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quoteoftheday
(August 1988)
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
get back at {v.}, {informal}
To do something bad to (someone who has done something bad to you) hurt in return.
John played a joke on Henry, and next day Henry got back at him.
The elephant waited many years to get back at the man who fed him red pepper.
Syn.: PAY BACK, SETTLE A SCORE, TIT FOR TAT.
Compare: GET AT (2), GET EVEN. Categories: hurt {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
sit through {v.}
To watch or listen until (something) is finished.
The show was so boring that we could hardly sit through the first act.
Elaine liked the movie so much that she sat through three showings. Categories: {v.}
quoteoftheday
(1890—1957)
U.S. editorwriter
By the time the youngest children have learned to keep the house tidy, the oldest grandchildren are on hand to tear it to pieces.
esl #english #idioms #verb
put on the dog {v. phr.}
To behave ostentatiously in terms of dress and manner.
"Stop putting on the dog with me," Sue cried at Roy. "I knew the real you from way hack!" Categories: behave {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
hang one on {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To give a heavy blow to; hit hard.
The champion hung one on his challenger in the second round and knocked him out of the ring.
- To get very drunk.
After Smith lost his job, he went to a bar and hung one on. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
round robin {n. phr.}
- Something written, especially a request or protest that is signed by a group of people. — Often used like an adjective.
The people in our neighborhood are sending a round robin to the Air Force to protest the noise the jet planes make flying over our houses.
- A letter written by a group of people each writing one or two paragraphs and then sending the letter to another person, who adds a paragraph, and so on.
The class sent a round-robin letter to Bill in the hospital.
- A meeting in which each one in a group of people takes part; a talk between various members of a group. — Often used like an adjective.
There is a round-robin meeting of expert fishermen on the radio, giving advice on how to catch fish.
- A contest or games in which each player or team plays every other player or team in turn. — Often used like an adjective.
The tournament will be a round robin for all the high school teams in the city. Categories: {n. phr.}
quoteoftheday
There is nothing so easy to learn as experience and nothing so hard to apply.
esl #english #idioms #noun
tie-up {n.}
A congestion; a stoppage of the normal flow of traffic, business or correspondence.
There was a two-hour traffic tie-up on the highway.
No pay checks were delivered because of the mail service tie-up. Categories: business {n.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
Christmas club {n.}
A plan for putting money in the bank to be saved for Christmas shopping.
John deposits $10 each week in the Christmas club.
The woman will get her Christmas club money on December 10. Categories: money {n.}
quoteoftheday
(1899—1987)
U.S. actor
Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young.
esl #english #idioms #verb
put one on a pedestal {v. phr.}
To exaggeratedly worship or admire a person.
Daniel puts Elaine on a pedestal and caters to her every whim. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
take the bread out of one's mouth {v. phr.}
To take away or not give your rightful support, especially through selfish pleasure.
She accused her husband of drinking and gambling — taking bread out of his children's mouths. Categories: pleasure {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective #adverb
down the drain {adj.} or {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Wasted; lost.
It is money down the drain if you spend it all on candy.
Our plans to go swimming went down the drain when it rained.
Compare: GO BY THE BOARD. Categories: {adj.} {adv. phr.} {informal}
quoteoftheday
"Thank God, I finally realized that pain may be mandatory, but suffering is optional..."
esl #english #idioms #verb
raise hackles or raise one's hackles {v. phr.}
To make (someone) upset or annoyed; arouse hostility.
Attempts to add new ingredients to the beer raised hackles among all the old brew masters. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
dine out {v. phr.}
To not eat at home but to go to a restaurant.
"Let's dine out tonight, honey," she said to her husband. "I am tired of cooking dinner every night."
See: EAT OUT. Categories: {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
(1706—1790), Poor Richard (February 1737)
A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.
esl #english #idioms #informal
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}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective
cracked up {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Favorably described or presented; praised. — Usually used in the expression "not what it's cracked up to be".
The independent writer's life isn't always everything it's cracked up to be.
In bad weather, a sailing cruise isn't what it's cracked up to be. Categories: life {adj. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
for all the world {adv. phr.}
- Under no circumstances.
Betty said she wouldn't marry Jake for all the world.
- Precisely; exactly.
It began for all the world like a successful baseball season for the UIC Flames, when suddenly they lost to the Blue Demons. Categories: world {adv. phr.}
quoteoftheday
(1842—1914)
U.S. writer
Before undergoing a surgical operation, arrange your temporal affairs. You may live.
esl #english #idioms #adjective #adverb
in order {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
- In arrangement; in the proper way of following one another.
Come to my desk in alphabetical order as I call your names.
Line up and walk to the door in order.
Name all the presidents in order.
Compare: IN TURN.
- In proper condition.
The car was in good working order when I bought it.
The club leader looked at the club treasurer's records of money collected and spent, and found them all in order.
Compare: IN COMMISSION (2), PUT ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER.
- Following the rules; proper; suitable.
Is it in order to ask the speaker questions at the meeting?
At the end of a program, applause for the performers is in order.
Compare: IN PLACE. Contrast: OUT OF ORDER.
- See: PUT ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER or SET ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER. Categories: {adj. phr.} {adv.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
spirit away {v. phr.}
To hide or smuggle something out; abduct.
The famous actress was spirited away by her bodyguards as soon as she emerged from the door. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
steal a march on {v. phr.}
To get ahead of someone by doing a thing unnoticed; get an advantage over.
The army stole a march on the enemy by marching at night and attacking them in the morning.
Jack got the job by getting up earlier than Bill. He stole a march on him.
Compare: GET THE JUMP ON, GET THE BETTER OF, TAKE BY SURPRISE. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
send off {v. phr.}
To say good-bye to someone ceremoniously.
They sent us off to the Mainland from our first visit to Hawaii with an elaborate champagne party at the pier. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adjective
in the line of duty {adj. phr.}
Done or happening as part of a job.
The policeman was shot in the line of duty.
The soldier had to clean his rifle in the line of duty. Categories: Shot in the line of duty {adj. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
play politics {v. phr.}
To make secret agreements for your own gain; handle different groups for your own advantage.
In order to get elected, he had to play politics with both the unions and the bosses.
Mary always gets what she wants by playing office politics. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
have a soft spot in one's heart for {v. phr.}
To be sympathetically inclined towards; entertain a predilection for.
Ron always had a soft spot in his heart for intellectual women wearing miniskirts. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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} {v.}
quoteoftheday
U.S. writer
Learning to dislike children at an early age saves a lot of expense and aggravation later in life.
esl #english #idioms #informal
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 time {informal}
esl #english #idioms #slang #adjective
loaded for bear {adj. phr.}, {slang}
Ready for action; prepared and eager.
Frank liked the new merchandise and as he set out on his rounds as a salesman, he felt really loaded for bear.
The football team arrived Friday noon, loaded for bear. Categories: {adj. phr.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
go to bat for {v. phr.}, {informal}
To help out in trouble or need; give aid to.
Everybody else thought Billy had broken the window, but Tom went to bat for him.
Mary went to bat for the new club program.
Syn.: STAND UP FOR. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
put all one's eggs in one basket {v. phr.}
To place all your efforts, interests, or hopes in a single person or thing.
Going steady in high school is putting all your eggs in one basket too soon.
To buy stock in a single company is to put all your eggs in one basket.
He has decided to specialize in lathe work, although he knows it is risky to put all his eggs in one basket. Categories: {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Habitual teetotalers. There should be asylums for such people. But they would probably relapse into teetotalism as soon as they came out.
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #verb
blow one's mind {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal};
{originally from the drug culture}
- To become wildly enthusiastic over something as if understanding it for the first time in an entirely new light.
Read Lyall Watson's book "Supernature", it will simply blow your mind!
- To lose one's ability to function, as if due to an overdose of drugs,
Joe is entirely incoherent — he seems to have blown his mind.
Contrast: BLOW ONE'S COOL. Categories: time {drug culture} {informal} {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
lose ground {v. phr.}
- To go backward; retreat.
The soldiers began to lose ground when their leader was killed.
Compare: GIVE GROUND.
- To become weaker; get worse; not improve.
The sick man began to lose ground when his cough grew worse.
When the Democrats are in power, the Republicans lose ground.
Contrast: GAIN GROUND. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
play second fiddle {v. phr.}, {informal}
To act a smaller part; follow another's lead; be less noticed.
His wife had the stronger mind and he played second fiddle to her.
During the tournament, lessons played second fiddle to basketball. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
put the bite on {v. phr.}, {slang}
To ask (for money, favors, etc.)
John put the bite on his friend for several tickets to the dance.
Willie Mays put the bite on the Giants for a large raise. Categories: friends {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
make a clean breast of {v. phr.}
To admit (your guilt); tell all about (your wrong doing); confess everything.
The police caught the hit-and-run driver and he made a clean breast of his crime.
Arthur worried because he cheated on the test, and finally he went to the teacher and made a clean breast of it.
Compare: OFF ONE'S CHEST. Categories: {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
We should keep silent about those in power; to speak well of them almost implies flattery; to speak ill of them while they are alive is dangerous, and when they are dead is cowardly.
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
pack rat {n.}, {informal}
A person who cannot part with old, useless objects; an avid collector of useless things; a junk hoarder.
"Why are there so many things in this room?" John asked. "It is my brother's room, and he is a pack rat; he is unable to throw stuff away." Categories: {informal} {n.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #verb
kick off {v. phr.}
- To make the kick that begins a football game.
John kicked off and the football game started.
- {informal}
To begin; launch; start.
The candidate kicked off his campaign with a speech on television.
The fund raising drive was kicked off with a theater party.
- {slang}
To die.
Mr. Jones was almost ninety years old when he kicked off.
Syn.: KICK THE BUCKET. Categories: TV death football kick {informal} {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #vulgar #slang #noun
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} {n.} {slang} {vulgar}
quoteoftheday
Cats always know whether people like or dislike them. They do not always care enough to do anything about it.
quoteoftheday
I picked that (Marilyn Manson) as the fakest stage name of all to say that this is what show business is, fake. Marilyn Monroe wasn't even her real name, Charles Manson isn't his real name, and now, I'm taking that to be my real name. But what's real? You can't find the truth, you just pick the lie you like the best. As long as you know everything's a lie, you can't hurt yourself.
esl #english #idioms #verb
pass the time of day {v. phr.}
To exchange greetings; stop for a chat.
They met at the corner and paused to pass the time of day. Categories: greeting time {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
keep one's nose clean {v. phr.}, {slang}
To stay out of trouble; do only what you should do.
The boss said Jim could have the job as long as he kept his nose clean and worked hard.
The policeman warned the boys to keep their noses clean unless they wanted to go to jail.
Compare: STEER CLEAR OF (2). Categories: nose {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
clip one's wings {v. phr.}
To limit or hold you back, bring you under control; prevent your success.
When the new president tried to become dictator, the generals soon clipped his wings.
Jim was spending too much time on dates when he needed to study so his father stopped his allowance; that clipped his wings. Categories: study success time {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
pull one's punches {v. phr.}, {informal}
- Not to hit as hard as you can.
Jimmy pulled his punches and let Paul win the boxing match.
- To hide unpleasant facts or make them seem good. — Usually used in the negative.
The mayor spoke bluntly; he didn't pull any punches.
Contrast: STRAIGHT PROM THE SHOULDER. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Thoughts do not convince, but motivate. Feelings do not motivate, but convince.
esl #english #idioms #adverb
then and there {adv. phr.}
At that very time and place in the past; right then.
He said he wanted his dime back then and there, so I had to give it to him.
Compare: IN ONE'S TRACKS, ON THE SPOT, HERE AND NOW. Categories: time {adv. phr.}
quoteoftheday
At the beginning and at the end of love, the two lovers are embarrassed to find themselves alone.
esl #english #idioms #noun
parting of the ways {n. phr.}
- The point where a road or path divides; a fork.
They stood undecided at a parting of the ways, where a forest path forked.
- A time or place where a choice must be made; a deciding point.
He had come to a parting of the ways: he had to choose the high school courses that would prepare him for college, or the courses that would prepare him for business. Categories: {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
get the brush-off {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To be paid no attention; not be listened to or thought important.
My idea for a party got the brush-off from the other children.
- To be treated in an unkind or unfriendly way; be ignored.
Frank and Jane had an argument, so the next time he telephoned her, he got the brush-off.
Compare: COLD SHOULDER, HIGH-HAT. Contrast: BRUSH OFF. Categories: relationships time {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
press the flesh {v.}, {slang}
To shake hands with total strangers by the hundreds, keeping an artificial smile all the way, in order to raise one's popularity during political elections.
Incumbent Governor Maxwell was pressing the flesh all day long at six different hotels.
Compare: BABY KISSER. Categories: {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
rock the boat {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make trouble and risk losing or upsetting something; cause a disturbance that may spoil a plan.
The other boys said that Henry was rocking the boat by wanting to let girls into their club.
Politicians don't like to rock the boat around election time.
Compare: UPSET THE APPLE CART. Contrast: LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE. Categories: time {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
butter up {v.}, {informal}
To try to get the favor or friendship of (a person) by flattery or pleasantness.
He began to butter up the boss in hope of being given a better job.
Compare: POLISH THE APPLE. Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
put one's finger on also lay one's finger on {v. phr.}
To find exactly.
The engineers couldn't put their fingers on the reason for the rocket's failure to orbit.
We called in an electrician hoping he could put a finger on the cause of the short circuit. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
go
See:
HERE GOES,
HERE GOES NOTHING,
BEST BIB AND TUCKER or SUNDAY-GO-TO-MEETING CLOTHES,
COMINGS AND GOINGS,
EASY COME EASY GO,
GET GOING,
GET-UP-AND-GO
HAVE A GO AT,
HEART GOES OUT TO,
KNOW WHETHER ONE IS COMING OR GOING,
LET GO,
MAKE A GO OF,
NO DEAL or NO GO,
ON THE GO,
PAY AS ONE GOES,
TOUCH AND GO.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
dig in {v.}, {informal}
- To dig ditches for protection against an enemy attack.
The soldiers dug in and waited for the enemy to come.
2a. To go seriously to work; work hard.
John dug in and finished his homework very quickly.
2b. To begin eating.
Mother set the food on the table and told the children to dig in. Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
dose of one's own medicine or taste of one's own medicine {n. phr.}
Being treated in the same way you treat others; something bad done to you as you have done bad to other people.
Jim was always playing tricks on other boys. Finally they decided to give him a dose of his own medicine. Categories: {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
bird
See:
EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM or
EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM,
EAT LIKE A BIRD,
FINE FEATHERS DO NOT MAKE FINE BIRDS,
FOR THE BIRDS,
KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE.
esl #english #idioms
worth
See:
BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH,
FOR ALL ONE IS WORTH,
GAME IS NOT WORTH THE CANDLE,
NOT WORTH A TINKER'S DAMN,
WORTH A CENT.
esl #english #idioms #verb
stir up {v.}
- To bring (something) into being, often by great exertion or activity; cause.
It was a quiet afternoon, and John tried to stir up some excitement.
Bob stirred up a fight between Tom and Bill.
Compare: WHIP UP (2).
- To cause (someone) to act; incite to action or movement; rouse.
The coach's pep talk stirred up the team to win.
When Mary heard what Betty said about her, she became stirred up. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
put in the way of or put in one's way {v. phr.}
To set before (someone); give to (someone); show the way to; help toward.
After Joe graduated, the coach put him in the way of a good job.
The librarian put me in the way of a lot of new material on the subject of my report. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
call names {v. phr.}
To use ugly or unkind words when speaking to someone or when talking about someone. — Usually used by or to children.
Bill got so mad he started calling Frank names. Categories: call children used by children {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
pipe down {v.}
- To call (sailors) away from work with a whistle.
He piped the men down after boat drill.
- {slang}
To stop talking; shut up; be quiet.
"Oh, pipe down," he called.
- Often considered rude. Categories: rude {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
far and away {adv. phr.}
Very much.
The fish was far and away the biggest ever caught on the lake.
Compare: BY FAR, HEAD AND SHOULDERS (2). Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
look back {v.}
To review the past; think of what has happened.
As John looked back, his life seemed good to him.
Murphy looked back on his early struggles as having made him feel especially alive.
When Ed applied for a job and asked the school to recommend him, the principal looked back over his records. Categories: look {v.}
esl #english #idioms #adjective
played out {adj. phr.}
Tired out; worn out; finished; exhausted.
It had been a hard day, and by night he was played out.
For a while, at least, it seemed the interest in great speed was played out.
Compare: ALL IN. Categories: {adj. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adjective
safe and sound {adj. phr.}
Not harmed; not hurt; safe and not damaged.
The package arrived safe and sound.
The children returned from their trip safe and sound.
Compare: WITH A WHOLE SKIN. Categories: hurt {adj. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
clamp down {v.}, {informal}
To put on strict controls; enforce rules or laws.
After the explosion, police clamped down and let no more visitors inside the monument.
The school clamped down on smoking.
When the crowds became bigger and wilder, the police clamped down on them and made everyone go home. Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
eat dirt {v. phr.}, {informal}
To act humble; accept another's insult or bad treatment.
Mr. Johnson was so much afraid of losing his job that he would eat dirt whenever the boss got mean. Categories: insulting {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective
knee-high to a grasshopper also knee-high to a duck {adj. phr.}, {informal}
As tall as a very small child; very young.
Charles started reading when he was knee-high to a grasshopper.
I've known Mary ever since she was knee-high to a duck. Categories: {adj. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
backhanded compliment {n. phr.}
A remark that sounds like a compliment but is said sarcastically.
"Not bad for a girl" the coach said, offering a backhanded compliment. Categories: {n. phr.}
Latest discussions :: backhanded complimentZarra 2010-04-18 01:34:34
Backhanded compliment origin:
Back-handed is synonymous with left-handed.
For example in tennis, a backhand stroke is a strike by a right-handed player from the left side of the body.
The left side of the body has always been deemed sinister. The Latin word for left is sinister. Hence, back-handed means round-about, indirect, or devious. Reply
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
skin off one's nose {n. phr.}, {slang}
Matter of interest, concern, or trouble to you. Normally used in the negative.
Go to Jake's party if you wish. It's no skin off my nose.
Grace didn't pay any attention to our argument. It wasn't any skin off her nose.
You could at least say hello to our visitor. It's no skin off your nose. Categories: nose {n. phr.} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
спустя рукава {adv. phr.} or работать спустя рукава {v. phr.}
{literally} (to work) rolling down the sleeves.
To work reluctantly, carelessly.
The ancient Russian clothes were with long sleeves going down to the floor. Therefore to work it was necessary to roll them up.
Джорж сегодня работал спустя рукава. — George has been working rolling down the sleeves today :)
See also:
закатать рукава
закатав рукава
work with the left hand
Contr.:
не покладая рук
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb #noun #adjective
pinch-hit {v.}
- To substitute for another player at bat in a baseball game.
Smith was sent in to pinch-hit for Jones.
- {informal}
To act for a while, or in an emergency, for another person; take someone's place for a while.
I asked him to pinch-hit for me while I was away.
The president of the City Council pinch-hits for the mayor when the mayor is out of town.
- pinch-hitter {n.}
Jones was hit by a pitched ball and Smith came in as a pinch-hitter.
When our teacher was sick, Mrs. Harris was called as a pinch-hitter.
- pinch-hitting {adj.} or {n.}
Pinch-hitting for another teacher is a hard job. Categories: {adj.} {informal} {n.} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #formal
except for or {formal} but for {prep.}
- With the exception of; if (a certain person or thing) were left out; omitting.
Except for John, the whole class passed the test.
- Without.
I'd have been lost but for you. Categories: {formal} {prep.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put their heads together or lay their heads together {v. phr.}, {informal}
To plan or consider things together; discuss something as a group; talk it over.
They put their heads together and decided on a gift.
We laid our heads together and decided to have a picnic. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
hang ten {v.}, {slang}
- To be an outstanding performer on a surfboard or on a skateboard (referring to the user's ten toes).
I bet I am going to be able to hang ten if you let me practice on your skateboard.
- To be a survivor despite great odds.
Don't worry about Jack, he can hang ten anywhere! Categories: {slang} {v.}
quoteoftheday
I finally know what distinguishes man from the other beasts: financial worries.
esl #english #idioms #adverb
against the grain {adv. phr.}
- Across rather than with the direction of the fibers (as of wood or meat).
He sandpapered the wood against the grain.
- So as to annoy or trouble, or to cause anger or dislike. — Usually follows "go".
His coarse and rude ways went against the grain with me.
It went against the grain with him to have to listen to her gossip.
Compare: RUB THE WRONG WAY. Categories: anger rude {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
carry over {v.}
- To save for another time.
The store had some bathing suits it had carried over from last year.
What you learn in school should carry over into adult life.
- To transfer (as a figure) from one column, page, or book to another.
When he added up the figures, he carried over the total into the next year's account book.
- To continue in another place.
The story was carried over to the next page. Categories: time {v.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
go broke {v. phr.}, {slang}
To lose all one's money; especially by taking a chance; owe more than you can pay.
The inventor went broke because nobody would buy his machine.
Dan had a quarter but he went broke matching pennies with Fred. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #verb
luck out {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
- Suddenly to get lucky when in fact the odds are against one's succeeding.
I was sure I was going to miss the train as I was three minutes late, but I lucked out, the train was five minutes late.
- To be extraordinarily fortunate.
Catwallender really lucked out at Las Vegas last month; he came home with $10,000 in cash.
- (By sarcastic opposition) to be extremely unfortunate; to be killed.
Those poor marines sure lucked out in Saigon, didn't they? Categories: {informal} {slang} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
камня на камне не оставить {v. phr.}
kamn'ya nakamn'ye ne os`tavit'
{literally} ~not leaving a stone standing.
To crush, destroy utterly
The opponent's arguments, brought together, did not leave a stone standidng from the idea proposed. — Доводы оппонента, вместе взятые, не оставили камня на камне от предложенной идеи.
See also:
to raze to the ground
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #noun
good egg {slang} or {informal} good scout {n. phr.}
A friendly, kind or good-natured person, a nice fellow.
Tommy is such a good egg that everybody wants to be his friend.
Syn.: REGULAR GUY. Contrast: BAD EGG. Categories: friends {informal} {n. phr.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
fall all over {v. phr.}, {informal}
To show too much love or thanks toward (someone).
She must love him. Every time you see them, she's falling all over him.
When Bob found the lady's ring and returned it, she fell all over him. Categories: love time {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
wrong
See:
BARK UP THE WRONG TREE,
BET ON THE WRONG HORSE,
GET OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT,
GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED,
IN THE WRONG,
LAUGH ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH,
RUB THE WRONG WAY.
esl #english #idioms
hell
See:
COME HELL OR HIGH WATER,
GO THROUGH HELL AND HIGH WATER,
HELL-ON-WHEELS,
LIKE HELL,
TO HELL WITH,
UNTIL HELL FREEZES OVER,
WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER.
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
use one's head or {slang} use one's bean or {slang} use one's noodle or {slang} use one's noggin {v. phr.}
To use your brain or mind; think; have common sense. — Often used as a command.
If you used your bean you wouldn't be in trouble now.
Never point a gun at anybody, John. Use your head! Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Whoever thought up the word "Mammogram"? Every time I hear it, I think I'm supposed to put my breast in an envelope and send it to someone.
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
get with it {v. phr.}, {slang}
To pay attention; be alive or alert; get busy.
The students get with it just before examinations.
The coach told the team to get with it.
Compare: ON THE BALL. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
разводить руками {v. phr.}
razvodit' rukami
{literally} to part one's hands.
To demonstrate or experience the following feelings:
To be at a loss (do not know how to react);
Wonder at, to be surpised or be puzzled / perplexed.
Usually goes with hands down and being pulled apart.
