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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arm candy »
An attractive, seemingly romantic companion who accompanies a person in public simply so that one or both of the individuals can gain attention, enhance social status, or create an impression of sexual appeal.
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at a stand »
In a state of confusion or uncertainty; undecided what to do next.
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at sixes and sevens »
In a state of confusion.
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baby blues »
Period and feeling of depressiveness after giving birth; a less severe form of postnatal depression.
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backseat driver »
By extension, anybody offering unsolicited or unwelcome advice.
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bag and baggage »
All one's possessions.
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bang out »
To do something quickly, in a slipshod, or unprofessional manner.
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bare one's teeth »
Of an animal, to show one's teeth as a sign of aggression.
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bare one's teeth »
To show one's aggression.
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bat away »
To avoid by diverting the focus of a discussion.
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battle cry »
By extension, a strong motto or purpose statement, especially in regards to winning a goal in sports, games or work.
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beat out »
To sound a rhythm on a percussion instrument such as a drum.
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bee in one's bonnet »
Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.
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beer goggles »
The illusion that people are more attractive, brought on by alcohol consumption.
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best laid plans »
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the outcome is uncertain.
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between the jigs and the reels »
Eventually, despite all the confusion.
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bite me »
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
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black babies »
Third world charities, the missions.
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blessed event »
An occurrence or occasion which is particularly noteworthy and enjoyable.
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blind as a bat »
Nearly totally blind, having a very poor sense of vision.
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blow up »
To explode or be destroyed by explosion.
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blow up »
To explode something or somebody or destroy something or injure or kill somebody by explosion.
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blue devils »
Low spirits; depression.
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boil down »
As an allusion to the cooking technique of reducing liquids by heat, one boils down a problem, argument, etc. to its most central elements.
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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.
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bottom of the ninth »
By extension, any last chance or final opportunity.
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bragging rights »
The prerogative to praise oneself for an accomplishment or for possession of a superior characteristic.
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break into »
To try to start in a profession or business.
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break new ground »
By extension, to initiate a new venture.
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bright-line rule »
A clear-cut, easy to make decision.
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bugger off »
An expression of disagreement or disbelief.
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bull session »
An informal meeting among men.
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burst someone's bubble »
To disillusion; to disabuse someone of a false notion or rationalization that has grown comfortable.
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bush league »
A low-ranking or inferior level among groups, professions, organizations, etc.
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bush league »
A professional sports association at the lower levels of minor league organization.
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by trade »
As a profession; professionally.
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call out »
To arrange for a professional to call at your home for some purpose.
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call the shots »
To make the decisions;to be in charge;to give orders.
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can of worms »
A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
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cast aspersions »
To make damaging or spiteful remarks.
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castle in the air »
A visionary project or scheme; a day-dream; an idle fancy; a pipe dream; any plan, desire, or idea that is unlikely to be ever realized; a near impossibility.
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catbird seat »
Expression used to describe an enviable position, often one of great advantage.
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ceterum censeo »
A formulaic expression used to end a speech by reinforcing one, often unrelated, major view.
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chain reaction »
A nuclear reaction in which particles produced by the fission of one atom trigger fissions of other atoms.
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change of heart »
A change of one's opinion, belief or decision.
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change one's mind »
To convince someone to make a decision differing from what a previous one.
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change one's tune »
To reconsider; rethink; to reach a different conclusion.
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cherry pick »
To position oneself near the opponent's goal to attempt to receive an errant or intentional pass for an easy score, as in basketball or versions of soccer where offsides are not enforced.
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chime in »
To talk; to join in conversation or discussion.
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chip in »
To interrupt a discussion for the purpose of making a comment.
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clean out »
To empty completely; to remove all money or possessions from.
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clean up »
To become clean, handsome, smart in appearance, e.g. for a special occasion, especially when it is out of character to be seen as such.
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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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collect one's thoughts »
To become mentally composed, especially after being distressed, surprised, or disoriented; to become calm or organized in one's emotional state or thinking, as in preparation for a conversation, speech, decision, etc.
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come across »
To give an appearance or impression; to project a certain image.
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come in »
Of a broadcast, such as radio or television, to have a strong enough signal to be able to be received well.
