American Idioms: Recent Episodes
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A comprehensive dictionary of American idioms. All idioms are arranged alphabetically and followed by part of speech, meaning and example sentences.
Idioms #English #esl
own
See:
COME INTO ONE'S OWN,
DOSE OF ONE'S OWN MEDICINE,
HOLD ONE'S OWN,
IN A WORLD OF ONE'S OWN,
KEEP ONE'S OWN COUNSEL,
OF ONE'S OWN ACCORD or OF ONE'S OWN FREE WILL,
ON ONE'S OWN ACCOUNT or ON ONE'S OWN HOOK,
ON ONE'S OWN TIME,
SIGN ONE'S OWN DEATH WARRANT,
TAKE THE LAW INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS,
UNDER ONE'S OWN STEAM.
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
bad blood {n.}, {informal}
Anger or misgivings due to bad relations in the past between individuals or groups.
There's a lot of bad blood between Max and Jack; I bet they'll never talk to each other again.
Compare: BAD SHIT. Categories: anger feelings informal noun relationship
verb #Idioms #English #esl
excuse oneself {v. phr.}
- To think of reasons for not being to blame; think yourself not at fault.
John excused himself for his low grades on the ground that the teacher didn't like him.
- To ask to be excused after doing something impolite.
John excused himself for his tardiness, saying his watch was wrong.
- To ask permission to leave a group or place.
The committee meeting lasted so long that Mr. Wilkins excused himself to keep an appointment.
John had to go to the dentist's, so he excused himself and left the classroom. Categories: blame verb
adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
on one's shoulders {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
In your care; as your responsibility.
The success of the program rests on your shoulders.
He acts as if he had the cares of the world on his shoulders. Categories: adjective adverb success world
verb #Idioms #English #esl
shoot ahead of or past or through or alongside of {v. phr.}
To move or drive ahead rapidly.
As we had to slow down before the tunnel, a red sports car shot ahead of us. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
have a heart {v. phr.}, {informal}
To stop being mean; be kind, generous, or sympathetic.
Have a heart, Bob, and lend me two dollars.
Have a heart, Mary, and help me with this lesson.
He didn't know if the teacher would have a heart and pass him. Categories: informal verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
unknown quantity {n.}
Someone or something whose value and importance are not known, especially in a certain situation, time or place; a new and untested person or thing.
What we would find if we could fly to the moon is an unknown quantity.
The new player is still an unknown quantity. We'll find out how good he is in the game. Categories: noun time
verb #Idioms #English #esl
go the rounds {v. phr.}
To pass or be told from one person to another; spread among many people.
There is a rumor going the rounds that Mr. Norton will be the new superintendent.
The story about Mr. Cox's falling into the lake is making the rounds.
Syn.: GO AROUND. Categories: verb
Idioms beginning with "J"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
slang #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
for sure or for certain {adv. phr.}
- Without doubt; certainly; surely.
He couldn't tell for sure from a distance whether it was George or Tom.
He didn't know for certain which bus to take.
I know for certain that he has a car.
- {slang}
Certain.
"That car is smashed so badly it's no good any more." "That's for sure!" Compare: SURE THING. Categories: adverb doubt slang
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
like water {adv. phr.}
As something easily poured out or wasted; freely. — Usually used in the phrase "spend money like water".
Sailors on shore leave often spend money like water.
During the World Wars, the United States spent money like water. Categories: adverb money world
adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
on the fence {adj.} or {adv. phr.}
Not able, or not wanting to choose; in doubt; undecided. — Often used with "sit".
Jack sat on the fence for a week last spring before he finally joined the track team instead of the baseball team.
Mrs. Jones has decided to vote for the Democrats, but Mr. Jones is still on the fence.
See: FENCE-SITTER or FENCE-SITTING. Categories: adjective adverb doubt
verb #Idioms #English #esl
fork over or fork out also fork up {v.}
To pay; pay out.
He had to fork over fifty dollars to have the car repaired.
Compare: HAND OVER. Categories: hand verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
side street {n.}
A street that runs into and ends at a main street.
The store is on a side street just off Main Street.
The Spellmans bought a house on a side street that runs off Broad Street.
Compare: BACK STREET, CROSS STREET. Categories: noun street
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
sweetie pie {n.}, {informal}
A person who is loved; darling; sweetheart.
Arnold blushed with pleasure when Annie called him her sweetie pie.
Nancy is Bill's sweetie pie. Categories: informal noun pleasure
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
stamping ground {n.}, {informal}
A place where a person spends much of his time.
Pete's soda fountain is an afterschool stamping ground.
When John returned to his hometown many years later, he visited all of his old stamping grounds. Categories: informal noun time
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
in deep {adj. phr.}
Seriously mixed up in something, especially trouble.
George began borrowing small sums of money to bet on horses, and before he knew it he was in deep.
Compare: DEEP WATER, UP TO THE CHIN IN. Categories: adjective
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
go Dutch {v. phr.}, {informal}
To go out for fun together but have each person pay for himself.
High school students often go Dutch to basketball games.
Sometimes boys and girls go Dutch on dates.
The girl knew her boyfriend had little money, so she offered to go Dutch.
Compare: DUTCH TREAT. Categories: informal verb
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
acid rock {n.}, {slang}
A characteristic kind of rock in which loudness and beat predominate over melody; especially such music as influenced by drug experiences.
John is a regular acid rock freak. Categories: drugs music noun slang
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
take one's name in vain {v. phr.}
- To call upon (God) as a witness to your truth or honesty when you are lying; swear by (God) untruthfully.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- {informal}
To talk about a person or mention his name.
"Did I hear someone taking my name in vain?" asked Bill as he joined his friends. Categories: informal verb
formal #informal #noun #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
quite a little or {informal} quite a bit also {formal} not a little {n.} or {adj. phr.}
Rather a large amount; rather much; more than a little.
We are not finished; quite a little is left to do.
Cleaning the backyard needed quite a little work.
- The phrase "quite a bit" is used like an adjective only before "less", "more".
Six inches of snow fell today, and quite a bit more is coming tonight.
- Sometimes used like an adverb.
Harry was sick quite a little last winter.
Compare: A LITTLE, A LOT, QUITE A FEW. Categories: adjective formal informal noun
slang #verb #noun #Idioms #English #esl
polish the apple {v. phr.}, {slang}
To try to make someone like you; to try to win favor by flattery.
Mary polished the apple at work because she wanted a day off.
Susan is the teacher's pet because she always polishes the apple.
- apple polisher {n.}, {slang}
A person who is nice to the one in charge in order to be liked or treated better; a person who does favors for a superior.
Jane is an apple polisher. She is always helping the teacher and talking to him.
Joe is an apple-polisher. He will do anything for the boss.
Compare: EAGER BEAVER, YES-MAN.
- apple polishing {n.}, {slang}
Trying to win someone's good-will by small acts currying favor; the behavior of an apple polisher.
When John I brought his teacher flowers, everyone thought he was apple polishing. Categories: noun slang verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
six of one and half-a-dozen of the other {n. phr.}
Two things the same; not a real choice; no difference.
Which coat do you like better, the brown or the blue? It's six of one and half-a-dozen of the other.
Johnny says it's six of one and half-a-dozen of the other whether he does the job tonight or tomorrow night. Categories: noun
noun #Idioms #English #esl
old boy network {n. phr.}
A system whereby men who went to the same school help each other to get good jobs, regardless of their ability or training.
Peter got his lucrative job thanks to the old boy network rather than because of his qualifications.
Compare: OLD COLLEGE TRY. Categories: noun
verb #Idioms #English #esl
hit the nail on the head {v. phr.}
To get something exactly right; speak or act in the most fitting or effective way.
The mayor's talk on race relations hit the nail on the head. Categories: relationship verb
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
bum's rush {n. phr.}, {slang}
Throwing or pushing someone out from where he is not wanted.
When John tried to go to the party where he was not invited, Bill and Fred gave him the bum's rush.
Tom became too noisy, and he got the bum's rush.
- To hurry or rush (someone).
The salesman tried to give me the bum's rush. Categories: noun slang
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
do one's thing or do one's own thing {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To do what one does well and actually enjoys doing.
Two thousand fans paid $15 each to hear the rock group do their thing.
- To follow one's bent; for example, to be engaged in left-wing politics, some sort of meditation, or use of drugs (particularly in the sixties).
The hippies were doing their own thing when the cops came and busted them.
- To be engaged in an unusual activity that strikes others as odd.
Leave Jim alone, he's just doing his own thing when he's standing on his head. Categories: informal verb
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
stab in the back (2) {n. phr.}, {slang}
An act or a lie that hurts a friend or trusting person; a promise not kept, especially to a friend.
John stabbed his own friend in the back by stealing from his store.
My friend stabbed me in the back by telling the teacher I was playing hooky when I was home sick. Categories: noun slang
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
say the word {v. phr.}, {informal}
To say or show that you want something or agree to something; show a wish, willingness, or readiness; give a sign; say yes; say so.
Just say the word and I will lend you the money.
I will do anything you want; just say the word.
If you get tired of those pictures, say the word. Categories: informal verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
make tracks {v. phr.}, {informal}
To go fast; get a speedy start; hurry.
Man, it's time we made tracks!
The boys made tracks for home when it began to get dark.
Compare: GET GOING, MAKE HASTE. Categories: informal time verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
full of the moon {n. phr.}, {literary}
The moon when it is seen as a full circle; the time of a full moon.
The robbers waited for a dark night when the full of the moon was past.
Contrast: DARK OF THE MOON. Categories: literary noun time
Idioms #English #esl
mouth
See:
BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN ONE'S MOUTH,
BUTTER WOULDN'T MELT IN ONE'S MOUTH,
BY WORD OF MOUTH,
DOWN IN THE DUMPS or DOWN IN THE MOUTH,
FOAM AT THE MOUTH,
HEART IN ONE'S MOUTH,
KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT,
LAUGH ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH,
LEAVE A BAD TASTE IN ONE'S MOUTH,
LIVE FROM HAND TO MOUTH,
LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH,
MAKE ONE'S MOUTH WATER,
MELT IN ONE'S MOUTH,
PUT ONE'S FOOT IN IT or PUT ONE'S FOOT IN ONE'S MOUTH,
PUT WORDS INTO ONE'S MOUTH,
SHOOT OFF ONE'S MOUTH,
STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH,
TAKE THE BIT IN ONE'S MOUTH,
TAKE THE BREAD OUT OF ONE'S MOUTH.
noun #Idioms #English #esl
fair catch {n.}
A catch of a kicked football by a player after he holds up his hand to show that he will not run with the ball.
He saw that he would not be able to run with the ball, so he signalled for a fair catch. Categories: catch hand noun
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
end up {v.}
- To come to an end; be ended or finished; stop.
How does the story end up?
- To finally reach or arrive; land.
I hope you don't end up in jail.
- {informal}
To die, be killed.
The gangster ended up in the electric chair.
- or finish up. To put an end to; finish; stop.
The politician finally ended up his speech.
Syn.: WIND UP. Categories: informal verb
Idioms #English #esl
at the point of {prep.}
Very near to; almost at or in.
When Mary broke her favorite bracelet, she was at the point of tears.
The boy hurt in the accident lay at the point of death for a week, then he got well.
Compare: ABOUT TO (1), ON THE POINT OF. Categories: death hurt preposition
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
come on {v.}
- To begin; appear.
Rain came on toward morning.
He felt a cold coming on.
- To grow or do well; thrive.
The wheat was coming on.
His business came on splendidly.
- or come upon. To meet accidentally; encounter; find.
He came on an old friend that day when he visited his club.
He came upon an interesting idea in reading about the French Revolution.
Syn.: COME ACROSS, HAPPEN ON.
- {informal}
Let's get started; let's get going; don't delay; don't wait. — Used as a command.
"Come on, or we'll he late," said Joe, but Lou still waited.
- {informal}
Please do it! — Used in begging someone to do something.
Sing us just one song, Jane, come on!
Come on, Laura, you can tell me. I won't tell anybody. Categories: informal verb
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
big cheese or big gun or big shot or big wheel or big wig {n.}, {slang}
An important person; a leader; a high official; a person of high rank.
Bill had been a big shot in high school.
John wanted to be the big cheese in his club.
Compare: WHOLE CHEESE. Categories: noun slang
informal #adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
ten to one or two to one {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Almost certainly, nearly sure to be true; very likely to happen.
Ten to one it will rain tomorrow.
It is ten; to one that Bill will be late. Categories: adjective adverb informal
slang #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
headshrinker {n.}, {slang}, {informal}
A psychoanalyst, also called a shrink.
Forrester is falling apart; his family physician sent him to a head shrinker (to a shrink). Categories: informal noun slang
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
hit the spot {v. phr.}, {informal}
To refresh fully or satisfy you; bring back your spirits or strength. — Used especially of food or drink.
A cup of tea always hits the spot when you are tired.
Mother's apple pie always hits the spot with the boys. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
give up {v.}
1a. To stop trying to keep; surrender; yield.
The dog had the ball in his mouth and wouldn't give it up.
Jimmy is giving up his job as a newsboy when he goes back to school.
Compare: GIVE ONESELF UP, HAND OVER, LET GO (1a).
Contrast: HOLD ON TO.
1b. To allow; permit.
Ford gave up two walks in the first inning.
- To stop doing or having; abandon; quit.
The doctor told Mr. Harris to give up smoking.
Jane hated to give up her friends when she moved away.
Compare: LEAVE OFF, PART WITH.
- To stop hoping for, waiting for, or trying to do.
Johnny was given up by the doctors after the accident, but he lived just the same.
When Mary didn't come by nine o'clock, we gave her up.
I couldn't do the puzzle so I gave it up.
- To stop trying; quit; surrender.
The war will be over when one of the countries gives up.
The other team gave up after we scored three touchdowns.
Compare: GIVE IN (2), RESIGN ONESELF, THROW IN THE SPONGE. Categories: hand verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
fifty-fifty (2) {adj.}, {informal}
- Divided or shared equally.
It will be a fifty-fifty arrangement; half the money for me and half for you.
- Half for and half against; half good and half bad.
There is only a fifty-fifty chance that we will win the game.
Compare: HALF AND HALF. Categories: adjective informal
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
psych out {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
- To find out the real motives of (someone).
Sue sure has got Joe psyched out.
- To go berserk; to lose one's nerve.
Joe says he doesn't ride his motorcycle on the highway anymore because he's psyched out.
Jim psyched out and robbed a liquor store, when he has all he needs and wants! Categories: informal slang verb
slang #informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
to the bone {adv.}, {slang}, {informal}
Thoroughly, entirely, to the core, through all layers.
I am dreadfully tired; I've worked my fingers to the bone.
See: ALSO WORK ONE'S FINGERS TO THE BONE. Categories: adverb informal slang
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
big head {n.}, {informal}
Too high an opinion of your own ability or importance; conceit.
When Jack was elected captain of the team, it gave him a big head.
Compare: SWELLED HEAD. Categories: informal noun
informal #verb #noun #Idioms #English #esl
warm the bench {v. phr.}, {informal}
To act as a substitute on an athletic team.
Bill has been warming the bench for three football seasons; he hopes that the coach will let him play this year.
- bench warmer {n.}, {informal}
A substitute player.
Last year Ted was only a bench warmer, but this year he is the team's star pitcher. Categories: informal noun verb
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
walking papers or walking orders also walking ticket {n.}, {informal}
A statement that you are fired from your job; dismissal.