"Когда он спросил врача, как он тут оказался, тот только развёл руками..." (К. Симонов). — "When he asked the doctor, how he found himself to be here, the man was at a loss (only pulled his hands apart)."
See also:
всплеснуть руками
esl #english #idioms #formal #adjective #adverb
beyond measure {adj.} or {adv. phr.}, {formal}
So much that it can not be measured or figured without any limits.
With her parents reunited and present at her graduation, she had happiness beyond measure.
No one envied him for he was popular beyond measure. Categories: happiness {adj.} {adv. phr.} {formal}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
on the whole {adv. phr.}
- In the most important things; in most ways.
On the whole, Billy did very well in school this year.
Everybody agreed that on the whole it was a good show.
Syn.: IN ALL (2), FOR THE MOST PART.
- In most cases; usually.
On the whole, men are stronger than women.
On the whole, children begin walking when they are about one year old.
Syn.: BY AND LARGE, IN GENERAL. Categories: children {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
pull off {v.}, {informal}
To succeed in (something thought difficult or impossible); do.
Ben Hogan pulled off the impossible by winning three golf tournaments in one year.
The bandits pulled off a daring bank robbery.
Compare: PUT ACROSS (2). Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pick off {v.}
- To pull off; remove with the fingers.
He picked off the burs that had stuck to his overcoat.
- To shoot, one at a time; knock down one by one.
The sniper picked off the slower soldiers as they came out into the road.
- To catch a base runner off base by throwing the ball quickly to a fielder who tags him out.
The pitcher turned around suddenly and threw to the second baseman to pick the runner off second base.
Compare: OFF BASE.
- To catch and, especially in football, to intercept.
Alert defenders picked off three of Jack's passes. Categories: time {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb #adverb
up and at them
- {adv. phr.}
Actively engaged in a task as if doing combat.
"You want to know whether he will make a diligent worker?" Dick asked. "Well, I can tell you that most of the time he is up and at them like no one else I know."
- {v. phr.}
To become aggressively engaged in doing something; (useable as a command).
Come on, up and at them, you guys. We still have a lot of work to get done. Categories: time {adv. phr.} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
close up shop {v. phr.}
- To shut a store at the end of a day's business, also, to end a business.
The grocer closes up shop at 5 o'clock.
After 15 years in business at the same spot, the garage closed up shop.
- {informal}
To stop some activity; finish what you are doing.
After camping out for two weeks, the scouts took down their tents and closed up shop.
The committee finished its business and closed up shop.
Compare: CALL IT A DAY. Categories: business {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
go legit {v. phr.}
To start practicing a legitimate business after having been operating outside of the law.
"The old days are over," the crime boss said to his friends. "We are going legit as of right now." Categories: business friends {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
When I die, I'd like to be scattered over my hometown. But not, like, cremated or anything.
quoteoftheday
The great gift of conversation lies less in displaying it ourselves than in drawing it out of others. He who leaves your company pleased with himself and his own cleverness is perfectly well pleased with you.
esl #english #idioms #verb
come across {v.}
- or run across
To find or meet by chance.
He came across a dollar bill in the suit he was sending to the cleaner.
The other day I ran across a book that you might like.
I came across George at a party last week; it was the first time I had seen him in months.
Compare: COME ON (3), RUN INTO (3b).
- To give or do what is asked.
The robber told the woman to come across with her purse.
For hours the police questioned the man suspected of kidnapping the child, and finally he came across with the story. Categories: children time {v.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
right field {n.}
The part of a baseball outfield to the batter's right.
Left-handed batters usually hit to right field.
Compare: CENTER FIELD, LEFT FIELD.
- right fielder {n.}
The outfielder in baseball who plays in right field.
The batter hit a high fly ball and the right fielder caught it easily. Categories: {n.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
freak {n.}, {slang}
- A good, or well-liked person, the opposite of a square, someone with long hair and who is likely (or known) to be a marijuana smoker or a drug user. Also said of homosexuals.
Is Joe a square, establishment type? — Oh no, he's a regular freak.
- --- freak
An enthusiast, a person who does or cultivates something in excess.
Ellen is a film-freak. Categories: {n.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #adjective
beyond question (1) {adj. phr.}
Not in doubt certain; sure. — Used in the predicate.
People always believe anything that Mark says; his honesty is beyond question.
Contrast: IN QUESTION. Categories: doubt {adj. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
horse around {v.}, {slang}
To join in rough teasing; play around.
They were a hunch of sailors on shore leave, horsing around where there were girls and drinks.
John horsed around with the dog for a while when he came in from school. Categories: {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
keep down {v.}
Keep from progressing or growing; keep within limits; control.
The children could not keep their voices down.
We hoe the garden to keep down the weeds.
You can't keep a good man down.
Compare: GET AHEAD. Categories: children {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pound out {v. phr.}
- To play a piece of music very loudly on a percussion instrument.
The boy was pounding out the tune "Mary had a little lamb" on the marimba.
- To flatten something with a hammer.
The bodyshop uses special hammers to pound out the indentations in the bodies of cars.
- To produce a piece of writing on a typewriter in haste and without much care.
She hurriedly pounded out a letter of recommendation for the foreign graduate student. Categories: music {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
in a good frame of mind {adv. phr.}
In a happy mood.
After a relaxing holiday in the Bahamas, the boss was in a very good frame of mind.
Contrast: IN A BAD FRAME OF MIND. Categories: mood {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
pick on {v.}
- {informal}
To make a habit of annoying or bothering (someone); do or say bad things to (someone).
Other boys picked on him until he decided to fight them.
Syn.: PICK AT (3).
- To single out; choose; select.
He visited a lot of colleges, and finally picked on Stanford. Categories: bother {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective
all eyes {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Wide-eyed with surprise or curiosity; watching very closely. — Used in the predicate.
At the circus the children were all eyes. Categories: children {adj. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
own up {v.}, {informal}
To take the blame; admit your guilt; confess.
When Mr. Jones asked who broke the window, Johnny owned up.
Mary owned up to having borrowed her sister's sweater.
When Mother saw that someone had broken the vase, Billy owned up to it.
See: COME CLEAN. Categories: blame {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
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: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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: nose {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
pitch into {v.}, {informal}
- To attack with blows or words.
He pitched into me with his fists.
He pitched into the idea of raising taxes.
Syn.: LAY INTO (1),(2), RIP INTO.
- To get to work at; work hard at.
She pitched into the work and had the house cleaned up by noon.
He pitched into his homework right after dinner.
Compare: LAY INTO, SAIL INTO. Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
play the game {v. phr.}, {informal}
To obey the rules; do right; act fairly.
"That's not playing the game," we told him when he wanted to desert his wife.
"Oh, let's play the game," he said, when his partner suggested a way to keep from paying some of their debts.
Your parents want you to play the game in life. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
part company {v. phr.}
- To part with someone; leave each other; separate.
The boys parted company as they came from the park.
George parted company with the others at his front door.
- To be different from someone in opinion or action; follow your own way; disagree; differ.
They parted company on where the new highway should be built.
The mayor parted company with the newspapers on raising taxes. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
from scratch {adv. phr.}, {informal}
With no help from anything done before; from the beginning; from nothing.
Dick built a radio from scratch.
In sewing class, Mary already knew how to sew a little, but Jane had to start from scratch.
Compare: FROM THE GROUND UP. Categories: {adv. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #adjective
at sixes and sevens {adj. phr.}
Not in order; in confusion; in a mess.
He apologized because his wife was away and the house was at sixes and sevens.
Our teacher had just moved to a new classroom, and she was still at sixes and sevens.
After the captain of the team broke his leg, the other players were at sixes and sevens. Categories: {adj. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
build up {v.}
- To make out of separate pieces or layers; construct from parts.
Johnny built up a fort out of large balls of snow.
Lois built up a cake of three layers.
- To cover over or fill up with buildings.
The fields where Tom's father played as a boy are all built up now.
A driver should slow down when he comes to an area that is built up.
3a. To increase slowly or by small amounts; grow.
John built up a bank account by saving regularly.
The noise built up until Mary couldn't stand it any longer.
3b. To make stronger or better or more effective.
Fred exercised to build up his muscles.
Joanne was studying to build up her algebra.
3c. {informal}
To advertise quickly and publicize so as to make famous.
The press agent built up the young actress.
The movie company spent much money building up its new picture. Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
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: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
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} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
мороз по коже {n. phr.}
moroz pokozhe
- make one's flesh crawl (to cause someone’s skin to feel funny or get goose pimples through fright)
The queer noises in the old house made my flesh crawl.
Reading the story of a ghost made our flesh crawl. — От чтения этого рассказа о приведении у меня мороз по коже.
The sight of a cockroach makes my flesh crawl. — У меня от одного вида таракана мороз по коже.
- Give the creeps (an uncomfortable tightening of the skin caused by fear or shock)
The horror movie gave Mary the creeps.
Just to hear the story of the murder gave Joe the creeps.
See also:
мурашки
поджилки трясутся
кровь стынет в жилах
душа в пятки
goosebumps
get the shivers
get the jitters
get the willies
Contr.:
приятный мороз по коже
esl #english #idioms #verb
feel out {v.}
To talk or act carefully with someone and find what he thinks or can do.
The pupils felt out the principal about a party after the game.
John felt out his father about letting him have the car that evening.
At first the boxers felt each other out.
Compare: SOUND OUT. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #noun
goldfish bowl {n.}, {slang}, {informal}
- A situation in which it is not possible to keep things secret for any length of time.
Washington Society is a goldfish bowl.
- An apartment or place that provides no privacy for its occupant, e.g., an office that has too many windows.
Joe's office is a goldfish bowl, that's why I didn't let him kiss me there. Categories: time {informal} {n.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
lay out {v. phr.}
- To prepare (a dead body) for burial.
The corpse was laid out by the undertaker.
- {slang}
To knock down flat; to hit unconscious.
A stiff right to the jaw laid the boxer out in the second round.
- To plan.
Come here, Fred, I have a job laid out for you.
- To mark or show where work is to be done.
The foreman laid out the job for the new machinist.
- To plan the building or arrangement of; design.
The architect laid out the interior of the building.
The early colonists laid out towns in the wilderness.
Compare: LAY OFF (1).
- {slang}
To spend; pay.
How much did you have to lay out for your new car?
- or lay out in lavender {slang}
To scold; lecture.
He was laid out in lavender for arriving an hour late for the dance.
Compare: JUMP ON, LAY INTO (2), LET HAVE IT (1c). Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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: time {informal} {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by central heating.
esl #english #idioms #verb
piece out {v.}
- To put together from many different pieces; put together from odd parts; patch.
They pieced out a meal from leftovers.
He pieced out the machine with scrap parts.
The detective pieced out the story from a stray fact here, a clue there, and a hint somewhere else.
- To make larger or longer by adding one or more pieces.
The girl grew so fast that her mother had to piece out her dresses. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
pitch woo {v. phr.}, {slang}
To kiss and hug; make love.
Mary and John pitched woo in the movies.
While Bob drove, Betty and Jim sat in the back pitching woo. Categories: love {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
bite the hand that feeds one {v. phr.}
To turn against or hurt a helper or supporter; repay kindness with wrong.
He bit the hand that fed him when he complained against his employer. Categories: hand hurt {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
on account of {prep.}
As a result of; because of.
The picnic was held in the gym on account of the rain.
Compare: ON ONE'S ACCOUNT, OF ONE'S OWN ACCORD. Categories: {prep.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
in return {adv. phr.}
In order to give back something; as payment; in recognition or exchange. — Often used with "for".
Bud gave me his knife and I gave him marbles in return.
The lady helped Mother when she was sick and in return Mother often invited her to dinner.
How much did John give you in return for your bicycle?
I hit him in return for the time he hit me.
I wrote Dad a letter and got a package in return. Categories: time {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
in consideration of {adv. phr.}
- After thinking about and weighing; because of.
In consideration of the boy's young age, the judge did not put him in jail for carrying a gun.
- In exchange for; because of; in payment for.
In consideration of the extra work Joe had done, his boss gave him an extra week's pay.
Compare: IN RETURN. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
pie
See:
EAT HUMBLE PIE,
EASY AS PIE,
FINGER IN THE PIE,
PIE IN THE SKY,
PIE-EYED,
SWEETIE PIE.
esl #english #idioms #informal
easy does it {informal}
Let's do it carefully, without sudden movements and without forcing too hard or too fast; let's try to just hard enough but not too hard.
"Easy does it," said the boss as they moved the piano through the narrow doorway.
Compare: TAKE IT EASY. Categories: {informal}
esl #english #idioms #verb
will not hear of {v. phr.}
Will not allow or consider, refuse attention to or permission for.
I want to go to the show tonight, but I know my mother will not hear of it.
Mary needs another day to finish her book report, but the teacher won't hear of any delay.
John's father told him he would not hear of his having a car. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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: {Chiefly British} {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
have it {v. phr.}
- To hear or get news; understand.
I have it on the best authority that we will be paid for our work next week.
- To do something in a certain way.
Make up your mind, because you can't have it both ways. You must either stay home or come with us.
Bobby must have it his way and play the game by his rules.
- To claim; say.
Rumor has it that the school burned down.
Gossip has it that Mary is getting married.
The man is very smart the way his family has it, but I think he's silly.
- To allow it. — Usually used with "will" or "would" in negative sentences.
Mary wanted to give the party at her house, but her mother wouldn't have it.
Syn.: HEAR OF, STAND FOR.
- To win.
When the senators vote, the ayes will have it.
- To get or find the answer; think of how to do something.
"I have it!" said John to Mary. "We can buy Mother a nice comb for her birthday."
- {informal}
To have an (easy, good, rough, soft) time; have (certain kinds of) things happen to you; be treated in a (certain) way by luck or life.
Everyone liked Joe and he had it good until he got sick.
Mary has it easy; she doesn't have to work.
- See: AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
bark up the wrong tree {v. phr.}, {informal}
To choose the wrong person to deal with or the wrong course of action; mistake an aim.
If he thinks he can fool me, he is barking up the wrong tree.
He is barking up the wrong tree when he blames his troubles on bad luck.
The police were looking for a tall thin man, but were barking up the wrong tree; the thief was short and fat. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
get up {v.}
- To get out of bed.
John's mother told him that it was time to get up.
- To stand up; get to your feet.
A man should get up when a woman comes into the room.
- To prepare; get ready.
Mary got up a picnic for her visitor.
The students got up a special number of the newspaper to celebrate the school's 50th birthday.
- To dress up.
One of the girls got herself up as a witch for the Halloween party.
- To go ahead.
The wagon driver shouted, "Get up!" to his horses. Categories: time {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
lash out {v.}
- To kick.
The horse lashed out at the man behind him.
- To try suddenly to hit.
The woman lashed out at the crowd with her umbrella.
- To attack with words.
The senator lashed out at the administration.
The school newspaper lashed out at the unfriendly way some students treated the visiting team. Categories: {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
встать не с той ноги {v. phr.}
vstat' ne stoj no`gi
{literally} get up on the wrong leg.
Eq.: get up on the wrong side of the bed
The contract has not been signed, unfortunately. Apparently our partners have got up on the wrong side of the bed today. — К сожалению, контракт не был подписан. Наверное, наши партнеры сегодня встали не с той ноги.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
hang around {v.}, {informal}
- To pass time or stay near without any real purpose or aim; loaf near or in.
The principal warned the students not to hang around the corner drugstore after school.
Compare: HANG OUT (1).
- To spend time or associate.
Jim hangs around with some boys who live in his neighborhood. Categories: hang time {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
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: {n. phr.} {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
esl #english #idioms #adjective #adverb
offhand {adj.} {adv.}
- Informal; casual; careless.
Dick found Bob's offhand manner inappropriate for business.
- In an improvised fashion.
Offhand, I would guess that at least five thousand people attended the festival. Categories: business {adj.} {adv.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
beat the band {adv. phr.}, {informal}
At great speed; with much noise or commotion. — Used after "to".
The fire engines were going down the road to beat the band.
The audience cheered and stamped and clapped to beat the band. Categories: {adv. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #verb
ruffle feathers or ruffle one's feathers {v. phr.}
Insult or disturb slightly; offend.
The author ruffled some feathers by his portrait of his hometown. Categories: insulting {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Never take a cross country trip with a kid who has just learned to whistle.
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
shack up with {v. phr.}, {slang}
To move in with (someone) of the opposite sex without marrying the person.
Did you know that Ollie and Sue aren't married? They just decided to shack up for a while.
See: LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
call the shots {v. phr.}, {informal}
To give orders; be in charge; direct; control.
Bob is a first-rate leader who knows how to call the shots.
The quarterback called the shots well, and the team gained twenty yards in five plays.
Syn.: CALL THE TUNE. Categories: call {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Something we have, or can easily get, is more valuable than something we want that we may not be able to get; we shouldn't risk losing something sure by trying to get something that is not sure. — A proverb.
Johnny has a job as a paperboy, but he wants a job in a gas station. His father says that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Categories: hand proverbs
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
brown-nose {v.}, {slang}, {avoidable}, {though gaining in acceptance}
To curry favor in a subservient way, as by obviously exaggerated flattery.
Max brown-noses his teachers, that's why he gets all A's in his courses.
Compare: POLISH THE APPLE. Categories: nose {avoidable} {gaining in acceptance} {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #formal #adverb
at hand also at close hand or near at hand {adv. phr.}
- Easy to reach; nearby.
When he writes, he always keeps a dictionary at hand.
- {formal}
Coming soon; almost here.
Examinations are past and Commencement Day is at hand. Categories: hand {adv. phr.} {formal}
esl #english #idioms #adjective #adverb
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: children time {adj. phr.} {adv.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
hang heavy or hang heavy on one's hands {v. phr.}
To pass slowly or uninterestingly; be boring with little to do.
The vacation time hung heavy on Dick's hands because all his friends were away at camp.
Compare: ON ONE'S HANDS. Categories: time {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
lay one's hands on or get one's hands on {v. phr.}
- To seize in order to punish or treat roughly.
If I ever lay my hands on that boy he'll be sorry.
Compare: LAY A FINGER ON.
- To get possession of.
He was unable to lay his hands on a Model T Ford for the school play.
Compare: LAY HANDS ON (1).
- or lay one's hand on or put one's hand on
To find; locate.
He keeps a file of letters so he can lay his hands on one whenever he needs it. Categories: hand {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
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 {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
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} {v.}
quoteoftheday
"Invasion of the Money Snatchers", Dave Barry Is NOT Making This Up, 1994
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
come hell or high water {adv. phr.}, {informal}
No matter what happens; whatever may come.
Grandfather said he would go to the fair, come hell or high water.
Compare: COME WHAT MAY, THROUGH THE MILL. Categories: {adv. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #noun
feet on the ground {n. phr.}
An understanding of what can be done; sensible ideas. Used with a possessive.
John has his feet on the ground; he knows he cannot learn everything at once.
Ted dreams of sudden riches, but Henry keeps his feet on the ground and expects to work for his money.
Mrs. Smith was a dreamer, but her husband was a man with his feet on the ground.
Contrast: IN THE CLOUDS. Categories: {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
cut the ground from under {v. phr.} {informal}
To make (someone) fail; upset the plans of; spoil the argument for (a person) in advance.
Paul wanted to he captain but we cut the ground from under him by saying that Henry was the best player on the team.
Several workers applied for the retiring foreman's job, but the owner cut the ground from under them by hiring a foreman from another company. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
The difference between a drunk and a alcoholic is that a drunk doesn't have to attend all those meetings.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
бешеные деньги или безумные деньги или сумасшедшие деньги или уйма денег {informal} {n. phr.}
beshenyied'engi or bezumnyied'engi or sumashedshied'engi or ujmad'eneg
{literally} ~crazy money; heaps of money.
megabuck;
Также: баснословные деньги, баснословная цена или огромная сумма (денег) {n. phr.}
~fabulous price.
платить бешеные деньги or платить кучу денег {v. phr.} — to pay through the nose.
По тем временам я заплатил за обучение бешеные деньги. — For those days I paid through the nose for the education.
See also:
обещать золотые горы
esl #english #idioms #verb
wear out {v.}
1a. To use or wear until useless.
Bobby got a toy truck that would run on a battery, and he used it so much that he soon wore it out.
The stockings are so worn out that they can't be mended any more.
Compare: GIVE OUT (4), USE UP.
1b. To become useless from use or wear.
The old clock finally wore out.
One shoe wore out before the other.
- or tire out
To make very tired; weaken.
The children played inside when it rained, and they soon wore out their mother.
When Dick got home from the long walk, he was all worn out.
- Often used with "oneself".
Don't wear yourself out by playing too hard.
Compare: GIVE OUT (4).
- To make by rubbing, scraping, or washing.
The waterfall has worn out a hole in the stone beneath it. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
howling success {n.}, {informal}
A great success; something that is much praised; something that causes wide enthusiasm.
The party was a howling success.
The book was a howling success. Categories: success {informal} {n.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
cut off one's nose to spite one's face {v. phr.}
To suffer from an action intended originally to harm another person.
In walking out and leaving his employer in the lurch, John really cut off his nose to spite his face, since no business wanted to hire him afterwards. Categories: nose {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
in the face of {adv. phr.}
- When met or in the presence of; threatened by.
He was brave in the face of danger.
She began to cry in the face of failure.
- Although opposed by; without being stopped by.
Talking continued even in the face of the teacher's command to stop.
Syn.: IN SPITE OF.
Compare: FLY IN THE FACE OF, IN ONE'S FACE.
- See: FLY IN THE FACE OF. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
go sit on a tack {v.}, {slang}
Shut up and go away; stop bothering. — Usually used as a command and considered rude.
Henry told Bill to go sit on a tack.
Compare: GO JUMP IN THE LAKE. Categories: bother rude {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
light housekeeping {n.}, {slang}
An arrangement in which an unmarried couple live together.
Are Joe and Sue married? — Oh, no, — it's just a case of light housekeeping.
See: SHACK UP WITH. Categories: {n.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #noun
boiling point {n.}
- The temperature at which a liquid boils.
The boiling point of water is 272 Fahrenheit.
- The time when you become very angry.
He has a low boiling point.
After being teased for a long time, John reached the boiling point.
When John made the same mistake for the fourth time, his teacher reached the boiling point.
Compare: BLOW UP (1b), MAKE ONE'S BLOOD BOIL. Categories: anger time {n.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
make one's blood boil or make the blood boil {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make someone very angry.
When someone calls me a liar it makes my blood boil.
It made Mary's blood boil to see the children make fun of the crippled girl.
Compare: BOILING POINT. Categories: anger {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #verb
conk out {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
To fall asleep suddenly with great fatigue or after having drunk too much.
We conked out right after the guests had left. Categories: {informal} {slang} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
{colloquial} хоть бы хны or хоть бы что {adv. phr.}
hot'-byi-hnyi or hot'-byi-chto
{literally} careing abt. nothing.
No paying any attention to smb./sth., or not having any impression or effect on the subj.
Моему другу в пору в петлю лезть, а ему хоть бы хны! — My friend is about to run his head into the noose, but he behaves as if everything is ok.
See also:
как ни в чём не бывало
как с гуся вода
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
в гробу видеть (видать) {v. phr.} {colloquial} {rude}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb #noun
pull strings or pull wires {v. phr.}, {informal}
To secretly use influence and power, especially with people in charge or in important jobs to do or get something; make use of friends to gain your wishes.
If you want to see the governor, Mr. Root can pull strings for you.
Jack pulled wires and got us a room at the crowded hotel.
- wire-puller {n.}
Bill got a ticket for speeding, but his father is a wire-puller and got it fixed.
- wire-pulling {n.}
It took some wire-pulling to get the mayor to come to the party. Categories: {informal} {n.} {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
I wouldn't mind dying--it's the business of having to stay dead that scares the shit out of me.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
make eyes at {v. phr.}, {informal}
To look at a girl or boy in a way that tries to attract him to you; flirt.
