a watched pot never boils »
A process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.
|
ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
|
and counting »
Used to show that the number previously mentioned is continuously changing, i.e. increasing or decreasing.
|
any way one slices it »
From any perspective; in every case.
|
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
|
Après-ski »
A place "after skiing". Typically a bar or pub where people go after a day on the slopes to ease off and meet other people.
|
asleep at the switch »
Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.
|
at a moment's notice »
Immediately; instantaneously; without need of warning.
|
at all »
Indicating degree, quantity or frequency greater than zero; to the slightest degree, in any way, somewhat, rather.
|
at all hours »
Late into the night or early morning; when people ought to be sleeping.
|
at once »
At the same time; simultaneously; together.
|
at the high port »
At once; unhesitatingly; quickly and vigorously.
|
back down »
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously has or has planned to.
|
bacon-faced »
Having a fat, sleek face.
|
balancing act »
A performance that involves balancing things precariously and suspensefully.
|
bang on about »
To keep talking endlessly about the same subject.
|
bang out »
To do something quickly, in a slipshod, or unprofessional manner.
|
bat an eyelash »
To react in any slight way; to respond.
|
bat an eyelid »
To react in any slight way; to respond.
|
be in a spot of bother »
To have a slight problem, to be in a predicament.
|
be on the edge of one's seat »
To be in suspense; to wait eagerly or anxiously for some resolution.
|
beauty sleep »
C. 1900, Ralph Connor, The Man From Glengarry, ch. 23.
|
beauty sleep »
Extra sleep or a special nap.
|
beauty sleep »
Sleep before midnight, on the belief that early sleep hours conduce to health and beauty.[1].
|
because you touch yourself at night »
Used to humourously deflect a request for a reason.
|
bed down »
To lie down to sleep for the night, usually of livestock or machinery.
|
beddy-bye »
Bedtime for a toddler, going to sleep, going to bed.
|
beg off »
To avoid, or cancel some event that one has previously arranged with someone.
|
big break »
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
|
big sleep »
Death.
|
bill of goods »
A set of misleading or deceptive claims; misinformation.
|
black sheep »
A disliked person; one who is disfavored.
|
blanket term »
A word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things. The degree of relation may vary. Blanket terms often trade specificity for ease-of-use; in other words, a blanket term by itself gives little detail about the things that it describes or the relationships between them, but is easy to say and remember. Blanket terms often originate as slang, and eventually become integrated into the general vocabulary.
|
blind »
A covering for a window to keep out light. The covering may be made of cloth or of narrow slats that can block light or allow it to pass.
|
blow out of proportion »
To overreact to or overstate; to treat too seriously or be overly concerned with.
|
blow up »
To fail disastrously.
|
blow up in one's face »
To fail disastrously.
|
bogged down »
Stuck; mired, as in detail, difficulty; delayed or made slower.
|
boys will be boys »
It is hard, often fruitless, to attempt to curb the natural playfulness and tendency to mischief of most growing boys.1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13But just then there was a slight altercation between Master Tommy and Master Jacky. Boys will be boys and our two twins were no exception to this golden rule.Even grown men usually remain somewhat boyish in heart"Boys will be boys", grinned grandpa while he joined his adult son playing with the fancy train-set he gave his grandson for Christmas while the kid was in school.
|
brass-neck »
To behave boldly or shamelessly.
|
burn the midnight oil »
To work studiously, especially late into the night.
|
but seriously folks »
Directs attention to immediately preceding failed attempt at humor.
|
button-down »
Serious; staid; businesslike.
|
call it a night »
To go to bed to sleep.
|
cast the first stone »
To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing that one is blameless.
|
catch a buzz »
To become slightly inebriated, but not yet be drunk.
|
catch some z's »
To sleep.
|
chat up »
In a friendly, open, or casual manner, sometimes also in a charming or affected manner, usually to curry favor, and sometimes flirtatiously with the intention of establishing a romantic or sexual encounter or relationship with that person.
