a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down »
An otherwise unpleasant situation can be pleasant when a pleasant aspect is deliberately introduced.1999, Eli Yassif, The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning, Indiana University Press, ISBN 0253335833, page 372,One is known as the "sweetening parable," that is to say a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Thus, when the aim is to preach to the people, to guide them along the "bitter," arduous path of upholding burdensome precepts and prohibitions, a tale can lighten the load, make the "medicine" easier "to swallow."2001, Maureen Reagan, First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir, Little, Brown, ISBN 0316736368, page 319,It put some fun into the tedious business of preparing for a presidential debate. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?2004, John Hoover, How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive... Without Killing Your Boss, Career Press, ISBN 1564147045, page 11,If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, a barrel of laughs can wash down the big pills you might need to swallow.
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ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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against all odds »
Despite seemingly insurmountable opposition or probability.
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against the grain »
To sand or plane a piece of wood parallel or nearly parallel to the fibers such that splinters forming ahead of the tool originate below the cutting surface.
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all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy »
Too much focus on one's career is often viewed unfavorably.Too much hard work and not enough leisure time can be unhealthy.
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back up »
As a security measure.
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bank on »
To be sure of something. To depend on it.
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baptism by fire »
A rite of passage through the survival or success of a crisis.
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be of two minds »
To be undecided or unsure; to equivocate; to have multiple opinions.
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beam up »
To be teleported over a long distance by means of a specific imaginary technology, specifically from the surface of a planet to an orbiting starship.
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beer and skittles »
Something pleasurable.
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behind closed doors »
Public disclosure.
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better an egg today than a hen tomorrow »
It is better to have a sure thing now than a possibility of more later.
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blow off »
To vent, usually, to reduce pressure in a container.
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blue moon »
Something absurd.
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bomb around »
The drive around at speed for pleasure.
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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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bowled over »
to be astonished; overwhelmed; surprised; shocked
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brain surgeon »
Someone very intelligent.
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brain surgeon »
Someone who does brain surgery.
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brain surgery »
Something that is overly complex, detailed or confusing.
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brain surgery »
Surgery on any part of the nervous system, especially the brain; neurosurgery.
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bread and butter »
That which is central or fundamental, as to one's business, survival, or income; a staple or cornerstone.
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bridge »
Any of several electrical devices that measure characteristics such as impedance and inductance by balancing different parts of a circuit.
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buried treasure »
Something, having been concealed for a long time, which later is found and is profitable.
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buried treasure »
Treasure stashed underground or underwater.
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business before pleasure »
An admonishment that discharging one's obligations must take precedence over devoting time to pursuits meant solely for one's own gratification.
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can't wait »
To eagerly anticipate; to find it unbearable to wait for a forthcoming pleasurable event.
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cap it all off »
To surpass or outdo something.
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carry away »
To break under sudden pressure of violent wind.
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clamp down on »
To take measures to stop something; to put an end to.
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clay »
A tennis court surface.
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clock in »
To be measured at.
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close down »
To surround someone, as to impede their movement.
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cold comfort »
Much less reassurance, consolation, aid, or pleasure than one needs or desires.
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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 down to us »
To survive to the present day; to be extant in some form.
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come through »
To survive.
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company »
I treasure your company.
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cover one's ass »
To make preparations or take precautions to ensure that one is not blamed or punished for one's conduct.
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creep into »
To enter surreptitiously.
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crush out »
To force out or separate by pressure.
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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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desperate times call for desperate measures »
In adverse circumstances actions that might have been rejected under other circumstances may become the best choice.
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desperate times require desperate measures »
Alternative form of desperate times call for desperate measures.
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diamond in the rough »
A person whose goodness or other positive qualities are hidden by a harsh or unremarkable surface appearance.
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drag »
To pull along a surface or through a medium, sometimes with difficulty.
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draw on »
To sketch or mark with pencil, crayon, etc., on a given surface.
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drop a bomb »
To announce surprising or alarming information suddenly and without warning.