The other girls disliked her way of making eyes at their boyfriends instead of finding one of her own. Categories: eye flirt love {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
bit
See:
A BIT,
CHAMP AT THE BIT,
FOUR BITS,
QUITE A LITTLE or
QUITE A BIT,
SIX BITS,
TAKE THE BIT IN ONE'S MOUTH,
TWO BITS.
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #noun
whole cheese {slang} or {informal} whole show {n.}, {informal}
The only important person; big boss.
Joe thought he was the whole cheese in the game because he owned the ball.
You're not the whole show just because you got all A's.
Compare: BIG CHEESE. Categories: {informal} {n.} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
битый час {adv. phr.}
`bityij chas
Beaten (whole) an hour {literary}
~for a solid hour, for a good hour.
Said about comparably long time spent (often in vain) or abortive effort (to explain or achieve sth.), for ex., when complaining.
{informal}, as a rule {invariable}.
Битый час дозваниваться в службу поддержки. — To try getting through for one (solid) hour to reach the support.
See also:
whole good hour
one solid hour
wasted time, labour
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
break the ice {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To conquer the first difficulties in starting a conversation, getting a party going, or making an acquaintance.
To break the ice Ted spoke of his interest in mountain climbing, and they soon had a conversation going.
Some people use an unusual thing, such as an unusual piece of jewelry, to break the ice.
- To be the first person or team to score in a game.
The Wolves broke the ice with a touchdown. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adjective #adverb
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: {adj.} {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
play by ear {v. phr.}
- To play a musical instrument by remembering the tune, not by reading music.
Mary does not know how to read music. She plays the piano by ear.
Joe doesn't need any music sheets when he plays his guitar; he knows many songs well and can play them by ear.
- {informal}
To decide what to do as you go along; to fit the situation. — Used with "it".
John decided to play it by ear when he went for his interview.
It was her first job and she didn't know what to expect, so we had to play it by ear. Categories: music {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
on the nose {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Just right; exactly.
Stanley hit the ball on the nose.
The airplane pilot found the small landing field on the nose. Categories: nose {adv. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #verb
hold back {v.}
- To stay back or away; show unwillingness.
The visitor tried to gel the child to come to her, but he held back.
John held back from social activity because he felt embarrassed with people.
- To keep someone in place; prevent from acting.
The police held back the crowd. Categories: children {v.}
esl #english #idioms #adjective
round-eyed or wide-eyed also large-eyed {adj.}
Very much surprised; astonished; awed.
The people were round-eyed when they learned what the computer could do.
The children were wide-eyed at the sight of the Christmas tree and didn't make a sound. Categories: {adj.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
high-hat (2) {v.}, {slang}
To treat others as inferior; look down on.
After she had married a rich man, Mary high-hatted her former friends.
"Don't high-hat me," Fred warned, when Harry began to walk away as if he didn't know him.
Compare: BRUSH OFF. Categories: friends {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms
water
See:
BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER,
COME HELL OR HIGH WATER,
DEEP WATER,
FISH OUT OF WATER,
GO THROUGH HELL AND HIGH WATER,
HEAD ABOVE WATER,
HOLD WATER,
HELL AND HIGH WATER,
HOT WATER,
LIKE WATER,
LIKE WATER OFF A DUCK'S BACK,
MAKE ONE'S MOUTH WATER,
OF THE FIRST WATER,
POUR OIL ON TROUBLED WATERS,
THROW COLD WATER ON,
TREAD WATER.
esl #english #idioms #adverb
in the first place {adv. phr.}
- Before now; in the beginning; first.
You already ate breakfast! Why didn't you tell me that in the first place instead of saying you didn't want to eat?
Carl patched his old football but it soon leaked again. He should have bought a new one in the first place.
- See: IN THE PLACE. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
build castles in the air or build castles in Spain {v. phr.}
To make impossible or imaginary plans, dream about future successes that are unlikely.
He liked to build castles in the air, but never succeeded in anything.
To build castles in Spain is natural for young people and they may work hard enough to get part of their wishes. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
put one's house in order or set one's house in order {v. phr.}
To arrange your affairs in good order.
Grandfather knew he would not live long and set his house in order.
When Mr. Black died, his lawyer helped the widow put her house in order. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective
asleep at the switch {adj. phr.}
- Asleep when it is one's duty to move a railroad switch for cars to go on the right track.
The new man was asleep at the switch and the two trains crashed.
- {informal}
Failing to act promptly as expected, not alert to an opportunity.
When the ducks flew over, the boy was asleep at the switch and missed his shot. Categories: {adj. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #verb
lay a finger on {v. phr.}
To touch or bother, even a little. — Used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences.
Don't you dare lay a finger on the vase!
Suppose Billy fakes his brother with him; wilt the mean, tough boy down the street dare lay a finger on him?
If you so much as lay a finger on my boy, I'll call the police.
Compare: LAY HANDS ON, PUT ONE'S FINGER ON. Categories: bother {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
без лишних слов {adv. phr.}
bez `l'ishnikh slov
{literally} without extra words.
~without further ado.
(To proceed) without waisting time, without saying much, without a delay, right away.
Как только задача стала ясна, все без лишних слов принялись за работу. — Once the task was clear, everybody has started working right away.
See:
не вдаваясь в пустые разговоры
тотчас же
right off the bat
quick off the mark
{slang} pronto
quoteoftheday
Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
pack a punch or pack a wallop {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To be able to give a powerful blow; have a dangerous fist.
He packed a mean punch.
- To have a violent effect; be powerful.
It was vodka, and it packed quite a wallop. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
black and white {n. phr.}
- Print or writing; words on paper, not spoken; exact written or printed form.
He insisted on having the agreement down in black and white.
Mrs. Jones would not believe the news, so Mr. Jones showed her the article in the newspaper and said, "There it is in black and white."
- The different shades of black and white of a simple picture, rather than other colors.
He showed us snapshots in black and white. Categories: {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
butterflies in one's stomach {n. phr.}
A queer feeling in the stomach caused by nervous fear or uncertainty; a feeling of fear or anxiety in the stomach.
When Bob walked into the factory office to ask for a job, he had butterflies in his stomach.
See: ants in one's pants Categories: fear feelings {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
come to pass {v. phr.}, {literary}
To happen; occur.
Strange things come to pass in troubled times.
It came to pass that the jailer visited him by night.
His hopes of success did not come to pass.
Compare: BRING TO PASS, COME ABOUT. Categories: success {literary} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
горе луковое {n. phr.} {ironical}
gor'elukovoe
{literally}
Onion misery (or trouble).
-
Said abt. a luckless person who involves himself or/and others into troubles (even despite good intentions).
-
Said abt. a person who is helpless (for ex. in doing sth.).
Often said to naughty children.
Горе ты мое луковое! Ничего? сам сделать не можешь. — Poor thing! You can do nothing yourself.
{Origin}
Most likely the 'onion' is just the way the exression sounds, apart of that it does not deal with onions at all. One of the origins mentioned is the word 'лукавый' — (sly, arch, cunning, playful, and even 'the wicked evil one'), which sounds quite the same way in Russian. Thus we have 'горе лукавое' or 'горе от лукавого' (stress on 'а') — 'a trouble caused by the wicked one' or 'an unjust trouble'.
See:
blunderer, double-trouble, muddler, sad sack
See:
{v.} наделать дел, наломать дров Categories: {ironical}
esl #english #idioms
not know which way to turn or not know which way to jump {v. phr}
To be puzzled about getting out of a difficulty; not know what to do to get out of trouble.
When Jane missed the last bus home, she didn't know which way to turn.
After Mr. Brown died, Mrs. Brown had no money to pay the bills. When the landlord told her to pay the rent or move out, she didn't know which way to jump.
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
cook one's goose {v. phr.}, {slang}
To ruin someone hopelessly; destroy one's future expectations or good name.
The bank treasurer cooked his own goose when he stole the bank's funds.
She cooked John's goose by reporting what she knew to the police.
The dishonest official knew his goose was cooked when the newspapers printed the story about him. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun #jargon
plain white wrapper {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
Unmarked police car.
There's a plain white wrapper at your rear door!
See: BROWN PAPER BAG. Categories: {citizen's band radio jargon} {n.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
far and wide {adv. phr.}
Everywhere, in all directions.
The wind blew the papers far and wide.
My old school friends are scattered far and wide now.
The movie company looked far and wide for a boy to act the hero in the new movie.
Compare: ALL OVER. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
clean up {v. phr.}
- To wash and make oneself presentable.
After quitting for the day in the garage, Tim decided to clean up and put on a clean shirt.
- To finish; terminate.
The secretary promised her boss to clean up all the unfinished work before leaving on her Florida vacation.
- {informal}
To make a large profit.
The clever investors cleaned up on the stock market last week. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #verb
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} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
(на-, по-)обещать золотые горы {v. phr.}
naobezh'at' (poobezh'at') zolotyiyegoryi
~promise the moon; promise the world.
- to promise (much).
На собеседовании менеджер компании пообещал мне золотые горы. — On the interview the company manager promissed the world.
See also:
наобещать чего угодно
наобещать с три короба
to promise all kinds of things
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
lay off {v. phr.}
- To mark out the boundaries or limits.
He laid off a baseball diamond on the vacant lot.
Compare: LAY OUT (5).
- To put out of work.
The company lost the contract for making the shoes and laid off half its workers.
- {slang}
To stop bothering; leave alone. — Usually used in the imperative.
Lay off me, will you? I have to study for a test.
- {slang}
To stop using or taking.
His doctor told him to lay off cigarettes. Categories: bother study {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
knock about or knock around {v.}
To travel without a plan; go where you please.
After he graduated from college, Joe knocked about for a year seeing the country before he went to work in his father's business.
Compare: KICK AROUND. Categories: business travel {v.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #adverb
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: {adv.} {informal} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #slang #adjective
ham-handed {adj.}, {slang}
- Having very large hands.
Pete is a big, ham-handed man who used to be a football player.
- See: HEAVY-HANDED. Categories: {adj.} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
пропускать мимо ушей {v. phr.}
{literary} pass by (smb's) ears
Not to react or respond to, not to pay attention to what is being said or asked for.
— I've asked you many times to inform me! Why all my requests are passing by your ears? — Я много раз просил ставить меня в известность! Почему ты пропускаешь мимо ушей все мои просьбы?
See also:
ни во что не ставить
слушать вполуха
esl #english #idioms #adjective
born with a silver spoon in one's mouth {adj. phr.}
Born to wealth and comfort; provided from birth with everything wanted; born rich.
The stranger's conduct was that of a man who had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Compare: WELL-HEELED. Categories: {adj. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
arm in arm {adv. phr.}
With your arm under or around another person's arm, especially in close comradeship or friendship.
Sally and Joan were laughing and joking together as they walked arm in arm down the street.
When they arrived at the party, the partners walked arm in arm to meet the hosts.
Compare: HAND IN HAND. Categories: hand {adv. phr.}
цитатадня
A diplomat is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #noun
pay dirt {n.}, {slang}
- The dirt in which much gold is found.
The man searched for gold many years before he found pay dirt.
- {informal}
A valuable discovery. — Often used in the phrase "strike pay dirt".
When Bill joined the team, the coach struck pay dirt.
Jean looked in many books for facts about her hometown, and finally she struck pay dirt.
Compare: STRIKE IT RICH. Categories: {informal} {n.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
kind of or sort of {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Almost but not quite; rather.
A guinea pig looks kind of like a rabbit, but it has short ears.
Bob was kind of tired when he finished the job.
The teacher sort of frowned but then smiled.
Mary wouldn't tell what she wanted to be when she grew up; it was sort of a secret. Categories: {adv. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #verb
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: {v.}
esl #english #idioms
pop one's cork
See:
BLOW A FUSE,
FLY OFF THE HANDLE,
LOSE ONE'S MARBLES,
LOSE ONE'S TEMPER.
esl #english #idioms #verb
let alone {conj. phr.}
- Even less; certainly not. — Used after a negative clause.
I can't add two and two, let alone do fractions.
Jim can't drive a car, let alone a truck.
Compare: MUCH LESS, NOT TO MENTION.
- let alone or leave alone {v.}
To stay away from; keep hands off; avoid.
When Joel gets mad, just let him alone.
Little Patsy was warned to leave the birthday cake alone.
Compare: LET BE. Categories: {conj. phr.} {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
перекладывать с больной головы на здоровую {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
тише воды, ниже травы {adj. phr.} or {adv. phr.}
t'ishe vodyi, n'izhe travyi
{literary} quieter than water, lower than grass.
- {adj. phr.} utterly modest, imperceptible, inoffensive.
После серьёзного разговора подросток сильно изменился, стал тише воды, ниже травы. — After a good talking the juvenile has changed greatly, become "meek as a lamb".
- {adv. phr.} gingerly, decently, imperceptibly.
Он чувствовал свою вину и потому держал себя тише воды, ниже травы. — He felt his fault and behaved "quieter than water, lower than grass".
See also:
meek and mild
meek as a lamb
esl #english #idioms #verb
wait on hand and foot {v. phr.}
To serve in every possible way; do everything for (someone).
Sally is spoiled because her mother waits on her hand and foot.
The gentlemen had a valet to wait on him hand and foot.
Compare: HAND AND FOOT. Categories: foot hand {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
pick a hole in or pick holes in {v. phr.}, {informal}
To find a mistake in or things wrong with; criticize; blame.
The witness said he had been walking in the moonlight last Sunday, but the lawyer picked a hole in what he said by proving that there was no moon and that it rained Sunday night.
Mary is always picking holes in what the other girls do.
Compare: FIND FAULT. Categories: blame {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put off {v.}
- {informal}
To cause confusion in; embarrass; displease.
I was rather put off by the shamelessness of his proposal.
The man's slovenliness put me off.
- To wait and have (something) at a later time; postpone.
They put off the picnic because of the rain.
- To make (someone) wait; turn aside.
When he asked her to name a day for their wedding, she put him off.
When the bill collector called, Mrs. Smith managed to put him off.
- To draw away the attention; turn aside; distract.
Little Jeannie began to tell the guests some family secrets, but Father was able to put her off.
- To move out to sea; leave shore.
They put off in small boats to meet the coming ship.
Syn.: PUT OUT. Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
hand to hand {adv. phr.}
Close together, near enough to hit each other.
The two soldiers fought hand to hand until one fell badly wounded.
In modern naval warfare, men seldom fight hand to hand.
Compare: FACE TO FACE. Categories: hand {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
perish the thought {v. phr.}
Let us not even think of it; may it never come true. — Used as an exclamation.
If John fails the college entrance exam — perish the thought — he will go back to high school for one more year.
Perish the thought that Mary should have cancer.
Compare: GOD FORBID. Categories: God exclamation {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
cover one's tracks or cover up one's tracks {v. phr.}
- To hide and not leave anything, especially foot marks, to show where you have been, so that no one can follow you.
The deer covered his tracks by running in a stream.
- {informal}
To hide or not say where you have been or what you have done; not tell why you do something or what you plan to do.
The boys covered their tracks when they went swimming by saying that they were going for a walk.
Compare: COVER UP (1). Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
выдавливать улыбку {v. phr.}
vydavlivat' ulybku
To force a smile to appear on one's face.
После разговора по душам, мой приятель лишь с трудом смог выдавить улыбку. — After a heart-to-heart talk my fellow could hardly force a smile on his face.
Contr.:
не сдерживать улыбку
crack a smile
esl #english #idioms
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.
esl #english #idioms #verb
pick up the tab {v. phr.}
To pay the bill in a restaurant; be the one who underwrites financially what others are doing.
"I am always the one who picks up the tab," Charlie complained bitterly. "Others get away with being freeloaders."
Compare: FOOT THE BILL. Categories: foot {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put one's best foot forward {v. phr.}, {informal}
To try to make a good impression; try to make a good appearance; do one's best.
During courtship, it is natural to put your best foot forward.
When Ted applied for the job he put his best foot forward. Categories: foot {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
flea market {n. phr.}
A place where antiques, second-hand things, and cheap articles are sold, and especially one in the open air.
The local antique dealers held a flea market and fair on the high-school athletic field.
There are many outdoor flea markets in Europe. Categories: hand {n. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
водить за нос {v. phr.} {informal}
{literally} to pull by someone's nose.
-
To assify, fool, hoax; Make fool of smb.;
-
To joke at smb.;
~pull smb.'s leg
- To spoof, {slang} string.
Comp.:
морочить голову, делать осла из кого-л., валять дурака, валять Ваньку
делать козлом отпущения
ходить вокруг да около ~ circumambulate
beat about the bush
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
push off or shove off {v.}
- To push a boat away from the shore.
Before Tom could reach the boat, Jake had shoved off.
- {slang}
To start; leave.
We were ready to push off at ten o'clock, but had to wait for Jill.
Jim was planning to stay at the beach all day, but when the crowds arrived he shoved off. Categories: {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
in one's good graces or in one's good books {adv. phr.}
Approved of by you; liked by someone.
Ruth is in her mother's good graces because she ate all her supper.
Bill is back in the good graces of his girlfriend because he gave her a box of candy.
Compare: IN GOOD.
Contrast: IN ONE'S BAD GRACES. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
at one's door or at one's doorstep {adv. phr.}
- Very close; very near where you live or work.
Johnny is very lucky because there's a swimming pool right at his doorstep.
Mr. Green can get to work in only a few minutes because the subway is at his door.
- See: LAY AT ONE'S DOOR. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put over {v.}
- To wait to a later time; postpone.
They put over the meeting to the following Tuesday.
Syn.: PUT OFF.
- {informal}
To make a success of; complete.
He put over a complex and difficult business deal.
Syn.: BRING OFF, PUT ACROSS, SLIP OVER.
- {informal}
To practice deception; trick; fool. — Used with "on".
George thought he was putting something over on the teacher when he said he was absent the day before because his mother was sick and needed him.
Tom really slipped one over on us when he came to the Halloween party dressed as a witch. Categories: success time {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pick a quarrel {v. phr.}
To seek the opportunity for a fight or a quarrel.
When Charlie has too much to drink, he has a tendency to pick a quarrel with whomever happens to be around.
See: PICK A FIGHT. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
give away {v.}
- To give as a present.
Mrs. Jones has several kittens to give away.
- To hand over (a bride) to her husband at the wedding.
Mr. Jackson gave away his daughter.
- To let (a secret) become known; tell the secret of.
The little boy gave away his hiding place when he coughed.
Mary said she didn't care anything about John, but her blushing face gave her away.
Compare: SPILL THE BEANS, LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG.
- See: GIVE ONESELF AWAY. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
play safe or play it safe {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be very careful; accept small gains or none to avoid loss; avoid danger for the sake of safety.
He got tired as the game went on, and began to play safe.
Tom didn't know what the other driver would do, so he played it safe and stopped his own car. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
get up on the wrong side of the bed {v. phr.}, {informal}
To awake with a bad temper.
Henry got up on the wrong side of the bed and wouldn't eat breakfast.
The man went to bed very late and got up on the wrong side of the bed. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal
finders keepers or finders keepers, losers weepers {informal}
Those who find lost things can keep them. — Used usually by children to claim the right to keep something they have found.
I don't have to give it back; it's finders keepers.
Finders keepers, losers weepers! It's my knife now! Categories: {informal}
quoteoftheday
Life is pleasant and I have enjoyed it, but I have no yearning to clutter up the Universe after it is over.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
cry before one is hurt or holler before one is hurt {v. phr.}, {informal}
To complain when there is no reason for it; become upset because you are worried or afraid. — Used in negative sentences.
When Billy went to the barber, he began to cry before the barber cut his hair and his father told him not to cry before he was hurt.
- Often used as a proverb.
John was worried because he would soon have a new boss. His mother said, "Don't cry before you're hurt!"
Syn.: BORROW TROUBLE. Categories: hurt proverbs {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #formal #verb #noun #adjective
search one's heart or search one's soul {v. phr.}, {formal}
To study your reasons and acts; try to discover if you have been fair and honest.
The teacher searched his heart trying to decide if he had been unfair in failing Tom.
- heart-searching or soul-searching {n.} or {adj.}
After much heart-searching, Jean told Beth she was sorry for the unkind things she had said.
The minister preached a soul-searching sermon about the thoughtless ways people hurt each other. Categories: feelings {adj.} {formal} {n.} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pull one's weight {v. phr.}
To do your full share of work; do your part.
In a small shop, it is important that each man pull his weight.
When Mother was sick in the hospital, Father said each child must pull his own weight.
Compare: WORTH ONE'S SALT. Categories: children {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
sticky fingers {n. phr.}, {slang}
- The habit of stealing things you see and want.
Don't leave money in your locker; some of the boys have sticky fingers.
Don't leave that girl alone in the room with so many valuable objects around, because she has sticky fingers.
- Ability to catch a ball, especially football forward passes.
Jack is very tall and has sticky fingers. He is an end on the football team. Categories: {n. phr.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #verb
hold over {v.}
- To remain or keep in office past the end of the term.
The city treasurer held over for six months when the new treasurer died suddenly.
The new President held the members of the Cabinet over for some time before appointing new members.
- To extend the engagement of; keep longer.
The theater held over the feature film for another two weeks.
- To delay action on; to postpone: to defer.
The directors held over their decision until they could get more information. Categories: hold time {v.}
quoteoftheday
We can recognize the dawn and the decline of love by the uneasiness we feel when alone together.
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #verb
mess up {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
- To cause trouble; to spoil something.
What did you have to mess up my accounts for?
- To cause someone emotional trauma.
Sue will never get married; she got messed up when she was a teenager.
- To beat up someone physically.
When Joe came in after the fight with the boys, he was all messed up. Categories: {informal} {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
by the dozen or by the hundred or by the thousand {adv. phr.}
Very many at one time; in great numbers.
Tommy ate cookies by the down.
Often used in the plural, meaning even larger numbers.
The ants arrived at the picnic by the hundreds.
The enemy attacked the fort by the thousands. Categories: time {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
fly in the ointment {n. phr.}, {informal}
An unpleasant part of a pleasant thing; something small that spoils your fun.
We had a lot of fun at the beach; the only fly in the ointment was George's cutting his foot on a piece of glass.
Your new job sounds too good to be true — interesting work, high pay, short hours. Isn't there any fly in the ointment? Categories: foot {informal} {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
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 relation {informal} {n.}
quoteoftheday
Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
lay one's cards on the table or lay down one's cards or put one's cards on the table {v. phr.}, {informal}
To let someone know your position and interest openly; deal honestly; act without trickery or secrets.
In talking about buying the property, Peterson laid his cards on the table about his plans for it.
Some of the graduates of the school were unfriendly toward the new superintendent, but he put his cards on the table and won their support. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
сыграть в ящик {colloquial} {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
make a stab at {v. phr.}
To try doing something at random without sufficient preparation.
The singer was not familiar with the aria but she decided to make a stab at it anyhow.
Contrast: STAB IN THE BACK, STAB IN THE DARK. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
punch
See:
BEAT TO THE PUNCH,
PACK A PUNCH,
PULL ONE'S PUNCHES,
TAKE A PUNCH AT.
esl #english #idioms #formal #verb
partake of {v.}, {formal}
- To take some of; receive a share of; eat.
He partook of ordinary country fare as he traveled.
- To have the same qualities as; show the characteristics of.
Her way of cooking partook of both Italian and American habits. Categories: {formal} {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
брать (взять) себя в руки {v. phr.}
brat' (vzyat') sebya vruki
{literally} take oneself in hands.
See:
to collect oneself, to pull oneself together, to control oneself, to take oneself in hand, to get control of oneself charge / control of sth.
- To recover control over one's emotions, to show self-control.