|
chow down »
To eat, especially to eat vigorously.
|
circuit slugger »
A talented baseball batter that hits home runs.
|
city slicker »
One accustomed to a city or urban lifestyle or unsuited to life in the country.
|
clue stick »
A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.
|
cold shoulder »
A deliberate act of disrespect; a slight or snub.
|
come out of the closet »
To tell others about homosexuality, bisexuality or any minority or disapproved-of belief, preference, etc., where previously this had been kept secret.
|
comfort girl »
A sex slave; prostitute.
|
conk out »
To fall fast asleep; to sleep soundly.
|
cop out »
To avoid or shirk, either by failing to perform, or by performing in a grossly insufficient, negligent, or superficial manner.
|
count sheep »
To attempt to go to sleep by thinking of something boring, traditionally by counting imaginary sheep.
|
crab mentality »
A way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot.
|
creep into »
To enter surreptitiously.
|
cross the aisle »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
cross the aisle »
To vote, unite, or otherwise co-operate with members of another political party in order to achieve governmental or political action.
|
cross the floor »
Of a member of a parliament, to resign from one's political party and join another party, resulting in moving from one's currently assigned desk or seat in the legislative chamber to a new desk or seat physically located with the other members of one's new party.
|
cry off »
To cancel something that one has previously arranged with someone.
|
cut a wide swath »
To clear a broad track through a grassland, woodland, geographical region, or other area, either by natural means or by human action.
|
cut somebody some slack »
To be patient or lenient with somebody; to relax standards or expectations.
|
dark horse »
A candidate who is nominated unexpectedly, without previously having been discussed or considered as a likely choice.
|
day in, day out »
Every day; daily; constantly or continuously; especially, of something that has become routine or monotonous.
|
dead weight »
That which is useless or excess; that which slows something down.
|
dim bulb »
A person who is slow-witted.
|
do a slow burn »
To experience a gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
don't let the bedbugs bite »
Used to wish a person a good night's sleep.
|
doss down »
To sleep on someone's sofa or floor because there is no bed spare.
|
doze off »
To fall asleep unintentionally.
|
drag »
To act or proceed slowly or without enthusiasm; to be reluctant.
|
drag »
To move slowly.
|
drag one's feet »
To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.
|
draw on »
To advance, continue; to move or pass slowly or continuously, as under a pulling force.
|
drift off »
To fall asleep in a gradual manner.
|
drip »
To leak slowly.
|
drop off »
To fall asleep.
|
easy does it »
Relax; do something gently, lightly or carefully; slow down; calm down.
|
familiarity breeds contempt »
The more acquainted one becomes with a person, the more one knows about his or her shortcomings and, hence, the easier it is to dislike that person.1894, H. Rider Haggard, The People Of The Mist, ch. 25:This was the beginning of evil, for if no man is a hero to his valet de chambre, much less can he remain a god for long in the eyes of a curious woman. Here, as in other matters, familiarity breeds contempt.
|
farmer's tan »
The tan line left by clothing, especially, by a short-sleeved shirt.
|
fast asleep »
Sleeping, in a deep sleep.
|
filter down »
Of a liquid; to move slowly down to lower substrate levels.
|
filter down »
Of information, or resources; to move slowly down to lower levels of an organisation, or population.
|
flower »
Typically including sepals, petals, stamens, and ovaries; often conspicuously colourful.
|
for all one is worth »
Intensely, vigorously, with as much effort as one can supply.
|
for keeps »
To compete seriously, with a strong resolve to win or succeed, as in sports or business.
|
forty winks »
Sleep, extra sleep, or a nap.
|
fourth estate »
Which governed legislation.
|
gapers' block »
A traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction.
|
get off »
To fall asleep.
|
give some skin »
To greet or congratulate someone by slapping his or her palm; see slap me five.