The boss was not satisfied with Paul's work and gave him his walking papers.
George is out of work. He picked up his walking ticket last Friday. Categories: informal noun
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
drive someone bananas or drive someone nuts or drive someone ape {v. phr.}, {slang} {informal}
To excite someone to the point that he or she goes out of his or her mind; to drive someone crazy.
You're driving me bananas, nuts with that kind of talk! Categories: crazy informal slang verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
hard-top {n.}
- A car that has a metal roof; a car that is not a convertible.
Every spring Mr. Jones sells his hard-top and buys a convertible.
- or hardtop convertible
A car with windows that can be completely lowered with no partitions left standing, and with a top that may or may not be lowered.
Mr. Brown's new car is a hardtop convertible. Categories: noun
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
turn out {v.}
- To make leave or go away.
His father turned him out of the house.
If you don't behave, you will be turned out.
Compare: THROW OUT.
- To turn inside out; empty.
He turned out his pockets looking for the money.
Robbers turned out all the drawers in the house in a search for jewels.
- To make; produce.
The printing press turns out a thousand books an hour.
Sally can turn out a cake in no time.
Martin turns out a poem each week for the school paper.
- {informal}
To get out of bed.
At camp the boys had to turn out early and go to bed early too.
Contrast: TURN IN (4).
- {informal}
To come or go out to see or do something.
Everybody turned out for the big parade.
Many boys turned out for football practice.
Compare: FALL OUT.
- To prove to be; be in the end; be found to be.
The noise turned out to be just the dog scratching at the door.
Her guess turned out to be right.
Everything turned out all right.
- To make (a light) go out.
Please turn out the lights.
Syn.: TURN OFF (1). Categories: informal time verb
Idioms #English #esl
tooth
See:
BY THE SKIN OF ONE'S TEETH,
CUT TEETH or CUT ONE'S EYETEETH,
EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH,
FED TO THE GILLS or FED TO THE TEETH,
GET ONE'S TEETH INTO or SINK ONE'S TEETH INTO,
KICK IN THE PANTS or KICK IN THE TEETH,
PULL ONE'S TEETH,
SET ONE'S TEETH ON EDGE,
TAKE THE BIT IN ONE'S TEETH,
THROW SOMETHING IN ONE'S FACE or THROW SOMETHING IN ONE'S TEETH.
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get off easy {v. phr.}, {informal}
To have only a little trouble; escape something worse.
The children who missed school to go to the fair got off easy.
John got off easy because it was the first time he had taken his father's car without permission. Categories: children informal time verb
Idioms #English #esl
bottom
See:
BET ONE'S BOOTS or BET ONE'S BOTTOM DOLLAR,
FROM THE BOTTOM OF ONE'S HEART,
FROM --- TO ---,
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF,
HIT BOTTOM or TOUCH BOTTOM,
ROCK BOTTOM,
SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL.
verb #Idioms #English #esl
level off or level out {v.}
- To make flat or level.
The steamroller leveled out the gravel roadbed and then the concrete was poured.
- To move on an even level.
The airplane leveled out at 2,000 feet.
After going up for six months, the cost of living leveled off in September. Categories: verb
vulgar #slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
sleep around {v. phr.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}
To be free with one's sexual favors; to behave promiscuously.
Sue Catwallender is a nice girl but she sleeps around an awful lot with all sorts of guys. Categories: avoidable behave sex slang verb vulgar
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
cut a swathe {v. phr.}
1a. To mow a path through a field.
The farmer cut a swathe through the high grass with his scythe.
1b. To cut down as if by mowing.
The machine gun cut a swathe in the lines of enemy soldiers.
- {informal}
To attract notice; make an impression; seem important.
The movie star cut a wide swathe when he walked down the street.
John tries to show off and cut a big swathe with the girls.
Compare: GO OVER (6), MAKE A HIT. Categories: informal verb
Idioms #English #esl
as --- as ---
- Used with an adjective or adverb in a comparison or with the effect of a superlative.
John is as tall as his father now.
I didn't do as badly today as I did yesterday.
John's father gave him a hard job and told him to do as well as possible.
The sick girl was not hungry, but her mother told her to eat as much as she could.
- Also used in the form "so --- as" in some sentences, especially negative sentences.
This hill isn't nearly so high as the last one we climbed.
- Often used in similes (comparisons that are figures of speech).
The baby mouse looked as big as a minute.
Jim's face was red as a beet after he made the foolish mistake.
- Most similes in conventional use are cliches, avoided by careful speakers and writers.
slang #interjection #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
sock it {v. phr.}, also {interj.}, {slang}, {informal}
To give one's utmost; everything one is capable of; to give all one is capable of.
Right on, Joe, sock it to 'em!
I was watching the debate on television and more than once Bill Buckley really socked it to them. Categories: informal interjection slang verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
off balance {adj. phr.}
- Not in balance; not able to stand up straight and not fall; not able to keep from turning over or falling; unsteady.
Never stand up in a canoe; it will get off balance and turn over.
Paul was speeding along on his bicycle, when an unexpected hole in the road caught him off balance and he fell over.
- Not prepared; not ready; unable to meet something unexpected.
Our quarterback kept the other team off balance by changing often from line plays to passes and tricky end runs.
The teacher's surprise test caught the class off balance, and nearly everyone got a poor mark. Categories: adjective
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
let it all hang out {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
Not to disguise anything; to let the truth be known.
Sue can't deceive anyone; she just lets it all hang out. Categories: informal slang verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
wear the trousers or wear the pants {v. phr.}, {informal}
To have a man's authority; be the boss of a family or household.
Mr. Wilson is henpecked by his wife; she wears the trousers in that family.
Mrs. Jones talks a lot but Mr. Jones wears the pants in their house.
Compare: RULE THE ROOST. Categories: informal verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
count heads or count noses {v. phr.}, {informal}
To count the number of people in a group.
On the class picnic, we counted heads before we left and when we arrived to be sure that no one got lost.
The usher was told to look out into the audience and count noses. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
draw a long breath or take a long breath {v. phr.}
To breathe deeply when getting ready to speak or act.
Father asked who broke the window. Jim drew a long breath and admitted that he had done it.
The salesman took a long breath and started his talk. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
hit bottom or touch bottom {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To be at the very lowest.
In August there was a big supply of corn and the price hit bottom.
When Johnny failed the exam his spirits hit bottom.
- To live through the worst; not to be able to go any lower.
After all their troubles, they thought they had hit bottom and then something else happened.
When they lost all their money they thought they had touched bottom and things would have to get better. Categories: informal verb
informal #Idioms #English #esl
head over heels also heels over head
1a. In a somersault; upside down; head first.
It was so dark Bob fell head over heels into a big hole in the ground.
Compare: UPSIDE DOWN.
1b. In great confusion or disorder; hastily.
The children all tried to come in the door at once, head over heels.
Compare: TOPSY-TURVY.
- {informal}
Completely; deeply.
He was head over heels in debt.
She was head over heels in love. Categories: informal love
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
big as life or large as life {adj. phr.}
- or life-size
The same size as the living person or thing.
The statue of Jefferson was big as life.
The characters on the screen were life-size.
- or big as life and twice as natural {informal}
In person; real and living.
I had not seen him for years, but there he was, big as life and twice as natural. Categories: adjective informal life
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
blow one's cool {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
To lose your composure or self-control.
Whatever you say to the judge in court, make sure that you don't blow your cool. Categories: informal slang verb
Idioms #English #esl
track
See:
COVER ONE'S TRACKS,
IN ONE'S TRACKS,
INSIDE TRACK,
JUMP THE TRACK,
KEEP TRACK,
LOSE TRACK,
MAKE TRACKS,
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK,
ON THE TRACK OF,
THE TRACKS.
verb #noun #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
set the pace {v. phr.}
To decide on a rate of speed of travel or rules that are followed by others.
The scoutmaster set the pace so that the shorter boys would not get tired trying to keep up.
Louise set the pace in selling tickets for the school play.
- pace-setter {n.}
John is the pace-setter of the class.
- pace-setting {adj.}
Bob's time in the cross-country race was pace-setting.
The country is growing at a pace-setting rate. Categories: adjective noun time travel verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
skate on thin ice {v. phr.}
To take a chance; risk danger, disapproval or anger.
You'll be skating on thin ice if you ask Dad to increase your allowance again.
John knew he was skating on thin ice, but he could not resist teasing his sister about her boyfriend. Categories: anger verb
Idioms #English #esl
ahead of {prep.}
- In a position of advantage or power over.
He studies all the time, because he wants to stay ahead of his classmates.
- In front of; before.
The troop leader walked a few feet ahead of the boys.
- Earlier than; previous to, before.
Betty finished her test ahead of the others. Categories: preposition time
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
in question {adj. phr.}
- In doubt; in dispute; being argued about or examined.
I know Bill would be a good captain for the team. That is not in question. But does he want to be captain?
Contrast: BEYOND QUESTION.
- Under discussion; being talked or thought about.
The girls in question are not in school today.
On the Christmas Day in question, we could not go to Grandmother's house, as we do every year. Categories: adjective doubt
verb #Idioms #English #esl
let the chips fall where they may {v. phr.}
To pay no attention to the displeasure caused others by your actions.
The senator decided to vote against the bill and let the chips fall where they may.
The police chief told his men to give tickets to all speeders and let the chips fall where they may.
Compare: COME WHAT MAY. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get away with {v.}, {informal}
To do (something bad or wrong) without being caught or punished.
Some students get away without doing their homework.
See: GET BY (3). Categories: informal verb
slang #noun #jargon #Idioms #English #esl
Smokey Bear or Smokey-the-Bear or the Smokies {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
A policeman; a patrol car; frequently abbreviated as Smokey.
Slow down, Smokey's ahead!
A Smokey is on the move, heading east. Categories: jargon noun radio jargon slang
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
caught short {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Not having enough of something when you need it.
Mrs. Ford was caught short when the newspaper boy came for his money a day early.
The man was caught short of clothes when he had to go on a trip. Categories: adjective clothes informal
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
on the up and up {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Honest; trustworthy; sincere.
We felt that he was honest and could be trusted. This information is on the up and up.
Compare: ON THE LEVEL. Categories: adjective informal
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
Upsadaisy! or Upsee-daisy! or Upsy-daisy! {adv. phr.}
- A popular exclamation used when just about anything is lifted, particularly a small child raised to his or her highchair or bed.
"Upsee-daisy!" the nurse said with a smile on her face, as she lifted the baby from its bed. Categories: adverb children exclamation
Idioms #English #esl
in respect to or with respect to
In connection with; related to, about; on.
The teacher told stories about Washington and Lincoln in respect to the importance of being honest.
In respect to your visit with us, we hope you can come before September.
There was no shortage in respect to food.
Compare: AS TO, IN REFERENCE TO, IN RELATION TO. Categories: relationship
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
for example or for instance {adv. phr.}
As an example; as proof; to give an example or illustration.
Not only rich men become President. For example, Lincoln was born poor.
There are jobs more dangerous than truck driving; for instance, training lions.
Compare: FOR ONE THING. Categories: adverb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
charge off {v.}
- To consider or record as a loss, especially in an account book.
The store owner charged off all of the last season's stock of suits.
Syn.: WRITE OFF (1).
- or charge up {informal}
To accept or remember (something) as a mistake and not worry about it any more. — Often used with "to experience".
He charged off his mistakes to experience.
Syn.: CHALK UP. Compare: CHARGE TO. Categories: experience informal verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
make head or tail of {v. phr.}, {informal}
To see the why of; finding a meaning in; understand. — Used in negative, conditional, and interrogative sentences.
She could not make head or tail of the directions on the dress pattern.
Can you make head or tail of the letter? Categories: informal verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get the message or get the word {v. phr.}, {slang}
To understand clearly what is meant.
The principal talked to the students about being on time, and most of them got the message.
Mary hinted to her boyfriend that she wanted to break up, but he didn't gel the message.
Compare: THE PICTURE. Categories: slang time verb
Idioms #English #esl
apart from or aside from {prep. phr.}
Beside or besides; in addition to.
The children hardly see anyone, apart from their parents.
Aside from being fun and good exercise, swimming is a very useful skill.
Syn.: EXCEPT FOR, OUTSIDE OF. Categories: children preposition
adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in view {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
- In sight; visible.
We came around a bend and there was the ocean in view.
- As a purpose, hope, or expectation.
John had his son's education in view when he began to save money.
The end that we must keep always in view is peace with justice.
Compare: EYE TO. Categories: adjective adverb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
beat it {v.}, {slang}
To go away in a hurry; get out quickly.
When he heard the crash he beat it as fast as he could.
- Often used as a command.
The big boy said, "Beat it, kid. We don't want you with us."
Compare: CLEAR OUT (2), LIGHT OUT, HEAD FOR THE HILLS. Categories: slang verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
hightail it {v. phr.}, {slang}
To travel fast; move rapidly.
After school, Frank would hightail it home.
The two men who held up the bank hightailed it out of town. Categories: slang travel verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
stand up {v.}
- To rise to a standing position; get up on your feet.
A gentleman stands up when a lady enters a room.
- To be strong enough to use hard or for a long time.
A rocket must be built strongly to stand up under the blast-off.
The old car has already stood up for twenty years.
Compare: WEAR WELL.
- {informal}
To make a date and then fail to keep it.
June cried when Bill stood her up on their first dale. Categories: informal time verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
go up in smoke or go up in flames {v. phr.}
- To burn; be destroyed by fire.
The house went up in flames.
The barn full of hay went up in smoke.
- Disappear; fail; not come true.
Jane's hopes of going to college went up in smoke when her father lost his job.
The team's chances to win went up in smoke when their captain was hurt. Categories: hurt verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
throw off {v.}
- To get free from.
He was healthy enough to throw off his cold easily.
Compare: RID OF.
- To mislead; confuse; fool.
They went by a different route to throw the hostile bandits off their track.
- To produce easily or as if without effort.
She could throw off a dozen poems in a night. Categories: verb
adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
on one's hands {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
In your care or responsibility; that you must do something about.
Mrs. Blake left her five children with me while she shopped. I could not get anything done with the children on my hands.
After everyone bought tickets to the dance, the club treasurer had over $100 on his hands.
The electricity went off while Mother was cooking supper, and she had a problem on her hands.
I had time on my hands before the bus came, so I bought a newspaper to read.
Contrast: OFF ONE'S HANDS.
See: SIT ON ONE'S HANDS.
Compare: HANG HEAVY or HANG HEAVY ON ONE'S HANDS. Categories: adjective adverb children time
verb #Idioms #English #esl
lay hands on {v. phr.}
- To get hold of; find; catch.
The treasure hunters can keep any treasure they can lay hands on.
If the police can lay hands on him, they will put him in jail.
Compare: LAY ONE'S HANDS ON (2).
- To do violence to; harm; hurt.
They were afraid that if they left him alone in his disturbed condition he would lay hands on himself. Categories: hand hurt verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
out of kilter {adj. phr.}, {informal}
- Not balanced right; not in a straight line or lined up right.
The scale must be out of kilter because when I weighed myself on it, it said 300 pounds.
The wheels of my bicycle were out of kilter after it hit the tree.
Contrast: IN BALANCE.
- Needing repair; not working right.
My watch runs too slowly; it must be out of kilter.