~to keep one's wool on
Неприятное известие очень взволновало отца, но он быстро взял себя в руки. — Father was very alarmed by the bad news, however he has taken himself in hand very quickly.
- To become more self-disciplined, purposeful, make yourself do sth.
— Танюша! — взволнованно говорит Саша. — Твой отец прав — ты должна много работать! Нужно взять себя в руки, быть настойчивой, смелой, энергичной (В. Липатов). — "Tanusha!" Sasha says with emotion, "Your father is correct. You should work hard! You should take yourself in hand, be persistent, audacious, energetic." (V. Lipatov)
(!) do not mix up with the idiom:
брать в руки, брать в свои руки.
esl #english #idioms #adjective
in the swim {adj. phr.}
Doing the same things that other people are doing; following the fashion (as in business or social affairs); busy with what most people are doing.
Jim found some college friends at the lake that summer, and soon was in the swim of things.
Mary went to New York with introductions to writers and artists, and that winter she was quite in the swim.
Contrast: OUT OF THE SWIM. Categories: {adj. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
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: children exclamation {adv. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
высасывать из пальца {v. phr.}
{literally}
To suck something out of one's finger.
~ to make (d) up out of whole cloth.
To fabricate smth, dream the whole thing up.
To allege something which has no foundation in actual fact, absolutely groundless; to fabricate.
Comp.:
to make something up
to spin something out of thin air
See also:
притягивать за уши
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
delta wave {n.}, {informal}, {semi-technical}
A brain wave 1—3 cycles per second, associated with very deep sleep.
Good night, honey, I'm off to produce some delta waves.
Compare: CATCH SOME Z'S, HIT THE HAY or HIT THE SACK. Categories: {informal} {n.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
a lot {n.}, {informal}
A large number or amount; very many or very much; lots.
I learned a lot in Mr. Smith's class.
A lot of our friends are going to the beach this summer.
- Often used like an adverb.
Ella is a jolly girl; she laughs a lot.
Grandfather was very sick last week, but he's a lot better now.
You'll have to study a lot harder if you want to pass.
- Also used as an adjective with "more", "less", and "fewer".
There was a good crowd at the game today, but a lot more will come next week.
- Often used with "whole" for emphasis.
John has a whole lot of marbles.
Jerry is a whole lot taller than he was a year ago.
Compare: GOOD DEAL, GOOD MANY, A NUMBER.
Contrast: A FEW, A LITTLE. Categories: emphasis study {adv. phr.} {informal} {n.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
бросать слова на ветер {v. phr.}
brosat' slova na `vet'er
{literally} to throw words to the winds
~to waste words, to waste breath, chatter, feed somebody with promises.
To promise (hastily or not) something that you are not going or able to keep;
To speak rashly, without use.
See also:
раздавать обещания
кормить обещаниями
Latest discussions :: бросать слова на ветерAlex 2010-11-23 16:52:26
"Кормить завтраками" is an informal equivalent Reply
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
two bits {n.}, {slang}
Twenty-five cents; a quarter of a dollar.
A haircut only cost two bits when Grandfather was young.
Compare: FOUR BITS, SIX BITS. Categories: {n.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #interjection #informal
here goes {interj.}, {informal}
I am ready to begin; I am now ready and willing to take the chance; I am hoping for the best. — Said especially before beginning something that takes skill, luck, or courage.
"Here goes!" said Charley, as he jumped off the high diving board.
"Here goes!" said Mary as she started the test. Categories: {informal} {interj.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
come to the point or get to the point {v. phr.}
To talk about the important thing; reach the important facts of the matter; reach the central question or fact.
Henry was giving a lot of history and explanation, but his father asked him to come to the point.
A good newspaper story must come right to the point and save the details for later.
Contrast: BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
help out {v.}
- To be helpful or useful; help sometimes or somewhat.
Mr. Smith helps out with the milking on the farm.
Tom helps out in the store after school.
- To help (someone) especially in a time of need; aid; assist.
Jane is helping out Mother by minding the baby.
When John couldn't add the numbers, the teacher helped him out. Categories: time {v.}
esl #english #idioms
pass
See:
BRING TO PASS,
COME TO PASS,
FORWARD PASS,
JUMP PASS,
SCREEN PASS.
esl #english #idioms #verb
turn down {v.}
- To reduce the loudness, brightness, or force of.
The theater lights were turned down.
Turn down that radio, will you?
The hose was throwing too much water so I turned down the water a little bit.
- To refuse to accept; reject.
His request for a raise was turned down.
If she offers to help, I'll turn her down.
Many boys courted Lynn, but she turned them all down. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #formal #informal #verb
can't help but {informal} also {formal} cannot but {v. phr.}
To be forced to; can only; must.
When the streets are full of melting snow, you can't help but get your shoes wet.
When a friend gave Jim a ticket to the game, he couldn't help but go.
When a close friend dies, you cannot but feel sad.
Compare: CAN HELP, HAVE TO. Categories: friends {formal} {informal} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
(лить) бальзам на душу {v. phr.}
(lit') bal'zam `na dushu
{literally} pour one's soul with a balm
-
make glad: ~ {informal} be a sight for sore eyes
-
to flatter, please: lay the flattering unction to smb's soul
Some good news are as a balm for one's soul. — Хорошие вести — как бальзам на душу.
Also:
как бальзам на душу {adv. phr.}
See also:
good news
бальзам для скорбного сердца
Contr.:
соль на рану
esl #english #idioms
well
See:
ALL VERY WELL,
AS WELL,
AS WELL AS,
HAIL FELLOW WELL MET,
LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE,
PLAY ONE'S CARDS RIGHT or PLAY ONE'S CARDS WELL,
VERY WELL,
WEAR WELL.
esl #english #idioms #informal
give one a ring also {informal} give a buzz
To call on the telephone.
Mrs. Jacobs promised to give her husband a ring in the afternoon.
Alice will give her friend a buzz tonight. Categories: friends {informal}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
как с гуся вода {adv. phr.}
kak z gusya voda
{literally} like water off a goose.
Without producing any effect; without paying the slightest attention.
Как с гуся вода, с нашей девочки худоба. — Like water off a goose, the illness off our girl. — from an old spell.
Comp.:
like water off a duck's back
хоть бы хны
по-барабану
до лампочки
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
make the fur fly or make the feathers fly {v. phr.}, {informal}
Say or write mean things about someone or to jump on and fight hard.
A man fooled Mr. Black and got his money. Mr. Black will really make the fur fly when he finds the man.
Mrs. Baker's dog dug holes in her neighbor's garden. The neighbor really made the fur fly when she saw Mrs. Baker. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
foul line {n.}
- Either of two lines separating fair from foul ground in baseball.
Willie hit the ball just inside the foul line for a double.
- A line across the upper end of a bowling alley across which a bowler must not step.
John bowled a strike but it didn't count because he stepped over the foul line.
- A line on the floor in front of the basket in basketball, from which foul shots are made.
Tony scored eight points from the foul line. Categories: {n.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #adjective
on cloud nine {adj. phr.}, {slang}
Too happy to think of anything else; very happy.
Ada has been on cloud nine since the magazine printed the story she wrote.
We were on cloud nine when our team won the state championship.
Compare: ON TOP OF THE WORLD, WALK ON AIR. Categories: happiness world {adj. phr.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #slang #adjective #adverb
deadpan {adj.}, {adv.}, {slang}
With an expressionless or emotionless face; without betraying any hint of emotion.
She received the news of her husband's death deadpan. Categories: death {adj.} {adv.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
tee off {v.}
- To hit the golf ball from a small wooden peg or tee to begin play for each hole.
We got to the golf course just in time to see the champion tee off.
- {slang}
To hit a ball, especially a baseball very hard or far.
He teed off on the first pitch.
- {slang}
To attack vigorously.
The governor teed off on his opponent's speech.
- {slang}
To make (someone) angry or disgusted.
It teed me off when Billy stole my candy.
Joe was teed off because he had to wait so long. Categories: time {slang} {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
сесть в лужу или сесть в галошу {v. phr.} {informal} {perf.}
to get oneself into a mess / fix; to be in a spot, make a fool of oneself, to put one's foot in it.
Thank you for your support, without it I could easyly get into a mess. — Благодарю за вашу поддержку, без которой я бы наверняка сел в галошу.
See also:
опростоволоситься
esl #english #idioms #adjective
natural-born {adj.}
- Being a (citizen) because you were born in the country.
Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt came to the United States from Germany and are naturalized citizens but their children are natural-born citizens.
- Born with great ability to become (something); having great ability (as in a sport or art) almost from the start.
Joe had never played baseball before trying out for the team but he showed that he was a natural-born pitcher and he became the best in the league.
Mozart was a natural-born musician. He could play the piano well when he was only six years old. Categories: {adj.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
bad mouth (someone) {v.}, {slang}
To say uncomplimentary or libelous things about someone; deliberately to damage another's reputation.
It's not nice to bad mouth people. Categories: {slang} {v.}
Latest discussions :: bad mouth (someone)John 2007-11-16 12:07:06
is there a misprint in this sample? Shouldn't it be "It's not nice to bad mouth people"? Replythistle 2008-07-30 05:54:42
agree,it looks like h not b Replyadmin 2008-08-14 23:43:20
Thanks guys! I am fixing the misprint! :-) Reply
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
выносить сор из избы {v. phr.}
{literally}
To take trash out one's home.
~air (wash) one's dirty linen (in public);
~wash your dirty linen at home;
~to foul one's own nest.
To expose smt. that should be kept private to public.
Usually in negative:
Не надо выносить сор из избы! — Let's wash our dirty linen at home!
Давайте не будем (перестанем) выносить сор из избы! — Let's avoid (stop) washing dirty linen!
See:
стирать свое грязное белье при людях
esl #english #idioms #verb
toe the line or toe the mark {v. phr.}
To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties.
The new teacher will make Joe toe the line.
Bill's father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark.
Compare: WALK THE CHALK. Categories: {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Son, don't ever brag about poverty, and don't be ashamed of it. Just get rid of it as fast as you can.
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
push up daisies {v. phr.}, {slang}
To be dead and buried.
I'll be around when you're pushing up daisies.
Don't play with guns or you may push up the daisies. Categories: death {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
by turns {adv. phr.}
First one and then another in a regular way; one substituting for or following another according to a repeated plan.
On the drive to Chicago, the three men took the wheel by turns.
The teachers were on duty by turns.
When John had a fever, he felt cold and hot by turns.
Syn.: IN TURN. Compare: TAKE TURNS. Categories: {adv. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Each of Nature's organisms, when frightened or confused, reacts in a characteristic way: deer flee, blowfish swell up, and government emits pieces of paper.
esl #english #idioms #verb
beg the question {v. phr.}, {literary}
To accept as true something that is still being argued about, before it is proved true; avoid or not answer a question or problem.
The girls asked Miss Smith if they should wear formal dresses to the party; Miss Smith said they were begging the question because they didn't know yet if they could get permission for a party.
Laura told Tom that he must believe her argument because she was right. Father laughed and told Laura she was begging the question.
Compare: TAKE FOR GRANTED. Categories: {literary} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put that in your pipe and smoke it {v. phr.}, {informal}
To understand something told you; accept something as fact or reality; not try to change it. — Usually used as a command, normally only in speech, and often considered rude.
People don't vote against Santa Claus, and you might as well put that in your pipe and smoke it.
I am not going to do that and you can put that in your pipe and smoke it. Categories: rude {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pig out {v. phr.}
- To eat a tremendous amount of food.
"I always pig out on my birthday," she confessed.
- To peruse; have great fun with; indulge in for a longer period of time.
"Go to bed and pig out on a good mystery story," the doctor recommended. Categories: time {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come.
esl #english #idioms
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
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #verb
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: {informal} {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
play on or play upon {v.}
- To cause an effect on; influence.
A heavy diet of television drama played on his feelings.
- To work upon for a planned effect; excite to a desired action by cunning plans; manage.
The makeup salesman played on the woman's wish to look beautiful.
In some places, leaders play upon people's superstitious fears.
He played on the man's ambition and love of honor. Categories: TV love {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
slow burn {n.}, {informal}
A slowly increasing feeling of anger.
The boys kept teasing John, and watched him do a slow burn.
Barbara's slow burn ended only when Mary explained the misunderstanding. Categories: anger feelings {informal} {n.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
бред сивой кобылы {n. phr.} {informal}, might be {rude}
br'ed sivoy kobyilyi
or
{abbr.} БСК be-es-`ka
{literally}
Ravings of a gray mare.
Ravings {pl.}, or bull, or bullshit.
An absurdity; nonsense.
Твое оправдание — просто какой-то бред сивой кобылы! Придумай что-нибудь получше! — Your excuse sounds just as bullshit! You should invent something better!
See:
бред собачий
полный бред
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
забивать голову or брать в голову {v. phr.} {informal}
zabivat'golovu or brat' v `golovu
{literally} to choke up one's head (with sth).
~put ideas into smb's head;
~get smt. into one's head;
Usually used in negative:
Не забивай себе этим голову! — Don't give it another thought.
Не забивать голову -
Not to pay too much attention to smt; forget abt. smt.; leave smt. alone.
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #adjective
x-double minus {adj.}, {slang}, {informal}
Extremely poorly done, bad, inferior (said mostly about theatrical or musical performances).
Patsy gave an x-double minus performance at the audition and lost her chance for the lead role. Categories: {adj.} {informal} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
притягивать за уши {v. phr.} {informal}
pr'it'yag'ivat'za ushi
{literally} to pull something up by the ears.
To force. To make use of sth. without adequate grounds; to advance far-fetched arguments. Use poor arguments to proove or justify sth.
В качестве оправдания мой друг привел какие-то аргументы, которые, по-моему, были сильно притянуты за уши. — As an excuse, my friend has brought some kind of arguments which in my opinion were very poor.
Comp.:
drag something in
высасывать из пальца
esl #english #idioms #verb
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: {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
бобик сдох or бобик издох {informal}
bobik zdokh orbobik iz`dokh
{literally} the doggy is (already) dead.
~it's over.
Abt. sth. that is too late to be worried or cared about.
— С сегодняшнего дня перестаем работать над текущим проектом. Все "бобик издох", проект отменен. — Stop working on the current project from now on. It has been canceled, so it's over now.
quoteoftheday
Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put to bed {v. phr.}
- To put to rest for the night.
Father put the three children to bed.
The boy seemed ill, so the nurse put him to bed.
- {informal}
To complete preparations and print.
The newspaper was put to bed at 1:15 A.M.
The pressroom was late in putting the sports section to bed. Categories: children {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
get the feel of {v. phr.}
To become used to or learn about, especially by feeling or handling; get used to the experience or feeling of; get skill in.
John had never driven a big car, and it took a while for him to get the feel of it.
You'll get the feel of the job after you've been there a few weeks. Categories: experience feelings {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #noun
hot one {n.}, {slang}, {informal}
Something out of the ordinary; something exceptional, such as a joke, a person whether in terms of looks or intelligence.
Joe's joke sure was a hot one.
Sue is a hot one, isn't she? Categories: {informal} {n.} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
брать (дело) в (свои) руки {v. phr.}
brat' (delo) v (svoi) `ruki
{literally} to take (the job) in own hands.
To become in charge of sth., to start leading the task, work, arrangement (often as a proactive measure).
To do sth. by yourself.
Не зря говорят — "если хочешь, чтобы дело было сделано хорошо — сделай его сам". Нужно было мне сразу брать все в свои руки, а не полагаться на других. — It is true saying — "if you want a thing well done — do it yourself". I should have taken everything in hand right at the beginning not relying upon somebody else.
See (do not mix):
прибирать к рукам
esl #english #idioms #adverb
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: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put one's money on a scratched horse {v. phr.}, {informal}
To bet on a certain failure; to gamble without a chance of winning.
You bet on the New York Mets to win the World Series? Why put your money on a scratched horse?
Compare: STACK THE CARDS. Categories: money world {informal} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
упасть в чьих-л. глазах {perf.} {v. phr.}
upast' v glazah
падать в чьих-л. глазах
padat' v glazah
~fall from grace or get in one's bad graces
No longer be respected by someone (because of a bad deed); To stop being liked by smb.
Во время ужина дети вели себя хорошо до тех пор пока не упали в глазах взрослых начав есть десерт руками. — The chieldren behaved well during dinner until they fell from grace by eating their dessert with their fingers.
See: впасть в немилость, попасть в опалу
esl #english #idioms #verb
keep abreast (of) someone or keep abreast (of) something {v. phr.}
To be informed of the latest developments.
It is difficult to keep abreast of all the various wars that are being waged on planet Earth.
Compare: KEEP STEP WITH. Categories: {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
ставить палки в колёса {v. phr.} {colloquial}
esl #english #idioms #verb
turn a blind eye {v. phr.}
To pretend not to see; not pay attention.
The corrupt police chief turned a blind eye to the open gambling in the town.
Bob turned a blind eye to the "No Fishing" sign.
Compare: CLOSE ONE'S EYES. Categories: {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
раскладывать по полочкам {v. phr.}
ras'kladyivat' po 'polochkam
To explain or understand smt. step-by-step and very clearly.
{literally}
To put every single thing on its shelf.
Преподаватель на лекции разложил всё доказательство по полочкам так, что ни у кого не возникло вопросов. — During the lecture the teacher developped the proof so clear and step-by-step, so that the audience had no questions at all.
See also:
разжёвывать {informal}
разжевать и положить в рот {informal}
Latest discussions :: раскладывать по полочкамKarina 2012-12-16 16:27:58
Is there any alike idiom in english? Replyadmin 2012-12-16 22:08:21
an equivalent in English is [spell out] ReplyAtashkent 2018-03-17 14:17:37
Break down is an option.
The professor's plan seemed really complicated, but after he broke it down for us, we understood it a little better. Reply
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
get around {v.}
1a. To go to different places; move about.
Mary's father really gets around; Monday he was in Washington; Wednesday he was in Chicago; and today he is in New York.
Fred broke his leg, but he is able to get about on crutches.
1b. or get about
To become widely known especially by being talked about.
Bad news gets around quickly.
2a. {informal}
To get by a trick or flattery what you want from (someone).
Mary knows how to get around her father.
2b. {informal}
To find a way of not obeying or doing; escape from.
Some people try to get around the tax laws.
John did not weigh enough to join the Navy, but he got around that; he drank a lot of water before his physical examination. Categories: {informal} {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
затыкать за пояс {v. phr.}
zatyikat' zapojas
{perf.}: заткнуть за пояс (zatknut' zapojas).
{literally} to stick someone behind one's belt.
~ to surpass, to outstrip, to outdo smb, to win;
~ be one too many for smb; go one better than smb;
~ put to shame, leave far behind;
Comp.:
to outshine someone
knock someone into a cocked hat
Seem also:
переплюнуть обскакать обуть
Comp.:
задавать жару
esl #english #idioms
point
See:
AT SWORDS' POINTS,
AT THE POINT OF,
BESIDE THE POINT,
BOILING POINT,
CASE IN POINT,
COME TO THE POINT,
EXTRA POINT,
MAKE A POINT,
ON THE POINT OF,
SORE SPOT or SORE POINT,
STRETCH A POINT or STRAIN A POINT,
TALKING POINT.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
говорить под руку {v. phr.}
govorit'pod ruku
{literally} to speak to (at) someone's hand.
To say something at the wrong time; to disturb someone when he is concentrating on sth.; to distract someone by talking.
Comp.:
put someone off
путаться под ногами
esl #english #idioms #adverb
as far as or so far as {adv. phr.}
- To the degree or amount that; according to what, how much, or how far.
John did a good job as far as he went, but he did not finish it.
So far as the weather is concerned, I do not think it matters.
As far as he was concerned, things were going well.
- To the extent that; within the limit that.
He has no brothers so far as I know.
Compare: FOR ALL (2). Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put in one's place {v. phr.}, {informal}
To criticize someone for impolite boldness; remind someone of low rank or position; reduce someone's unsuitable pride; deflate.
The assistant was trying to take command when the professor put him in his place by saying, "No, I'm the boss here."
She was a teacher who could put a troublemaker in his place with just a glance.
Syn.: CUT DOWN TO SIZE. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
many is me
There are a great number of (persons or things); many are the (persons or things). — Used at the beginning of a sentence with a singular noun.
Many is the man I have lent money to.
Many was the time I ate at that restaurant.
Compare: MANY A. Categories: time
esl #english #idioms #noun
short-order cook {n.}
A person who prepares food that cooks quickly.
Bruce found a summer job as a short-order cook in a drive-in restaurant.
The new diner needs another short-order cook.
Compare: SLING HASH. Categories: {n.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
(ждать) как от козла молока or как с козла молока {adv. phr.} {informal}
kak ot kozla moloka
{literally} (to expect) as milk from a he-goat.
(To gain, expect, wait for sth. from someone) in vain, without any success.
Мы ожидали определенного прогресса к концу года от этого работника, но теперь совершенно ясно, что это все равно, что ждать от козла молока. — We expected a certain progress from this employee by the end of this year, however now there is no doubt that this is the same as expecting milk from a he-goat.
See also: ждать у моря погоды
esl #english #idioms #verb
look bleak {v.}
To indicate misfortune; appear threatening or ruinous.
As prices dropped lower and lower, things looked bleak for Henry's company.
Many witnesses gave testimony against Jerry and his case looked bleak.
The future looked bleak when Father got hurt and could not work. Categories: hurt {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
по-барабану {adv. phr.} {informal} {colloquial} {slang} {used by youth}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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: friends {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put through one's paces {v. phr.}, {informal}
To test the different abilities and skills of a person or a thing; call for a show of what one can do.
He put his new car through its paces.
Many different problems put the new mayor through his paces in the first months of his term. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
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 {prep.}
esl #english #idioms
on the point of {prep.}
Ready to begin; very near to. — Usually used with a verbal noun.
The coach was on the point of giving up the game when our team scored two points.
The baby was on the point of crying when her mother finally came home.
Compare: ABOUT TO, AT THE POINT OF. Categories: {prep.}
esl #english #idioms
going to
Can be expected to; planning to. — Used after "is" (or "was", etc.), with an infinitive, in the same way "will" is used, to show future.
Some day that big tree is going to rot and fall.
Look at those dark clouds. It's going to rain.
The boys are going to practice football this afternoon.
For a minute Ben thought the car was going to hit him.
I was going to attend the meeting, but after supper I forgot about it.
- Sometimes used without the infinitive.
That worn rope hasn't broken yet, but it's going to.
"Put some more wood on the fire." — "I'm going to."
Compare: ABOUT TO (1).
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
button one's lip also zip one's lip {v. phr.}, {slang}
To stop talking; keep a secret; shut your mouth; be quiet.
The man was getting loud and insulting and the cop told him to button his lip.
John wanted to talk, but Dan told him to keep his lip buttoned.
Syn.: KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT, SHUT UP. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
shut up {v.}
- {informal} To stop talking.
Little Ruthie told Father about his birthday surprise before Mother could shut her up.
- Often used as a command; usually considered rude.
Shut up and let Joe say something.
If you'll shut up for a minute, I'll tell you our plan.
Syn.: BUTTON YOUR LIP, DRY UP (3), KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT.
- To close the doors and windows of.
We got the house shut up only minutes before the storm hit.
- To close and lock for a definite period of time.
The Smiths always spend Labor Day shutting up their summer home for the year.
We got to the store only to find that the owner had shut up shop for the weekend.
- To confine.
That dog bites. It should be shut up.
John has been shut up with a cold all week. Categories: rude time {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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: rude {informal} {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small children and large nations.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
овчинка выделки не стоит {proverb}
ovchinkavyid'elki ne `stoit
~The result is not worth the effort.
See:
the game is not worth the candle
игра не стоит свеч
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
push the panic button {v. phr.}, {slang}
To become very much frightened; nervous or excited, especially at a time of danger or worry.