|
give somebody the slip »
To evade, escape, or get away from somebody.
|
give the devil his due »
To acknowledge the positive qualities of a person who is unpleasant or disliked.
|
go to sleep »
An expression used to dismiss an extremely foolish statement, or to dismiss somebody that one does not feel like talking to.
|
go to town »
To proceed enthusiastically, vigorously, or expertly.
|
greatest thing since sliced bread »
A relatively recent invention likely to significantly improve people's lives.
|
greenwash »
A false or misleading picture of environmental friendliness used to conceal or obscure damaging activities.
|
hang out to dry »
To attach washing to a clothesline to dry.
|
he who laughs last laughs best »
success is better after having previously endured ridicule.
|
head over heels »
Hopelessly smitten.
|
hold one's breath »
To wait, as if breathlessly.
|
hot mess »
Refers to a person, thing, or situation in such a state of disarray or disapproval by peers, often in reference to physical appearance, perceived to be disastrously embarrassing, pitiful, or beyond repair.
|
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 high dudgeon »
Resentfully or furiously.
|
in the twinkling of an eye »
Immediately; instantaneously.
|
is the Pope Catholic »
The answer to the question is, obviously, resoundingly affirmative.
|
keep one's mouth shut »
To keep a secret; to refrain from speaking indiscreetly or carelessly.
|
kind of »
Slightly; somewhat; sort of.
|
knacker's yard »
That area of a slaughterhouse where carcasses unfit for human consumption are rendered down to produce useful materials such as glue.
|
knock out »
To put someone to sleep.
|
lame joke »
An attempt at humor which is perceived to have been used previously to the point of being cliche, or was never funny to begin with.
|
lead down a garden path »
To mislead; to seduce.
|
let go and let God »
To consciously surrender one's free will to the will of God.
|
let sleeping dogs lie »
To leave things as they are; especially, to avoid restarting or rekindling an old argument; to leave disagreements in the past.
|
let slip »
To divulge a secret, as by accident or mistake.
|
let slip »
allow to escape
|
let up »
slacken
|
like gangbusters »
Vigorously, rapidly, zealously, or forcibly; in a manner which has considerable impact.
|
like the new time »
Furiously or vigorously, repeatedly.
|
longpig »
Human flesh when cooked in cannabalistic rituals in certain Pacific Islands, due to the allegeded similarity to cooked pork.
|
look before you leap »
Don't jump into something too precipitously; be at least a bit foresightful or circumspect.
|
look off »
To mislead by directing one's apparent attention away from one's true object of intent.
|
make for »
????, translator unknown, author Galileo Galilei, Two Chief World Systems.
|
make it up as one goes along »
To improvise continuously.
|
mills of the gods grind slowly »
Justice may arrive slowly, but it cannot be avoided.
|
mix it up »
To compete vigorously, to quarrel, or to fight physically.
|
more haste, less speed »
When we are in a hurry, we often end up completing our task slower.
|
morning, noon and night »
Constantly; ceaselessly; without stopping.
|
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.
|
no love lost »
Dislike, animosity.
|
no man is an island »
All people are connected to other people and dependent on other people.1623, John Donne,
|
no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney »
Regardless of how many clever points or fine distinctions one makes, what one is saying is still false or is still nonsense.
|
no slave to fashion »
A person whose style of clothing and appearance are unconventional, informal, or slovenly; a person who takes little interest in how he or she is dressed.
|
no slouch »
Pretty good; not bad.
|
nod off »
To fall asleep, especially while in a seated position or in inappropriate circumstances.
|
not give a monkey's »
Not to have the slightest interest or concern.
|
now you're talking »
A phrase indicating agreement with a previously stated suggestion to change a course of action.
|
odd and curious »
A way to designate special coins, namely coins that are both odd and imperfect or seriously damaged.
|
odd and curious »
On the Isle of Man, the common or general man.
|
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.
|
on a whim »
Done without thinking seriously about the consequences.