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come on »
An expression of encouragement.
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come on »
An expression of disbelief.
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controlled substance »
Except for very limited professional testing purposes.
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cordon off »
To protect from intrusion by enclosing in a rope barrier.
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corner the market »
To have exclusive possession; to possess something to a high or excessive degree.
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cramp someone's style »
To restrict someone's free actions, or to give the impression of such.
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cross the Rubicon »
To make an irreversible decision or to take an action with consequences.
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crown jewels »
A prized possession or asset.
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cut of one's jib »
Someone’s general appearance or the implications thereof, especially in relation to making an impression or one’s style..
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day out »
An excursion, returning home on the same day.
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dead air »
An unintended interruption in a radio broadcast during which there is no sound; a similar interruption of a television broadcast in which there is neither sound nor a video signal.
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dead tree edition »
Paper version of a publication that can be found online.
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deadstick landing »
When a pilot lands a plane after the engine has died; a landing lacking any propulsion control.
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death by spellcheck »
The problems caused by spellcheckers being incapable of correcting most homophone confusions.
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debris field »
Any area, non-dependent of locale, space, or contour, that contains the debris of wreckage, impact, sinking, or other material that once constituted a complete object. Debris fields can be found at the site of air crashes, water vessel sinking, explosions of buildings, collapses, and other events that render a whole entity into components, pieces, or other non-whole items.
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deer in the headlights »
A mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety fear, panic, surpriseand/or confusion, or substance abuse. The behavioral signs are like a deer subjected to a car's headlights, such as widely opened eyes and a lack of motor reactions.
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devil is in the details »
The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.
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dishpan hands »
Hands which are rough, reddish, and dry, as from irritation and chafing caused by immersion in hot water mixed with detergent.
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do what%3F »
An intensified version of what or huh.
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dog my cats »
Used as a mild oath, or as an expression of astonishment.
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dress up »
To wear smart clothes for an occasion.
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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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dumb down »
To become simpler in expression or content; to become unacceptably simplistic.
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dummy up »
To make a mock-up or prototype version of something, without some or all off its intended functionality.
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ears are burning »
Being the topic of discussion in another place; or sensing that this is happening.
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easy street »
A carefree situation or lifestyle, especially as resulting from possession of wealth.
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even money »
By extension, an event that is somewhat likely to happen, but far from inevitable.
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every time »
At each occasion that.
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every which where »
A more emphatic version of everywhere.
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f** it »
An expression of frustration.
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f** it »
An expression of great indifference or nonchalance.
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facts on the ground »
A euphemism, similar to fait accompli, used as an oblique way of saying that discussions over the possession of a given piece of territory has been rendered moot by the presence of military forces.
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fair enough »
An expression used to concede a point; denotes that, upon consideration, something is correct or reasonable; an expression of acknowledgment or understanding.
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fall off a truck »
Of an item of merchandise, to come into a person's possession without having been paid for; to be acquired illegally.
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fall off the back of a lorry »
Of an item of merchandise, to come into a perons's possession without having been paid for; to have been acquired illegally.
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false step »
An erroneous action or decision.
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final cut »
In the movie industry, the final released version of the film.
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flat-footed »
To firmly hold and maintain a decision; to stand one's ground.
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flutter in the dovecote »
I further argued that the principal cause for the political deadlock that persisted for thirty years after the guns fell silent was Israeli intransigence rather than Arab intransigence. The appearance of the first wave of revisionist studies excited a great deal of interest and controversy in the media and more than a flutter in the academic dovecote. — Israel Confronts Its Past.
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fly-by-night »
Businesses that appear and disappear rapidly, or that give an impression of transience.
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fool's paradise »
A state of happiness due to illusion or false hope.
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for f**'s sake »
An expression of anger or frustration.
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four-on-the-floor »
Relating to a vehicle with a four-speed manual transmission mounted beside the driver on the floor of the vehicle.
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free rein »
The absence of constraints; freedom to make decisions.
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friend with benefits »
A friendship with no reserves when it comes to the release of shared sexual tension thus leading to sexual fraternization.
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frig it »
An expression of frustration similar to, but not as coarse as f** it.