John thought he saw a ghost and pushed the panic button.
Keep cool; don't hit the panic button!
Syn.: LOSE ONE'S HEAD. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
проще пареной репы {adj. phr.}
prosh'eparinoj `repyi
it is as easy as (a) pie
- easy, very simple thing to do.
Сделать то, о чем ты говоришь — проще пареной репы. — The thing you are talking about is as easy as a pie.
See also:
проще простого
яснее ясного
простая истина
esl #english #idioms #verb
hand over {v.}
To give control or possession of; give (something) to another person.
When the teacher saw Johnny reading a comic book in study period, she made him hand over the book.
When Mr. Jones gets old, he will hand over his business to his son.
Syn.: FORK OVER, GIVE UP (1), TURN OVER (3). Categories: hand study {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
peter out {v.}, {informal}
To fail or die down gradually; grow less; become exhausted.
After the factory closed, the town pretty well petered out.
The mine once had a rich vein of silver, but it petered out.
But as he thought of her, his anger slowly petered out.
Compare: GIVE OUT. Categories: anger {informal} {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
лёгок на помине {turn of speech}
l'iogok na pominye
{literally} ~volatile if/while mentioned.
{informal} said when somebody appears suddenly while he is being (or has just been) thought of or talked about.
{origin}
There are 2 versions:
-
From the Russian proverb "легок волк на помине" (~"talk of the wolf and it will appear"), related to an anciant superstition, forbidding to pronounce the name of the beast aloud. That is why there is no the word "wolf" in this turn of speech (it is only assumed).
-
Related to a ritual folklaw. When a man is buried, not only those who passed away were thought of but also those who are just away. If after such ritual the person returned soon, they said that he/she was "легок на помине".
Comp.: talk of the devil (and he is sure to appear).
А вот и сам виновник нашего спора пожаловал. Ничего не скажешь, лёгок на помине. — Here you are, the hero of our debates. There's nothing to be said — talk of the devil and he is sure to appear.
See also:
speak of the devil and he appears
esl #english #idioms #verb
put oneself in another's place or put oneself in another's shoes {v. phr.}
To understand another person's feeling imaginatively; try to know his feelings and reasons with understanding; enter into his trouble.
It seemed like a dreadful thing for Bob to do, but I tried to put myself in his place.
If you will put yourself in the customer's shoes you may realize why the thing isn't selling. Categories: feelings {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #adjective
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: time {adj. phr.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun #jargon
mile markers {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
Small signs along interstate highways usually bearing a number.
The Smokey is located at 131 mile marker. Categories: {citizen's band radio jargon} {n.} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
танцы с бубном or танцы с бубнами or пляски с бубном {n. phr.} {jokingly} {informal} {used by technical guys}
{literally} tambourine dansing
A set of sophisticated and unobvious actions (for example, not clearly described in the user manual) which are necessary to be performed to achieve the particular goal (for example, in conputer set up and configuration). "Tambourine dansing" is usually a long and painful process of 'trials and errors' and can be different next time you do generally the same thing.
quoteoftheday
They wanted to speak, but could not; tears stood in their eyes. They were both pale and thin; but those sick pale faces were bright with the dawn of a new future, of a full resurrection into a new life. They were renewed by love; the heart of each held infinite sources of life for the heart of the other.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
ни пуха ни пера! {interj.}
ni pukha ni pera
{literally} (wish you) neither fur, nor feather!
~Break a leg (Tnx to !plexuz =) )
~Good luck!
Wishing good luck, success to smb. in sth.
Usually an unalterable interjection.
{origin}
The phrase was used as an indirect (negative) farewell "spell" said to hunters leaving for a hunt and aiming to spoof and scare devilry.
It was believed that direct good luck wishing could put the evil eye on the hunters and overlook the luck.
A rude reply — "К чёрту!" (Go to devil!) should make the hunter even more safer.
Перед экзаменом студенты обычно говорят друг другу: «Ни пуха ни пера!» — Students usually wish good luck to each other before they take an exam.
Latest discussions :: ни пуха ни пера!Dana 2008-10-15 12:44:17
what are the equivalents in English, except "Good luck!"? Reply!plexuz 2009-11-06 22:10:00
"Break a leg" has the same meaning Reply
Kathryn 2009-11-10 23:52:18
That makes so much sense. Thank you! I'm taking a Russian class in university and we just learned that phrase, but my professor didn't translate "ни пуха ни пера". She only translated the reply: "к чёрму" -- "go to the devil", "go to hell". Anyway, now it all makes sense. It seems Russian luck is a matter of reverse psychology. :) ReplyMikhail 2010-11-19 19:54:27
It is mistake-She only translated the reply: "к чёрму" -- "go to the devil", "go to hell"
к черту The 4th letter in word черт is т not м
:) Reply
quoteoftheday
Experience is what allows us to repeat our mistakes, only with more finesse!
esl #english #idioms
place
See:
HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE,
HIGH PLACE,
IN PLACE,
INSTEAD OF or IN PLACE OF,
IN THE FIRST PLACE,
JUMPING-OFF PLACE,
LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME PLACE,
OUT OF PLACE,
PUT IN ONE'S PLACE,
PUT ONESELF IN ANOTHER'S PLACE,
TAKE PLACE.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
надо-б лучше, да нельзя {proverb} {adv. phr.}
nado-bluchshe, da nel'`zya
{literally} one would want better (quality), unless it couldn't be possible.
Said as praise to smb.
Meaning: even if smb. would like smt. to be done better, it would not be possible since this is already done perfectly.
See also:
лучше не бывает, лучше некуда, выше всяческих похвал, на славу, на зависть.
See also:
{informal}
на все сто, что надо, хоть куда, любо-дорого (посмотреть).
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
pull in one's horns or draw in one's horns {v. phr.}, {informal}
- To reduce your boasts; calm down from a quarrel; back down on a promise.
He said he could beat any man there single-handed, but he pulled in his horns when Jack came forward.
- To cut back from one's usual way of living; reduce spending or activities; save.
After the business failed, Father had to pull in his horns.
As one advances in years, it is prudent to pull in one's horns more and more as to physical activity. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
go together {v.}
- To go with the same boy or girl all the time; date just one person.
Herbert and Thelma go together.
Compare:
GO STEADY,
GO WITH (2),
KEEP COMPANY.
- To be suitable or agreeable with each other; match.
Roast turkey and cranberries go together.
Ice cream and cake go together.
Green and yellow go together. Categories: time {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
great guns {adv. phr.}, {informal}
- Very fast or very hard. — Usually used in the phrases "blow great guns", "go great guns".
The wind was blowing great guns, and big waves beat the shore.
The men were going great guns to finish the job.
Compare: FAST AND FURIOUS.
- Very well; successfully.
Smith's new store opened last week and it's going great guns. Categories: {adv. phr.} {informal}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
собаку съесть (на чем-л.) {informal} {v. phr.} {perf.}
so`baku s'est'
{literally} to eat a dog
To gain experience in sth. To be very experienced.
~ cut one's teeth on — ~ набивать шишки.
Он на этом деле съел собаку. — He has cut his teeth on (is very experienced in) this kind of tasks business./
See:
набивать руку
esl #english #idioms #verb
see the light of day {v. phr.}
To be born or begun.
The children visited the old house where their great-grandfather first saw the light of day.
The party was a failure, and Mathilda wished her plan had never seen the light of day. Categories: children {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
лиха беда начало {proverb}
likha beda na`chalo
~the first step is the hardest
{literally}
Beginning is a hard evil.
Often said to encourage somebody, when the person is about to do (begin) some nontrivial task, work, etc.
See also:
глаза боятся, а руки делают
a good beginning makes a good ending
all things are difficult before they are easy
a good beginning is half the battle
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective
all of {adj. phr.}, {informal}
- At least the amount or number of; fully; no less than.
It was all of ten o'clock before they finally started.
She must have paid all of $50 for that hat.
- Showing all the signs of; completely in. — Used with "a".
The girls were all of a twitter before the dance.
Mother is all of a flutter because of the thunder and lightning.
The dog was all of a tremble with cold. Categories: {adj. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms
word
See:
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS,
AS GOOD AS ONE'S WORD,
BY WORD OF MOUTH,
EAT ONE'S WORDS,
FROM THE WORD "GO",
GET A WORD IN,
GET THE MESSAGE or GET THE WORD,
HANG ON THE WORDS OF,
IN BRIEF or IN A WORD,
IN SO MANY WORDS,
LAST WORD,
MAN OF FEW WORDS,
MAN OF HIS WORD,
MUM IS THE WORD,
PLAY ON WORDS,
PUT WORDS INTO ONE'S MOUTH,
SAY THE WORD,
SWALLOW ONE'S WORDS,
TAKE AT ONE'S WORD,
TAKE THE WORDS OUT OF ONE'S MOUTH,
WEASEL WORD,
WEIGH ONE'S WORDS.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
тянуть за язык {v. phr.}
{literally}
To pull someone by the tongue.
To make someone say smt; to pump someone.
Ну зачем ты вчера затеяла этот разговор? Кто тебя за язык тянул? — Why did you start this topic yesterday? Who pulled you by the tongue?
Comp.: тянуть за рукав ~ pull smb by the sleeve, tug at smb's sleeve
Contr.: слова не вытянешь
esl #english #idioms #verb
run over {v.}
- To be too full and flow over the edge; spill over.
Billy forgot he had left the water on, and the tub ran over.
- To try or go over (something) quickly; practice briefly.
During the lunch hour, Mary ran over her history facts so she would remember them for the test.
The coach ran over the signals for the trick play with the team just before game time.
- To drive on top of; ride over.
At night cars often run over small animals that are blinded by the headlights.
Syn.: RUN DOWN. Categories: time {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
откладывать в долгий ящик {v. phr.}
otkladyivat' vdolgij `yash'ik
{literally} to put smt. into a long drawer.
To shelve, to put off (for the time being), to procrastinate. To do smt. with low priority.
Often used with negation.
Не откладывай решение этого вопроса в долгий ящик. — Do not put off resolution or this question.
Comp.:
класть под сукно
тянуть волынку ~ drag one's feet
esl #english #idioms #verb
pass up {v.}
To let (something) go by; refuse.
Mary passed up the dessert because she was on a diet.
John was offered a good job in California, but he passed it up because he didn't want to move.
Compare: TURN DOWN. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
do with {v.}
- To find enough for one's needs; manage. — Usually follows "can".
Some children can do with very little spending money.
Compare: GET ALONG, MAKE DO.
- To make use of; find useful or helpful. — Follows "can" or "could".
After a hard day's work, a man can do with a good, hot meal.
After cleaning out the basement, the boy could do with a bath. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
make free with {v.}
- To take or use (things) without asking.
Bob makes free with his roommate's clothes.
A student should not make free with his teacher's first name.
- To act toward (someone) in a rude or impolite way.
The girls don't like Ted because he makes free with them.
Compare: TAKE LIBERTIES. Categories: clothes rude {v.}
quoteoftheday
(but H.H. Munro, better known as Saki, also said, "A little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation." in The Square Egg in 1924, so somebody's stealing something...)
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
разговор по душам {n. phr.}
razgovor po dusham
- ~ heart-to-heart talk
Заходи вечерком, поговорим по душам. — Drop in to my place tonight, we'll talk heart-by-heart.
- {figurative} {informal}
A talk on one's cups, sometimes ending up with a fight.
— откуда у тебя синяк под глазом? — да поговорили с одним типом "по душам"! — "How did you get that black eye?" "I had a "heart-to-heart" talk with one fellow."
Contr.:
разговор на повышенных тонах
esl #english #idioms #verb
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: {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
из ряда вон (выходящий) {adj. phr.}
iz ryada von (vyikhodyash'iy
Out of the ordinary / out of the ordinary way / outstanding — meaning: something irregular has happend.
More often is used in negative sense:
Сделано из ряда вон плохо. — (Something is) made very poor.
То, что случилось — из ряда вон выходящий случай! — What happened — is a scandalous matter.
Less often:
out-and-outer
-
smth of excellent quality; unmatched
-
a scoundrel (see also of the first water)
off the hinges = something is outstanding, great
This show was really off the hinges.
See also:
вопиющий
scandalous thing
Contr.:
заурядный
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective
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: friends pleasure time {adj. phr.} {informal}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
убить (сразу) двух зайцев {perf.} {v. phr.}
ub'it' (srazu) dvuhzaicev
{literary} to kill two (both) hares
- to achieve two (or several) results with one action.
Я хочу убить двух зайцев сразу — взять отпуск и отдохнуть от работы, и за это время сделать ремонт дома. — I want to kill two hares (to do both) — to take a vacation and have rest, and repair my home.
Also:
убить одним выстрелом двух зайцев or
убить двух зайцев одним ударом
Comp.:
kill two birds with one stone
at one sitting, at a stretch
за один присест
See also:
за двумя зайцами (погонишься — ни одного не поймаешь)
esl #english #idioms #verb
kill two birds with one stone {v. phr.}
To succeed in doing two things by only one action; get two results from one effort.
Mother stopped at the supermarket to buy bread and then went to get Jane at dancing class; she killed two birds with one stone.
The history teacher told us that making an outline kills two birds with one stone; it makes us study the lesson till we understand it, and it gives us notes to review before the test. Categories: study {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pay down {v. phr.}
- To give as a deposit on some purchase, the rest of which is to be paid in periodic installments.
"How much can you pay down on the house, sir?" the realtor asked.
- To decrease a debt with periodical payments.
I'd like to pay down the charges on my credit cards.
Compare: DOWN PAYMENT. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
tear down {v.}
- To take all down in pieces; destroy.
The workmen tore down the old house and built a new house in its place.
- To take to pieces or parts.
The mechanics had to tear down the engine, and fix it, and put it together again.
- To say bad things about; criticize.
"Why do you always tear people down? Why don't you try to say nice things about them?"
Dorothy doesn't like Sandra, and at the class meeting she tore down every idea Sandra suggested. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
turn of the century {n. phr.}
The time at the end of one century and the beginning of the next century;
{especially}: The time when the 1800's became the 1900's; the early 1900's.
Automobiles were strange things to see at the turn of the century. Categories: cars time {n. phr.}
quoteoftheday
(8th century B.C., Greek poet), It will not always be summer. Build barns.
quoteoftheday
(Works and Ways, 8th cen. B.C. Greek poet), When you deal with your brother, be pleasant, but get a witness.
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Latest discussions :: Home page and general feedjohn f 2012-02-01 22:10:39
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John, "no longer" is listed: try searching in "exact" mode for the same. Reply
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
take it easy {v. phr.}, {informal}
- or go easy or take things easy
To go or act slowly, carefully, and gently. — Often used with "on".
Take it easy. The roads are icy.
"Go easy," said Billy to the other boys carrying the table down the stairs.
"Take it easy on John and don't scold him too much," said Mrs. Jones to Mr. Jones.
Go easy on the cake. There isn't much left.
- or take things easy
To avoid hard work or worry; have an easy time; live in comfort.
The doctor said that Bob would have to take things easy for awhile after he had his tonsils out.
Barbara likes to take it easy.
Grandfather will retire from his job next year and take things easy.
Mr. Wilson has just made a lot of money and can take things easy now. Categories: time {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pitch out {v.}
- To deliberately throw a pitch outside of the home plate in baseball so that the batter cannot hit the ball and the catcher can make a quick throw.
The catcher wanted the pitcher to pitch out and see if they could catch the runner stealing.
- To toss the ball easily to a football back.
The quarterback faked to the fullback and pitched out to the halfback going wide. Categories: {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
бить баклуши {v. phr.} {informal}
bit' bak`lushi
To do nothing, to idle, to dawdle, to fool (away), to fritter away one's time
Usually in unfavourable sence:
Хватит бить баклуши! Ану-ка быстро за дело! — Stop foolling away! Now let's get to work!
{Origin}
Бить баклуши ( {literally} to beat the chips) — to cut a log into several blocks, to round them off outside and gouge inside. The blocks (chips) have been then used to produce spoons and other cooking battery of wood.
Preparing the half-finished product (the chip) was considered easy and simple, requiring no special skills. Therefore, the meaning is - "to do something unimportant or not worthwhile" or "to do nothing".
See also: валять дурака, лодыря гонять
esl #english #idioms #verb
put up with {v.}
To accept patiently; bear.
We had to put up with Jim's poor table manners because he refused to change.
The mother told her children, "I refuse to put up with your tracking in mud!"
Compare: STAND FOR. Categories: children {v.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
out of place (1) {adv. phr.}
Not in the right or usual place or position.
Harry fell and knocked one of his teeth out of place.
The teacher lined up the class and told them not to get out of place.
Compare: OUT OF ORDER. Contrast: IN PLACE. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
see through {v.}
- To understand the real meaning of or reason for; realize the falseness of.
Mother saw through Johnny's excuses not to go to bed on Christmas Eve. She knew he wanted to stay up to see Santa Claus.
The teacher saw through the boy's story of having to help at home.
- To do (something) until finished; stay with until the end.
Once Charles started a job, he saw it through till it was finished.
- To help and encourage (a person) through trouble or difficulty.
Mrs. Miller saw Jane through her sickness.
When Mr. and Mrs. Brown lost their little girl, their friends saw them through with help and sympathy.
His business was about to fail, but his banker saw him through.
- To be enough for; last.
This money will see us through the week.
Here is a long report to type. Do you have enough paper to see you through? Compare: TIDE OVER. Categories: encourage {v.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
free rein {n.}
Freedom to do what you want.
The king had free rein in his country.
Father is strict with the children, but Mother gives them free rein.
Compare: FREE HAND. Categories: hand {n.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
make good {v. phr.}
- To do what one promised to do; make something come true.
Mr. Smith borrowed some money. He promised to pay it back on payday. He made good his promise.
Joe made good his boast to swim across the lake.
John's mother promised to take him and his friends to the zoo on Saturday. She made good her promise.
Compare: CARRY OUT.
- To compensate; pay for loss or damage.
The policeman told the boy's parents that the boy must make good the money he had stolen or go to jail.
- Often used in the phrase "make it good".
The radio was broken while it was being delivered so the store had to make it good and send us a new radio.
Compare: MAKE UP.
- To do good work at one's job; succeed.
Kate wanted to be a nurse. She studied and worked hard in school. Then she got a job in the hospital and made good as a nurse. Categories: money {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
make the most of {v. phr.}
To do the most you can with; get the most from; use to the greatest advantage.
She planned the weekend in town to make the most of it.
George studied hard. He wanted to make the most of his chance to learn.
The teacher went out of the room for five minutes and some bad boys made the most of it.
Bill liked Mary; he would do anything for her, and Mary made the most of it.
Compare: MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
make hay while the sun shines {v. phr.}
To do something at the right time; not wait too long.
Dick had a free hour so he made hay while the sun shone and got his lesson for the next day.
Compare: MAKE THE MOST OF. Categories: time {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
make a fool of or (informal) make a monkey of {v. phr.}
To make (someone) look foolish.
The boy made a fool of himself.
Mary's classmates made a fool of her by telling her the party was to be a masquerade. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pay one's way {v. phr.}
- To pay in cash or labor for your expenses.
He paid his way by acting as a guide.
- To be profitable; earn as much as you cost someone; be valuable to an employer; to yield a return above expenses.
The bigger truck paid its way from the start.
We had to offer our new manager a large salary, but he was a capable man, and paid his way.
Compare: WORTH ONE'S SALT. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
have it coming {v. phr.}
To deserve the good or bad things that happen to you.
I feel sorry about Jack's failing that course, but he had it coming to him.
Everybody said that Eve had it coming when she won the scholarship.
Compare: ASK FOR, GET WHAT'S COMING TO ONE, SERVE RIGHT. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
on one's head or upon one's head {adv. phr.}
On one's self.
When the school board fired the superintendent of schools, they brought the anger of the parents upon their heads.
Billy had been naughty all day, but he really brought his parents' anger down on his head by pushing his little sister into a mud puddle.
Compare: ABOUT ONE'S EARS. Categories: anger naughty {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
a number {n.}
A rather large number; numbers. — Used when there are 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: {n.}
esl #english #idioms #noun #adjective
a few {n.} or {adj.}
A small number (of people or things); some.
The dry weather killed most of Mother's flowers, but a few are left.
In the store, Mary saw many pretty rings and bracelets, and she wanted to buy a few of them.
After the party, we thought that no one would help clean up, but a few couples did.
Alice wanted to read a few pages more before she stopped.
- Usually "a few" is different in meaning from "few", which emphasizes the negative; "a few" means "some", but "few" means "not many".
We thought no one would come to lunch, but a few came.
We thought many people would come to lunch, but few came.
But sometimes "a few" is used with "only", and then it is negative.
We thought many people would come to lunch, but only a few came.
- Sometimes used like an adverb.
Three students have no seats; we need a few more chairs.
If we can set up chairs faster than people come and sit in them, we will soon be a few ahead.
- Sometimes used with "very" for emphasis.
Uncle Ralph gave away almost all of his sea shells, but he still had a very few left.
Compare: A LITTLE. Contrast: A LOT, QUITE A FEW. Categories: {adj.} {n.}
esl #english #idioms #formal #noun #adjective
quite a few or quite a number also {formal} not a few {n.} or {adj. phr.}
Rather a large number; more than a few.
Quite a few went to the game.
The basket had quite a few rotten apples in it.
- The phrase "quite a number" is used like an adjective only before "less", "more".
Few people saw the play on the first night but quite a number more came on the second night.
- Sometimes used like an adverb.
We still have quite a few more miles to go before we reach New York.
Syn.: GOOD MANY, NOT A FEW. Compare: A FEW, A NUMBER. Categories: {adj. phr.} {formal} {n.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
набивать руку {v. phr.}
nabivat'ruku
{literally}
To strengthen one's hand.
To practise so as to acquire skill, to develop a good technique in something; to become a practised hand at something; to give oneself a steady hand.
Comp.:
to get the knack of something
See also:
собаку съесть
esl #english #idioms #verb
point out {v.}
- To show by pointing with the finger; point to; make clear the location of.
The guide pointed out the principal sights of the city.
- To bring to notice; call to attention; explain.
The policeman pointed out that the law forbids public sale of firecrackers.
The school secretary pointed out that the closing date for making applications had passed. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
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 {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
приказать долго жить {informal} {v. phr.} {perf.}
quoteoftheday
Search for meaning, eat, sleep. Search for meaning, eat, sleep. Die, search for meaning, search for meaning, search for meaning.
esl #english #idioms
public
See:
AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC or WASH ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC,
IN PUBLIC,
IN THE PUBLIC EYE.
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
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 {n.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #verb
walk the floor {v. phr.}
To walk one direction and then the other across the floor, again and again; pace.
Mr. Black walked the floor, trying to reach a decision.
The sick baby had his mother walking the floor all night.
Mrs. Black's toothache hurt so much that she got up and walked the floor. Categories: hurt {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb #noun
read one's mind {v. phr.}
To know what someone else is thinking.
I have known John so long that I can read his mind.
- mind reader {n.}
That's exactly what I was going to say. You must be a mind reader!
Compare: READ LIKE A BOOK. Categories: {n.} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #adjective
all wet {adj.}, {slang}
Entirely confused or wrong; mistaken.
When the Wright brothers said they could build a flying machine, people thought they were all wet.
If you think I like baseball, you're all wet.
Compare: OFF ONE'S ROCKER. Categories: {adj.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #verb
see one's way clear {v. phr.}
To know no reason for not doing something; feel that you are free.
John finally saw his way clear to help his friends.
Mary had to do her homework and help her mother before she could see her way clear to go to the movies with Jane. Categories: friends {v. phr.}
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American Idiomatic Expressions
This online dictionary of idioms and phrases is based on original book by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner and J.E. Gates — "A Dictionary of American Idioms".