Syn.: OUT OF ORDER (2). Categories: adjective informal
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
pull out of a hat {v. phr.}, {informal}
To get as if by magic; invent; imagine.
When the introduction to a dictionary tells you how many hours went into its making, these figures were not pulled out of a hat.
Let's see you pull an excuse out of your hat. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
scratch the surface {v. phr.}
To learn or understand very little about something. — Usually used with a limiting adverb (as "only", "hardly").
We thought we understood Africa but when we made a trip there we found we had only scratched the surface.
High school students have only scratched the surface of their subjects, and even after college graduation, they still find there is much more to learn. Categories: verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
born yesterday {adj. phr.}
Inexperienced and easily fooled; not alert to trickery; easily deceived or cheated. — Usually used in negative sentences.
When Bill started the new job, the other workers teased him a little, but he soon proved to everyone that he wasn't born yesterday.
I won't give you the money till I see the bicycle you want to sell me. Do you think I was born yesterday?
Compare: NOBODY'S FOOL. Categories: adjective
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
where the shoe pinches {n. phr.}, {informal}
Where or what the discomfort or trouble is.
Johnny thinks the job is easy, but he will find out where the shoe pinches when he tries it.
The coach said he wasn't worried about any position except quarterback; that was where the shoe pinched. Categories: informal noun
noun #Idioms #English #esl
standard time also slow time {n.}
Clock time that is set by law or agreement in a country or in part of a country; especially, in the United States: the clock time used between fall and spring, which is an hour slower than the time used in the summer. — Abbreviation ST.
When we go to bed Saturday night, we will set our clocks back an hour, because Sunday we will be on standard time again.
Next week it will get dark an hour earlier, because we will be on standard time.
Contrast: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. Categories: noun time
verb #Idioms #English #esl
wear down, wear off or wear away {v.}
- To remove or disappear little by little through use, time, or the action of weather.
Time and weather have worn off the name on the gravestone.
The eraser has worn off my pencil.
The grass has worn away from the path near the house.
- To lessen; become less little by little.
The people went home as the excitement of the fire wore off.
John could feel the pain again as the dentist's medicine wore away.
- To exhaust; tire out, win over or persuade by making tired.
Mary wore her mother down by begging so that she let Mary go to the movies.
Compare: DIE OUT. Categories: time verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
go at {v.}
- To start to fight with; attack.
The dog and the cat are going at each other again.
- To make a beginning on; approach; tackle.
How are you going to go at the job of fixing the roof?
Compare: START IN. Syn.: GO ABOUT (1). Categories: verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
have all one's buttons or have all one's marbles {v. phr.}, {slang}
To have all your understanding; be reasonable. — Usually used in the negative or conditionally.
Mike acts sometimes as if he didn't have all his buttons.
He would not go to town barefooted if he had all his marbles. Categories: slang verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
enlarge on or enlarge upon or expand on or expand upon {v.}
To talk or write more about; say or explain more completely or at greater length.
The teacher enlarged on the uses of atomic power. Categories: verb
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in one's shoes also in one's boots {adv. phr.}
In or into one's place or position.
How would you like to be in a lion tamer's boots?
Compare: PUT ONESELF IN ANOTHER'S PLACE, STEP INTO ONE'S SHOES. Categories: adverb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
give it the gun or give her the gun {v. phr.}, {slang}
To gun or speed up a motor; make a car, airplane, or something driven by a motor go faster.
The race driver gave it the gun.
The speedboat pilot gave her the gun.
Compare: STEP ON IT. Categories: slang verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
give one the eye {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To look at, especially with interest and liking.
A pretty girl went by and all the boys gave her the eye.
- To look or stare at, especially in a cold or unfriendly way.
Mrs. Jones didn't like Mary and didn't speak. She just gave her the eye when they met on the street. Categories: love slang verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
bear a grudge {v. phr.}
To persist in bearing ill feeling toward someone after a quarrel or period of hostility.
Come on, John, be a good sport and don't bear a grudge because I beat you at golf.
Contrast: BURY THE HATCHET. Categories: feelings verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
look after also see after {v.}
To watch over; attend to.
John's mother told him to look after his younger brother.
When he went to Europe, Mr. Jenkins left his son to see after the business.
Syn.: TAKE CARE OF (1).
Compare: LOOK OUT (3). Categories: verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
weed out {v.}
- To remove what is unwanted, harmful, or not good enough from.
Mother weeded out the library because there were too many books.
Many colleges and universities weed out their freshman classes to make room for better students.
- To take (what is not wanted) from a collection or group; remove (a part) for the purpose of improving a collection or group; get rid of.
The coach is weeding out the weak players this week.
The teacher told Elizabeth to read over her English composition and weed out every sentence that was not about the subject. Categories: verb
informal #Idioms #English #esl
give one enough rope and he will hang himself {informal}
Give a bad person enough time and freedom to do as he pleases, and he may make a bad mistake or get into trouble and be caught. — A proverb.
Johnny is always stealing and hasn't been caught. But give him enough rope and he'll hang himself.
- Often used in a short form, "give one enough rope".
Mother didn't know who robbed the cookie jar, but she thought she could catch him if she gave him enough rope. Categories: informal proverb time
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
follow one's nose {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To go straight ahead; continue in the same direction.
Just follow your nose and you'll get there.
- To go any way you happen to think of.
Oh, I don't know just where I want to go. I'll just follow my nose and see what happens. Categories: informal nose verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
take the starch out of {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To make (someone) feel weak or tired.
The hot weather took the starch out of Mrs. Jones, and she didn't feel like doing a thing.
The cross-country run took all the starch out of the boys.
- See: TAKE THE WIND OUT OF ONE'S SAILS. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
happen on or happen upon {v.}, {literary}
To meet or find accidentally or by chance.
The Girl Scouts happened on a charming little brook not far from the camp.
At the convention I happened upon an old friend I had not seen for years.
Syn.: CHANCE ON, COME ACROSS (1),(3).
Compare: HIT ON. Categories: literary verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
on one's back {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Making insistent demands of you; being an annoyance or bother.
My wife has been on my back for weeks to fix the front door screen.
I can't get any work done with the children on my back from morning until night.
Jim could do a better job if his boss weren't on his back so often.
Contrast: OFF ONE'S BACK. Categories: adjective bother informal
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
brass hat {n.}, {slang}
- A high officer in the army, navy, or air force.
The brass hats In Washington often discuss important secrets.
- Any person who has a high position in business, politics, or other work.
Mr. Woods, the rich oil man, is a political brass hat. Categories: noun slang
noun #Idioms #English #esl
a number {n.}
A rather large number; numbers. — Used when there arc more than several and fewer than many.
The parents were invited to see the program, and a number came.
We knew the Smiths rattier well; we had visited them a number of times.
- Used like an adjective before "less", "more".
We have not set up enough folding chairs; we need a number more.
Compare: QUITE A FEW. Categories: noun
verb #Idioms #English #esl
do without or go without {v.}
- To live or work without (something you want); manage without.
Ann said that she likes candy, but can do without it.
We had to go without hot food because the stove was broken.
- To live or work without something you want; manage.
If George cannot earn money for a bicycle, he will have to do without.
Compare: GET ALONG, GET BY. Categories: verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
grow out of {v. phr.}
- To outgrow; become too mature for.
As a child he had a habit of scratching his chin all the time, but he grew out of it.
- To result from; arise.
Tom's illness grew out of his tendency to overwork and neglect his health. Categories: children time verb
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
back to the wall or back against the wall {adv. phr.}
In a trap, with no way to escape; in bad trouble.
The soldiers had their backs to the wall.
He was in debt and could not get any help; his back was against the wall.
The team had their backs to the wall in the second half.
Compare: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, LAST DITCH, ON THE SPOT, UP AGAINST IT. Categories: adverb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
cut down to size {v. phr.}, {informal}
To prove that someone is not as good as he thinks.
The big boy told John he could beat him, but John was a good boxer and soon cut him down to size.
Syn.: PUT IN ONE'S PLACE. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
leave hanging or leave hanging in the air {v. phr.}
To leave undecided or unsettled.
Because the committee could not decide on a time and place, the matter of the spring dance was left hanging.
Ted's mother didn't know what to do about the broken window, so his punishment was left hanging in the air until his father came home.
Compare: UP IN THE AIR. Categories: time verb
slang #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
corn ball {n.}, {slang}, {informal}
- A superficially sentimental movie or musical in which the word "love" is mentioned too often; a theatrical performance that is trivially sentimental.
That movie last night was a corn hall.
- A person who behaves in a superficially sentimental manner or likes performances portraying such behavior.
Suzie can't stand Joe; she thinks he's a corn ball. Categories: informal love noun slang
verb #Idioms #English #esl
think better of {v.}
To change your mind about; to consider again and make a better decision about.
John told his mother he wanted to leave school, but later he thought better of it.
Compare: SECOND THOUGHT, THINK TWICE. Categories: verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
fall off the wagon {v. phr.}, {slang}, {alcoholism and drug culture}
To return to the consumption of an addictive, such as alcohol or drugs, after a period of abstinence.
Poor Joe has fallen off the wagon again — he is completely incoherent today. Categories: drugs slang verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
devil-may-care {adj.}
Not caring what happens; unworried.
Johnny has a devil-may-care feeling about his school work.
Alfred was a devil-may-care youth but became more serious as he grew older. Categories: adjective devil feelings
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get down to {v.}, {informal}
To get started on, being on.
Joe wasted a lot of time before he got down to work.
Let's get down to work.
Compare: GET AT (3), GET GOING, GET TO. Categories: informal time verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
keep up {v.}
1a. To go on; not stop; continue.
The rain kept up for two days and the roads were flooded.
Compare: KEEP ON.
1b. To go on with (something); continue steadily; never stop.
Mrs. Smith told John to keep up the good work.
The teacher asked Dick to stop bothering Mary, but he kept it up.
Compare: KEEP AT.
2a. To go at the same rate as others.
John had to work hard to keep up.
Billy was the youngest boy on the hike, but he kept up with the others.
Compare: CATCH UP, KEEP PACE.
Contrast: FALL BEHIND, GET BEHIND (1).
2b. To keep (something) at the same level or rate or in good condition.
The shortage of tomatoes kept the prices up.
Grandfather was too poor to keep up his house.
- To keep informed. — Usually used with "on" or "with".
Mary is interested in politics and always keeps up with the news.
Compare: KEEP TRACK. Categories: bother verb
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
bag and baggage {adv.}, {informal}
With all your clothes and other personal belongings, especially movable possessions; completely.
If they don't pay their hotel bill they will be put out bag and baggage. Categories: adverb clothes informal
slang #Idioms #English #esl
grease one's palm or grease the palm {slang}
- To pay a person for something done or given, especially dishonestly; bribe.
Some politicians will help you if you grease their palms.
- To give a tip; pay for a special favor or extra help.
We had to grease the palm of the waiter to get a table in the crowded restaurant. Categories: slang
formal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
to no avail (2) {adv. phr.}, {formal}
Without result; unsuccessfully.
John tried to pull the heavy cart, but to no avail.
Mary studied hard for the test but to no avail.
Compare: IN VAIN. Categories: adverb formal
verb #Idioms #English #esl
stack the cards {v. phr.}
- To arrange cards secretly and dishonestly for the purpose of cheating.
The gambler had stacked the cards against Bill.
- To arrange things unfairly for or against a person; have things so that a person has an unfair advantage or disadvantage; make sure in an unfair way that things will happen. — Usually used in the passive with "in one's favor" or "against one."
A tall basketball player has the cards stacked in his favor.
The cards are stacked against a poor boy who wants to go to college. Categories: verb
interjection #informal #Idioms #English #esl
you don't say {interj.}, {informal}
- Used to show surprise at what is said.
Your ring is a real diamond? You don't say!
"Bill and Jean are going to get married." "You don't say!"
Syn.: DO TELL. Categories: informal interjection
verb #Idioms #English #esl
lift a finger or lift a hand also raise a hand {v. phr.}
- To do something; do your share; to help. — Usually used in the negative.
We all worked hard except Joe. He wouldn't lift a finger.
The king did not lift a hand when his people were hungry.
Compare: LEND A HAND. Categories: hand verb
slang #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
off the wagon {adj. phr.}, {slang}
No longer refusing to drink whiskey or other alcoholic beverages; drinking liquor again, after stopping for a while.
When a heavy drinker quits he must really quit. One little drink of whiskey is enough to drive him off the wagon.
Contrast: ON THE WAGON. Categories: adjective slang
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
leave flat {v. phr.}, {informal}
To quit or leave suddenly without warning when wanted or needed; desert; forsake; abandon.
Sam found that being a member of the trail-clearing group was a lot of hard work, so he left them flat.
My car ran out of gas and left me flat, ten miles from town.
Compare: LEAVE IN THE LURCH, WALK OUT (2). Categories: informal verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
full of oneself {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Interested only in yourself.
Joe would be a nice boy if he would stop being so full of himself.
Compare: BIG HEAD. Categories: adjective informal
verb #Idioms #English #esl
hand down {v.}
To arrange to give or leave after, death.
Joe will have his father's gold watch because it is handed down in the family.
In old times, property was usually handed down to the oldest son at his father's death.
Compare: PASS ON. Categories: death hand verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
close out {v.}
To sell the whole of; end (a business or a business operation) by selling all the goods; also, to sell your stock and stop doing business.
The store closed out its stock of garden supplies.
Mr. Jones closed out his grocery.
Mr. Randall was losing money in his shoe store, so he decided to close out. Categories: business verb
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in the world or on earth {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Of all possible things; ever. — Usually used for emphasis after words that ask questions, as "who", "why", "what", etc.
Where in the world did you find that necktie?
The boys wondered how on earth the mouse got out of the cage.
Betty could not understand what on earth the teacher meant. Categories: adverb earth emphasis informal world
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
easy money {n.}, {informal}
Money gained without hard work; money that requires little or no effort.
The movie rights to a successful play mean easy money to the writer of the play.
Young people who look for easy money are usually disappointed. Categories: informal money noun
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
left-handed {adj.}, {informal}
-
Using the left hand habitually.
-
Crooked; phoney; homosexual.
Morris is such a left-handed guy.
- Clumsy; untoward; awkward.
Grab that hammer and stop acting so left-handed. Categories: adjective hand informal
verb #Idioms #English #esl
give the ax {v. phr.}, {colloquial}
- Abruptly to finish a relationship.
She gave me the ax last night.
- To fire an employee in a curt manner.
His boss gave John the ax last Friday. Categories: colloquial relationship verb
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in a flutter {adv. phr.}, {informal}
In a state of nervous excitement.
Whenever Norm and Cathy are near one another, both are in a flutter; they must be in love. Categories: adverb informal love
verb #Idioms #English #esl
hang back or hang off or hang behind {v. phr.}
- To stay some distance behind or away, be unwilling to move forward.
Mary offered the little girl candy, but she was shy and hung back.
- To hesitate or be unwilling to do something.
Lou wanted Fred to join the club, but Fred hung off. Categories: hang verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
knock off one's feet {v. phr.}
To surprise (someone) so much that he does not know what to do.
Her husband's death knocked Mrs. Jones off her feet.
When Charlie was given the prize, it knocked him off his feet for a few minutes.
Compare:
BOWL OVER (2),
SWEEP OFF ONE'S FEET. Categories: verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
over the hump {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Past the most difficult part; past the crisis; out of danger.