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every cloud has a silver lining »
In every bad situation there is an element of good1881, National Academy of Code Administration (U.S.), Folio, page 417:Every cloud has a silver lining; but in the old-fashioned meeting-houses every cloud of hymnal melody generally had a nasal lining before the congregation...1887, Shakers, Religion, page 36:that "a little reserve and thou'lt fail surely," will prove to be true in our experience. Every cloud has a silver lining and so has every sorrow,1918, George Jean Nathan, Performing Arts, page 222:But the most popular attitude toward what we may call "sad" plays is the peculiar one of believing that, since every cloud has a silver lining,
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f**ing hell »
An exclamation of great surprise.
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fall on one's sword »
To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so.
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fly the coop »
To escape from a pen or similar enclosure.
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for good measure »
As a precaution; just in case; added as an extra.
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for goodness' sake »
This interjection expresses surprise or amazement.
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for kicks »
In order to obtain pleasure or excitement; for fun.
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forbidden fruit »
Illicit pleasure; something that one should not take or get involved with, such as an another person's spouse.
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get along »
To survive; to do well enough.
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get by »
To subsist; to succeed, survive, or manage, at least at a minimum level.
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get over »
surmount
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get over »
cross, surmount
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give as good as one gets »
To behave toward others in a manner resembling or commensurate with their behavior towards oneself, especially in a situation where one is insulted or otherwise ill-treated.
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give me liberty or give me death »
A set-phrase indicating enormous displeasure at any over-authoritarian policy or law.
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go figure »
Expresses perplexity, confusion, surprise, or puzzlement.
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go for »
To do something, especially for leisure.
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gold standard »
A test or measure of comparison that is considered ultimate or ideal.
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gongoozle »
To leisurely watch the passage of boats, from the bank of a canal, lock or bridge.
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hang in the balance »
To be in a precarious situation, unsure of the future.
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have it large »
To engage intensely in pleasure-seeking activities.
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hell raiser »
wild pleasure seeker
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high ground »
A location which is at a relatively high elevation, especially in comparison to the immediate surrounding area.
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hold back »
To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.
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hold out »
To survive, endure.
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hold someone's feet to the fire »
To maintain personal, social, political, or legal pressure on someone in order to induce him or her to comply with one's desires; to hold someone accountable for his or her actions.
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hold up »
To withstand; to stand up to; to survive.
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holy mackerel »
An expression of surprise.
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how do you like them apples »
Directed jestingly or mockingly at someone who has received surprising information, ridiculing the situation.
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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.
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hustle and bustle »
A large amount of activity and work, usually in a noisy surrounding.
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if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen »
If you cannot handle the pressure, you should not be in a position where you have to deal with it.
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in hot water »
In trouble; in the position of arousing somebody's anger or displeasure.
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in the hot seat »
Under pressure to perform; under scrutiny; at the center of attention.
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jet set »
A set of wealthy people who travel for pleasure.
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jet-setter »
A member of the jet set, a rich person who travels for pleasure.
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jump rope »
A single jump in this game or activity, counted as a measure of achievement.
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keep up »
To ensure that one remains well-informed about something.
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keep your friends close, and your enemies closer »
One should be on their toes and alert of their surroundings if malicious people are around, to ensure such people can't wreak havoc in one's life.
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knock for a loop »
To astonish; to surprise very much.
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knock up »
To gently hit the ball back and forth before a tennis match, as practice or warm-up, and to gauge the state of the playing surface, lighting, etc. See knock-up.
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knuckle under »
To yield or cooperate when pressured or forced to do so.
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law of the jungle »
The survival of the fittest, strongest or most cunning.
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lay down »
To give up, surrender, or yield , usually by placing it on the ground.
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lean on »
To apply pressure on.
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let go and let God »
To consciously surrender one's free will to the will of God.
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life is like a box of chocolates »
Life is full of surprises, you never know what will happen next.
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life's not all skittles and beer »
Skittles and Beer refers to the carefree, indulgent bar life; skittles being a British pub game. Thus, life's not all skittles and beer means that not everything is about pleasure.
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live on »
To survive solely by consuming a certain thing.
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look forward to »
To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure.