Please, use the alphabetical links of the left menu or at the page bottom to access the dictionary, or choose from the "Categories" below.
If you are interested in particular idiom — then simply type-in the idiom you are looking for directly into the "Find on sky-net-eye.com - Your web-reference!" form on the top-right.
Note: avoid very short words. The "Full-text" option will ignore short words (3 letters or less). Otherwise, please use the "Exact" option in case you want to find an idiom having the words less than 4 letters long.
More than 8000 idiomatic words and phrases of American English
(an extraction from the Original Idiom Dictionary)
"This revised, updated, and expanded edition defines more than 8000 idiomatic words and phrases of American English.
Each alphabetical entry has a grammatical explanation and an example sentence. The dictionary, which includes a preface in nine different languages, is a tool to help increase fluency in English for students, business travelers, and leisure travelers.
The dictionary may also be used by native-born Americans who are sometimes confused by colloquial phrases (many of them regional in nature) not readily found in ordinary dictionaries and by non-native Americans whose mother tongue is not English.
The dictionary's preface explains what an idiom is, what kinds of idioms there are, and how they work, and provides instructions on how to use the dictionary.
The ordering of information in the dictionary includes the parts of the sentence, explanations, examples, and cross-references in alphabetical order on every pertinent page."
Tagging
Below you can see the Categories which group available idioms under thematic defined by a Tag. However the grouping is still not perfect, so you are welcome to propose your Categories using the form. Then we will review and aprove those as appropriate. Categories: Baseball God Marriage Romance Sports TV anger assertion behave blame blood bother business call career cars catch children clothes confidence convince danger death delight desire disappointment disaster doubt drugs embarrassment emphasis encourage exclamation experience eye fear feelings fire friends fruits hang happiness hate hold human human dignity hurt if only job kick life love medical military money mood movie music naughty nose offensive peace pleasure polite proverbs relation rude sex shame sleeve sorrow street study success tongue travel trouble used by children work youth
Latest discussions (10 total 19) :: American Idiomsadmin 2007-05-23 11:12:17
Hi All,
I am thinking about the way to split the idioms into different labels (or tags) for quick access from this page. Currently provided labels are only for test/evaluate purpose.
I will appreciate if you provide here your feedback with the ideas and suggestions on the best way to classify and provide the labels. What labels would be useful for the idioms classification?
The proper classification will help you to speed up searching on a particular topic (aka label), since the link will provide the whole group of the idioms marked by this label.
Cheers! Reply
Alfred 2008-09-06 22:50:13
Probably, it would be more nicer to display all results for each letters in just one page, so it'll be seen at one glance. A table-like format html page would be suitable. Replyadmin 2008-09-08 16:10:05
Hi, Alfred. Thank you for your suggestion.
We had to split into pages for only one reason — in many cases on this site there will be thousands of headlines on the same page and the page may load very long or fail to load at all. Replyjenette 2010-07-04 03:49:25
yah you're right
it will be easy for us to browse it Replyadmin 2010-07-05 08:42:53
Jenette,
there is now a link that allows browsing all the idioms (starting with some letter) on the same page.
Have a look at the page navigator bar — there is "All records" link. Reply
Matthew Tran 2008-09-19 18:07:35
Dear Sirs,
I have trouble in using your on-line dictionary of American idioms:
How can I go right to the idiom I want to refer?
Do I have to move by about 100 of increments of 25 (??) before reaching the idiom I want to see?
Please advise.
Matthew Tran Replyadmin 2008-09-22 00:58:34
Hi Matthew,
the fastest way to get right to the idiom you need is to type-in the idiom into the search form of the site.
The best mode to use is "Rel", which means the search should bring the most relevant links. The shortcoming of this mode is that it omits any word which has less than 4 letters.
The other way is by using the "Exact" mode. However, in this case the seach is limited exactly to the patterns in the texts matching to the whole string you have typed.
One more way to search is by using regular expressions ("Regex" mode). Let's say you are looking for an idiom which begins with "call it". To find all such idioms just enter a regular expression "^call it" and turn the "regex" mode on. Then submit the form — you will get very presise results. Another example — "call$" — will bring all the idioms with "call" at the end. ReplyRolph W Artieda 2009-09-24 20:32:40
Thanks to admin 2008—029—22:00:58:34 addressing to MAtthew it opens new ways to achieve a way to better express yourself; Idm still learning but there must have been a "typo" where an R is missing when you use search for the 3rd time. Got yah!! sense of humour... thatds all, Replyadmin 2009-09-24 23:30:07
Hey Rolph,
you can also try the "Google way" search.
Cheers
PS: not sure if I got you abt the "typo" :) ReplyJean Emilio 2010-04-21 00:01:47
I want to know some american idioms translate in french Reply
angeline gallego 2010-01-18 08:12:41
hi? its very great!!!:} Reply
hassna 2010-06-21 18:12:48
hi can u help me with more grammer about idiomatic expressions please Reply
Freddy Venus 2010-07-07 12:52:30
The corn husks on Tuesday flow nervously in the bay of the fountain spirits. Replymichael vince 2010-08-12 07:40:28
just asking you? how to make a good idiomatic expression?.... Reply
jenniel 2010-11-03 13:23:03
im asking you? give me 3 examples of idiom. it says in my assignment give 3 examples of idiom give its meaning and use in a sentence.... Reply
daivid 2010-11-08 09:37:05
this ls not good Reply
Keith Arches 2010-12-09 13:21:45
whoa Reply
ximera 2010-12-12 19:25:25
boys and girls, help me please
HOW CAN I DOWNLOAD THIS DICTIONARY??? Replywendell t 2011-04-16 16:11:25
how can i download the dictionary Reply
sriyalatha 2011-01-11 08:19:01
please give me meaning and example "over the moon" Reply
sriyalatha 2011-01-11 08:49:36
please give me meaning and example. "let your hair down. Replysriyalatha 2011-01-11 09:46:10
This is very good.But where is my answers? Replyalex 2014-08-15 03:55:17
when you think you can do somrthing that is impossible for you to do.(over the moon) Replyeng 2011-01-11 11:30:12
try searhing for "hair". The idiom is listed on this site "let one's hair down". Replyalex 2014-08-15 04:00:37
(Let Your Hair Down) Don´t be so serious or up tight. Reply
eslam 2011-01-27 00:39:41
hey sir actually iam from egy and i wanna ask u for something if u apply me please (stop talking ur head off) what is it means thx :D Replyadmin 2011-01-27 01:52:30
Eslam, please see talk smb's head off Reply
jhevelyn 2011-01-28 13:17:13
please give me an example of idiomatic expression? Reply
dona bless 2011-01-29 12:10:29
more idiomatic expressions please..i and my classmates badly need it..I'm hoping for it.. Reply
Abigael Ayerdi 2011-02-10 09:35:49
hi there...just wanna greet you there,i\'m going to report later about american pie and i wonder about how unique americans speak...and i figure that its all about the idiomatic expressions that they love to use...i\'m a filipina,that\'s why im not really accustom to all of the idioms...and you site was very helful.i\'m having a blast surfing.... Reply
reynalyn robredillo 2011-10-19 17:08:23
i need 100 idiomatic expression their meaning and examples for my english project..... Reply
Lilly 2013-11-22 08:06:40
I am researching on idioms from different parts of the world, and most interesting idioms are generated in America, its cool. Reply
alex 2014-08-15 04:03:50
Hope I helped you. Reply
leave to one's own devices {v. phr.}
Let someone do what they want without helping them or trying to control them (usually passive).
There are four hours of lessons each morning, and in the afternoon students are left to their own devices.
Left to my own devices I wouldn't bother cooking in the evenings. Categories: {v. phr.}
Latest discussions :: leave to one's own devicespsb 2010-12-07 15:36:13
from "Left To My Own Devices" lyrics:
"I get out of bed at half past ten
Phone up a friend, who's a party animal
Turn on the news and drink some tea
Maybe if you're with me we'll do some shopping
One day I'll read, or learn to drive a car
If you pass the test, you can beat the rest
But I don't like to compete, or talk street, street, street
I can pick up the best from the party animal
I could leave you, say goodbye
Or I could love you, if I try
And I could
And left to my own devices, I probably would ..." Reply
esl #english #idioms #adverb
out of turn {adv. phr.}
- Not in regular order; at the wrong time.
John played out of turn.
By taking a day off out of turn, Bob got the schedule mixed up.
- Too hastily or wrongly; at the wrong time or place; so as to annoy others.
Dick loses friends by speaking out of turn. Categories: time {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
elbow one's way into or out of {v. phr.}
To force entry into a place by using one's elbows.
The bus was so crowded that, in order to get off in time, we had to elbow our way to the exit door. Categories: time {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
плевать в потолок {v. phr.} {informal}
pl'evat' v potolok
To be lasy, idle, do nothing.
See: twiddle one's thumbs; goof off / goof around
Comp.: бить баклуши, считать мух
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
put away {v.}
- To put in the right place or out of sight.
She put away the towels.
- To lay aside; stop thinking about.
He put his worries away for the weekend.
- {informal}
To eat or drink.
He put away a big supper and three cups of coffee.
Compare: STOW AWAY.
- {informal}
To put in a mental hospital.
He had to put his wife away when she became mentally ill.
- To put to death for a reason; kill.
He had his dog put away when it became too old and unhappy. Categories: death {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
burst with joy or pride {v. phr.}
To be so full of the feeling of joy or pride that one cannot refrain from showing one's exuberant feelings.
Armstrong and Aldrin burst with pride when they stepped out on the moon in July, 1969. Categories: feelings {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
kick in the pants or kick in the teeth {n. phr.}, {informal}
Unexpected scorn or insult when praise was expected; rejection.
Mary worked hard to clean up John's room, but all she got for her trouble was a kick in the teeth.
Compare: SLAP IN THE FACE. Categories: insulting kick {informal} {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
as best one can {adv. phr.}
As well as you can; by whatever means are available; in the best way you can.
The car broke down in the middle of the night, and he had to get home as best he could.
George's foot hurt, but he played the game as best he could.
The girl's mother was sick, so the girl got dinner as best she could. Categories: foot hurt {adv. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
головная боль {n. phr.}
golov`naya bol'
-
sth. that needs to be done and is bothering your mind;
-
the work that looks as got stuck;
-
the persisting problem or issue that is not going to be resolved.
See also:
pain in the neck
pain in the ass
Российские автодороги — это головная боль всех водителей. — Russian roads are all drivers' pain in the neck
esl #english #idioms #adverb
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: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
for a song {adv. phr.}, {informal}
At a low price; for a bargain price; cheaply.
He sold the invention for a song and its buyers were the ones who got rich.
They bought the house for a song and sold it a few years later at a good profit. Categories: {adv. phr.} {informal}
quoteoftheday
Although a man may not think of anything new after he is sixty, he often finds new ways to use what he already knows.
esl #english #idioms #noun
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} {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
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: {adv. phr.}
Latest discussions :: hardly everRita 2010-04-19 16:59:38
In Hartford, Hereford and Hampshire hurricanes hardly ever happen. :) Reply
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective
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: job {adj. phr.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pack one's bag {v. phr.}
To leave a place out of anger, annoyance, or disagreement.
"This place is beginning to irritate me," she said to her friend. "I want to pack my bags and get out of here." Categories: anger friends {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
перемывать (перемалывать) (чьи-л.) кости (косточки) {v. phr.} {informal}
peremyivat' (peremalyivat') `kosti
{literally} to wash again (mill) (smb.'s) bones.
To gossip about someone in details with another person (again and again).
~to pick smb. to pieces.
See:
разбирать по косточкам
esl #english #idioms #verb
put an end to or put a stop to {v. phr.}
- To make (something) end; stop; end.
The farmer built an electric fence around his field to put an end to trespassing.
The principal said that running in the halls was dangerous, and told the teachers to put a stop to it.
- To destroy or kill.
The new highway took most of the traffic from the old road and put an end to Mr. Hanson's motel business.
When the horse broke his leg, the farmer put an end to him. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
pin one's ears back {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To beat; defeat.
After winning three games in a row, the Reds had their ears pinned back by the Blues.
- To scold.
Mrs. Smith pinned Mary's ears back for not doing her homework. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
man
See:
COMPANY MAN,
EVERY LAST MAN also EVERY MAN JACK,
FRONT MAN,
HIRED MAN,
LADY'S MAN,
NEW MAN,
SEPARATE THE MEN FROM THE BOYS,
TO A MAN,
YES-MAN.
quoteoftheday
Avessalom Podvodniy — (pseudonym) — Russian writer, poet, phylosopher, esoterician, psychologist and astrologer.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
pick up {v.}
- To take up; lift.
During the morning Mrs. Carter picked up sticks in the yard.
- {informal}
To pay for someone else.
After lunch, in the restaurant, Uncle Bob picked up the check.
- To take on or away; receive; get.
At the next corner the bus stopped and picked up three people.
- To get from different places at different times; a little at a time; collect.
He had picked up rare coins in seaports all over the world.
- To get without trying; get accidentally.
He picked up knowledge of radio just by staying around the radio station.
Billy picked up a cold at school.
6a. To gather together; collect.
When the carpenter finished making the cabinet, he began picking up his tools.
6b. To make neat and tidy; tidy up; put in order.
Pick up your room before Mother sees it.
6c. To gather things together; tidy a place up.
It's almost dinner time, children. Time to pick up and get ready.
- To catch the sound of.
He picked up Chicago on the radio.
- To get acquainted with (someone) without an introduction; make friends with (a person of the other sex).
Mother told Mary not to walk home by herself from the party because some stranger might try to pick her up.
- {informal}
To take to the police station or jail; arrest.
Police picked the man up for burglary.
- To recognize the trail of a hunted person or animal; find.
State police picked up the bandit's trail.
The dogs picked up the fox's smell.
- To make (someone) feel better; refresh.
A little food will pick you up.
12a. To increase (the speed); make (the speed) faster.
The teacher told her singing class to pick up the tempo.
The car picked up speed.
12b. To become faster; become livelier.
The speed of the train began to pick up.
After the band practiced for a while, the music began to pick up.
- To start again after interruption; go on with.
The class picked up the story where they had left it before the holiday.
They met after five years, and picked up their friendship as if there had been no interruption.
- {informal}
To become better; recover; gain.
She picked up in her schoolwork.
He picked up gradually after a long illness.
His spirits picked up as he came near home. Categories: time {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb #adjective
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: {adj. phr.} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
fish for {v.}, {informal}
To try to get or to find out (something), by hinting or by a roundabout way to try to lead someone else to give or tell you what you want by hinting.
Jerry was always fishing for an invitation to Bob's house.
Near examination time, some of the students fish for information. Categories: time {informal} {v.}
Russian idioms translated into English with examples
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Latest discussions :: Russian Idiomsmirka 2009-04-01 18:02:17
hey, do you know the meaning of this idiom "пробные шары". you don't have it in your dictionary and i can't find it anywhere ReplyMonica 2009-06-11 17:57:14
Here is the definition of "Пробный шар"
http://slovari.yandex.ru/dict/ushakov/article/ushakov/16—4/us389115.htm
If you need more help, email me. ReplyMonica 2009-06-11 17:58:21
email me at: monica26je@yahoo.com Replyadmin 2009-06-11 18:30:59
Hey Monica, there is also an item on this site:
http://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/?redir=probniy-shar ReplyMisha 2010-06-28 09:05:20
ya ne znay.... ne slishal ranshe ReplyGuest 2010-07-20 12:20:40
mirka I'm from russia) and i've never heard the idiom Пробный шар). but maybe it is smth like Первый блин комом, what means that the first attempt may be failed, but it's nothing to worry about. ReplyGuest 2010-07-20 12:30:30
mirka, sorry, i was wrong) The idiom Пробный шар, as i've understood, means examination of the first attempt's benefit degree ReplyAliya Poberezhskaya 2010-10-23 08:20:20
Forty years ago when I start to play belliards with oldest people they used "probnii shar" for practice Reply
We begin consideration of light and heavy machine-assisted kitchen inventory from the most important (and heavy) thing – kitchen range and exhaust ventilation
So, the Kitchen Range
The question is: what type of the range is more preferable – gas or electric? In ninety nine percent of cases it does not depend upon our preferences – the choice was made by the architect, who designed our house :). However if there is a possibility of choice, one should pay attention to the following:
- it is certain that it is more natural, easy and comfortable to cook on a gas stove.
One doesn't need to wait for the stove to be heated up to the temperature needed or cooled. Moreover for some of us the matter of cooking with live fire is very pleasant of itself. However:
- Electrical range is much more safer.
First, you don't need to be afraid that your old family chaps would open the gas cock and forget to fire it (Note from translator: there are still many old fashioned gas stoves used in Russia, those do not have the contemporary and well-known guard functions.)
Second, as it is mentioned above, the gas stove means open flame, and this implies more risk from the fire safety point of view.
Third, the design philosophy: the gas cock is more complicated thing and therefore less reliable and durable.
At last: modern electrical ovens are undoubtedly more handy, for instance, because of more even heating.
An obvious shortcoming of an electric kitchen range – an extra time needed for heating, however electric ranges with glassceramics surface "lacks" this discomfort almost completely.
As you see, everything has own pluses and minuses.
Nevertheless, there is a distinct compromise settlement: module kitting-up.
As a rule, when we want a kitchen made to order, we prefer to build-in the range and the stove not as a single unit, but as two independent modules. Thus, if it is technically feasible, you can build-in a gas range and an electric stove. By the way, if your budget affords this, it is certainly better to choose an electrical stove with steam and convection heater automatic functions. Convection will allow you to cook (without lack of quality) on 2 (or even 3) surfaces at the same time and the function of steam spray will also find very handy applications.
The next thing is Kitchen Exhaust Ventilation
When choosing the exhaust ventilation, first of all one should:
-
bring into correlation the efficiency of the ventilation (for ex., litres/minute) with the kitchen space one have.
-
make sure the borders of the ventilation's "umbrella" protrude at least 10 sm over the HWD of the kitchen range. This will provide the best performance for the ventilation.
What other mechanisms and tools we may need for our kitchen?
Meat Grinder
I think this item does not need much explanation. The main criterion when choosing grinder – the compromise between the grinder's power and size.
Mixer is a must
You can't do without mixer nowadays. You can shake up some cream, or even mashed potato. It is desirable that your mixer would have variable rate and descent power.
Blender
Buying blender should be considered in case you are keen on puree–soups (sauce soups) or creams. If not, then blender is definitely not the breath of your life, certainly unless you love blending fancy cocktails. However, if you decided to buy one, then choose blender with a thick-walled glass bottle. It will serve you longer and look neater.
At last – Kitchen Machine
To tell you the truth, I personally think kitchen machine is absolutely useless. Anything it is able to give, you can do handmade or with a slicer, and even faster and with better quality. Moreover, if you use a kitchen machine the dishes loose special tire with the cook's hands, and this is bad. The cook's hands always add some kind of positive energy to the dish being cooked, but this electro-monster rather makes the dish “empty”.
For all that, if you enjoy assembling the whole thing, grate an onion with it, then pull the stuff out (loosing nearly a have on it's walls), then disassemble the machine, then wash and dry the parts, and finally repeat these steps again and again :) — then I can admit, that you certainly need a kitchen machine. Just go and get one!
In the end: squeezers and juicers, washing machines and other wonders of kitchen appliances are not in the scope of this review. Off topic :)
At the conclusion of the "cold" culinary weapons (knives), we have to address the minimum set for sufficient support of kitchen utensils. Here they go:
Graters
We need grater, in general, for example, for the apple puree, breading crumbs, as well as cooking "draniks" and the like. One good stainless steel 4-side grate, in principle, is sufficient. The main things in grater selection are its walls thickness and quality, especially of the upper handle. Grater must be able to withstand some very decent pressure from the top, thin-walled products with frail handles will collapse in a time.
Vegetable slicer may serve as a nice complement to the grater
There are vegetable slicers with replacable cutting surfaces which will allow quickly and qualitatively slice vegetables by dices, straws and slices of various sizes and thicknesses.
Pay particular attention to the quality of the holder of the vegetable slicer. The holder should have to be tough and able to live long. Unfortunately, the lack of such holder makes the vegetable slicer very unsafe utensil.
Also we will need sieves and strainer
Two titles of each. One sieve to sift such as flour. The second sieve to grate anything, such as red beans used for Armenian soup cooking. This is the thing, I would say. I will tell you how to cook it somehow later.
I would recommend conical shape sieves (there are). The product is backfilled into the sieve and just pushed with a pestle for mashed potatoes. Very convenient.
Colanders
One colander to have is a classic, the one with a handle. To wash fruits and berries. Second — panlike shape, it is convenient to lift the finished pasta (spaghetti, for example. Not to be confused with the tomato paste). But you can certainly do with only one colander, it is up to you.
Next is all sorts of spatula, as well as ladles and skimmers
This is always selected at ones taste, taking into account the type of the kitchen utensils. Teflon to Teflon, as the saying goes. The main thing is that these tools are not to be too flexible. Better more solid. In any case, you will not do without wood here. Wooden spatula and spoon must be always at hand.
Rolling-pin
Again, feel free to pick and choose. This all depends on how you hand was set, in other words, how and with what you rolled out dough for the first time. Typically, it remains for life. Personally, I use only thin (1 cm in diameter) and long (1.5 m) rolling-pin, which can roll out 1 kg of stiff dough into a thin sheet at one stroke. Because this is the way my grandfather did, and so did my grandmother and mother. Consequently, I can not roll out in another way.
Once you’ve gor a brand new rolling-pin, remember, to carefully wipe it with dry towel and then treat with oil, any plant (refined!) oil. Oil will soak, and the dough will not adhere to the clutch.
Just in case, note: rolling-pin cannot be washed! Just wipe it thoroughly with dry tissue after use.
What is left? Perhaps a pair of kitchen pliers and a cookery needle
The pliers are mandatory. It is inconvenient to turn over steak in a pan with a fork to the cook and traumatic for the pan.
The needle is optional, but very helpful. First, to determine the readiness of meat or poultry. It is better pierce the food with a thin needle than make four holes with a fork. Second, kitchen needlw is useful while stuffing poultry as a sewing tool.
Well, in general, that’s all with kitchen utensils.
Once again, all that I showed you, knives, boards, nets and so on is a sufficient minimum kitchen set.
With this set you can get almost everything. But this does not mean that you do not have the right to add anything that you feel is useful. Do not refuse to take the pleasure in, buy whatever you want — knives for pizza, cakes, etc. Even a kitchen combine.
About kitchen processors, mixers and other “electric monsters” we will talk separately
Next step is to determine if you are left- or right-handed
And that is why: for right-handed persons it is more natural to move from left to right — the working hand goes first. Indeed, the way we write is the same. For left-handed the opposite is true.
Have you ever noticed how it is inconvenient for a left-handed person to write? There you are!
Thus, having known the steps that constitute cooking as a process, we can put the things together with the furniture
Assume you are right-handed. Therefore, our cooking chain will emerge from left to right.
Stage 1: Washing and Peeling
What piece of the kitchen furniture will be the first left link in our, as chefs say, cooking "ridge"?
Guess what? It will not be a sink, but the frige. It is a fridge from where we get meat, vegetables and greens and send them further to the right — the cooking hub #1 – to the wash. In the box under the sink it is useful to keep roots like potatoes, carrots, onions and others, which should not be kept in the frige.
Note: Some words on the water taps for the kitchen sink. It is desirable to install a ball-type water mixer (singlehanded). You will not need to rinse your hands every time before opening/closing water. With this type of water mixer you will do it with only one finger. Saves much, believe me.
Stage 2: Cutting
Taking out the rinsed and cleaned meat and vegetables from the kitchen sink, we send them further (note, from our left hand to the right) to the cutting-table — cooking node #2.
