a camel is a horse designed by a committee »
An expression critical of committees
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a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
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a man's home is his castle »
(US) a proverbial expression of personal privacy and security
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a stopped clock is right twice a day »
A normally unreliable person or instrument can occasionally provide correct information, even if only by accident.
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abide by »
To accept a decision or law and act in accordance with it; to conform to; to acquiesce; as, to abide by an award.
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ad fontes »
Go to the sources: An expression emphasizing the importance of conducting fundamental research and of consulting primary sources.
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all clear »
permission to proceed
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all hollow »
As a foregone conclusion.
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all walks of life »
All professions, lifestyles or social classes.
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amateur hour »
A situation or activity in which the participants show a lack of skill, sound judgment, or professionalism.
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an Englishman's home is his castle »
(UK) a proverbial expression of personal privacy and security
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apple does not fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.1842, E. A. Freidlaender (translator), Frederika Bremer (author), The Neighbours, ch. 10:It is impossible to look at Madam Rhen, without at once making the conclusion that she is pleasantness, hospitality, and loquacity itself; nor can one look upon her daughter Renetta without thinking, "the apple does not fall far from the tree!"1978, Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, "Doctor Asks Patient
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April showers bring May flowers »
April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains.By extension, that a period of discomfort can provide the basis for a period of happiness.
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are your ears burning »
Said of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.
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argue out »
To discuss to reach an agreed conclusion, or decision.
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