker born every minute »
There are a great number of fools in the world, and there always be.
|
thief in the night »
Something stealthy or that occurs without warning.
|
think tank »
A group of which performs research and develops reports and recommendations on topics relating to strategic planning or public policy, and which is usually funded by corporations, interest groups, or government.
|
thorn in someone's side »
A persistent annoyance.
|
thorn in the flesh »
Ivar Specto. The Soviet Union and the Muslim World, 1917-1958.
|
thorn in the flesh »
A persistent difficulty or something very annoying that will not go away.
|
throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick »
Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful.2001, And still no one is shouting stop. read in The Kingdom archives at [1] on 02 Nov 06,Many team managers are of the philosophy that if you throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick. They believe that team preparation is all about physical fitness. They run the players into the ground and they believe they will be "flying on the day".2001, Robert McCrum, Let them eat cake, in The Observer 16 Dec 01, read on Guardian Unlimited site at [2] on 02 Nov 06,Australian publishing boomed and in the past 10 years the country's literary culture has undergone a mini golden age, capped by Carey's triumph at the 2001 Booker Prize. As one Australian arts administrator said to me many years ago: 'Listen, mate, if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.'2001, Chris Collin, Re: 2-cp speys on The Strathspey Server mailing list archive at [3] on 02 Nov 06,I am finding that "if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick". It doesn't always work of course (especially on the nights when the class is mostly the beginners), but the class seems to thrive on the challange.2005, Ray Craft (poster on The right scale blog), Fitzhooie and his Burden, read at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Prosecutors everywhere have bad habits of overcharging lots of cases, knowing that if the throw enough mud at the wall some of it will stick.2005, Sean Kelleher, Spike Milligan: His part in our downfall in Business 07 Aug 05, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,As long as there is negligible regulation and enforcement anyone can actually try and do the job...Weak regulation allows the industry to build strategies on full time recruitment. The theory goes: throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.c2005, Everything You've Learned About Marketing Is Wrong, read on LINC Performance website at [6] on 02 Nov 06,They have the money to continue to believe in the repetition side of the equation. You throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick. But it still isn
|
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.
|
tight lipped »
taciturn
|
tip the scales »
To turn to one side a balanced situation.
|
tit for tat »
Equivalent retribution, an eye for an eye, returning exactly what you get.
|
today we are all »
August 12, 2008:, Robert Barnes, "McCain to Georgian President: "Today, We Are All Georgians"", Washington Post.
|
tomato tomato »
Uses insignificant pronunciation difference to dismiss a correction to one's adherence to an alternative standard.
|
toot one's own horn »
To promote oneself; to boast or brag; to tout.
|
top of the morning »
A generic greeting said to someone in the morning.
|
top shelf »
Books, magazines, or movies that have adult content, or soft-core porn.
|
touch a nerve »
To make a remark or perform a deed which produces a strong response, especially an emotional response such as anxiety or annoyance, because it calls to mind something which has been a source of concern or embarrassment.
|
tough call »
A choice or judgment which is difficult to make, especially one involving only two alternatives.
|
tourner autour du pot »
To beat around the bush.
|
trick of the trade »
A shortcut or other quick, or very effective way of doing things, that professional workers learn from experience.
|
tune in, turn on, drop out »
Pay attention to the new way of living; take drugs; abandon the established ways.
|
turn a blind eye »
To ignore or deliberately overlook, especially with respect to something unpleasant or improper.
|
turn a hair »
To become afraid or visibly upset.
|
turn a phrase »
To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.
|
turn a trick »
To perform a sexual service for a customer.
|
turn against »
To rebel or oppose something formerly supported.
|
turn against »
To rotate against or in opposition to something.
|
turn around »
An upset; a suprising comeback.
|
turn away »
To rotate the body or head so as not to face someone or something.
|
turn away »
To bend or turn from a fixed course.
|
turn away »
To refuse to admit someone.
|
turn away »
To avert or deflect something.
|
turn back »
To reverse one's direction and retrace one's steps.
|
turn back »
To backtrack.
|
turn back »
To fold something back; to fold down.
|
turn back »
No turn a dial anticlockwise or adjust a clock or other meter to an earlier time or reading.
|
turn back »
To refuse to allow someone to pass a border or enter a place.
|
turn down »
To refuse, decline, or deny.
|
turn down »
To reduce the amount of something by means of a control, such as the volume, heat, or light.
|
turn down »
To reposition by turning, flipping, etc. in a downward direction.
|
turn heads »
To garner a considerable amount of attention.
|
turn in »
To submit something; to give.
|
turn in »
To go to sleep; retire to bed.
|
turn in one's grave »
To be appalled, offended or disgusted by something, despite being deceased.
|
turn into »
To transform into; become.
|
turn into a pumpkin »
Used to indicate a curfew, or the time by which one must depart.
|
turn loose »
To roam freely or to act freely.
|
turn of phrase »
An artful phrasing of words.