All the subsidiary objects are grouped around the cutting surface, such as knives and other cooking “tools”, cutting boards, cups, as well as kitchen appliances.
Think and decide which of these items you will use most often and put them on the right hand, preferably open (not in the kitchen drawers and cabinets), and hanging. But never place them on the table.
Cooking table should be clean and free
Items needed less, but nonetheless actively used should be placed on the left, also freely accessible, if possible. Finally, rarely used, as well as large objects (such as appliances) can be placed in the kitchen drawers, cabinets etc.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
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} {v. phr.}
Used for:* The thinnest slicing before serving
Read more about this knife in the parent chapter. Categories: kitchen knives
esl #english #idioms #slang #adjective
switched on {adj.}, {slang}
- In tune with the latest fads, ideas, and fashions.
I dig Sarah, she is really switched on.
- Stimulated; as if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
How come you're talking so fast? Are you switched on or something? Categories: {adj.} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
опростоволоситься {v.}
oprostovo`los'it's'ya
~ {literally} to appear with head uncovered.
To disgrace oneself, to be ashaimed. To find oneself in an embarrassing situation. To make a mistake or slip.
{origin}
In older times it was shameful to appear bare-headed in public or get one's hat teared off by smb.
"Джордж Буш опять опростоволосился, публично назвав Тайвань государством." — "George Bush has disgraced himself again by calling Taiwan a State."
See also:
оплошать
сплоховать
esl #english #idioms #verb
slug it out {v. phr.}
To have a strong verbal or physical battle with someone; to contest something most vigorously.
The two contenders for the lightweight boxing championship were slugging it out in the ring.
The two candidates for Congress were slugging it out on radio and on television. Categories: TV {v. phr.}
quoteoftheday
Giving a man space is like giving a dog a computer: the chances are he will not use it wisely.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
сваливать вину, валить вину {v. phr.} {informal} or перекладывать вину {v. phr.} {formal}
to pass the blame to smb. else, often to an innocent person.
One should never pass the blame to somebody else. This is bad habit! — Никогда не следует сваливать вину на других. Это плохая привычка!
See also:
lay the blame at one's door
перекладывать с больной головы на здоровую
esl #english #idioms #verb
catch off balance {v. phr.}
To confront someone with physical force or with a statement or question he or she is not prepared to answer or deal with; to exploit the disadvantage of another.
The smaller wrestler caught his opponent off balance and managed to throw him on the float in spite of his greater weight and strength.
Your question has caught me off balance; please give me some time to think about your problem. Categories: catch time {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
стучать лысиной по паркету
stuchat'lyis'inoj po par`k'etu
{literally}
To beat (or stop beating) one's bald spot against the parquet
{jokingly} {colloquial}
- asking to stop further explanations since everything is clear enough as it is.OriginA famous citation from "The Golden Calf" ("Золотой теленок")
— Ну, довольно? — молвил Остап. — Не стучите лысиной по паркету. Картина битвы мне ясна. — "Now, will that do?" said Ostap. "Stop beating your bald against the parquet! The picture of the battle is clear!"
See also:
don't beat about the bush
ходить вокруг-да-около
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
детский лепет {n. phr.}
d'etskiyl'ep'et
~babbling.
{literally} baby talk, childish prattle.
Naive thoughts or blether.
То, что вы сейчас наговорили — просто детский лепет. — What you have just spoken is just a baby talk.
See also:
chit-chat, chit-chatting
dalliance
esl #english #idioms #verb
get it all together {v. phr.}
- To be in full possession and control of one's mental faculties; have a clear purpose well pursued.
You've sure got it all together, haven't you?
- Retaining one's self-composure under pressure.
A few minutes after the burglars left he got it all together and called the police.
- To be well built, stacked (said of girls and women.)
Sue's sure got it all together, hasn't she? Categories: {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
валять дурака {v. phr.} {informal} {colloquial}
val'yat' duraka
валять (drag) ~ here "pretend"
{literally} to drag the fool.
~play the fool / play tricks.
To idle; to pretend to be foolish, unaware; joke;
Sometimes this native Russian idiom's origin is attributed to "ванька-встанька" — a Russian tilting doll, that cannot be put sideways. All such attempts are useless and senseless.
Студенты всю лекцию проваляли дурака и поэтому не были готовы к тесту. — The students played the fool all the lecture and thus were not ready for the testing.
See also:
прикидываться дурачком
ваньку валять
строить из себя Ивана
Иванушка-дурачок
esl #english #idioms #verb
come to grips with {v. phr.}
- To get hold of (another wrestler) in close fighting.
After circling around for a minute, the two wrestlers came to grips with each other.
- To struggle seriously with (an idea or problem).
Mr. Blake's leaching helps students come to grips with the important ideas in the history lesson.
Harry cannot be a leader, because he never quite comes to grips with a problem.
Compare: COME TO TERMS (2). Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #informal #verb
play footsie {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
- Touch the feet of a member of the opposite sex under the table as an act of flirtation.
Have you at least played footsie with her?
- To engage in any sort of flirtation or collaboration, especially in a political situation.
The mayor was suspected of playing footsie with the Syndicate. Categories: {informal} {slang} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
закручивать гайки {v. phr.} {informal}
zakruchivat'gajki
{literally} to tighten up the screws.
~ tighten the screws (on smb).
To make the requirements or conditions tougher.
Comp.: выкручивать (заламывать) руки
esl #english #idioms #adverb
more or less {adv. phr.}
- Somewhat; rather; mostly; fairly.
Earl made some mistakes on the test, but his answers were more or less right.
Ed is more or less intelligent.
Betty believes more or less in fairies.
Compare: IN A WAY.
- About; nearly; not exactly, but almost.
The new building cost more or less what the builder figured.
It is a mile, more or less, from his home to the school.
He has wanted to date her more or less since he first saw her.
Compare: OR SO. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
bring up {v.}
- To take care of (a child); raise, train, educate.
He gave much attention and thought to bringing up his children.
Joe was born in Texas but brought up in Oklahoma.
- {informal}
To stop; halt. — Usually used with "short".
He brought the car up short when the light changed to red.
Bill started to complain, I brought him up short.
- To begin a discussion of; speak of; mention.
At the class meeting Bob brought up the idea of a picnic. Categories: children {informal} {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
намыливать шею {v. phr.} {informal}
namyilivat'sheju
{literally}
To soap somone's neck.
To reprimand or criticize someone sharply; to give someone a good rating; to scold.
See: haul someone over the coals, give someone a dressing-down.
Comp.: делать взбучку, делать нагоняй
esl #english #idioms #noun
pat on the back (2) {n. phr.}
- An encouraging tap of the hand on someone's back; a show of sympathy or support.
I gave her a pat on the back and told her she had done fine work.
- A word or gesture of praise or other encouragement; applause.
Pats on the back weren't enough; he wanted hard cash. Categories: encourage hand {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
not the only fish in the sea {n. phr.}
One of many; not the only one of the kind; not the only one available.
He said he could find other girls — she was not the only fish in the sea.
Compare: NOT THE ONLY PEBBLE ON THE BEACH. Categories: {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
flying wedge {n.}, {informal}
- An offensive formation in football in which players link arms and line up to form a "V" with the ball carrier in the middle.
The flying wedge was so dangerous and hurt so many players that rules have forbidden it for over 50 years.
- A group (as of guards or policemen) who use a "V" formation to help someone get through a crowd.
Police had to form a flying wedge to get the movie star through the crowd of autograph hunters. Categories: {informal} {n.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
доводить до белого каления {v. phr.}
dovodit' dob'elogo ka`lenija
{literally}
To bring to a white heat.
To drive someone to a frenzy, to infuriate, to rouse to fury; to make someone lose his self-control.
See: трепать нервы, drive one ape
quoteoftheday
I don't know if I can live on my income or not--the government won't let me try it.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
bring to pass {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make (something) happen; succeed in causing.
By much planning, the mother brought the marriage to pass.
The change in the law was slow in coming, and it took a disaster to bring it to pass.
Compare: BRING ABOUT, COME TO PASS. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
new money {n. phr.}
People who have become rich recently.
Since Bobby's father invented a new computer component, Bobby and his family are new money.
Contrast: OLD MONEY. Categories: money {n. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
преподать урок {v. phr.}
pr'epodat' urok
~ teach a lesson
Comp:
задавать жару
показать где раки зимуют
затыкать за пояс
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb #noun #adjective
pass the buck {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make another person decide something or accept a responsibility or give orders instead of doing it yourself; shift or escape responsibility or blame; put the duty or blame on someone else.
Mrs. Brown complained to the man who sold her the bad meat, but he only passed the buck and told her to see the manager.
If you break a window, do not pass the buck; admit that you did it.
Compare: LET GEORGE DO IT.
- buck-passer {n. phr.}
A person who passes the buck.
Mr. Jones was a buck-passer even at home, and tried to make his wife make all the decisions.
- buck-passing {n.} or {adj.}
Buck-passing clerks in stores make customers angry. Categories: {adj.} {informal} {n. phr.} {n.} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
come on strong {v. phr.}, {slang}
To overwhelm a weaker person with excessively strong language, personality, or mannerisms; to insist extremely strongly and claim something with unusual vigor.
Joe came on very strong last night about the War in Indochina; most of us felt embarrassed. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
грызть гранит науки {v. phr.}
gryizt' granit nauki
{literally}
Crack granite of science
To work hard on science study, learn the hard way. Learn in a university. Learn hard.
Грызть гранит науки становится все дороже. — It is getting more expensive to learn.
See also:
hard way
quoteoftheday
Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men's views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the Field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.
esl #english #idioms #adjective
pure and simple {adj.}
Simply stated; basic. — Follows the noun it modifies and is used for emphasis.
The problem, pure and simple, is finding a baby-sitter.
The question, pure and simple, is whether you will support me.
Compare: BOIL DOWN (3). Categories: emphasis {adj.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
what for (2) {n. phr.}, {informal}
A scolding, or other punishment. — Usually used with "get" or "give".
Tom got what for from his father for answering him rudely, and I heard him crying in the house.
The teacher gave me what for because I was late. Categories: {informal} {n. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adjective #adverb
at liberty {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
Free to go somewhere or do something; not shut in or stopped.
The police promised to set the man at liberty if he told the names of the other robbers.
I am sorry, but I am not at liberty to come to your party.
Compare: AT LARGE (1). Categories: {adj. phr.} {adv.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
смотреть в оба {v. phr.}
smotr'et' v oba
{literally} to look through both.
To look attentively; to be closely observant; to be on the alert; to be particularly watchful.
Comp.:
to keep one's eyes peeled/skinned.
See also:
(смотреть) во все глаза
все глаза проглядеть
esl #english #idioms #verb
pay for {v.}
To have trouble because of (something you did wrong or did not do); be punished or suffer because of.
When Bob could not get a good job, he realized he had to pay for all the years of fooling around instead of working in school.
Mary was very mean to John because she wanted to make him pay for all the years in which he had ignored her.
Compare: MAKE UP (3b), PAY OFF. Categories: {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
tear one's hair {v. phr.}
To show sorrow, anger, or defeat.
Ben tore his hair when he saw the wrecked car.
The teacher tore his hair at the boy's stupid answer.
It was time to go to class, but Mary had not finished the report she had to give, and she began tearing her hair. Categories: anger time {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
аппети́т прихо́дит во вре́мя еды́ {proverb}
apetit prikhodit vo vremya yedyi
{literally}
Appetite comes with eating.
Eventually you will have an interest in doing sth. once you begin doing this.
See also:
лиха беда начало
esl #english #idioms #verb
put one's hand to the plow or set one's hand to the plow {v. phr.}
To start doing something of importance; give yourself to a big job.
We felt that he had put his hand to the plow, and we didn't like it when he quit. Categories: hand {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
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: relation {colloquial} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
быть на взводе {v.phr.}
{informal} to psych (up/out), {slang} to screw.
~ be blue in the face
To be highly emotional or nervous; be prepared to smt., or to action; be bery angry or disappointed.
на взводе {adj.phr.}
high(ly)-strung, nervous, wrought-up; strung-up {Brit.}.
{literally} having one's gun cocked (?).
Игорь предчувствовал серьезный разговор с посетителем и был заранее на взводе. — Igor expected high words with the visitor and was nervous beforehand.
quoteoftheday
No computer has ever been designed that is ever aware of what it's doing; but most of the time, we aren't either.
esl #english #idioms #verb
go to seed or run to seed {v. phr.}
- To grow seeds.
Onions go to seed in hot weather.
- To lose skill or strength; stop being good or useful.
Sometimes a good athlete runs to seed when he gets too old for sports.
Mr. Allen was a good carpenter until he became rich and went to seed. Categories: {v. phr.}
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esl #english #idioms #verb
speed up {v.}
To go faster than before; also, to make go faster.
The car speeded up when it reached the country.
Push in the throttle to speed up the engine.
Compare: PICK UP (12). Contrast: SLOW DOWN. Categories: {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
ды́рка от бу́блика {n. phr.}
dyirka otbubl'ika
{literally} a boublik's (donut's) hole — nothing (useful)
Я помог тебе, как мы и договаривались, а в ответ получил что? Дырку от бублика! — I helped you as we agreed, but what did I get in return? A boublik's hole (nothing)!
Вы пытаетесь поделить дырку от бублика. — You are trying to share a donut's hole.
See also:
получать баранку
не стоить выеденного яйца
пустое место
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
chew out {v.}, {slang}
To scold roughly.
The boy's father chewed him out for staying up late.
The coach chews out lazy players.
Syn.:
BAWL OUT,
CALL ON THE CARPET,
HAUL OVER THE COALS. Categories: {slang} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
cut corners {v. phr.}
- To take a short way; not go to each corner.
He cut corners going home in a hurry.
- To save cost or effort; manage in a thrifty way; be saving.
John's father asked him to cut corners all he could in college.
- To do less than a very good job; do only what you must do on a job.
He had cut corners in building his house, and it didn't stand up well. Categories: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pass over or pass by {v.}
To give no attention to; not notice; ignore.
I can pass over the disorderliness of the troops, but their disobedience is serious.
In choosing men to be given a salary raise, the foreman passed Mr. Hart by.
She was unattractive, the kind of a girl that everybody would pass by. Categories: relation {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
держать нос по ветру {v. phr.}
d'erzhat' nos pov'etru
{literally} to keep one's nose down wind (to look and see where the wind is blowing to)
-
To adjust to the circumstances, changing one's beliefs or behavior with no principals.
-
To be aware of all latest news and events on sth.
Всегда держи нос по ветру! — Always keep your nose down the wind!
See also:
держать руку на пульсе
держать хвост пистолетом
не опускать крылья
esl #english #idioms
piece
See:
BY THE PIECE,
CONVERSATION PIECE,
GIVE A PIECE OF ONE'S MIND,
GO TO PIECES,
OF A PIECE,
PIECE OF CAKE,
SAY ONE'S PIECE or SPEAK ONE'S PIECE,
TO PIECES.
esl #english #idioms
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.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
смотреть (уставиться) как баран на новые ворота {v. phr.} {informal}
smotret' (ustavit'sya) kak baran nanoviye vo`rota
{literally}
To stare at like a ram at a new gate.
~ give an empty stare
To look at someone or sth. with a puzzled, perplexed or dismayed expression on one's face; to look rather stupid, not understanding what is going on; to look quite lost.
Originating as an extention of a persistent statement смотреть (уставиться) как баран — stare as a ram. A ram (Баран) is considered such a damb animal that it, as they say, does not recognize its own farm if it sees a new gate, and since the ram is usually looking at the gate for a long time before it dares to enter.
Latest discussions :: смотреть как баран на новые воротаAmit 2009-12-21 17:00:23
"stado baranov" ("a flock of rams") is somewhat related, meaning a group of people, not very smart, doing the same stupid things etc. Reply
esl #english #idioms #noun
savings account {n.}
An account in a bank, where people put money to save it, and the bank uses the money and pays interest every year.
If you leave your money in your savings account for six months or a year, the bank will pay interest on it.
Compare: CHECKING ACCOUNT. Categories: money {n.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
лыка не вязать or еле лыка вязать {v. phr.} {informal}
lyika ne vyazat'
-
Almost not being able to produce an articulate speech (being tired, or asleep or drunk).
-
Be too drunk to make any sense.
-
Not to understand/know the subject.
Какой смысл говорить с ним о политике? Он же в этом лыка не вяжет! — There is no sense in discussing politics with him. He is not familiar with the subject!
esl #english #idioms #verb
put on {v. phr.}
- To dress in.
The boy took off his clothes and put on his pajamas.
Mother put a coat on the baby.
2a. To pretend; assume; show.
Mary isn't really sick; she's only putting on.
He put on a smile.
The child was putting on airs.
2b. To exaggerate; make too much of.
That's rather putting it on.
Compare: LAY IT ON.
- To begin to have more (body weight); gain (weight).
Mary was thin from sickness, and the doctor said she must put on ten pounds.
Too many sweets and not enough exercise will make you put on weight.
4a. To plan and prepare; produce; arrange; give; stage.
The senior class put on a dance.
The actor put on a fine performance.
4b. To make (an effort).
The runner put on an extra burst of speed and won the race.
- To choose to send; employ on a job.
The school put on extra men to get the new building ready. Categories: clothes {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
быть на голову выше or на голову превосходить {v. phr.} or {adj. phr.}
byit' na golovuvyishe
{literally} to be a head taller (higher).
To be considerably better, faster, more clever, etc. To have some characteristic much better than other (person) has.
Этот DVD-проигрыватель по качеству изображения на голову выше всех других аналогов. — This DVD-player has picture quality far better than all other players have.
See also:
быть выше (чего-л.)
head and shoulders
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
bail out (1) {v.}
- To secure release from prison until trial by leaving or promising money or property for a while.
When college students got into trouble with the police, the college president would always bail them out.
- {informal}
To free from trouble by giving or lending money.
He started a small business, which prospered after his father had to bail him out a couple of times. Categories: money {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
push around {v.}, {informal}
To be bossy with; bully.
Don't try to push me around!
Paul is always pushing the smaller children around. Categories: children {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
at the tip of one's tongue or on the tip of one's tongue {adv. phr.}
{informal}
- Almost spoken; at the point of being said.
It was at the tip of my tongue to tell him, when the phone rang.
John had a rude answer on the tip of his tongue, but he remembered his manners just in time.
- Almost remembered; at the point where one can almost say it but cannot because it is forgotten.
I have his name on the tip of my tongue. Categories: rude time tongue {adv. phr.} {informal}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
без сучка без задоринки {adv. phr.}
bez such'ka bez za`dorinki
Sth. that went off impeccably, smoothly, without any problems.
To do sth. without defects.
Тестирование продукта прошло без сучка без задоринки. — Product testing has been carried out (passed) without any problems (smoothly).
{Origin}
From the carpenters' and cabinetmakers' style of speaking. Initially, about the wood and timber of a high quality and thorough woodworking. Задоринка — roughness, a hook on the surface of a smoothly planed board. Literally — without any defects.
See also:
комар носа не подточит; без изъянов
it's just perfect; it's done to a T; there's nothing left hanging
esl #english #idioms #informal #adjective
off-the-cuff {adj.}, {informal}
Not prepared ahead of time. — Used of a speech or remarks.
Jack was made master of ceremonies because he was a good off-the-cuff speaker. Categories: time {adj.} {informal}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
play up to {v. phr.}. {slang}
- To try to gain the favor of, especially for selfish reasons; act to win the approval of; try to please.
He played up to the boss.
- To use (something) to gain an end; to attend to (a weakness).
He played up to the old lady's vanity to get her support. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
биться как рыба об лёд {v. phr.}
bit'sya kakryba ob `liod
{literally} to beat against the ice like a fish
~struggle to keep one's head above water.
~struggle desperately (to accomplish sth.), usually in vain.
Я бился как рыба об лед чтобы объяснить тебе значение этой идиомы, но, похоже, все тщетно. — I struggled desperately for nothing explaining the idiom meaning to you.
Comp.:
биться головой об стену=beat one's head against a wall
тратить время даром
esl #english #idioms #adverb
while back {adv.}
At a time several weeks or months in the past. — Used with "a".
We had a good rain a while back, but we need more now.
Grandfather is well now, but a while back he was in the hospital for three weeks.
See: CRACK THE WHIP. Categories: time {adv.}
esl #english #idioms #adjective #adverb
around the clock also the clock around {adv. phr.}
For 24 hours a day continuously all day and all night.
The factory operated around the clock until the order was filled.
He studied around the clock for his history exam.
- round-the-clock {adj.}
That filling station has round-the-clock service. Categories: {adj.} {adv. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
в пору в петлю лезть или хоть в петлю лезь {adv. phr.}
v poru vpetl'iu lezt' илиhot' v petl'iulez'
Лезть в петлю {v. phr.} — ~to run one's head into the noose.
Said when smb. is in a deadlock, or in a bad luck, or overwhelmed in a bad manner.
See contr. and example for: хоть бы хны
See:
затягивать петлю на шее
надеть петлю на шею
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
separate the men from the boys {v. phr.}, {informal}
To show who has strength, courage and loyalty and find who do not.
When the ship hit an iceberg and sank, it separated the men from the boys.
The mile run separates the men from the boys. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adjective
too big for one's breeches or too big for one's boots {adj. phr.}
Too sure of your own importance; feeling more important than you really are.
That boy had grown too big for his breeches. I'll have to put him back in his place.
When the teacher made Bob a monitor, he got too big for his boots and she had to warn him. Categories: feelings {adj. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
chew the fat or chew the rag {v. phr.}, {slang}
To talk together in an idle, friendly fashion; chat.
We used to meet after work, and chew the fat over coffee and doughnuts.
The old man would chew the rag for hours with anyone who would join him. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
proof of the pudding is in the eating
Only through actual experience can the value of something be tested. — A proverb.
He was intrigued by the ads about the new high mileage sports cars. "Drive one, sir," the salesman said. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." Categories: experience proverbs
quoteoftheday
Moral sensibilities are nowadays at such cross-purposes that to one man a morality is proved by its utility, while to another its utility refutes it.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
оставлять (кого-л.) с носом {v. phr.}
ostavlyat' snosom
{literally} leave (smb.) with his gift (often mixed up with 'nose').
To trick smb. Make a fool of smb.
~leave holding the bag
Also {passive} оставаться с носом — to be tricked by smb.
Origin:
In Russian the word "tribute" (or gift) may sound like 'нос' (nose) which is derived from the verb 'подносить' — with one of the meanings "to bring and make a present", or even "bribe". Hence, we have a 'nose' like sounding, which have almost nothing with nose. The actual meaning of the noun 'нос' here is 'smt. that smb. has brought up as a gift'.
Tributes/gifts were very common in the earlier Russia — almost none of the affairs in the Moscow 'Prikaz' (Department) could be put forward to or completed without a gift to the official. The gifts were considered as a way to establish friendly relations with the official who was in power to resolve an action or complaint.
The ceremony of presenting the gift was an old tradition for the common people of Russia. The most tricky part was to guess right the wishes of the official so that an inappropriate present would not lose the officials' dignity. The worst that could happen was rejection of the gifts. In this case the suppliant was left with what he brought — his gift (that is "с носом"). Such gift rejection by an official meant general rejection and the whole affair failure for the suppliant.
In this case the suppliant was left "with nothing" (hence, there is a saying "остаться с носом", "уйти ни с чем", or "уйти не солоно хлебавши" ~ "come away none the wiser").
See also:
оставлять в дураках {informal}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
cover up {v.}, {informal}
- To hide something wrong or bad from attention.
The spy covered up his picture-taking by pretending to be just a tourist.
A crooked banker tried to cover up his stealing some of the bank's money by starting a fire to destroy the records.