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make a point »
To take care in doing something of something; to pay attention or ensure that something is done.
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make it »
To survive, to live through something.
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make sure »
To verify; to recheck; to use extra care or caution.
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marry in haste, repent at leisure »
Getting married too soon will lead to a bad marriage.
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marry in haste, repent at leisure »
Two things together too soon will lead to problems.
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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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measure twice, cut once »
Alternative form of measure twice and cut once.
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measure up »
To meet expectations; to be as good as.
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meatball surgery »
A nickname for surgery that is meant to be performed rapidly to stabilize the patient as quickly as possible.
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name and shame »
So as to single them out for individual blame and censure.
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nervous hit »
A production which receives generally favorably notice, but is not assured of success.
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no pressure »
The situation at hand is rife with emotional pressure.
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no prize for guessing »
Used to form expressions emphasizing the unsurprising nature of what follows.
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not in Kansas anymore »
No longer in quiet and comfortable surroundings; in the big city.
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off balance »
Surprised; perplexed.
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off the hook »
Relieved of a duty, burden, responsibility, or pressure.
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off-the-wall »
Wildly unconventional; bizarre; absurd.
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old money »
The imperial system of measurement, as opposed to the metric system.
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one step at a time »
Slowly and carefully, ensuring that each action has been completed successfully before taking the next.
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out of the mouths of babes »
The greatest wisdom comes from children, who are not afraid or weary of the world and its pressures.
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pass muster »
To measure up to a particular standard.
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rake »
The direction of slip during fault movement. The rake is measured within the fault plane.
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reality check »
A check or review to make sure something is consistent, reasonable, etc.
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reap what one sows »
To receive as a reward or harvest in the same measure as one's exertions, in a good or a bad sense. To receive justice.
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rest assured »
Be sure; no need to worry; trust.
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ride out »
To tackle a difficult problem and survive.
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rise up »
To rise to the surface.
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rub off on »
To adapt to a way of behaving after constant exposure to it.
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rule of thumb »
A general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge.
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rum go »
An odd affair; a surprising event; a confusing experience; a queer thing.
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run down »
To reduce the size or stock levels of a business, often with a view to closure.
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same old story »
What usually happens, a happening which is not surprising.
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scratch the surface »
To barely begin; to see or do only a fraction of what is possible.
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sea legs »
Alternative name of surimi.
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set down »
Simple sum of parts set + down, to place, especially on the ground or a surface; to cease carrying.
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sex machine »
Any machine that is used for sexual pleasure.
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sexual enjoyment »
Sexual intercourse that produces physical and psychological pleasure.
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shake the pagoda tree »
To find a source of easy enrichment; to become absurdly rich in a short time.
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shoot first and ask questions later »
To take action with serious consequences without delay, preserving the benefit of surprise by not providing indication of one's intent.
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shoot the moon »
To attain great heights, a high value, or a numerically high measurement.
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sigh of relief »
A reassurance or support, something that reduces stress from an arduous activity.
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silver surfer »
An elderly person who regularly uses the Internet.
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slowly but surely »
In a slow, yet careful manner
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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.
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spy on »
To secretly watch; to surveil.
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stand on one's own two feet »
To be independent. To survive without any help.
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stand out »
To be obvious or conspicuous, in contrast to one's surroundings.
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stop the presses »
An imperative form used to introduce especially new, important, surprising, or recent developments.
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straw poll »
A survey of opinion which is unofficial, casual, or ad hoc.
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sure as eggs is eggs »
Absolutely certain.
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sure enough »
Just like one would expect.
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sure of oneself »
Self-confident.
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surprise surprise »
An indication that the unsurprising happened, especially contrary to someone's hopes or assertions.
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swear on a stack of Bibles »
To make a promise or give one's assurance with great conviction.
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take aback »
To surprise or shock; to discomfit.
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take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves »
If you take care of little things one at a time, they can add up to big things.1750, Chesterfield, letter 5 Feb. (1932) IV. 1500:Old Mr. Lowndes, the famous Secretary of the Treasury, ?used to say?Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves.1912, G. B. Shaw, Pygmalion ii. 132:Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves is as true of personal habits as of money.1979, R. Cassilis, Arrow of God, iv. xvii.:Little things, Master Mally. Look after the pennies, Master Mally, and the pounds will look after themselves.1999,
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take down »
To remove something from a wall or similar vertical surface to which it is fixed.