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from time to time »
Occasionally; sometimes; once in a while.
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game face »
The expression of one who is prepared for or is facing a lot of difficult and/or undesirable work, especially when it is imminent.
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gapers' block »
A traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction.
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get a room »
A jocular or sarcastic expression commanding a couple to stop displaying affection in public, and to rent a hotel or motel room to continue amorous activities in private.
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get cold feet »
To become nervous or anxious and reconsider a decision about an upcoming event.
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get the boot »
To be voted off a competition in a reality television show.
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get the chop »
To be eliminated from a competition in a reality television program.
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go all the way »
To continue to the conclusion of a task or project.
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go figure »
Expresses perplexity, confusion, surprise, or puzzlement.
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go on »
To make a decision based on.
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go over »
To create a response or impression.
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go to sleep »
An expression used to dismiss an extremely foolish statement, or to dismiss somebody that one does not feel like talking to.
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good luck with that »
An expression wishing someone success in an unlikely enterprise.
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grease payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
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great minds think alike »
Used to emphasize a coincidence, or two people reaching the same conclusion in any manner at the same time.
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green light »
Approval, or permission to proceed.
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gut factor »
Feelings about what feels right or wrong, good or bad. An inner persuasion that one may feel convinced is the appropriate decision.
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hand down »
To transmit in succession, as from father to son, or from predecessor to successor.
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hand over »
To relinquish control or possession of something to someone.
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hand waving »
Discussion or argumentation involving approximation, vagueness, educated guessing, or the attempt to explain or excuse vagaries.
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hang out one's shingle »
To open an office or business, especially in a profession.
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has-been »
A formerly popular or influential person whose popularity or effectiveness has peaked and is now in decline. Typically said of professionals or celebrities whose primary success is behind them.
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hatchet man »
A professional killer.
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hate somebody's guts »
To despise; to hate intensely or passionately.
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have second thoughts »
To change one's opinion, or be uneasy about a previous decision.
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have the floor »
To have permission or time to speak, especially in a formal situation.
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have the run of »
To have permission or freedom to move around throughout an area or to use something at will.
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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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head-on »
Of a collision, from the front or in the direction of motion.
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hear, hear »
Let us hear and applaud the previous speaker; I endorse the previous statement; Expression of support, agreement, or enthusiasm for what has just been said.
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heart of gold »
A kind, compassionate, or caring attitude; kindheartedness.
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his back is up »
He is offended or angry; an expression or idea taken from a cat; that animal, when angry, always raising its back. An allusion also sometimes used to jeer a crooked man.
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holy mackerel »
An expression of surprise.
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horse opera »
A theatrical production, film, or program on radio or television depicting adventures of characters in the American Old West; a western.
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hot and heavy »
Passionate.
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hum and haw »
Procrastinate and take a long time before doing something or taking a decision.
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idiot box »
Television.
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in for a dime, in for a dollar »
Americanised form of in for a penny, in for a pound.1983, Allen Drury, Decision, p. 356:In for a dime, in for a dollar, he thought crazily, and said what he had to say in a voice he forced to stay level and calm.1998, Ellen Miller, Like Being Killed, p. 47:In for a dime, in for a dollar. I whispered to Gerry,
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in the loop »
Informed; up to date; current; part of the discussion.
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in your face »
An exclamation of derision or contempt.
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it's better to ask forgiveness than permission »
The value of acting promptly and making a mistake requiring forgiveness is greater than value of delaying to get permission.
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it's one's funeral »
One's decisions or actions will bring undesirable consequences only on oneself.
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join the club »
An expression of sympathy for a shared experience.
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jump to conclusions »
Make conclusions before being presented with all the evidence.
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keep one's options open »
To not commit to a decision, to keep various options available.
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kitchen table software »
Especially in the early years of personal computers, a set of computer programs developed by an entrepreneurial advanced amateur or self-employed professional computer programmer in his or her own home; software developed by a small business using the services of such programmers.
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last word »
A final decision, or the right to make such a decision.
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lean towards »
To favor in a decision.
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lick one's chops »
To use one's tongue to remove moistness from the sides of one's mouth, as when salivating or at the conclusion of a meal.