Compare: COVER ONE'S TRACKS (2).
- In boxing: To guard your head and body with your gloves, arms, and shoulders.
Jimmy's father told him to cover up and protect his chin when he boxed.
- To protect someone else from blame or punishment; protect someone with a lie or alibi. — Often used with "for".
The teacher wanted to know who broke the window and told the boys not to try to cover up for anyone.
The burglar's friend covered up for him by saying that he was at his home when the robbery occurred. Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
horse of a different color or horse of another color {n. phr.}, {informal}
Something altogether separate and different.
Anyone can be broke, but to steal is a horse of a different color.
Do you mean that the boy with that pretty girl is her brother? I thought he was her boyfriend. Well, that's a horse of another color. Categories: {informal} {n. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
вынь да положь {v. phr.} {informal}
vyin' da po`lozh
{imperative} do or get smt. by all means. (for smb.). Said when smb. wants smt. here and right now.
"Все преобразования требуют времени, а русский народ ждать не умеет — вынь да положь ему все сразу на блюдечке с голубой каемочкой." — "Every reform is time consuming, however Russian folks are not used to wait — they want everything here and now, on a silver platter."
See also:
из под земли доставать
на блюдечке с голубой каемочкой
esl #english #idioms
all systems go {Originally from space English, now general colloquial usage.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
язык проглатывать {v. phr.} {informal}
yazyik proglatyivat'
{literally} swallow one's tongue; usually in perfect form язык проглотить yazyik proglat'it'.
- keep silence; not respond.
~ cat got one's tongue.
He continued keeping silence, like if cat got his tongue. — Он продолжал молчать как-будто язык проглотил.
See also:
воды в рот набирать
- when describing something very tasty.
Вкусно так, что язык можно проглотить! ~ (It is) so tasty, that makes your mouth water.
See also:
пальчики оближешь
слюнки текут
makes your mouth water
esl #english #idioms #adverb
to a T or to a turn {adv. phr.}
Just right; to perfection; exactly.
The roast was done to a turn.
His nickname, Tiny, suited him to a T.
Compare: TO THE LETTER. Categories: {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun #adjective
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: {adj.} {n.}
esl #english #idioms
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.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
жить как на вулкане {v. phr.}
zhit' kak na vul`kane
{literally}
To live as on a volcano.
To be in constant anticipation of trouble.
Comp.:
to sit on a powder-keg
to be living on the edge of a volcano
to be sitting on a volcano
See also:
сидеть на иголках ~ be on pins and needles, be on thorns / nettles, be on tenterhooks
Latest discussions :: жить как на вулканеSonic 2009-10-07 16:47:56
сидеть (как) на пороховой бочке Reply
esl #english #idioms #noun
handout {n.}
- A free gift of food, clothes, etc.
The homeless people were standing in a long line for various handouts.
- A typed and photocopied sheet or sheets of paper outlining the main points made by a speaker.
Please look at page three of the handout. Categories: clothes {n.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
chicken switch {n.}, {slang}, {Space English}
- The emergency eject button used by test pilots in fast and high flying aircraft by means of which they can parachute to safety if the engine fails; later adopted by astronauts in space capsules.
Don't pull the chicken switch, unless absolutely necessary.
- The panic button; a panicky reaction to an unforeseen situation, such as unreasonable or hysterical telephone calls to friends for help.
Joe pulled the chicken switch on his neighbor when the grease started burning in the kitchen. Categories: {Space English} {n.} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
то, что доктор прописал {n. phr.} {informal}
to chtodoctor prop'i`sal
Exactly what is needed, required or wanted.
Eq.: just what the doctor ordered
See:
надо-б лучше, да нельзя,
в самый раз
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
pep talk {n.}, {informal}
A speech that makes people feel good so they will try harder and not give up.
The football coach gave the team a pep talk.
Mary was worried about her exams, but felt better after the teacher's pep talk. Categories: {informal} {n.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
draw blood {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make someone feel hurt or angry.
If you want to draw blood, ask Jim about his last money-making scheme.
Her sarcastic comments drew blood. Categories: hurt {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
jump through a hoop {v. phr.}, {informal}
To do whatever you are told to do; obey any order.
Bob would jump through a hoop for Mary.
Compare: TWIST AROUND ONE'S LITTLE FINGER, UNDER ONE'S THUMB. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
брать с потолка {v. phr.}
brat' s potol`ka
To imagine; invent, think up; get from nowhere.
Вы взяли с потолка какую-то цифру и решили, что в ней есть какой-то смысл. А смысла в этом никакого нет. — You have spun a number out of thin air and decided it has some sence. However, the number has absolutely no sence.
See:
make smt. up,
spin smt. out of thin air
высасывать из пальца
esl #english #idioms #noun
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: world {n.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
ждать/прождать у моря погоды {v. phr.}
zhdat' u morya pogodyi
{literally} to wait for the weather by the sea.
~wait for the sun to shine; ~sit with one's hands folded.
To wait in vain for smt.
Прождав у моря погоды, потенциальные собственники квартир уже почти упустили самый благоприятный момент для покупки жилья. — Having waited in vain for a chance, the potential owners of the apartments have almost missed the best opportunity to buy own lodging.
esl #english #idioms #verb
work out {v. phr.}
- To find an answer to.
John worked out his math problems all by himself.
Mary had trouble getting along with her roommate, but they worked it out.
Compare: FIGURE OUT.
- To plan; develop.
Mary worked out a beautiful design for a sweater.
Alice worked out a new hair-do.
- To accomplish; arrange.
The engineers worked out a system for getting electricity to the factory.
- To be efficient; get results.
If the traffic plan works out, it will be used in other cities too.
- To exercise.
John works out in the gym two hours every day. Categories: success work {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pass away {v.}
- To slip by; go by; pass.
We had so much fun that the weekend passed away before we realized it.
Forty years had passed away since they had met.
- To cease to exist; end; disappear; vanish
When automobiles became popular, the use of the horse and buggy passed away.
- To have your life stop; die.
He passed away at eighty.
Syn.: PASS ON (3), PASS OUT (3). Categories: death {v.}
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esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
cart off or cart away {v.}, {informal}
To take away, often with force or with rough handling or behavior.
The police carted the rioters off to jail.
When Bobby wouldn't eat his supper, his mother carted him away to bed. Categories: {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
polish off {v.}, {informal}
- To defeat easily.
The Dodgers polished off the Yankees in four straight games in the 1963 World Series.
- To finish completely; finish doing quickly, often in order to do something else.
The boys were hungry and polished off a big steak.
Mary polished off her homework early so that she could watch TV. Categories: world {informal} {v.}
quoteoftheday
My childhood was a period of waiting for the moment when I could send everyone and everything connected with it to hell.
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun #jargon
bubble trouble {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
Tire trouble, flat tire.
The eighteen wheeler ahead of me seems to have bubble trouble. Categories: {citizen's band radio jargon} {n.} {slang}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
брать быка за рога {v. phr.}
brat' byika za roga
~to take the bull by the horns {literally}
Begin to act vigorously, right away and from the most important part. {informal}
Начиная новый курс преподаватель сразу взял быка за за рога. — The lecturer has taken the bull by the horns from the very start of the new course.
To express necessity of doing sth.
Вам наконец-то нужно собраться и начать учиться, взяв быка за рога. — You should concentrate and study, taking the bull by the horns.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
pay off {v. phr.}
- To pay the wages of.
The men were paid off just before quitting time, the last day before the holiday.
- To pay and discharge from a job.
When the building was completed he paid off the laborers.
- To hurt (someone) who has done wrong to you; get revenge on.
When Bob tripped Dick, Dick paid Bob off by punching him in the nose.
Syn.: PAY BACK.
- {informal}
To bring a return; make profit.
At first Mr. Harrison lost money on his investments, but finally one paid off.
- {informal}
To prove successful, rewarding, or worthwhile.
Ben's friendship with the old man who lived beside him paid off in pleasant hours and broadened interests.
John studied hard before the examination, and it paid off. He made an A. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
hang up {v.}
- To place on a hook, peg, or hanger.
When the children come to school, they hang up their coats in the cloakroom.
2a. To place a telephone receiver back on its hook and break the connection.
Carol's mother told her she had talked long enough on the phone and made her hang up.
2b. To put a phone receiver back on its hook while the other person is still talking. — Used with "on".
I said something that made Joe angry, and he hung up on me.
3a. {informal}
To cause to be stuck or held so as to be immovable. — Usually used in the passive.
Ann's car was hung up in a snowdrift and she had to call a garageman to get it out.
3b. {informal}
To stick or get held so as to be immovable.
A big passenger ship hung up on a sandbar for several hours.
- {informal}
To cause a wait; delay.
Rehearsals for the school play were hung up by the illness of some of the actors.
- {informal}
To set (a record.)
Bob hung up a school record for long distance swimming. Categories: hang {informal} {v.}
esl #english #idioms
in terms of {prep.}
- In the matter of; on the subject of; especially about; about.
He spoke about books in terms of their publication.
What have you done in terms affixing the house?
The children ate a great many hot dogs at the party. In terms of money, they ate $20 worth.
- As to the amount or number of.
We swam a great distance. In terms of miles, it was three. Categories: {prep.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
затыкать за пояс {v. phr.}
zatyikat' zapojas
{perf.}: заткнуть за пояс (zatknut' zapojas).
{literally} to stick someone behind one's belt.
~ to surpass, to outstrip, to outdo smb, to win;
~ be one too many for smb; go one better than smb;
~ put to shame, leave far behind;
Comp.:
to outshine someone
knock someone into a cocked hat
Seem also:
переплюнуть обскакать обуть
Comp.:
задавать жару
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun
pain in the ass or pain in the neck {n.}, {slang}, {vulgar with ass}
An obnoxious or bothersome person or event.
Phoebe Hochrichter is a regular pain in the neck (ass). Categories: bother {n.} {slang} {vulgar with ass}
esl #english #idioms #adjective
used to (1) {adj. phr.}
In the habit of or familiar with.
People get used to smoking and it is hard for them to stop.
Farmers are used to working outdoors in the winter.
After my eyes became used to the dim light in the cave, I saw an old shovel on the ground.
On the hike Bob soon got tired, but Dick did not because he was used to walking. Categories: {adj. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
упасть в чьих-л. глазах {perf.} {v. phr.}
upast' v glazah
падать в чьих-л. глазах
padat' v glazah
~fall from grace or get in one's bad graces
No longer be respected by someone (because of a bad deed); To stop being liked by smb.
Во время ужина дети вели себя хорошо до тех пор пока не упали в глазах взрослых начав есть десерт руками. — The chieldren behaved well during dinner until they fell from grace by eating their dessert with their fingers.
See: впасть в немилость, попасть в опалу
esl #english #idioms #verb
put oneself in another's place or put oneself in another's shoes {v. phr.}
To understand another person's feeling imaginatively; try to know his feelings and reasons with understanding; enter into his trouble.
It seemed like a dreadful thing for Bob to do, but I tried to put myself in his place.
If you will put yourself in the customer's shoes you may realize why the thing isn't selling. Categories: feelings {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
knock oneself out {v. phr.}, {informal}
To work very hard; make a great effort.
Mrs. Ross knocked herself out planning her daughter's wedding.
Tom knocked himself out to give his guests a good time.
Compare: BREAK ONE'S NECK, FALL OVER BACKWARDS, OUT OF ONE'S WAY. Categories: time {informal} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
надо-б лучше, да нельзя {proverb} {adv. phr.}
nado-bluchshe, da nel'`zya
{literally} one would want better (quality), unless it couldn't be possible.
Said as praise to smb.
Meaning: even if smb. would like smt. to be done better, it would not be possible since this is already done perfectly.
See also:
лучше не бывает, лучше некуда, выше всяческих похвал, на славу, на зависть.
See also:
{informal}
на все сто, что надо, хоть куда, любо-дорого (посмотреть).
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
cross up {v.}, {informal}
- To block or upset; throw into confusion or disorder.
We were going to catch him at the gate, but he crossed us up by going in the back way.
Father crossed up the surprise party we had planned for him by not getting back in time.
- To deceive or be false to.
George crossed up his partner by selling a lot of things secretly. Categories: time {informal} {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
танцы с бубном or танцы с бубнами or пляски с бубном {n. phr.} {jokingly} {informal} {used by technical guys}
{literally} tambourine dansing
A set of sophisticated and unobvious actions (for example, not clearly described in the user manual) which are necessary to be performed to achieve the particular goal (for example, in conputer set up and configuration). "Tambourine dansing" is usually a long and painful process of 'trials and errors' and can be different next time you do generally the same thing.
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb #noun #adjective
pinch-hit {v.}
- To substitute for another player at bat in a baseball game.
Smith was sent in to pinch-hit for Jones.
- {informal}
To act for a while, or in an emergency, for another person; take someone's place for a while.
I asked him to pinch-hit for me while I was away.
The president of the City Council pinch-hits for the mayor when the mayor is out of town.
- pinch-hitter {n.}
Jones was hit by a pitched ball and Smith came in as a pinch-hitter.
When our teacher was sick, Mrs. Harris was called as a pinch-hitter.
- pinch-hitting {adj.} or {n.}
Pinch-hitting for another teacher is a hard job. Categories: {adj.} {informal} {n.} {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
give fits {v. phr.} {informal}
To upset; bother very much.
Paul's higher grades give John fits.
The short guard gave his tall opponent fits.
Compare: GIVE A HARD TIME. Categories: bother time {informal} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
help out {v.}
- To be helpful or useful; help sometimes or somewhat.
Mr. Smith helps out with the milking on the farm.
Tom helps out in the store after school.
- To help (someone) especially in a time of need; aid; assist.
Jane is helping out Mother by minding the baby.
When John couldn't add the numbers, the teacher helped him out. Categories: time {v.}
esl #english #idioms #slang #noun #jargon
plain white wrapper {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
Unmarked police car.
There's a plain white wrapper at your rear door!
See: BROWN PAPER BAG. Categories: {citizen's band radio jargon} {n.} {slang}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
big frog in a small pond {n. phr.}, {informal}
An important person in a small place or position; someone who is respected and honored in a small company, school, or city; a leader in a small group.
As company president, he had been a big frog in a small pond, but he was not so important as a new congressman in Washington.
Contrast: LITTLE FROG IN A BIG POND. Categories: {informal} {n. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
раскладывать по полочкам {v. phr.}
ras'kladyivat' po 'polochkam
To explain or understand smt. step-by-step and very clearly.
{literally}
To put every single thing on its shelf.
Преподаватель на лекции разложил всё доказательство по полочкам так, что ни у кого не возникло вопросов. — During the lecture the teacher developped the proof so clear and step-by-step, so that the audience had no questions at all.
See also:
разжёвывать {informal}
разжевать и положить в рот {informal}
Latest discussions :: раскладывать по полочкамKarina 2012-12-16 16:27:58
Is there any alike idiom in english? Replyadmin 2012-12-16 22:08:21
an equivalent in English is [spell out] ReplyAtashkent 2018-03-17 14:17:37
Break down is an option.
The professor's plan seemed really complicated, but after he broke it down for us, we understood it a little better. Reply
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
по-барабану {adv. phr.} {informal} {colloquial} {slang} {used by youth}
esl #english #idioms #informal #noun
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 relation {informal} {n.}
quoteoftheday
I never knew what real happiness was until I got married and by then it was too late.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
плевать в потолок {v. phr.} {informal}
pl'evat' v potolok
To be lasy, idle, do nothing.
See: twiddle one's thumbs; goof off / goof around
Comp.: бить баклуши, считать мух
esl #english #idioms #informal #adverb
to pieces {adv. phr.}
- Into broken pieces or fragments; destroyed.
The cannon shot the town to pieces.
The vase fell to pieces in Mary's hand.
- {informal}
So as not to work; into a state of not operating.
After 100,000 miles the car went to pieces.
When Mary heard of her mother's death, she went to pieces.
- {informal}
Very much; greatly; exceedingly.
Joan was thrilled to pieces to see Mary.
The noise scared Bob to pieces.
- See: PICK APART. Categories: death hand {adv. phr.} {informal}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
пропускать мимо ушей {v. phr.}
{literary} pass by (smb's) ears
Not to react or respond to, not to pay attention to what is being said or asked for.
— I've asked you many times to inform me! Why all my requests are passing by your ears? — Я много раз просил ставить меня в известность! Почему ты пропускаешь мимо ушей все мои просьбы?
See also:
ни во что не ставить
слушать вполуха
esl #english #idioms
public
See:
AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC or WASH ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC,
IN PUBLIC,
IN THE PUBLIC EYE.
esl #english #idioms #verb
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: {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #adverb
against time or against the clock {adv. phr.}
- As a test of speed or time; in order to beat a speed record or time limit.
John ran around the track against time, because there was no one else to race against.
- As fast as possible; so as to do or finish something before a certain time.
It was a race against the clock whether the doctor would get to the accident soon enough to save the injured man.
- So as to cause delay by using up time.
The outlaw talked against time with the sheriff, hoping that his gang would come and rescue him. Categories: time {adv. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
открывать глаза {v. phr.}
otkryivat' glaza
{literally} to open smb's eyes.
To help smb understand the real sense of smth (usually smb's deeds or actions)
I am overfilled with happiness, I would like to open everybody's eyes and show the abilities for a human being to live a beautiful life. — Я переполнен счастьем, мне хочется открыть всем глаза на возможности для человека жить прекрасно (М. Пришвин).
Thank you, you have opened my eyes! — Благодарю, вы открыли мне глаза!
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
take the rap {v. phr.}, {slang}
To receive punishment; to be accused and punished.
All of the boys took apples, but only John took the rap.
Joe took the burglary rap for his brother and went to prison for two years. Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
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 {v.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
собаку съесть (на чем-л.) {informal} {v. phr.} {perf.}
so`baku s'est'
{literally} to eat a dog
To gain experience in sth. To be very experienced.
~ cut one's teeth on — ~ набивать шишки.
Он на этом деле съел собаку. — He has cut his teeth on (is very experienced in) this kind of tasks business./
See:
набивать руку
esl #english #idioms #verb
throw in one's lot with or {literary} cast in one's lot with {v. phr.}
To decide to share or take part in anything that happens to; join.
The thief decided to throw in his lot with the gang when he heard their plans.
Washington was rich, but he decided to cast in his lot with the colonies against Britain.
When Carl was old enough to vote, he threw in his lot with the Democrats.
Syn.: JOIN FORCES. Categories: {literary} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #noun
second best {n.}
Something that is lower than or not quite as good as the best.
Tom liked the deluxe model bicycle; but he could afford only a second best.
Joan chose the best and Mary had to take the second best.
There were ten boys in the race. Jack won and Fred was a close second best.
Compare: RUNNER UP. Categories: {n.}
quoteoftheday
There are only about twenty murders a year in London, and not all are serious. Some are just husbands killing their wives.
esl #english #idioms #verb
put in {v.}
- To add to what has been said; say (something) in addition to what others say.
While the boys were discussing the car accident, Ben put in that the road was icy.
My father put in a word for me and I got the job.
- To buy and keep in a store to sell.
He put in a full stock of drugs.
- To spend (time).
He put in many years as a printer.
He put in an hour a day reading.
- To plant.
He put in a row of radishes.
- To stop at a port on a journey by water.
After the fire, the ship put in for repairs.
- To apply; ask. — Used with "for".
When a better job was open, he put in for it.
The sailor put in for time to visit his family before the ship went to sea. Categories: time {v.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb #noun #adjective
pass the buck {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make another person decide something or accept a responsibility or give orders instead of doing it yourself; shift or escape responsibility or blame; put the duty or blame on someone else.
Mrs. Brown complained to the man who sold her the bad meat, but he only passed the buck and told her to see the manager.
If you break a window, do not pass the buck; admit that you did it.
Compare: LET GEORGE DO IT.
- buck-passer {n. phr.}
A person who passes the buck.
Mr. Jones was a buck-passer even at home, and tried to make his wife make all the decisions.
- buck-passing {n.} or {adj.}
Buck-passing clerks in stores make customers angry. Categories: {adj.} {informal} {n. phr.} {n.} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #informal #verb
play safe or play it safe {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be very careful; accept small gains or none to avoid loss; avoid danger for the sake of safety.
He got tired as the game went on, and began to play safe.
Tom didn't know what the other driver would do, so he played it safe and stopped his own car. Categories: {informal} {v. phr.}
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
доводить до белого каления {v. phr.}
dovodit' dob'elogo ka`lenija
{literally}
To bring to a white heat.
To drive someone to a frenzy, to infuriate, to rouse to fury; to make someone lose his self-control.
See: трепать нервы, drive one ape
quoteoftheday
Children enjoy the present because they have neither a past nor a future.
esl #english #idioms #adverb
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: experience {adv. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
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: {v.}
esl #english #idioms
high
See:
COME HELL OR HIGH WATER,
FLYING HIGH,
GO THROUGH HELL AND HIGH WATER,
HELL AND HIGH WATER,
HIT THE HIGH SPOTS,
LIVE HIGH OFF THE HOG or EAT HIGH ON THE HOG,
OFF ONE'S HIGH HORSE,
ON TOP OF THE WORLD or SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD also ( {Southern}) SITTING ON HIGH COTTON,
RIDING HIGH.
LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
тянуть за язык {v. phr.}
{literally}
To pull someone by the tongue.
To make someone say smt; to pump someone.
Ну зачем ты вчера затеяла этот разговор? Кто тебя за язык тянул? — Why did you start this topic yesterday? Who pulled you by the tongue?
Comp.: тянуть за рукав ~ pull smb by the sleeve, tug at smb's sleeve
Contr.: слова не вытянешь
esl #english #idioms #slang #verb
feel one's oats {v. phr.}, {slang}
- To feel frisky or playful; be eager and excited.
The horses were feeling their oats.
When they first got to camp, the boys were feeling their oats.
- To act in a proud or important way.
The new gardener was feeling his oats and started to boss the other men. Categories: feelings {slang} {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms #verb
pick up the tab {v. phr.}
To pay the bill in a restaurant; be the one who underwrites financially what others are doing.
"I am always the one who picks up the tab," Charlie complained bitterly. "Others get away with being freeloaders."
Compare: FOOT THE BILL. Categories: foot {v. phr.}
esl #english #idioms
head
See:
ACID HEAD,
BEAT INTO ONE'S HEAD,
BEAT ONE'S HEAD AGAINST A WALL,
BIG HEAD,
COUNT HEADS,
EYES IN THE BACK OF ONE'S HEAD,
FROM HEAD TO FOOT,
GET THROUGH ONE'S HEAD,
GOOD HEAD ON ONE'S SHOULDERS,
GO TO ONE'S HEAD,
HANG ONE'S HEAD,
HAVE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND,
HAVE ROCKS IN ONE'S HEAD,
HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON ONE'S HEAD,
HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD,
HANG OVER ONE'S HEAD,
HIDE ONE'S FACE or HIDE ONE'S HEAD,
HOLD ONE'S HEAD UP,
KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN ONE'S HEAD,
KEEP ONE'S HEAD,
LOSE ONE'S HEAD,
MAKE HEAD OR TAIL OF,
OFF THE TOP OF ONE'S HEAD,
ON ONE'S HEAD,
OUT OF ONE'S HEAD also OFF ONE'S HEAD,
OVER ONE'S HEAD,
PRICE ON ONE'S HEAD,
PUT THEIR HEADS TOGETHER or LAY THEIR HEADS TOGETHER,
SWELLED HEAD,
TAKE INTO ONE'S HEAD,
TELL --- WHERE TO GET OFF or TELL --- WHERE TO HEAD IN,
THROW ONESELF AT SOMEONE'S HEAD or FLING ONESELF AT SOMEONE'S HEAD,
TURN ONE'S HEAD,
USE ONE'S HEAD.