|
on end »
Remarkably long; continuously.
|
on steroids »
To a greater degree, exaggerating the characteristics of the previously named object.
|
on the fly »
Spontaneously or extemporaneously; done as one goes, or during another activity.
|
on the sly »
Slyly, in an inconspicuous manner, so as not to be seen; secretly; stealthily.
|
on the spur of the moment »
On very short notice; spontaneously.
|
on the uptake »
In understanding or in the ability to absorb new information; especially in the phrases "quick on the uptake" and "slow on the uptake".
|
one at a time »
Individually, as opposed to collectively; slowly or methodically, figuratively.
|
one step at a time »
Slowly and carefully, ensuring that each action has been completed successfully before taking the next.
|
one up »
To outdo, to do something slightly better than a competitor's prior effort.
|
one-up »
To outdo, to do something slightly better than a competitor's prior effort.
|
pass out »
To faint; fall asleep.
|
pay out »
To slacken a rope by lengthening it; to allow a rope to run out.
|
pick up stitches »
Stitches to the knitting needle that were previously bound off, or that belong to the selvage, during the process of knitting or entrelac.
|
pickin' and grinnin' »
Vigorously playing folk or country music on a stringed musical instrument, especially the guitar or banjo, while smiling broadly.
|
piece of cake »
One slice of cake.
|
pig out »
To eat voraciously or ravenously; to gorge oneself.
|
pink slip »
An automobile roadworthiness inspection certificate.
|
pink slip »
Notice of the termination of employment.
|
piss and moan »
To complain, especially needlessly and loudly.
|
play dumb »
To pretend to be slow-witted or lacking in specific knowledge, usually in order to avoid responsibility or to gain some advantage.
|
play fast and loose »
To be recklessly inaccurate, inappropriate, or otherwise ignoring guidelines and conventions.
|
play possum »
To feign sleep, illness, etc.
|
play the same tape »
To repeat exactly what one previously said or did.
|
plus »
(literally) The more it changes, the more it's the same thing (sometimes loosely translated as the more things change, the more they stay the same).Although the outward appearance may change, fundamentals are constant.
|
proverbs run in pairs »
Every proverb seems to be contradicted by another proverb with an opposed message, such as "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "many hands make light work."1863, Sir Richard Burton, Abeokuta and the Camaroons Mountains, vol. 1, Tinsley (London), p. 309:Moreover, all the world over, proverbs run in pairs, and pull both ways: for the most part one neutralizes, by contradiction, the other.
|
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 down »
To place a baby somewhere to sleep.
|
rag the puck »
To proceed slowly at any activity in order to use up time; to stall for time.
|
rake »
The direction of slip during fault movement. The rake is measured within the fault plane.
|
rake »
The sloped edge of a roof at or adjacent to the first or last rafter.
|
real job »
A job that can't be replaced advantageously by a machine or a procedure.
|
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.
|
red herring »
A clue that is misleading or that has been falsified, intended to divert attention.
|
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.
|
rein in »
To stop or slow a horse by pulling the reins.
|
rein in »
To stop or slow something, by exercising control.
|
roll up one's sleeves »
To prepare to work.
|
rough sledding »
A difficult period of time.
|
run away with »
To be misled by imagining that one's desires can come true.
|
run down »
To lose power slowly. Used for a machine, battery, or other powered device.
|
sack out »
To fall asleep, usually from implied exhaustion.
|
sacked out »
Sound asleep, usually from a healthy exhaustion.
|
see the light »
To gain an understanding of something previously not understood, especially in a sudden insight.
|
sexual congress »
Loose translation of the title of Aristophanes' play Ecclesiazousae, more literally translated as Assemblywomen.
|
sharp cookie »
One who is intelligent, bright, or sharp; especially, one who can identify attempts to deceive or mislead.
|
slag off »
To talk insultingly to or about someone or something.
|
slam dunk »
A task expected to present no difficulty.