Mary was failing math, but she is over the hump now.
John was very sick after his accident, hut he's over the hump.
When Mr. Smith was out of work it looked as if his family would have to go on relief, but they got over the hump. Categories: adjective informal
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
burn rubber {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To start up a car or a motorcycle from dead stop so fast that the tires leave a mark on the road.
The neighborhood drag racers burned a lot of rubber — look at the marks on the road!
2. To leave in a hurry.
I guess I am going to have to burn rubber. Categories: slang verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
up to the chin in or in --- up to the chin {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Used also with "ears", "elbows", "eyes" or "knees" instead of "chin", and with a possessive instead of "the".
- Having a big or important part in; guilty of; not innocent of; deeply in.
Was Tom mixed up in that trouble last night? He was up to his ears in it.
Mr. Johnson is up to the eyes in debt.
Mrs. Smith is in debt up to her chin.
Compare: TO THE HILT.
- Very busy with; working hard at.
Bob is up to his neck in homework.
They are up to their elbows in business before Christmas.
- Having very much or many of; flooded with.
Mary was up to her knees in invitations to go to parties.
Compare: KNEE-DEEP. Categories: adjective informal
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
ask for {v.}, {informal}
To make (something bad) likely to happen to you; bring (something bad) upon yourself.
Charles drives fast on worn-out tires; he is asking for trouble.
The workman lost his job, but he asked for it by coming to work drunk several times.
Compare: HAVE IT COMING, SERVE RIGHT, SIGN ONE'S OWN DEATH WARRANT. Categories: death informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
take the law into one's own hands {v. phr.}
To protect one's supposed rights or punish a suspected wrongdoer without reference to a court. — An overused expression.
When the men of the settlement caught the suspected murderer, they took the law into their own hands and hanged him to a tree.
His farm was going to be sold for taxes, but he took the law into his own hands and drove the sheriff away with a shotgun.
Compare: LAW UNTO ONESELF, TAKE THE BIT IN ONE'S MOUTH. Categories: verb
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
main squeeze {n.}, {slang}
- The top ranking person in an organization or in a neighborhood; an important person, such as one's boss.
Mr. Bronchard is the main squeeze in this office.
- The top person in charge of an illegal operation, such as drug sales, etc.
Before we can clean up this part of town, we must arrest the main squeeze.
- One's principal romantic or sexual partner.
The singer's main squeeze is a member of the band. Categories: love noun slang squeeze
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
answer the call of nature or obey the call of nature {v. phr.}, {slang}
To go to the bathroom to relieve oneself by urinating or defecating.
Ted was hiking in the mountains when suddenly he had to answer the call of nature but since there was no bathroom in the woods, he excused himself and disappeared behind the bushes. Categories: call slang verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
call one's bluff {v. phr.}, {informal}
To ask someone to prove what he says he can or will do. (Originally from the card game of poker.)
Tom said he could jump twenty feet and so Dick called his bluff and said "Let's see you do it!" Categories: call informal verb
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in the least {adv. phr.}
Even a little; in any degree or amount. — Used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences.
Sue did not understand physics in the least.
Are you in the least interested in sewing?
Mother won't be upset if you come for supper; I'll be surprised if she cares in the least.
Mike was not upset in the least by the storm.
It is no trouble to help you. Not in the least.
Compare: AT ALL. Categories: adverb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
out of stock {adj. phr.}
Having none for sale or use; no longer in supply; sold out.
When Father tried to get tires for an old car, the man in the store said that size was out of stock and were not sold anymore.
So many children have bought balloons that the store is now out of stock.
Compare: OUT OF PRINT.
Contrast: IN STOCK. Categories: adjective
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
do for {v.}, {informal}
To cause the death or ruin of; cause to fail. — Used usually in the passive form "done for".
The poor fellow is done for and will die before morning.
Andy's employer always does very well by him.
If Jim fails that test, he is done for. Categories: death informal used in passive verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
lay hold of {v. phr.}
- To take hold of; grasp; grab.
He laid hold of the rope and pulled the boat ashore.
- To get possession of.
He sold every washing machine he could lay hold of.
- {Chiefly British}
To understand.
Some ideas in this science book are hard to lay hold of. Categories: British hold verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
spell out {v.}
- To say or read aloud the letters ot a word, one by one; spell.
John could not understand the word the teacher was saying, so she spelled it out on the blackboard.
- To read slowly, have trouble in understanding.
The little boy spelled out the printed words.
- {informal}
To explain something in very simple words; explain very clearly.
The class could not understand the problem, so the teacher spelled it out for them.
Before the game the coach spelled out to the players what he wanted them to do.
Compare: WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Categories: informal verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
call down also dress down {v.}, {informal}
To scold.
Jim was called down by his teacher for being late to class.
Mother called Bob down for walking into the kitchen with muddy boots.
Compare:
CALL ON THE CARPET,
CHEW OUT,
BAWL OUT,
READ THE RIOT ACT. Categories: call informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
take a punch at or take a poke at or take a sock at {v. phr.}
To try to hit (someone) with the fist; swing or strike at; attack with the fists.
Bob was very angry and suddenly he took a punch at Fred.
Johnny knocked my hat off, so I took a poke at him.
I felt like taking a sock at Joe, but I kept my temper. Categories: verb
informal #Idioms #English #esl
butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth {informal}
You act very polite and friendly but do not really care, you are very nice to people but are not sincere.
The new secretary was rude to the other workers, but when she talked to the boss, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. Categories: informal polite rude
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get the bounce or get the gate {v. phr.}, {slang}
- or get the air
To lose one's sweetheart; not be kept for a friend or lover.
Joe is sad because he just got the gate from his girl.
Shirley was afraid she might get the air from her boyfriend if she went out with other boys while he was away.
- or get the sack also get the hook
To be fired; lose a job.
Uncle Willie can't keep a job; he got the sack today for sleeping on the job.
You're likely to get the bounce if you are absent from work too much.
Contrast: GIVE THE BOUNCE. Categories: love slang verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
stow away {v.}
- {informal}
To pack or store away.
After New Year's Day the Christmas decorations were stowed away until another season.
- To hide on a ship or another kind of transportation to get a free ride.
John ran away from home and stowed away on a freighter going to Jamaica. Categories: informal verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
of the first water {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Of the finest quality; superior; very good; best.
The jeweler chose diamonds of the first water for the queen's crown.
The dance program at graduation was of the first water.
Compare: FIRST-CLASS. Categories: adjective informal
verb #Idioms #English #esl
die is cast {v. phr.}, {literary}
To make an irrevocable decision. (From Julius Caesar's famous words in Latin, "alea iacta est", when he crossed the river Rubicon, which meant war.)
Everything was ready for the invasion of Europe, the die had been cast, and there was no turning back now. Categories: literary verb
informal #adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
out of the hole {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal}
1a. With a score better than zero in a game; especially a card game, to a score above zero.
It took us a long time to get out of the hole in the card game.
1b. Even with an opponent after being behind; out of trouble in a sport or game.
The team played very hard, but could not get out of the hole.
- Out of debt; ahead financially.
It was a small business, but it was wisely managed, and it kept out of the hole.
The first year was bad, but after that Fred got out of the hole.
Contrast: IN THE HOLE. Categories: adjective adverb informal
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
throw a curve {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
- To mislead or deceive someone; to lie.
John threw me a curve about the hiring.
- To take someone by surprise in an unpleasant way.
Mr. Weiner's announcement threw the whole company a curve. Categories: informal lies slang verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
go to show or go to prove {v. phr.}, {informal}
To seem to prove; act or serve to show (a fact); demonstrate. — Often used after "it".
Our team beat a bigger team, and it just goes to show you can win if you play hard enough.
The hard winter at Valley Forge goes to show that our soldiers suffered a great deal to win the Revolution. Categories: informal verb
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
latch string {n.}
- A string that opens an old-fashioned door by lifting a small bar.
The early settlers kept the latch string outside the door when they were working around the house, but at night they pulled it to the inside.
- {informal}
A warm welcome; a friendly greeting. — Used in such phrases as "the latch string is out."
Mary has her latch siring out for everyone who comes.
Syn.: WELCOME MAT (2). Categories: informal noun
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
salt of the earth {n. phr.}, {informal}
One who helps to make society good and wholesome; a basically good or valuable person.
Everyone here considers Syd and Susan the salt of the earth because they are so generous. Categories: earth informal noun
verb #Idioms #English #esl
think a great deal of or "think a lot of" also "think much of" {v. phr.}
To consider to be very worthy, valuable, or important; to esteem highly.
Mary thinks a great deal of Tim.
The teacher thought a lot of Joe's project.
- The phrase "think much of" is usually used in negative sentences.
Father didn't think much of Paul's idea of buying a goat to save lawn mowing.
Contrast: THINK LITTLE OF. Categories: verb
informal #Idioms #English #esl
what's the big idea or what's the idea {informal}
What is the purpose; what do you have in mind; why did you do that; what are you doing; how dare you. — Often used to question someone or something that is not welcome.
The Smith family painted their house red, white, and blue. What's the big idea?
What's the idea of coming in here after I told you not to?
I heard you are spreading false rumors about me, what's the big idea? Categories: informal
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
wrapped up in {adj. phr.}
Thinking only of; interested only in.
John has no time for sports because he is all wrapped up in his work.
Mary was so wrapped up in her book she didn't hear her mother calling her.
Jean is so wrapped up in herself, she never thinks of helping others.
Mrs. Brown gave up her career because her life was all wrapped up in her children.
Compare: IN A WORLD OF ONE'S OWN (2b). Categories: adjective career time world
verb #Idioms #English #esl
get one's dander up or get one's Irish up {v. phr.}
To become or make angry.
The boy got his dander up because he couldn't go to the store.
The children get the teacher's dander up when they make a lot of noise.
Compare: BLOW A FUSE. Categories: verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
make love {v. phr.}
- To be warm, loving, and tender toward someone of the opposite sex; try to get him or her to love you too.
There was moonlight on the roses and he made love to her in the porch swing.
- To have sexual relations with (someone).
It is rumored that Alfred makes love to every girl he hires as a secretary. Categories: love relationship verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
in tow {adj. phr.}
- Being pulled.
The tugboat had the large ocean liner in tow as they came into the harbor.
An engine came with a long string of cars in tow.
- Being taken from place to place; along with someone.
Janet took the new girl in tow and showed her where to go.
Mrs. Hayes went to the supermarket with her four little children in tow. Categories: adjective children
Idioms #English #esl
foot
See:
AT ONE'S FEET,
COLD FEET,
DEAD ON ONE'S FEET,
DRAG ONE'S FEET,
FROM HEAD TO FOOT,
GET OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT,
GET ONE'S FEET WET,
HAND AND FOOT,
KEEP ONE'S FEET,
KNOCK OFF ONE'S FEET,
LAND ON ONE'S FEET,
LET GRASS GROW UNDER ONE'S FEET,
ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE,
ON FOOT,
ON ONE'S FEET,
PLAY FOOTSIE,
PUT ONE'S BEST FOOT FORWARD,
PUT ONE'S FOOT DOWN,
PUT ONE'S FOOT IN IT,
SET FOOT,
SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT,
STAND ON ONE'S OWN FEET,
SWEEP OFF ONE'S FEET,
THINK ON ONE'S FEET,
THROW ONESELF AT SOMEONE'S FEET. Categories: foot
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
keep one's mouth shut {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be or stay silent. — A rude expression when used as a command.
When the crooks were captured by the police, their leader warned them to keep their mouths shut.
Charles began to tell Barry how to kick the ball, and Barry said angrily, "Keep your mouth shut!"
Syn.: SHUT UP (1). Categories: informal rude verb
interjection #informal #Idioms #English #esl
heavenly days! {interj.}, {informal}
Exclamation of amazement and disbelief with negative coloring.
Heavenly days! Look what happened! The dog did it again on the Persian carpet!
Compare: GOOD GRIEF! Categories: exclamation informal interjection
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
hang-up {n.}, {informal} (stress on "hang")
- A delay in some process.
The mail has been late for several days; there must be some hang-up with the trucks somewhere.
- A neurotic reaction to some life situation probably stemming from a traumatic shock which has gone unconscious.
Doctor Simpson believes that Suzie's frigidity is due to some hang-up about men. Categories: informal life noun
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
for the life of one {adv.}, {informal}
No matter how hard you try. — Used for emphasis with negative statements.
I can't for the life of me remember his name. Categories: adverb emphasis informal life
noun #Idioms #English #esl
Pandora's box {n. phr.}, {literary}
A thing or problem that, if activated, will give rise to many unmanageable problems.
If they insist on having that inquiry, they will open up a Pandora's box.
Compare: CAN OF WORMS. Categories: literary noun
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
drive one ape, drive one bananas, drive one crazy, drive one mad or drive one nuts {v. phr.}, {informal}
To irritate, frustrate, or tickle someone's fancy so badly that they think they are going insane.
"Stop teasing me, Mary," John said. "You are driving me nuts."
"You are driving me bananas with all your crazy riddles," Steve said. Categories: crazy informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
open the door {v. phr.}
To allow more action or discussion; give a chance.
Learning to read and write opens the door to a better job and better living conditions.
Raising the tax rates will open the door to more help for older people.
Contrast: CLOSE THE DOOR. Compare: OPEN ITS DOORS. Categories: verb
slang #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
litterbug {n.}, {slang}, {informal}
A person who leaves garbage in a public place, such as a park or beach or a street; one who litters.
Don't be a litterbug; keep the city clean! Categories: informal noun slang
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
carry a torch or carry the torch {v. phr.}
- To show great and unchanging loyalty to a cause or a person.
Although the others gave up fighting for their rights, John continued to carry the torch.
- {informal}
To be in love, usually without success or return.
He is carrying a torch for Anna, even though she is in love with someone else. Categories: informal love success verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
hunt down {v.}
- To pursue and capture; look hard for an animal or person until found and caught.
The police hunted down the escaped prisoner.
Compare: TRACK DOWN.
- To search for (something) until one finds it.
Professor Jones hunted down the written manuscript in the Library of Congress.
Syn.: TRACK DOWN. Categories: verb
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
through the mill {adv. phr.}
- Experienced.
You could tell immediately that the new employee had been through the mill.
- Through real experience of the difficulties of a certain way of life.
Poor Jerry has had three operations in one year, and now he's back in the hospital. He's realty gone through the mill.
Compare:
GO THROUGH HELL AND HIGH WATER,
COME HELL OR HIGH WATER. Categories: adverb experience
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
head for the hills {v. phr.}, {informal}
To get far away in a hurry; run away and hide. — Often used imperatively.
Head for the hills. The bandits are coming.
He saw the crowd chasing him, so he headed for the hills.
When they saw the mean boy coming, they all headed for the hills.
Compare: BEAT IT, LIGHT OUT, TAKE TO THE WOODS. Categories: informal verb
adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in store {adj.} or {adv. phr.}
- Saved up in case of need; ready for use or for some purpose.
If the electricity goes off, we have candles in store in the closet.
The squirrel has plenty of nuts in store for the winter.
Compare: IN RESERVE, IN STOCK, ON HAND.
- Ready to happen; waiting. — Often used in the phrase "hold in store" or "have in store".
What does the future hold in store for the boy who ran away?
There is a surprise in store for Helen when she gets home. Categories: adjective adverb hand
verb #Idioms #English #esl
show in or show out or show up or show to the door {v. phr.}
To usher; conduct; accompany.