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life's a bitch »
An expression of acceptance of misfortune.1950, Joy Davidman, Weeping Bay, page 184:She'd have been willing enough to use them, poor dead little bitch. Life's a bitch. Life's a bad joke.
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long story short »
Introducing a short version of, or simply the conclusion of, an involved story.
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look off »
To put off by one's facial expression.
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lost errand »
A mission likely to fail.
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lubrication payment »
A bribe or extorted money, usually relatively small in amount, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction, especially in a country where such payments are not unusual.
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make a decision »
To decide.
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make the welkin ring »
By extension of.
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make the welkin ring »
By extension of , to celebrate or revel.
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make up one's mind »
To decide; to reach a conclusion.
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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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mike up »
To fit a microphone and transmitter to a person. Usually for television performers, or for police informers.
|
mixed bag »
By extension, a group of entities with few characteristics in common; an assortment.
|
mock up »
To create a model or demonstration; to create a preliminary version or sample.
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music to one's ear »
Some unexpected good news; a favorable outcome after some initial confusion or delay.
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my eye »
Expression of disapproval, disregard, disdain, disgust or disbelief.
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naff off »
A mild version of f** off.
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no prize for guessing »
Used to form expressions emphasizing the unsurprising nature of what follows.
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not at all »
Used similarly to you're welcome, as a conventional reply to an expression of gratitude.
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not touch something with a ten foot pole »
Ambrose Bierce , The Fiend's Delight In conclusion, his respect for letter-writing ladies is so great that he would not touch one of them with a ten-foot pole.
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not touch something with a ten foot pole »
To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; signifies a strong aversion.
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now and then »
Sometimes; occasionally.
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off the chain »
Free from work or direct supervision. In reference to slave labor, where workers are chained, or to the figurative chain of workers of an assembly line.
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oh, well »
An expression of disappointment or resignation; too bad; pity.
|
old saw »
A cliché, saying, or overused expression; especially a proverb or maxim.
|
on spec »
Short form of "on speculation": Creating a work with the hope of selling it, as opposed to creating a work "on commission" for hire.
|
on tenterhooks »
In a state of suspense or apprehension.
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on the bounce »
Consecutively, in succession.
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on the defensive »
Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
|
on the wagon »
By extension, maintaining a program of self-improvement or abstinence from some other undesirable habit.
|
once in a while »
Occasionally; sometimes.
|
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 by one »
Individually in succession; one at a time.
|
one-night stand »
An occasion when a performer or team of them expects to perform at a theater for a single evening.
|
one-upmanship »
A succession of instances of outdoing a competitor.
|
out of the loop »
Not informed up to date; current; not kept part of the discussion.
|
over one's head »
More complex or confusing than one can understand; beyond one’s comprehension..
|
paper »
A sheet material used for writing on or printing on , usually made by draining cellulose fibres from a suspension in water.
|
parade of horribles »
A parade featuring a progression of people wearing comic and grotesque costumes.
|
pardon me »
Polite expression to get someone to repeat.
|
pay one's dues »
To outlay money which is owed as a membership fee or price of admission.
|
pile-up »
A traffic accident or collision involving multiple vehicles.
|
play ball »
An expression used at the beginning of a game of baseball.
|
play hookey »
To be absent without permission, especially from school.
|
play hooky »
To miss school, work, or other duties without permission or an excuse.
|
pop off »
To release flatulence, in most cases, in short rapid succession.
|
possession is nine-tenths of the law »
One who has possession of a thing has some right to it; a popular statement of the doctrine of adverse possession.
|
power up »
To become ready for operation as a result of the provision of electrical power.
|
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.
|
pull a face »
To make an abnormal facial expression.
|
pull my finger »
A phrase used when playing a prank regarding flatulence, in which a mark is asked to pull the finger of the person playing the prank, who simultaneously flatulates so as to suggest a causal relationship between the pulling of the finger and the resulting expulsion of gas.
|
put by »
To run a ship aground intentionally to avoid a collision.
|
put one's best foot forward »
To show oneself in the best or most positive way possible; to make a favorable impression.
|
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.