|
slam dunk »
An impressively forceful dunk.
|
slam dunk »
Tacking on top of the wind of the following yacht in close quarters.
|
slanging match »
A row; an argument in which names are called.
|
slap on the wrist »
A mild or too-mild punishment; a reprimand.
|
sleep around »
To have numerous sexual partners.
|
sleep in »
To sleep late; to go on sleeping past one's customary or planned hour.
|
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.
|
sleep together »
To be intimate with another person in the same bed.
|
sleep together »
To have sex with.
|
sleep with »
To have sexual intercourse with.
|
sleep with »
To share a bed or bedroom with.
|
sleep with the fishes »
To be killed and have one's body disposed off in the sea or other body of water.
|
sleeping at the switch »
Variant form of asleep at the switch.
|
sleeping policeman »
A speed bump.
|
sleepy head »
A very tired person.
|
sleeves from one's vest »
Something non-existent; something of no value or cost.
|
slim chance »
Little or no likelihood of occurrence or success.
|
slip into something a little more comfortable »
To wear something suitable to be stripped off by a lover.
|
slip of the pen »
A mistake in handwriting.
|
slip of the tongue »
A mistake in speech.
|
slip on »
shoe type; to try out
|
slip someone's mind »
To be forgotten; to escape one's memory.
|
slip through the cracks »
To escape notice or lack sufficient attention.
|
slip up »
To err, falter; to make a mistake.
|
slip-up »
A mistake or error; a minor misstep.
|
slippery as an eel »
So crafty, or cunning that they cannot be caught by the police, although it is known that they are acting illegally.
|
slippery as an eel »
So slippery that it is almost impossible to hold with one's hands.
|
slippery slope »
A chain of events that, once initiated, cannot be halted; especially one in which the final outcome is undesirable or precarious.
|
slippery slope »
A logical argument that follows a chain of events or causes and effects to some conclusion.
|
slob »
A lazy and slovenly person.
|
slob »
A term used to insult a lazy, obese person.
|
slop bowl »
One of the four components of the traditional tea set. Tea drinkers emptied their unwanted, cold tea into the slop bowl before refilling their cups with fresh, hot tea.
|
slow burn »
A gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration.
|
slow down »
Decelerate.
|
slow up »
To slow, slow down, decelerate.
|
slowly but surely »
In a slow, yet careful manner
|
smash hit »
Something that is tremendously popular or successful.
|
snail's pace »
A very slow pace.
|
so far »
Until now; previously; yet.
|
sound asleep »
Sleeping still and silently.
|
stand up »
To stand immediately behind the wicket so as to catch balls from a slow or spin bowler, and to attempt to stump the batsman.
|
stem the tide »
To slow or stop the increase.
|
stick in the mud »
More generally, one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive; an old fogey.
|
stitch up »
To maliciously or dishonestly incriminate someone.
|
suck in »
To cause someone to become slowly more and more involved in a business or situation that is often not to that person's liking.
|
suck into »
To cause someone to become slowly more and more involved in a business or situation that is often not to that person's liking.
|
sweet dreams »
Phrase said to someone before they fall asleep, wishing them a good sleep.
|
take a dim view of »
To dislike; to regard with skepticism, disbelief, disfavor, etc.
|
take one's time »
To go about something slowly and carefully.
|
take the red pill »
To understand the world in its previously unknown reality.
|
take up »
That which takes up or tightens; specifically, a device in a sewing machine for drawing up the slack thread as the needle rises, in completing a stitch.
|
take with a pinch of salt »
Not take entirely seriously.
|
talk turkey »
To talk or negotiate plainly, frankly, or seriously.
|
taper off »
To diminish or lessen gradually; to become smaller, slower, quieter, etc.
|
tear a strip off somebody »
To scold vigorously.
|
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 shoe is on the other foot »
The roles of people in a situation have been reversed, such the advantage has shifted to a party which was previously disadvantaged.