"My husband will show you in", Mary said to the guests when they arrived at the door. Categories: verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
stand one's ground also hold one's ground {v. phr.}
- To stay and fight instead of running away.
The enemy attacked in great numbers but our men stood their ground.
Compare: GAIN GROUND.
Contrast: GIVE GROUND, LOSE GROUND.
- To defend a belief or statement; refuse to weaken when opposed; insist you are right.
John's friends said he was mistaken but he stood his ground.
Compare: STICK TO ONE'S GUNS. Categories: verb
noun #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
drive-in {adj.}/ {n.}
A kind of movie theater, fast food restaurant, or church, where the customers, spectators, or worshippers do not leave their automobiles but are served the food inside their cars, can watch a motion picture from inside their cars, or can participate in a religious service in their cars.
Let's not waste time on the road; let's just eat at the next drive-in restaurant.
There is a drive-in theater not far from where we live.
Max and Hilde go to a drive-in church every Sunday. Categories: adjective cars noun time
noun #Idioms #English #esl
Achilles' heel {n. phr.}, {literary}
A physical or psychological weakness named after the Greek hero Achilles who was invulnerable except for a spot on his heel.
John's Achilles' heel is his lack of talent with numbers and math. Categories: literary noun
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
bad egg {n.}, {slang}
A ne'er-do-well; good-for nothing; a habitual offender.
The judge sent the bad egg to prison at last.
Contrast: GOOD EGG. Categories: noun slang
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
catch it in the neck or get it in the neck {v. phr.}, {slang}
To be blamed or punished.
Tom got it in the neck because he forgot to close the windows when it rained.
Students get it in the neck when they lose library books.
Compare: CATCH IT, GET WHAT'S COMING TO ONE. Categories: catch slang verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
bolt from the blue {n. phr.}
Something sudden and unexpected; an event that you did not see coming; a great and usually unpleasant surprise; shock.
We had been sure she was in Chicago, so her sudden appearance was a bolt from the blue.
His decision to resign was a bolt from the blue.
Compare: OUT OF THE BLUE. Categories: noun
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
heart and soul (2) {adv.}
Wholly and eagerly; with all one's interest and strength; completely.
Will you try to make our city a better place? Then we are with you heart and soul.
Mike was heart and soul against the new rules.
Compare: BODY AND SOUL. Categories: adverb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
steamed up {adj.}, {informal}
Excited or angry about or eager to do something.
The coach gave the team a pep talk before the game, and he got them all steamed up to win the game.
When Mary found out that Jane had not kept their secret, she became all steamed up.
Bill was all steamed up about the movie he had just seen. Categories: adjective informal
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
at the drop of a hat {adv. phr.}, {informal}
- Without waiting; immediately; promptly.
If you need a babysitter quickly, call Mary, because she can come at the drop of a hat.
Compare: ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT.
- Whenever you have a chance; with very little cause or urging.
At the drop of a hat, he would tell the story of the canal he wanted to build.
He was quarrelsome and ready to fight at the drop of a hat. Categories: adverb informal
verb #Idioms #English #esl
keep the wolf (wolves) from the door {v. phr.}
To avoid hunger, poverty, and/or creditors.
"I don't like my job," Mike complained, "but I must do something to keep the wolves from the door."
Compare: KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER. Categories: verb
informal #adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
up in the air {adj.} or {adv. phr.}
- {informal}
In great anger or excitement.
My father went straight up in the air when he heard I damaged the car.
The Jones family are all up in the air because they are taking a trip around the world.
Compare: HIT THE CEILING, BLOW A FUSE.
- also in midair
Not settled; uncertain; undecided.
Plans for the next meeting have been left up in the air until Jane gets better.
The result of the game was left hanging in midair because it rained before the finish.
Compare: LEAVE HANGING. Categories: adjective adverb anger informal world
verb #Idioms #English #esl
check off {v.}
To put a mark beside (the name of a person or thing on a list) to show that it has been counted.
The teacher checked off each pupil as he got on the bus.
Bill wrote down the names of all the states he could remember, and then he checked them off against the list in his book.
Compare: TICK OFF. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
raise the roof {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To make a lot of noise; be happy and noisy.
The gang raised the roof with their singing.
- To scold loudly.
Mother raised the roof when she saw the dog's muddy footprints on her new bedspread.
Compare: KICK UP A FUSS, RAISE CAIN. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
have it over or have it all over {v. phr.}
To be better than; be superior to.
Anne has it all over Jane in looks and charm.
A professional golfer usually has it all over an amateur.
A jeep has it over a regular car on rough mountain trails.
Compare: BEAT ALL HOLLOW. Categories: verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
in at the kill {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Watching or taking part, usually with pleasure, at the end of a struggle; present at the finish.
Frank and John have been quarreling for a long time and tonight they are having a fight. Bill says he wants to be in at the kill, because he is Frank's friend. Categories: adjective informal pleasure time
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in half {adv. phr.}
- Into two equal parts.
The ticket taker at the football game tore the tickets in half.
Mother cut the apple in half so each child could have an equal share.
Syn.: IN TWO.
- To half the size before; to one half as big.
As a punishment, Father cut Bob's allowance in half. Categories: adverb children
slang #verb #jargon #Idioms #English #esl
taking pictures {v. phr.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
To use a radar-operated speed indicator in order to enforce the 55 MPH speed limit.
The Smokeys are taking pictures! Categories: jargon radio jargon slang verb
Latest discussions :: taking picturesrhida 2008-07-07 14:08:57
i like to see an idiomatic expression of radar Reply
adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in step {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
- With the left or right foot stepping at the same time as another's or to the beat of music; in matching strides with another person or persons.
The long line of soldiers marched all in step: Left, right! Left, right!
Johnny marched behind the band in step to the music.
- In agreement; abreast. — Often followed by "with".
Mary wanted to stay in step with her friends and have a doll too.
Contrast: OUT OF STEP. Categories: adjective adverb foot music time
verb #Idioms #English #esl
break up {v. phr.}
To end a romantic relationship, a marriage, or a business partnership.
Tom and Jane broke up because Tom played so much golf that he had no time for her. Categories: business relationship time verb
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
smack-dab also {Southern} smack-to-dab {adv.}, {informal}
Exactly; squarely.
The ball landed smack-dab at our feet.
The plane landed smack-to-dab in the middle of the hay field. Categories: adverb informal southern
Idioms #English #esl
arm
See:
GIVE ONE'S RIGHT ARM,
KEEP AT A DISTANCE or KEEP AT ARM'S LENGTH,
SHOT IN THE ARM,
TAKE UP ARMS,
TWIST ONE'S ARM,
UP IN ARMS,
WITH OPEN ARMS,
COST AN ARM AND A LEG.
noun #Idioms #English #esl
wee folk or little folk or little people {n. phr.}
Fairy people; brownies; elves; fairies; or goblins.
Mother read me a story about the wee folk who lived in the forest and came out at night.
There are many stories about little people dancing in the moonlight. Categories: noun
slang #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
cheesecake {n.}, {slang}, {informal}
A showing of the legs of an attractive woman or a display of her breasts as in certain magazines known as cheesecake magazines.
Photographer to model: "Give us some cheesecake in that pose!" Categories: informal noun slang
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
cop out {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
To avoid committing oneself in a situation where doing so would result in difficulties.
Nixon copped out on the American people with Watergate. Categories: informal slang verb
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
bone to pick or crow to pick {n. phr.}, {informal}
A reason for dispute; something to complain of or argue about. — Often used jokingly.
"I have a bone to pick with you," he said.
There was always a crow to pick about which one would shave first in the morning.
Compare: BONE OF CONTENTION. Categories: informal noun
verb #Idioms #English #esl
lose one's head (over) {v. phr.}
- To panic.
"Let's not lose our heads," the captain cried. "We have good lifeboats on this vessel."
- To become deeply infatuated with someone.
Don't lose your head over Jane; she is already married.
Contrast: KEEP ONE'S HEAD. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
keel over {v.}
- To turn upside down; tip over; overturn. — Usually refers to a boat.
The strong wind made the sailboat keel over and the passengers fell into the water.
- {informal}
To fall over in a faint; taint.
It was so hot during the assembly program that two girls who were standing on the stage keeled over.
When the principal told the girl her father died, she keeled right over. Categories: informal verb
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
mud in your eye {n. phr.}, {informal}
A cheering exclamation when people drink, much like "cheers!"
Each time John raised his glass he said, "Well, here's mud in your eye!" Categories: exclamation informal noun time
verb #Idioms #English #esl
hide one's light under a bushel {v. phr.}
To be very shy and modest and not show your abilities or talents; be too modest in letting others see what you can do.
When Joan is with her close friends she has a wonderful sense of humor, but usually she hides her light under a bushel.
Mr. Smith is an expert in many fields, but most people think he is not very smart because he hides his light under a bushel.
All year long Tommy hid his light under a bushel and the teacher was surprised to see how much he knew when she read his exam paper. Categories: verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
walk away with or walk off with {v.}
- To take and go away with; take away; often: steal.
When Father went to work, he accidentally walked off with Mother's umbrella.
How can a thief walk off with a safe in broad daylight?
- To take, get, or win easily.
Jim walked away with all the honors on Class Night.
Our team walked off with the championship. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
figure in {v.}
- {informal}
To add to a total; remember to put down in figures.
We figured in the travel expenses but forgot the cost of meals.
- To have a part in; be partly responsible for.
Joe figured in all our touchdowns.
Mary's good grades figured in her choice as class president. Categories: informal travel verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
take stock in {v. phr.}, {informal}
To have faith in; trust; believe. — Usually used in the negative.
He took no stock in the idea that women were better cooks than men.
They took little or no stock in the boy's story that he had lost the money.
Do you take any stock in the gossip about Joan? Categories: informal verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
all there or all here {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Understanding well; thinking clearly; not crazy. — Usually used in negative sentences.
Joe acted queerly and talked wildly, so we thought he was not all there. Categories: adjective crazy informal used in negative
verb #Idioms #English #esl
strike out {v.}
- To destroy something that has been written or drawn by drawing a line or cross through it or by erasing it.
John misspelled "corollary. " He struck it out and wrote it correctly.
- To begin to follow a new path or a course of action that you have never tried.
The boy scouts struck out at daybreak over the mountain pass.
John quit his job and struck out on his own as a traveling salesman.
- To put (a batter) out of play by making him miss the ball three times; also: To be put out of play by missing the ball three times.
The pitcher struck out three men in the game.
The batter struck out twice.
- To push out an arm suddenly in a hitting motion.
The boxer saw his chance and struck out at his opponent's jaw. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
raise the devil or raise heck or raise hob or raise ned {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make trouble; start a fight or an argument.
Mr. Black raised heck when he saw the dented fender. He blamed the other driver.
Some teenage boys raised the devil in town on Halloween night and damaged a lot of property.
Compare: KICK UP A FUSS. Categories: informal verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
on one's bad side or on the bad side of one {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Not liked by someone; not friendly with a person.
Sally's boyfriend got on Father's bad side by keeping Sally out too late after the dance.
Contrast: ON ONE'S GOOD SIDE. Categories: adjective informal
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
of one's own accord or of one's own free will {adv. phr.}
Without suggestion or help from anyone else; without being told; voluntarily.
On her mother's birthday, Betsy did the dishes of her own accord.
But Johnny hates baths. I can't believe he would take one of his own free will. Categories: adverb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
plan on {v.}
- To have the plan of; have in mind. — Used with a verbal noun.
I plan on going to the movies after I finish my homework.
Mary was planning on seeing John at the baseball game.
Syn.: FIGURE ON.
- To think you will do or have; be sure about; expect.
I'm hoping to go away for the weekend, but I'm not planning on it.
We can't order the food for the party until we know how many people to plan on.
We planned on Mary for the decorations, but she is sick. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
go through hell and high water {v. phr.}, {informal}
To go through danger, or trouble.
John is ready to go through hell and high water to help his chum.
The soldiers went through hell and high water to capture the fort.
Compare: COME HELL OR HIGH WATER, THROUGH THE MILL. Categories: informal trouble verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
take out {v. phr.}
- To ask for and fill in.
Mary and John took out a marriage license.
- To begin to run.
When the window broke, the boys took out in all directions.
When the wind blew the man's hat off, Charlie took out after it.
See: TAKE IT OUT ON. Categories: verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
take sides {v. phr.}
To join one group against another in a debate or quarrel.
Switzerland refused to take sides in the two World Wars.
Tom wanted to go fishing. Dick wanted to take a hike. Bob took sides with Tom so they all went fishing.
Compare: LINE UP (4b). Contrast: ON THE FENCE. Categories: verb world
verb #Idioms #English #esl
bring out {v.}
- To cause to appear; make clear.
His report brought out the foolishness of the plan.
Brushing will bring out the beauty of your hair.
- To help (an ability or skill) grow or develop.
The teacher's coaching brought out a wonderful singing voice of great power and warmth.
- To offer to the public by producing, publishing, or selling.
He brought out a new play.
The company brought out a line of light personal airplanes. Categories: verb
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
by a long shot {adv. phr.}, {informal}
By a big difference; by far. — Used to add emphasis.
Bert was the best swimmer in the race, by a long shot.
Often used with a negative.
Tom isn't the kind who would be fresh to a teacher, by a long shot.
Our team didn't win — not by a long shot.
Compare: MISS BY A MILE. Categories: adverb emphasis informal
verb #Idioms #English #esl
lose face {v.}
To be embarrassed or shamed by an error or failure; lose dignity, influence or reputation; lose self-respect or the confidence of others.
Many Japanese soldiers were killed in World War II because they believed that to give up or retreat would make them lose face.
John's careless work made him lose face with his employer.
The banker lost face when people found out he bet on horse races. Categories: human dignity verb world
informal #Idioms #English #esl
pot call the kettle black {informal}
The person who is criticizing someone else is as guilty as the person he accuses; the charge is as true of the person who makes it as of the one he makes it against.
When the commissioner accused the road builder of bribery, the contractor said the pot was calling the kettle black.
Bill said John was cheating at a game but John replied that the pot was calling the kettle black. Categories: call informal
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
got a thing going {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
To be engaged in a pleasurable or profitable activity with someone else as a partner either in romance or in mutually profitable business.
"You two seem to have got a thing going, haven't you?"
"You've got a good thing going with your travel bureau, why quit now?" Categories: informal slang travel verb
interjection #Idioms #English #esl
all right for you {interj.}
I'm finished with you! That ends it between you and me! — Used by children.
All right for you! I'm not playing with you any more! Categories: children interjection used by children
verb #Idioms #English #esl
go along {v.}
- To move along; continue.
Uncle Bill made up the story as he went along.
Compare: GO ON (1).
- To go together or as company; go for fun. — Often used with "with". /Mary went along with us to Jane's house./
John just went along for the ride to the ball game. He didn't want to play.
When one filling station cuts gasoline prices, the others usually go along.
- To agree; cooperate. — Often used with "with".
"Jane is a nice girl." "I'll go along with that," said Bill.
Just because the other boys do something bad, you don't have to go along with it. Categories: verb
Idioms #English #esl
book
See:
CLOSED BOOK,
CLOSE THE BOOKS,
HIT THE BOOKS,
KEEP BOOKS,
NOSE IN A BOOK,
ONE FOR THE BOOKS,
READ ONE LIKE A BOOK,
TALKING BOOK,
THROW THE BOOK AT.
verb #Idioms #English #esl
take root {v. phr.}
- To form roots so as to be able to live and grow.