|
real job »
A job which requires the employee to, work regular hours for a consistent wage that often exceeds the provisions of applicable minimum wage legislation. A job that produces a living wage.
|
reflect on »
To give an impression of .
|
revenge is a dish best served cold »
An expression that emotional detachment is ideal when taking revenge, as one is righting the wrongs that have been done to the doer.
|
right on »
An expression of enthusiasm or encouragement.
|
rivet counter »
A person who has an obsession with the minutae of their particular interest. Anyone preoccupied with small distinguishing features between different items.
|
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 on fumes »
By extension, to operate with few resources or little money.
|
run out the clock »
To preserve a lead in a game by retaining possession, to waste time.
|
say so »
power of decision
|
scream »
A form of singing associated with the metal and screamo styles of music. It is a loud, rough, distorted version of the voice; rather than the normal voice of the singer.
|
seagull approach »
The occurence of casual, ill-informed and hasty decisions or comments made by outside authorities who lack an understanding of the local issues or a real understanding of the facts of a particular situ.
|
seagull manager »
A manager who comes into the workplace or office only on occasion, especially when a problem arises or to criticize or critique employees.
|
see the light »
To undergo a spiritual conversion.
|
settle on »
To make a decision or selection; to decide.
|
sexual tension »
Physically induced libidinal unrest arising between two individuals when aware of each other's presence.
|
shoot 'em up »
A short story, novel, television show, film, computer game, or other narrative which depicts considerable gunplay.
|
shoot down »
To the point of preclusion.
|
show the flag »
To display the flag of one's country, especially as an expression of patriotic pride.
|
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.
|
sign on »
The time of day when a radio or television station begins broadcasting, usually after being off the air for several hours.
|
silver screen »
By extension, the movies or that related to movies or cinema.
|
skip out »
To shirk; to avoid attending or to leave early, especially without permission.
|
sleep on »
To consider after a period of sleep, implying a decision will be made the next day.
|
sleep on it »
To postpone a decision until the following day to avoid making a hasty choice.
|
slippery slope »
A logical argument that follows a chain of events or causes and effects to some conclusion.
|
smack of »
To seem like; to appear or give an impression or feeling of; to arouse suspicion of.
|
so much for »
An expression of disregard, or resignation; something said upon giving up, quitting, or disposing of something.
|
so there »
A defiant expression used to finish a poorly-made argument.
|
soapbox »
A crate for packing soap, or, by extension, any inexpensive crude platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it, especially when used for speeches.
|
soapbox »
Especially when only tangentially relevant to an ongoing discussion.
|
softroader »
. This involves increased ground clearance with tyre, wheel, and suspension tweaks, skid plates and refers to mini SUV or wagons.
|
sour grapes »
A putting down or expression of disdain about something that one desires but cannot have.
|
sow the wind, reap the whirlwind »
Every decision has consequences; a person's actions will come back to him.
|
speak of the devil »
An expression sometimes used when a person mentioned in the current conversation happens to arrive on the scene.
|
stately home »
mansion
|
stick it to the man »
To take some action intended to defy a source of oppression such as globalization, commercialization, big business or government.
|
stickhandle »
To maintain individual possession of the puck or ball by controlling it with movements of one's stick, especially to do so in a skillful manner.
|
stir-crazy »
By extension, restless, uncomfortable, or impatient due to inactivity.
|
straight face »
A face that is expressionless, especially not laughing.
|
straighten out »
To eliminate confusion from or concerning.
|
switch on »
To change one's expression or appearance as if by turning a switch.
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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..
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take away »
To leave a memory or impression in one's mind that you think about later.
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take back »
To regain possession of something.
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take off »
To absent oneself from work or other responsibility, especially with permission.
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take over »
To appropriate something without permission.
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take over »
To annex a territory by conquest or invasion.
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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.
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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.
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thanks for nothing »
Expression of displeasure towards a person who has not provided what was wanted.
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that does it »
Expression of annoyance or frustration; indicates that one has reached the limit of one's patience or temper.
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that's just me »
Indicates the expression of a personal opinion, but often used ironically as an understatement.
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the ball is in your court »
It is your turn to do something; often making a decision.