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take it from me »
Believe me, rest assured.
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take it to the bank »
Said to emphasize that something is known for sure.
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take one's lumps »
To receive physical abuse and to survive.
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take over »
To assume control of something, especially by force; to usurp.
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thanks for nothing »
Expression of displeasure towards a person who has not provided what was wanted.
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the bee's knees »
Most excellent; surpassingly wonderful; cool.
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the pen is mightier than the sword »
More influence and power can be usurped by writing than by fighting.
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third time's a charm »
One is sure to succeed at a task or event on the third try.
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three-martini lunch »
A leisurely, expensive, midday meal associated with drinking, which is tax-deductible because business is discussed.
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throw enough mud at the wall and 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.2005, Mike Busson (poster on UKScreen forum) Re: Voiceovers!, read at [1] on 02 Nov 06,In terms of places to send your URL or CD's, there's no easy answer. It really is a case of throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.2005, "forwardone" (administrator posting on the HYIPForum), re: Alertpay phishing email, read at [2] on 02 Nov 06,I also think that sometimes they send out phishing e-mails in the hope that it`ll hit people who do have an account with a particular organization. You know, throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick theory.2006, Rob Manuel, How to be funny, read in Comedy Soup on the BBC website at [3] on 02 Nov 06,Throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick. Be prolific and don't be afraid to make stuff that's rubbish. If you keep trying eventually you'll get there.2006, Rex Pierce, Re: [303rd-Talk] D Day read on 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum at [4] on 02 Nov 06,Believe the planners worked on the principle of "throw enough mud at the wall, and some of it will stick".If enough (perhaps false or reckless) accusations are made against someone, his reputation will suffer, whether or not this is deserved2006, "money" (poster on eTalk Money), Some thoughts about compact surfing, read at [5] on 02 Nov 06,Word of advice NVUS time to distance yourself from LuukH as quickly as possible and dish some dirt, otherwise well the saying goes - throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick.
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throw off balance »
To unsettle, to catch by surprise.
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throw somebody a curve »
To surprise; to introduce something unexpected or requiring a quick reaction or correction.
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timing is everything »
Consideration of other events can greatly influence some desired outcome (such as an audience laughing to a comedian's joke).Telling the old joke about a butt-crack was not a good idea, just as the plumber arrived, Bob.You know what they say: "timing is everything." I'm sure we can find another plumber before the house floods.
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to be sure »
Admittedly, undoubtedly, certainly.
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touch%C3%A9 »
An acknowledgement of the success, appropriateness or superiority of an argument, sometimes used sarcastically to mock one's opponent's absurd logic.
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tough love »
The compassionate use of stringent disciplinary measures, to attempt to improve someone's behavior.
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turn on »
To attract, give pleasure, or encourage.
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turn up for the book »
A very unexpected, usually pleasant, surprise.
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turn-on »
Something that attracts, gives pleasure, or encourages, especially sexually.
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under erasure »
Of a bit of text, written and strickenthrough; hence, figuratively in some sense both present and absent.
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under pressure »
Being subjected to physical pressure.
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under pressure »
Subjected to pressure.
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under the gun »
Under great pressure to perform.
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under the knife »
Undergoing a surgical procedure.
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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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victory at sea »
Ocean conditions very windblown and messy, possibly to the point of being inimical to surfing and other water sports.
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wall in »
To enclose by surrounding with walls.
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wash over »
Of open water. To surge over the banks, or other retaining structure.
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wear out »
To deteriorate or become unusable or ineffective due to continued use, exposure, or strain.
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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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well, I never »
An exclamation of great surprise.
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when push comes to shove »
When the pressure is on; when the situation is critical or urgent; when the time has come for action, even if it is difficult.
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when the chips are down »
When the pressure is on; when the situation is urgent or critical.
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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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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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