We hope the transplanted apple trees will take root.
- To be accepted; to be adopted; to live and succeed in a new place.
Many European customs failed to take root in the New World.
The immigrants to our country took root and began to think of themselves as Native Americans. Categories: verb world
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
huh-uh or hum-um or uh-uh {adv.}, {informal}
No. — Used only in speech or to record dialogue.
Did Mary come? Huh-uh.
Is it raining out? Uh-uh.
Contrast: UH-HUH. Categories: adverb informal
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
bite the dust {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To be killed in battle.
Captain Jones discharged his gun and another guerrilla bit the dust.
- To fall in defeat; go down before enemies; be overthrown; lose.
Our team bit the dust today.
See the song by "Queen" — "Another one bites the dust". Categories: death informal verb
vulgar #verb #Idioms #English #esl
screw around {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}
To hang around idly without accomplishing anything, to loaf about, to beat or hack around.
You guys are no longer welcome here; all you do is screw around all day. Categories: avoidable verb vulgar
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
under one's own steam {adv. phr.}, {informal}
By one's own efforts; without help.
The boys got to Boston under their own steam and took a bus the rest of the way.
We didn't think he could do it, but Bobby finished his homework under his own steam. Categories: adverb informal
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
cut up {v.}
- {informal}
To hurt the feelings of; wound. — Usually used in the passive.
John was badly cut up when Susie gave him back his ring.
- {slang}
To act funny or rough; clown.
Joe would always cut up if there were any girls watching.
At the party Jim and Ron were cutting up and broke a chair.
Compare: FOOL AROUND. Categories: hurt informal slang used in passive verb
Idioms #English #esl
by dint of {prep.}
By the exertion of; by the use of; through.
By dint of sheer toughness and real courage, he lived through the jungle difficulties and dangers.
His success in college was largely by dint of hard study. Categories: preposition study success
slang #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
snow job {n.}, {slang}, {informal}
- Insincere or exaggerated talk designed to gain the favors of someone.
Joe gave Sue a snow job and she believed every word of it.
- The skillful display of technical vocabulary and prestige terminology in order to pass oneself off as an expert in a specialized field without really being a knowledgeable worker in that area.
That talk by Nielsen on pharmaceuticals sounded very impressive, but I will not hire him because it was essentially a snow job. Categories: informal noun slang
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
lay into or light into {v.}, {informal}
- To attack physically; go at vigorously.
The two fighters laid into each other as soon as the bell rang.
John loves Italian food and he really laid into the spaghetti.
Syn.: PITCH INTO, SAIL INTO.
- {slang}
To attack with words.
The senator laid into the opponents of his bill.
Syn.: LACE INTO, RIP INTO.
Compare: BAWL OUT, TELL OFF. Categories: informal slang verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
think over {v.}
To think carefully about; consider; study.
When Charles asked Betty to marry him, she asked him for time to think it over.
Think over what we studied in history this year and write a lesson on the thing that interested you most.
Compare: MAKE UP ONE'S MIND, SEE ABOUT. Categories: study verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
hold a brief for {v. phr.}
To argue in support of; defend. — Usually used with a negative.
I hold no brief for John, but I do not think he was responsible for the accident.
The lawyer said he held no brief for thievery, but he considered the man should he given another chance. Categories: hold verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
slow down {v. phr.}
To go more slowly than usual.
The road was slippery, so Mr. Jones slowed down the car.
Pat once could run a mile in five minutes, but now that he's older he's slowing down.
Compare: LET UP (2), STEP DOWN.
Contrast: SPEED UP. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
fish or cut bait {v. phr.}, {informal}
- Decide what you want to do and stop wasting time; either act now or give someone else a chance or turn.
Jack couldn't decide whether to go to college or get a job, so his father told him to fish or cut bait.
"Buy the kind of ice cream you want or give someone else in line a chance. Fish or cut bait!"
Compare: MAKE UP ONE'S MIND.
- Either try hard and do your best, or quit.
Frank missed football practice so often that the coach told him to fish or cut bait. Categories: informal time verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
serve notice {v. phr.}
- To notify one's employer in a formal or legal manner that one is quitting the former's employment.
She gave notice to her boss that she was quitting because of marriage.
- To notify an employee or a tenant that one no longer needs their services or wishes to have them as tenants.
The new landlady gave notice to several families in our building because they were late in paying their rent. Categories: verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
go to town {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To do something quickly or with great force or energy; work fast or hard.
The boys went to town on the old garage, and had it torn down before Father came home from work.
While Sally was slowly washing the dishes, she remembered she had a date with Pete that evening; then she really went to town.
Compare: IN NO TIME, MAKE TIME.
Contrast: TAKE ONE'S TIME.
- or go places
To do a good job; succeed.
Our team is going to town this year. We have won all five games that we played.
Dan was a good student and a good athlete; we expect him to go places in business. Categories: slang time verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
stand the gaff {v. phr.}, {informal}
To stand rough treatment; do well in spite of great physical or mental hardship.
An athlete must learn to stand the gaff.
No person running for office gets far unless he can stand the gaff.
Compare: HOLD OUT 2, STICK OUT 2. Categories: informal verb
Idioms #English #esl
dog
See:
EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY,
GO TO THE DOGS,
HOT DOG,
LEAD A DOG'S LIFE,
LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE,
RAIN CATS AND DOGS.
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
pull the rug out from under {v. phr.}, {informal}
To withdraw support unexpectedly from; to spoil the plans of.
Bill thought he would be elected, but his friends pulled the rug out from under him and voted for Vin.
We were planning a vacation, but the baby's illness pulled the rug out from under us. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
bargain for or bargain on {v.}
To be ready for; expect.
When John started a fight with the smaller boy he got more than he bargained for.
The final cost of building the house was much more than they had bargained on.
Compare: COUNT ON. Categories: verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
burn out {v. phr.}
- To destroy by fire or by overheating.
Mr. Jones burned out the clutch on his car.
- To destroy someone's house or business by fire so that they have to move out.
Three racists burned out the Black family's home.
3a. To go out of order; cease to function because of long use or overheating.
The light bulb in the bathroom burned out, and Father put in a new one.
The electric motor was too powerful, and it burned out a fuse.
3b. To break, tire, or wear out by using up all the power, energy, or strength of.
Bill burned himself out in the first part of the race and could not finish.
The farmer burned out his field by planting the same crop every year for many years. Categories: verb
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
as well {adv. phr.}
- In addition; also, too; besides.
The book tells about Mark Twain's writings and about his life as well.
Tom is captain of the football team and is on the baseball team as well.
- Without loss and possibly with gain.
After the dog ran away, Father thought he might as well sell the dog house.
Since he can't win the race, he may as well quit.
It's just as well you didn't come yesterday, because we were away. Categories: adverb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
rattle off or reel off {v.}
To say quickly without having to stop to think; recite easily and rapidly.
When Roger was seven he could rattle off the names of all the states in alphabetical order.
Joan memorized the "Gettysburg Address" so well that she could reel it off.
We asked the waitress what flavors of ice cream she had, and she rattled them off. Categories: verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
devil of it or heck of it {n. phr.}
- The worst or most unlucky thing about a trouble or accident; the part that is most regrettable.
Andy lost his notebook, and the devil of it was that the notebook contained all his homework for the coming week.
When I had a flat tire, the devil of it was that my spare tire was flat too.
- Fun from doing mischief. — Used after "for".
The boys carried away Miss White's front gate just for the devil of it. Categories: noun
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
stand pat {v.}, {informal}
To be satisfied with things and be against a change.
Bill had made up his mind on the question and when his friends tried to change his mind, he stood pat.
Compare: STAND ONE'S GROUND (2). Categories: informal verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
cut loose {v.}
- To free from ties or connections, cut the fastenings of.
The thief hastily cut the boat loose from its anchor.
Compare: LET LOOSE (1a).
- {informal}
To break away from control; get away and be free.
The boy left home and cut loose from his parents' control.
- {informal}
To behave freely or wildly.
The men had come to the convention to have a good time, and they really cut loose.
When he got the news of his job promotion, Jack cut loose with a loud "Yippee!"
Compare: LET GO (6). Categories: behave informal verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
let up {v.}, {informal}
- To become less, weaker, or quiet; become slower or stop.
It's raining as hard as ever. It's not letting up at all.
It snowed for three days before it let up and we could go outdoors.
- To do less or go slower or stop; relax; stop working or working hard.
Grandfather has been working all his life. When is he going to let up?
Let up for a minute. You can't work hard all day.
Jim ran all the way home without letting up once.
Compare: SLOW DOWN.
Contrast: BEAR DOWN.
- To become easier, kinder, or less strict. — Usually used with "on".
Let up on Jane. She is sick.
Syn.: EASE UP.
- or change up
To pitch a ball at less than full speed in baseball. — Usually used with "on".
John pitched a ball that was very fast and the batter missed it. Then he let up on the next pitch and the batter was badly fooled. Categories: informal verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
hands-off {adj.}, {informal}
Leaving alone, not interfering; inactive.
The United States told the European governments to follow a hands-off policy toward Latin America.
I did not approve of his actions, but I have a hands-off rule in personal matters, so I said nothing. Categories: adjective informal
noun #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
rough-and-tumble
- {n.}
Very rough, hard fighting or arguing that does not follow any rules.
There was a rough-and-tumble on the street last night between some soldiers and sailors.
Many people don't like the rough-and-tumble of politics.
- {adj.}
Fighting or arguing in a very rough and reckless way; struggling hard; not following rules or laws.
It took strong men to stay alive in the rough-and-tumble life of the western frontier. Categories: adjective noun
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
kick out or boot out {v.}, {informal}
To make (someone) go or leave; get rid of; dismiss.
The boys made so much noise at the movie that the manager kicked them out.
The chief of police was booted out of office because he was a crook.
Syn.: THROW OUT (3). Categories: informal verb
Idioms #English #esl
bone
See:
BRED IN THE BONE,
FEEL IN ONE'S BONES or KNOW IN ONE'S BONES,
FUNNY BONE,
MAKE NO BONES,
SKIN AND BONES,
T-BONE STEAK,
WORK ONE'S FINGERS TO THE BONE.
verb #Idioms #English #esl
play to the gallery {v. phr.}
To try to get the approval of the audience.
Whenever John recites in class he seems to be playing to the gallery.
The lawyer for the defense was more interested in playing to the gallery than in winning the case.
Compare: SHOW OFF. Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
lead a dog's life {v. phr.}, {informal}
To live a hard life, work hard, and be treated unkindly.
A new college student of long ago led a dog's life. Categories: informal life verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
hole up also hole in {v.}, {slang}
To take refuge or shelter; put up; lodge.
After a day's motoring, Harry found a room for rent and holed up for the night.
The thief holed up at an abandoned farm.
"Let's hole in," said Father as we came to a motel that looked good. Categories: slang verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get on or get onto {v.}, {informal}
- To speak to (someone) roughly about something he did wrong; blame; scold.
Mrs. Thompson got on the girls for not keeping their rooms clean.
The fans got on the new shortstop after he made several errors.
Syn.: JUMP ON.
-
See: GET ALONG.
-
To grow older.
Work seems harder these days; I'm getting on, you know. Categories: blame informal verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get a load of {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To take a good look at; see (something unusual or interesting.) — Often used to show surprise or admiration.
Get a load of that pretty girl!
Get a load of Dick's new car!
Compare: LOOK OVER.
- To listen to carefully or with interest, especially exciting news. — Often used as a command:
Get a load of this: Alice got married yesterday! Categories: slang verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
eat one's cake and have it too {v. phr.}
To use or spend something and still keep it; have both when you must choose one of two things. Often used in negative sentences.
Roger can't make up his mind whether to go to college or get a job. You can't eat your cake and have it too.
Mary wants to buy a beautiful dress she saw at the store, but she also wants to save her birthday money for camp. She wants to eat her cake and have it too. Categories: verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
at fault {adj. phr.}
Responsible for an error or failure; to blame.
The driver who didn't stop at the red light was at fault in the accident.
When the engine would not start, the mechanic looked at all the parts to find what was at fault.
Syn.: IN THE WRONG. Categories: adjective blame
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
watch one's dust or watch one's smoke {v. phr.}, {slang}
To notice your quick action; watch you do something quickly.
Offer Bill a dollar to shovel your sidewalk, and watch his smoke!
"We'll have your yard cleaned in a jiffy," the Boy Scouts told Mr. Truitt. "Watch our smoke!"
"I can go to the store and be back in five minutes," bragged Tom. "Just watch my dust." Categories: slang verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
hand it to {v. phr.}, {informal}
To admit the excellence of; give credit or praise to.
You have to hand it to Jim; he is very careful and hard-working in all he does.
The teacher said, "I hand it to Jane for the way she managed the Music Club."
Syn.: TAKE OFF ONE'S HAT TO. Categories: hand informal music verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
get along also get on {v.}
- To go or move away; move on.
The policeman told the boys on the street corner to get along.
- To go forward; make progress; advance,
John is getting along well in school. He is learning more every day.
Syn.: GET AHEAD.
- To advance; become old or late.
It is getting along towards sundown.
Grandmother is 68 and getting along.
- To get or make what you need; manage.
It isn't easy to get along in the jungle.
We can get along on $100 a week.
Compare: DO WITHOUT (2), GET BY, MAKE DO.
- To live or work together in a friendly way; agree, cooperate; not fight or argue.
We don't get along with the Jones family.
Jim and Jane get along fine together.
Don't be hard to get along with. Categories: verb
slang #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
on the brain {adj. phr.}, {slang}
Filling your thoughts; too much thought about; almost always in mind.
Mary Ann has boys on the brain.
Joe's hobby is ham radio and he has radio on the brain most of the time. Categories: adjective slang time
verb #Idioms #English #esl
throw out or toss out {v.}
- To put somewhere to be destroyed because not wanted.
He didn't need the brush anymore so he threw it out.
Syn.: THROW AWAY (1).
- To refuse to accept.
The inspector tossed out all the parts that didn't work.
- To force to leave; dismiss.
When the employees complained too loudly, the owner threw them out.
Syn.: KICK OUT, TURN OUT (1).
- To cause to be out in baseball by throwing the ball.
The shortstop tossed the runner out. Categories: verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
up in arms {adj. phr.}
- Equipped with guns or weapons and ready to fight.
All of the colonies were up in arms against the Redcoats.
Syn.: IN ARMS.
- Very angry and wanting to fight.
Robert is up in arms because John said he was stupid.
The students were up in arms over the new rule against food in the dormitory. Categories: adjective
verb #Idioms #English #esl
hit one's stride {v. phr.}
- To walk or run at your best speed; reach your top speed or game.
After walking the first mile, Jim was just hitting his stride.
The horse began to hit his stride and moved ahead of the other horses in the race.
- To do your best work; do the best job you are able to.
Mary didn't begin to hit her stride in school until the fifth grade. Categories: verb
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
Bronx cheer {n. phr.}, {slang}
A loud sound made with tongue and lips to show opposition or scorn.
When he began to show anti-union feelings, he was greeted with Bronx cheers all around. Categories: noun slang tongue
informal #Idioms #English #esl
the ropes {n. plural}, {informal}
Thorough or special knowledge of a job; how to do something; the ways of people or the world.