|
turn off »
To power down; to stop a device by switching it off.
|
turn off »
To repulse, disgust, or discourage.
|
turn off »
To leave a road; exit.
|
turn on »
To power up; to start a device by switching it on.
|
turn on »
To rebel; to go against something formerly supported.
|
turn on »
To enter a road.
|
turn on »
To attract, give pleasure, or encourage.
|
turn on its head »
To completely change.
|
turn one on »
To increase interest.
|
turn one's back »
To forsake, to abandon; to ignore.
|
turn out »
To result; end up.
|
turn out »
To attend; show up.
|
turn out »
To extinguish a light or other device.
|
turn out »
It turns out.
|
turn out »
To produce; make.
|
turn out »
To leave a road.
|
turn out »
To turn or rotate outwards or out of something.
|
turn out »
To refuse service or shelter; to eject or evict.
|
turn over »
To flip over; to rotate top to bottom.
|
turn over »
To produce, complete, or cycle through.
|
turn over »
To relinquish; give back.
|
turn over a new leaf »
To engage in self-improvement; to begin a good habit or shed a bad habit.
|
turn tail »
To flee; to run away; to leave.
|
turn the air blue »
To speak a stream of bad language; to curse and swear.
|
turn the corner »
To pass a critical point.
|
turn the other cheek »
To accept a punishment or an injury and not act out revenge or retaliate.
|
turn the page »
To move on to new involvements or activities; to make a fresh start.
|
turn the page »
To proceed to the next page in a book.
|
turn the tables »
To reverse a situation, such that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged.
|
turn to stone »
To become completely still, not moving.
|
turn to stone »
To cause something to become stone.
|
turn to stone »
To metamorphosise into stone.
|
turn tricks »
To work as a prostitute, providing sexual services for money.
|
turn up »
To show up; to appear suddenly or unexpectedly.
|
turn up »
To increase the amount of something by means of a control, such as the volume, heat, or light.
|
turn up »
To reposition by rotating, flipping, etc. upwards.
|
turn up »
To belay or make fast a line on a cleat or pin.
|
turn up for the book »
A very unexpected, usually pleasant, surprise.
|
turn up one's nose »
To refuse, especially as due to pride or status.
|
turn up one's nose »
To sneer.
|
turn upside down »
To flip over; to rotate top to bottom.
|
turn upside down »
To thoroughly examine.
|
turn-on »
Something that attracts, gives pleasure, or encourages, especially sexually.
|
turnabout is fair play »
It is allowable to retaliate against an enemy's dirty tricks by using the same ones against him.
|
twist of fate »
An unfortunate turn of events.
|
uncle sam »
the us government
|
up shit creek »
Alternative form of up the creek.
|
up shit creek without a paddle »
Alternative form of up the creek without a paddle.
|
wait up »
To stay awake waiting for somebody to return.
|
ward off »
To parry, or turn aside.
|
warm up »
To prepare for executing an already-learned activity by a limited amount of additional practice.
|
wash out »
To lose traction while going around a turn, especially in cycling, motorsports and skiing/snowboarding.
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watch one's mouth »
In the imperative form, used as a warning to avoid or stop using inappropriate language, especially profanity, or disrespectful utterances.
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wear out »
Of a shirt, not tucked into the pants; worn in a casual manner.
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wee small hours »
The very early morning, just after midnight, when most people are asleep.
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well ain't that the catfish in the trap »
A sentence commonly spoken in the Southern United States. It can often be used in place of "well, I'll be damned". Used to express surprise.
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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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what of it »
So what? Who cares? Expresses disinterest, disregard or lack of concern.
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when in Rome, do as the Romans »
Alternative form of when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
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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.
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white elephant »
An ornament etc that is unwanted or is a financial burden; an unprofitable investment.
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wind back the clock »
Figuratively to return in time to an earlier period of history.
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wits' end »
A. 1911, John Muir, in John Muir and Michael P. Branch, John Muir's Last Journey: South to the Amazon and East to Africa, 2002, page 138.
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word on the wire »
The rumour or news going around on the Internet, in business, on the street, or in social circles.
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yellow journalism »
Material published in a broadcast or periodical, such as a tabloid newspaper or magazine, which is sensationalistic and of questionable accuracy and taste.
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yellow press »
Newspapers which publish sensationalist articles rather than well researched and sober journalism.
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you can't fight city hall »
(chiefly US) Nothing can be done to change the situation, because it is a governmental decision.I see they're going to build the airport after all. I suppose you can't fight city hall.
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you can't judge a book by its cover »
It is not possible to make reliable judgments about things or people by considering external appearances alone.
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you can't tell a book by its cover »
Alternative form of you can't judge a book by its cover.
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you don't dip your pen in the company's ink »
Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink.
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you don't dip your pen in the inkwell »
Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink.
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you're never too old to learn »
It is possible to learn new things, at any age; (implying) follow your desires and dreams
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