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the bends »
decompression sickness
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the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get »
(vulgar) The sexual satisfactions that one receives from a spouse or romantic partner are not sufficient to compensate for the significant periods of bad faith and unpleasant treatment which such relationships routinely involve.1971, Allen Churchill, The Literary Decade, ISBN 9780135375228:Years later she expressed her disillusionment with sex by saying, "The fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."1999, Ben Sonnenberg, Lost Property: Memoirs and Confessions of a Bad Boy, ISBN 9781582430454, p. 93:Maitland got drunk at his parties and threw his arm around you and pulled you over to his wife and made you look down her dress, saying, "The trouble with marriage is that the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."2008, Joseph Heywood, Blue Wolf In Green Fire, ISBN 9781599213590, p. 63:"I can't believe a little pussy got me into dis mess." "Shit happens," Service said. "Sometimes the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get."
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the jig is up »
An expression used to mean "We have been caught out and have no defence", or if spoken to a person who's just been found out as the perpetrator of an offense, it means "You've been discovered.".
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third degree »
Intensive rough interrogation in order to extract information or a confession.
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three-on-the-tree »
On an automobile, describing the gearshift lever of a steering column-mounted three-speed manual transmission.
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time out »
To call for a suspension of activity or conversation.
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tip of the hat »
A gesture of acknowledgement; often, an expression of gratitude.
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today we are all »
An expression indicating that the speaker empathizes with members of an identifiable group that was the subject of a disaster, and projects that others empathize as well.
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tone down »
To make a television program, piece of writing, etc. less offensive and so more suitable for a family audience.
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toss-up »
A decision in which neither choice is clearly favorable or unfavorable, or for which the outcome does not matter.
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totus porcus »
Completely; unreservedly: swallowed the official version totus porcus.
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tough love »
The compassionate use of stringent disciplinary measures, to attempt to improve someone's behavior.
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trick of the trade »
A shortcut or other quick, or very effective way of doing things, that professional workers learn from experience.
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trip to the woodshed »
An occasion on which a reprimand or punishment is administered.
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tune in »
To select a channel, station, etc., as on television or radio.
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turf war »
A fight or confrontation between two divisions or parties for access to resources or capital.
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turn a phrase »
To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.
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two wrongs make a right »
A logical fallacy whereby a wrongful action is justified by the commission of another
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under the impression »
Thinking or making assumptions, often incorrectly.
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unwashed masses »
Of people who are considered by someone to be somehow uneducated, uninformed, godless, or in some other way unqualified for inclusion in the speaker's elite circles.
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up to »
The option or decision of.
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virgin territory »
By extension, ideas or concepts or activities that have not yet been tried, explored or developed.
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wage war »
A figurative allusion to pay discrepancies.
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wait for the other shoe to drop »
To defer action or decision until another matter is finished or resolved.
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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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walk the line »
To participate in the procession at a graduation ceremony; to graduate.
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warm down »
Gentle excercise at the end of a training session before cooling off.
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warm fuzzy »
A good impression; a feeling of comfort or trust.
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waste breath »
To speak in a manner which is needless or futile; in discussion or argument to make points which are not appreciated or heeded.
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way to go »
An expression of congratulations, encouragement, or approval.
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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 coat hypertension »
Elevated blood pressure measured by a medical practitioner and deemed to result from the patient's emotional response to the medical environment.
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white-knuckle »
Causing fear, excitement, apprehension, suspense, or nervousness.
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willful ignorance »
A bad faith decision to avoid becoming informed about something so as to avoid having to make undesirable decisions that such information might prompt. It may also be shown as for a person to have no clue in a decision but still goes ahead in their decision.
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window dressing »
A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
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wishful thinking »
Decision-making based on self-delusion.
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wishful thinking »
The illusion that what one would like is actually true.
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written all over someone's face »
Very obvious, from someone's facial expression.
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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 say fairer than that »
That is good, reasonable, or fair; one cannot hope for a better decision or outcome.
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you pays your money and you takes your choice »
Each person should make their own decisions.
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you what%3F »
An intensified version of what or huh.
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| BTW, Why won't you become an editor? |
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