On a newspaper a cub reporter learns his job from an older reporter who knows the ropes.
When you go to a new school it takes a while to learn the ropes.
Betty showed Jane the ropes when she was learning to make a dress.
Mr. Jones was an orphan and he had to learn the ropes when he was young to make his way in the world.
Compare: BE AROUND, INS AND OUTS, TRICK OF THE TRADE. Categories: informal noun world
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
put wise {v.}, {slang}
To tell (someone) facts that will give him an advantage over others or make him alert to opportunity or danger.
The new boy did not know that Jim was playing a trick on him, so I put him wise.
- Often used with "to".
Someone put the police wise to the plan of the bank robbers, and when the robbers went into the bank, the police were waiting to catch them.
Compare: TIP OFF. Categories: slang verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
pitch in {v.}, {informal}
- To begin something with much energy; start work eagerly.
Pitch in and we will finish the job as soon as possible.
- To give help or money for something; contribute.
Everyone must pitch in and work together.
We all pitched in a quarter to buy Nancy a present.
Syn.: CHIP IN. Compare: FALL TO. Categories: informal verb
informal #Idioms #English #esl
for crying out loud {informal}
Used as an exclamation to show that you feel surprised or cross.
For crying out loud, look who's here!
For crying out loud, that's the third time you've done it wrong.
Compare: FOR ONE'S SAKE. Categories: exclamation informal time
slang #noun #jargon #Idioms #English #esl
local yokel {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
City police officer, as opposed to state police or highway patrol.
There's a local yokel westbound on the move. Categories: hand noun slang
verb #Idioms #English #esl
see better days {v. phr.}
- To enjoy a better or happier life.
Mr. Smith is poor now, but he will see better days.
- To become old, damaged, or useless. Used in the perfect tense.
My blue coat is ten years old. It has seen better days.
Our car wasn't old, but it had seen better days. Categories: life verb
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in one's tracks {adv. phr.}, {informal}
- Just where one is at the moment; abruptly; immediately.
The hunter's rifle cracked and the rabbit dropped in his tracks.
Mary stopped dead in her tracks, turned around, and ran back home.
Syn.: ON THE SPOT (1), THEN AND THERE.
- See: FOLLOW IN ONE'S FOOTSTEPS. Categories: adverb informal
slang #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
leg man {n.}, {informal}
- An errand boy; one who performs messenger services, or the like.
Joe hired a leg man for the office.
- {slang}, {semi-vulgar}, {avoidable}
A man who is particularly attracted to good looking female legs and pays less attention to other parts of the female anatomy.
Herb is a leg man. Categories: avoidable informal noun slang vulgar
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
longhair (1)
- {n.}, {slang}
A male hippie.
Who's that longhair? — It's Joe.
- An intellectual who prefers classical music to jazz or acid rock.
Catwallender is a regular longhair; he never listens to modern jazz. Categories: music noun slang
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
on schedule (1) {adv. phr.}
As planned or expected; at the right time.
The school bus arrived at school on schedule.
The four seasons arrive on schedule each year.
Compare: ON TIME. Categories: adverb time
slang #noun #jargon #Idioms #English #esl
Christmas card {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
A speeding ticket.
Smokey just gave a Christmas card to the eighteen wheeler we passed. Categories: jargon noun radio jargon slang
verb #Idioms #English #esl
fall back {v.}
To move back; go back. — Usually used with a group as subject.
The army fell back before their stubborn enemies.
The crowd around the hurt boy fell back when someone shouted "Give him air!"
Compare: DROP BACK, GIVE WAY. Categories: verb
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
so much (1) {adj.}
- A limited amount of; some.
Sometimes students wonder if the teacher knows they have only so much time to do their lessons.
If you can't give everyone a full glass of milk, just put so much milk in each glass.
- Equally or amounting to; only amounting to. — Often used for emphasis.
Charley spends money as if it were so much paper.
What Mary said was so much nonsense; there wasn't a word of truth in it.
Compare: SO MANY (1). Categories: adjective emphasis time
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
miss out {v.}, {informal}
To fail; lose or not take a good chance; miss something good.
Jim's mother told him he missed out on a chance to go fishing with his father because he came home late.
You missed out by not coming with us; we had a great time.
Compare: LOSE OUT. Categories: informal time verb
vulgar #slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
working girl {n.}, {slang}
- ( {vulgar}, {avoidable}) A prostitute.
I didn't know Roxanne was a working girl.
- A girl, usually single, who supports herself by working in an honest job, such as in an office, etc.
The average working girl can't afford such a fancy car. Categories: avoidable noun slang vulgar
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get one's brains fried {v. phr.}, {slang}, {also used colloquially}
- To sit in the sun and sunbathe for an excessive length of time.
Newcomers to Hawaii should be warned not to sit in the sun too long — they'll get their brains fried.
- To get high on drugs.
He can't make a coherent sentence anymore — he's got his brains fried. Categories: colloquial slang time verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
bullshit {v.}, {vulgar to informal}, {gaining in social acceptance by some}
To exaggerate or talk insincerely in an effort to make yourself seem impressive.
"Stop bullshitting me, Joe, I can't believe a word of what you're saying." Categories: gaining in acceptance informal verb vulgar
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
hardly ever or scarcely ever {adv. phr.}
Very rarely; almost never; seldom.
It hardly ever snows in Florida.
Johnny hardly ever reads a book. Categories: adverb
Latest discussions :: hardly everRita 2010-04-19 16:59:38
In Hartford, Hereford and Hampshire hurricanes hardly ever happen. :) Reply
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
wet behind the ears {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Not experienced; not knowing how to do something; new in a job or place.
The new student is still wet behind the ears; he has not yet learned the tricks that the boys play on each other.
Contrast: DRY BEHIND THE EARS. Categories: adjective informal
adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
under one's thumb or under the thumb {adj.} or {adv. phr.}
Obedient to you; controlled by you; under your power.
The Jones family is under the thumb of the mother.
Jack is a bully. He keeps all the younger children under his thumb.
The mayor is so popular that he has the whole town under his thumb.
Compare: JUMP THROUGH THE HOOP. Categories: adjective adverb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
kangaroo court {n.}
A self-appointed group that decides what to do to someone who is supposed to have done wrong.
The Chicago mob held a kangaroo court and shot the gangster who competed with Al Capone. Categories: noun
Latest discussions :: kangaroo courtDanB 2008-09-02 09:43:45
I believe the origin is the common-man court established in Australia, which was principally inhabited by criminals released from England, typified by trumped up charges and swift justice. Reply
Idioms #English #esl
all
See:
AFTER ALL,
AND ALL,
AT ALL,
BEAT ALL or BEAT THE DUTCH,
FOR ALL,
FOR ALL ONE IS WORTH,
FOR ALL ONE KNOWS,
FOR ALL THE WORLD,
FOR GOOD also FOR GOOD AND ALL,
FROM THE BOTTOM OF ONE'S HEART or WITH ALL ONE'S HEART,
HAVE ALL ONE'S BUTTONS or HAVE ALL ONE'S MARBLES,
IN ALL,
JUMP ON or JUMP ALL OVER or LAND ALL OVER,
KNOW-IT-ALL,
ON ALL FOURS,
ONCE AND FOR ALL,
PUT ALL ONE'S EGGS IN ONE BASKET,
STRIKE ALL OF A HEAP,
WALK OVER or WALK ALL OVER or STEP ALL OVER.
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
give one a piece of one's mind {v. phr.}, {informal}
To scold angrily; say what you really think to (someone).
Mr. Allen gave the other driver a piece of his mind.
The sergeant gave the soldier a piece of his mind for not cleaning his boots.
Syn.: TELL OFF.
Compare: BAWL OUT, DRESS DOWN, GIVE IT TO, TONGUE-LASHING. Categories: informal verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
give it to {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To give punishment to; beat.
The crowd yelled for the wrestler to give it to his opponent.
Syn.: LET HAVE IT.
- To scold.
Jerry's mother gave it to him for coming home late.
Compare: GIVE ONE A PIECE OF ONE'S MIND, LACE INTO.
Contrast: CATCH IT. Categories: informal verb
informal #Idioms #English #esl
eyes pop out {informal} (You) are very much surprised. — Used with a possessive noun or pronoun.
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
crack a smile {v. phr.}, {informal}
To let a smile show on one's face; permit a smile to appear.
Bob told the whole silly story without even cracking a smile.
Scrooge was a gloomy man, who never cracked a smile.
When we gave the shy little boy an ice cream cone, he finally cracked a smile. Categories: informal verb
vulgar #slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get a rise out of {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To have some fun with (a person) by making (him) angry; tease.
The boys get a rise out of Joe by teasing him about his girl friend.
- {vulgar}, {avoidable}
To be sexually aroused (said of males)
Jim always gets a rise out of watching adult movies. Categories: avoidable slang verb vulgar
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
rotten egg {n.}, {informal}
A person whose character or way of acting is not good.
His friends have all learned he is a rotten egg.
Often used by children in fun, as of someone who is slow in doing something.
The boys ran to the river to go swimming and Dick cried, "Last one in is a rotten egg!" Categories: children informal noun used by children
verb #Idioms #English #esl
lead on {v. phr.}
To encourage you to believe something untrue or mistaken.
Tom led us on to believe that he was a world traveler, but we found out that he had never been outside our state.
We were led on to think that Jeanne and Jim were engaged to be married. Categories: encourage verb world
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
pass out {v.}, {informal}
- To lose consciousness; faint.
She went back to work while she was still sick, and finally she just passed out.
Compare: GIVE OUT (3).
- or {slang} pass out cold
To drop into a drunken stupor; become unconscious from drink.
After three drinks, the man passed out.
- To die.
Life came and went weakly in him for hours after surgery; then he passed out.
Syn.: PASS AWAY (3), PASS ON (3). Categories: death informal slang verb
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
regular guy or regular fellow {n.}, {informal}
A friendly person who is easy to get along with; a good sport.
You'll like Tom. He's a regular guy.
Syn.: GOOD EGG. Categories: informal noun
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
brush off or give the brush off {v. phr.}
- To refuse to hear or believe; quickly and impatiently; not take seriously or think important.
John brushed off Bill's warning that he might fall from the tree.
I said that it might rain and to take the bus, but Joe gave my idea the brushoff.
Father cut his finger but he brushed it off as not important and kept working.
- {informal} To be unfriendly to; not talk or pay attention to (someone); get rid of.
Mary brushed off Bill at the dance.
I said hello to Mr. Smith, but he gave me the brushoff.
Compare: COLD SHOULDER, HIGH-HAT.
Contrast: GET THE BRUSH OFF. Categories: informal verb
slang #noun #jargon #Idioms #English #esl
brown paper bag {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
An unmarked police car.
The beaver got a Christmas card because she didn't notice the brown paper bag at her back door.
See: PLAIN WHITE WRAPPER. Categories: jargon noun radio jargon slang
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
bring down the house {v. phr.}, {informal}
To start an audience laughing or clapping enthusiastically.
The principal's story was funny in itself and also touched their loyalties, so it brought down the house.
The President made a fine speech which brought down the house. Categories: informal verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
worth one's salt {adj. phr.}
Being a good worker, or a productive person; worth what you cost.
Mr. Brown showed that he was worth his salt as a salesman when he got the highest sales record for the year.
- Often used with "not" or "hardly".
When the basketball team did so poorly, people felt that the coach was hardly worth his salt.
Compare: PAY ONE'S WAY (2). Categories: adjective
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
hold down {v.}
- To keep in obedience; keep control of; continue authority or rule over.
Kings used to know very well how to hold down the people.
- {informal}
To work satisfactorily at.
John had held down a tough job for a long time. Categories: hold informal time verb
informal #Idioms #English #esl
hats off to or one's hat is off to {truncated phr.}, {informal}
Used to recognize and praise a job well-done.
Hats off to anyone who runs the twenty-six mile race.
My hat is off to the chef who created this delicious meal.
Compare: TAKE OFF ONE'S HAT TO. Categories: informal
verb #Idioms #English #esl
keep one at a distance or keep one at arm's length {v. phr.}
To avoid (someone's) company; not become too friendly toward.
Mr. Smith is kind to the workers in his store but after work he keeps them at a distance.
Betty likes Bill and is trying to be friendly, but he keeps her at arm's length.
Compare: KEEP ONE'S DISTANCE, HOLD OFF (1a). Categories: verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
pull the wool over one's eyes {v. phr.}, {informal}
To fool someone into thinking well of you; deceive.
The businessman had pulled the wool over his partner's eyes about their financial position.
Bob tried to pull the wool over his teacher's eyes, but she was too smart for him. Categories: informal verb
slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
lay into or light into {v.}, {informal}
- To attack physically; go at vigorously.
The two fighters laid into each other as soon as the bell rang.
John loves Italian food and he really laid into the spaghetti.
Syn.: PITCH INTO, SAIL INTO.
- {slang}
To attack with words.
The senator laid into the opponents of his bill.
Syn.: LACE INTO, RIP INTO.
Compare: BAWL OUT, TELL OFF. Categories: informal slang verb
verb #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
stuff the ballot box {v. phr.}
To give more votes to a candidate in an election than there are people who actually voted for him.
It is a crime to stuff the ballot box.
- ballot-stuffing {adj. phr.} Categories: adjective verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
draw and quarter {v. phr.}, {literary}
- To execute someone in the barbaric medieval fashion of having him torn into four pieces by four horses tearing his body in four different directions.
The captured foreign marauders were drawn and quartered by the angry citizens of ancient Frankfurt.
- To punish someone very severely.
"If you miss another homework assignment, John," the teacher said, "I'll have you drawn and quartered." Categories: literary verb
formal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
set forth {v.}, {formal}
- To explain exactly or clearly.
The President set forth his plans in a television talk.
- To start to go somewhere; begin a trip.
The troop set forth on their ten-mile hike early.
Compare: SET OUT. Categories: formal verb
Idioms #English #esl
skin
See:
BY THE SKIN OF ONE'S TEETH,
GET UNDER ONE'S SKIN,
JUMP OUT OF ONE'S SKIN,
KEEP ONE'S EYES PEELED or KEEP ONE'S EYES SKINNED,
SAVE ONE'S NECK or SAVE ONE'S SKIN,
WITH A WHOLE SKIN or IN A WHOLE SKIN.
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
bend over backward or lean over backward {v. phr.}, {informal}
To try so hard to avoid a mistake that you make the opposite mistake instead; do the opposite of something that you know you should not do; do too much to avoid doing the wrong thing; also, make a great effort; try very hard.
Instead of punishing the boys for breaking a new rule, the principal bent over backward to explain why the rule was important.
Mary was afraid the girls at her new school would be stuck up, but they leaned over backward to make her feel at home.
Compare: GO OUT OF ONE'S WAY. Categories: informal verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
off balance {adj. phr.}
- Not in balance; not able to stand up straight and not fall; not able to keep from turning over or falling; unsteady.
Never stand up in a canoe; it will get off balance and turn over.
Paul was speeding along on his bicycle, when an unexpected hole in the road caught him off balance and he fell over.
- Not prepared; not ready; unable to meet something unexpected.
Our quarterback kept the other team off balance by changing often from line plays to passes and tricky end runs.
The teacher's surprise test caught the class off balance, and nearly everyone got a poor mark. Categories: adjective
verb #Idioms #English #esl
come over {v.}
To take control of; cause sudden strong feeling in; happen to.