|
there's many a slip twixt cup and lip »
In any situation, however well planned, something can always go wrong.
|
thorn in the flesh »
Ivar Specto. The Soviet Union and the Muslim World, 1917-1958.
|
throw dirt enough, and some will stick »
If enough allegations are made about someone or something, then even if they are all untrue, people's opinion of the person or thing will be diminished.1759, John Wesley, letter to John Downes, Rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, read at Wesley Center Online at [1] on 14 Oct 06.I hope...that you are ignorant of the whole affair, and are so bold only because you are blind...And blind enough; so that you blunder on through thick and thin, bespattering all that come in your way, according to the old, laudable maxim, 'Throw dirt enough, and some will stick.'1857, Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown's Schooldays, read at fullbooks.com on 14 Oct 06,But whatever harm a spiteful tongue could do them, he took care should be done. Only throw dirt enough, and some will stick.1864, John Henry Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, Penguin Classics (1994), p. 10,Archbishop Whately used to say
|
to beat the band »
Very vigorously; at a frantic pace; to a high degree; in large quantities.
|
to say the least »
Used to suggest that what was previously stated was an understatement.
|
tomorrow is another day »
Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a fresh start for one's endeavors.1600, author unknown, "Phillidaes Love-call to her Coridon, and his replying" (song), in England's Helicon, printed at London by I.R. for John Flasket:Phil. Yonder comes my Mother, Coridon,whether shall I flie?Cor. Under yonder Beech my lovely one,while she passeth by.Say to her thy true-Love was not heere,remember, remember,to morrow is another day:1896, Amelia E. Barr, A Knight of the Nets, ch. 8:"Well, well, my dear lass, to-night we cannot work, but we may sleep. . . . Keep a still heart tonight, and tomorrow is another day."1936, Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, ch. 63:"Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."2005, Fran Schumer, "JERSEY: In Princeton, Taking On Harvard's Fuss About Women," New York Times, 19 June (retrieved 18 Aug. 2009):"Half of me is depressed
|
tongue-in-cheek »
Not intended seriously; jocular or humorous.
|
tooth and nail »
Viciously; with all one’s strength or power; without holding back..
|
touch up »
To make slight corrections or adjustments; to fill in or perfect.
|
touch up »
To touch or to grope someone in flirtatious or sleazy way.
|
touched in the head »
Demented, slightly mentally deficient.
|
trigger-happy »
Inclined to behave recklessly, especially with machinery.
|
trigger-happy »
Inclined to react excessively or violently at the slightest provocation.
|
turn in »
To go to sleep; retire to bed.
|
turn the tables »
To reverse a situation, such that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged.
|
two cents »
A nearly worthless amount, alluding to placing a copper penny on each of the eyelids of a pauper's or slave's body before burial.
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underwater basket weaving »
"Sure, somewhere out there, college slackers were taking broom ball and underwater basket weaving." — The Columbus Dispatch, September 15, 2005.
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until one is blue in the face »
Forever; for a hopelessly long time.
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up one's sleeve »
Hidden, in reserve.
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watch one's step »
To move cautiously.
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wear one's heart on one's sleeve »
To be extremely transparent, open, or forthright about one's emotions.
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wee small hours »
The very early morning, just after midnight, when most people are asleep.
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whistle walk »
The path slaves took to deliver food from the kitchen building of a plantation to the main dining room. Slaves were expected to whistle during this walk in order to assure their masters that they were not eating the food.
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wind down »
To slow; to become calmer or less busy.
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wipe the slate clean »
To forget about previous differences and disagreements, and make a fresh start.
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work out »
To habitually exercise rigorously, especially by lifting weights, in order to increase strength or muscle mass or maintain fitness.
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you made your bed, now sleep in it »
A moralizing rejection said to someone looking for an easy out, especially of a situation they put themselves into.
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zonk out »
To fall suddenly into a very deep sleep.
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