A sudden fit of anger came over him.
A great tenderness came over her.
What has come over him? Categories: anger feelings verb
adjective #Idioms #English #esl
in tow {adj. phr.}
- Being pulled.
The tugboat had the large ocean liner in tow as they came into the harbor.
An engine came with a long string of cars in tow.
- Being taken from place to place; along with someone.
Janet took the new girl in tow and showed her where to go.
Mrs. Hayes went to the supermarket with her four little children in tow. Categories: adjective children
Idioms #English #esl
bottom
See:
BET ONE'S BOOTS or BET ONE'S BOTTOM DOLLAR,
FROM THE BOTTOM OF ONE'S HEART,
FROM --- TO ---,
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF,
HIT BOTTOM or TOUCH BOTTOM,
ROCK BOTTOM,
SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL.
Idioms #English #esl
eye
See:
APPLE OF ONE'S EYE,
BAT AN EYE or BAT AN EYELASH,
BELIEVE ONE'S EYES,
CATCH ONE'S EYE,
CLEAR-EYED,
CLOSE ONE'S EYES or SHUT ONE'S EYES,
EYES OPEN,
EYE OUT,
EYE TO,
FEAST ONE'S EYES ON,
FOUR-EYES,
GET THE EYE,
GIVE THE EYE,
GREEN-EYED MONSTER,
HALF AN EYE,
HAVE AN EYE ON,
HAVE EYES ONLY FOR,
HIT BETWEEN THE EYES,
IN ONE'S MIND'S EYE,
IN THE PUBLIC EYE,
KEEP AN EYE ON or KEEP ONE'S EYE ON,
KEEP ONE'S EYES PEELED or KEEP ONE'S EYES SKINNED,
LAY EYES ON or SET EYES ON,
LOOK IN THE EYE,
MAKE EYES AT,
MEET ONE'S EYE,
MISTY-EYED or DEWEY-EYED,
ONE EYE ON,
OPEN ONE'S EYES or OPEN UP ONE'S EYES,
OUT OF THE CORNER OF ONE'S EYE,
PULL THE WOOL OVER ONE'S EYES,
SEE EYE TO EYE,
SHUT-EYE,
SIGHT FOR SORE EYES,
STARS IN ONE'S EYES,
ROUND-EYED or WIDE-EYED also LARGE-EYED,
PRIVATE EYE,
TO THE EYE,
UP TO THE CHIN IN or UP TO THE EYES IN,
WEATHER EYE.
noun #Idioms #English #esl
standard time also slow time {n.}
Clock time that is set by law or agreement in a country or in part of a country; especially, in the United States: the clock time used between fall and spring, which is an hour slower than the time used in the summer. — Abbreviation ST.
When we go to bed Saturday night, we will set our clocks back an hour, because Sunday we will be on standard time again.
Next week it will get dark an hour earlier, because we will be on standard time.
Contrast: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. Categories: noun time
noun #Idioms #English #esl
third class {n.}
- The third best or highest group; the class next after the second class.
Mary won the pie-making contest in the third class, for the youngest girls.
- Mail that is printed, other than magazines and newspapers that are published regularly, and packages that are not sealed and weigh less than a pound.
The company uses third class to mail free samples of soap.
- The least expensive class of travel.
I couldn't afford anything better than the third class on the ship coming home from France.
Compare: FIRST CLASS, SECOND CLASS. Categories: noun travel
verb #Idioms #English #esl
drive a bargain {v. phr.}
- To buy or sell at a good price; succeed in a trade or deal.
Tom's collie is a champion; it should be easy for Tom to drive a bargain when he sells her puppies.
Father drove a hard bargain with the real estate agent when we bought our new house.
- To make an agreement that is better for you than for the other person; make an agreement to your advantage.
The French drove a hard bargain in demanding that Germany pay fully for World War I damages. Categories: verb world
verb #Idioms #English #esl
get through to {v.}
To be understood by; make (someone) understand.
The little boy could not get through to his housemother.
Deaf people sometimes find it hard to get through to strangers.
When the rich boy's father lost his money, it took a long time for the idea to get through to him that he'd have to work and support himself. Categories: time verb
vulgar #slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
sleep around {v. phr.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}
To be free with one's sexual favors; to behave promiscuously.
Sue Catwallender is a nice girl but she sleeps around an awful lot with all sorts of guys. Categories: avoidable behave sex slang verb vulgar
informal #adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
on the town {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal}
In or into a town to celebrate; having a good time or enjoying the amusements in a town.
When the sailors got off their ship they went out on the town.
Compare: PAINT THE TOWN RED. Categories: adjective adverb informal time
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
call the tune {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be in control; give orders or directions; command.
Bill was president of the club but Jim was secretary and called the tune.
The people supported the mayor, so he could call the tune in city matters.
Syn.: CALL THE SHOTS. Categories: call informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
sell down the river {v. phr.}
To give harmful information about someone or something to one's enemies; betray.
The traitor sold his country down the river to the enemy army.
The criminal told the hiding place of his companions and sold them down the river.
Compare: SELL OUT (2). Categories: verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
one foot in the grave {n. phr.}
Near to death.
The dog is fourteen years old, blind, and feeble. He has one foot in the grave.
Grandfather has never been sick a day in his life, but Mother cares for him as if he had one foot in the grave. Categories: death foot noun
Idioms #English #esl
so many (2) {pron}
A limited number; some.
Many people want to come to the prom; but the gymnasium will hold only so many.
Don't give the boys all the cookies they want; give so many to Tom, so many to Dick, and so many to Bob.
Compare: SO MUCH. Categories: pronoun
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
all along or ( {informal}) right along {adv. phr.}
All the time; during the whole time.
I knew all along that we would win.
I knew right along that Jane would come. Categories: adverb informal time
Idioms #English #esl
nose
See:
COUNT HEADS or COUNT NOSES,
CUT OFF ONE'S NOSE TO SPITE ONE'S FACE,
FOLLOW ONE'S NOSE,
GO INTO A TAIL SPIN or GO INTO A NOSE DIVE,
HARD-NOSED,
KEEP ONE'S NOSE CLEAN,
KEEP ONE'S NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE,
LEAD BY THE NOSE,
LOOK DOWN ONE'S NOSE AT,
ON THE NOSE,
PAY THROUGH THE NOSE,
PUT ONE'S NOSE OUT OF JOINT,
SEE BEYOND ONE'S NOSE,
SKIN OFF ONE'S NOSE,
THUMB ONE'S NOSE,
TURN UP ONE'S NOSE AT,
UNDER ONE'S NOSE.
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
give to understand {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To make a person think that something is true but not tell him; suggest; hint.
Mr. Johnson gave Billy to understand that he would pay him if he helped him clean the yard.
- To make a person understand by telling him very plainly or boldly.
Frank was given to understand in a short note from the boss that he was fired. Categories: informal verb
slang #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
leg man {n.}, {informal}
- An errand boy; one who performs messenger services, or the like.
Joe hired a leg man for the office.
- {slang}, {semi-vulgar}, {avoidable}
A man who is particularly attracted to good looking female legs and pays less attention to other parts of the female anatomy.
Herb is a leg man. Categories: avoidable informal noun slang vulgar
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
head out {v.}
- To go or point away.
The ship left port and headed out to sea.
The car was parked beside the house. It was headed out towards the street.
- {informal}
Leave; start out.
I have a long way to go before dark. I'm going to head out. Categories: informal verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
fellow traveller {n.}
A sympathizer with a political movement who does not officially belong to the political party in question.
Many Germans after World War II were innocently accused of being fellow travellers of Nazism.
During the McCarthy era, many Americans were accused of being Communist fellow travellers. Categories: noun world
informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
just about {adv.}, {informal}
Nearly; almost; practically.
Just about everyone in town came to hear the mayor speak.
The dress came down to just about the middle of her knee.
Has Mary finished peeling the potatoes? Just about. Categories: adverb informal
Idioms #English #esl
walk the chalk or walk the chalk line or walk the chalk mark
To act exactly as you are supposed to; behave properly; obey.
That new teacher really makes the students walk the chalk.
In some classes the students play and talk, but Mr. Parker makes them walk the chalk.
That theater owner wants his place to be orderly, and if boys and girls don't walk the chalk, he puts them out.
(From the fact that sailors used to be asked to walk a chalk line along the deck of the ship to prove they were not drunk.)
Compare: TOE THE MARK. Categories: behave
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
dry behind the ears {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Experienced; knowing how to do something. Usually used in the negative.
John had just started working for the company, and was not dry behind the ears yet.
Compare: KNOW ONE'S WAY AROUND.
Contrast: WET BEHIND THE EARS. Categories: adjective informal
verb #Idioms #English #esl
cast up {v.}, {literary}
- To turn or direct upward; raise.
The dying missionary cast up his eyes to heaven and prayed.
- {archaic}
To do sums; do a problem in addition; add.
Cast up 15, 43, 27, and 18.
When John had all the figures, he cast them up. Categories: archaic literary verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
have the last laugh or get the last laugh {v. phr.}
To make someone seem foolish for having laughed at you.
Other schools laughed at us when our little team entered the state championship, but we had the last laugh when we won it.
Compare: HE LAUGHS BEST WHO LAUGHS LAST, TURN THE TABLES. Categories: laugh verb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
turn the trick {v. phr.}, {informal}
To bring about the result you want; succeed in what you plan to do.
Jerry wanted to win both the swimming and diving contests, but he couldn't quite turn the trick.
Compare: DO THE TRICK. Categories: informal verb
informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
all there or all here {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Understanding well; thinking clearly; not crazy. — Usually used in negative sentences.
Joe acted queerly and talked wildly, so we thought he was not all there. Categories: adjective crazy informal used in negative
noun #Idioms #English #esl
vicious circle {n. phr.}
A kind of circular or chain reaction in which one negative thing leads to another.
Some people take so many different kinds of medicine to cure an illness that they develop other illnesses from the medicine and are thus caught in a vicious circle. Categories: noun
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
use every trick in the book {v. phr.}, {informal}
To avail oneself of any means at all in order to achieve one's goal, not exclusive of possibly immoral or illegal acts.
Algernon used every trick in the book to get Maxine to go out with him, but she kept refusing. Categories: informal verb
slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
tie up {v. phr.}
- To show or stop the movement or action of; hinder; tangle.
The crash of the two trucks tied up all traffic in the center of town.
The strike tied up the factory.
- To take all the time of.
The meeting will tie the President up until noon.
The Senate didn't vote because a debate on a small point kept it tied up all week.
He can't see you now. He's tied up on the telephone.
- To limit or prevent the use of.
His money is tied up in a trust fund and he can't take it out.
Susan tied up the bathroom for an hour.
- To enter into an association or partnership; join.
Our company has tied up with another firm to support the show.
- To dock.
The ships tied up at New York.
- {slang}
To finish; complete.
We've talked long enough; let's tie up these plans and start doing things. Categories: slang time verb
informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
chip on one's shoulder {n. phr.}, {informal}
A quarrelsome nature; readiness to be angered.
He went through life with a chip on his shoulder.
Jim often gets into fights because he goes around with a chip on his shoulder. Categories: informal noun
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
chicken out {v. phr.}, {informal}
To stop doing something because of fear; to decide not to do something after all even though previously having decided to try it.
I used to ride a motorcycle on the highway, but I've chickened out.
I decided to take flying lessons but just before they started I chickened out. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
find fault {v. phr.}
To find something wrong; complain; criticize.
She tries to please him, but he always finds fault.
They found fault with every box I made.
Compare: JUMP ON, PICK AT (3). Categories: verb
adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in private {adj.} or {adv. phr.}
Not openly or in public; apart from others; confidentially; secretly.
Mr. Jones waited until they were home in private before he punished his son.
The teacher told Susan that she wanted to talk to her in private after class.
Compare: IN SECRET. Contrast: IN PUBLIC. Categories: adjective adverb
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
bottom drop out or bottom fall out {v. phr.}
{informal}
- To fall below an earlier lowest price.
The bottom dropped out of the price of peaches.
- To lose all cheerful qualities; become very unhappy, cheerless, or unpleasant.
The bottom dropped out of the day for John when he saw his report card.
The bottom fell out for us when the same ended with our team on the two yard line and six points behind. Categories: informal verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
hit the nail on the head {v. phr.}
To get something exactly right; speak or act in the most fitting or effective way.
The mayor's talk on race relations hit the nail on the head. Categories: relationship verb
noun #Idioms #English #esl
through street {n.}
- A street on which cars can move without stopping at intersections, but cars on streets crossing it have to stop at the intersection.
You have to be especially careful crossing a through street.
Mr. Jones stopped his car when he came to the through street. He waited until there were no cars on it, and drove across it.
Contrast: STOP STREET.
- A street that is open to other streets at both ends; a street that has a passage through it, so that it is not necessary to come back to get out of it.
We thought we could get through to Main St. by going up a side street but there was a sign that said "Not a through street." Categories: noun street
adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in one's blood or into one's blood {adv. phr.}
Agreeing perfectly with one's sympathies, feelings, and desires.
Living in a warm section of the country gets in your blood.
The woods got into Jim's blood.
Contrast: OUT OF ONE'S BLOOD. Categories: adverb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
carry through {v.}
1a. To put into action.
Mr. Green was not able to carry through his plans for a hike because he broke his leg.
1b. To do something you have planned; put a plan into action.
Jean makes good plans but she cannot carry through with any of them.
Compare: GO THROUGH WITH, CARRY OUT.
- To keep (someone) from failing or stopping; bring through; help.
When the tire blew out, the rules Jim had learned in driving class carried him through safely. Categories: verb
verb #Idioms #English #esl
step out {v. phr.}
- To go out, particularly socially, as on a date.
Paul said to Sylvia, "You look so dressed up tonight — you must be stepping out, eh?"
- To leave for a short period during the work day to go to the lavatory or to get a cup of coffee. (Frequently said by secretaries over the phone.)
"May I speak to Mr. Kotz?" Roy asked. "I'm sorry, sir. He just stepped out for a minute," the secretary answered. Categories: verb
slang #noun #Idioms #English #esl
flash in the pan {n. phr.}, {slang}
A person or thing that starts out well but does not continue.
The new quarterback was a flash in the pan.
Mary got 100 on the first test in arithmetic but it was just a flash in the pan because she failed in arithmetic. Categories: noun slang
Latest discussions :: flash in the panLinda 2008-09-02 09:38:53
I'd always thought this phrase related to gold panning: a prospector, thinking he'd seen gold dust in the pan, looking more closely discovered it was just a "flash" (of light), not gold. The phrase came to be used to describe something that seemed at first very exciting, but turned out disappointing. Reply
informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
stand for {v.}
- To be a sign of; make you think of; mean.
The letters "U.S.A." stand for "United States of America."
The written sign "=" in an arithmetic problem stands for "equals."
Our flag stands for our country.
The owl stands for wisdom.
- To speak in favor of something, or show that you support it.
The new President stood for honest government.
John always stands for what is right.
- {Chiefly British}
To try to be elected for.
Three men from London are standing for parliament.
The governor did not stand for reelection.
- {informal}
To allow to happen or to be done; permit. — Usually used in the negative.
The teacher will not stand for fooling in the classroom.
Compare: HAVE IT (4), PUT UP WITH. Categories: British informal verb