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Scanned by: Александр Быков
OCR, spellcheck & formatting: Wesha the Leopard (http://wesha.lib.ru)
hrc-файл синтаксической раскраски для просмотра словаря в редакторе
FAR-а можно получить, послав запрос по адресу wesha@hotmail.com
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Словарь американских идиом: 8000 единиц
Это обновленное и дополненное издание, содержащее более 8000
идиоматических слов и выражений, причем каждое из которых снабжено
грамматическим объяснением и практическим примером. Словарь содержит
лексемные идиомы, фразеологические единицы и поговорки, имеющие
особенное значение. В нем приведены наиболее употребительные выражения
только американского английского языка. Этот словарь - идеальное
пособие для студентов, часто разъезжающих бизнесменов и просто
путешественников.
Предисловие
Что такое идиома?
Если в незнакомом тексте Вы понимаете каждое слово, но не можете
понять смысла. Ваши затруднения, вероятно, вызваны идиоматическими
выражениями. Предположим, Вы прочитали или услышали следующий текст:
Sam is a real cool cat. He never blows his stack and
hardly ever flies off the handle. What's more, he knows how
to get away with things... Well, of course, he is getting
on, too. His hair is pepper and salt, but he knows how to
make up for lost time by taking it easy. He gets up early,
works out, and turns in early. He takes care of the hot dog
stand like a breeze until he gets time off. Sam's got it
made; this is it for him.
Очевидно, что этот стиль нельзя назвать строго литературным, но,
тем не менее, американцы в разговоре друг с другом часто употребляют
такие выражения. Если Вы иностранец и знаете слова cool (прохладно),
cat (кошка), blow (дуть), stack (кучи), fly (лететь), handle (ручка) и
т.д., Вы не поймете данный образец разговорного американского
английского языка, потому что те переводы слов, которые находятся в
обычных английских словарях, не дадут Вам точного значения приведенных
выше выражений. Из этого следует, что идиома - это новое, неожиданное
значение группы слов, каждое из которых обладает своим собственным
значением. Ниже Вы найдете перевод этого разговорного и
нелитературного текста на более формальный вариант американского
диалекта:
Sam is really a calm person. He never loses control of
himself and hardly ever becomes too angry. Furthermore, he
knows how to manage his business financially by using a few
tricks... Needless to say, he, too, is getting older. His
hair is beginning to turn gray, but he knows how to
compensate for wasted time by relaxing. He rises early,
exercises, and goes to bed early. He manages his frankfurter
stand without visible effort, until it is someone else's
turn to work there. Sam is successful; he has reached his
life's goal.
"Сэм очень тихий человек. Он никогда не теряет контроль
над собой и редко сердится. Кроме того, он знает, как вести
свое дело с финансовой точки зрения, употребляя некоторые
хитрости... Безусловно, он тоже стареет. Его волосы седеют,
но он умеет восстанавливать потраченные силы отдыхом. Он
рано встает, делает гимнастику и рано ложится. Со своей
работой в колбасном магазине он справляется без особого
труда, успевая все сделать до того, как его сменят. Сэм
вполне счастлив, - он достиг цели своей жизни".
Идиоматические выражения, употребленные в этом тексте, можно
организовать в следующий небольшой словарь:
+=================К=============================================+
I to be a (real) I "быть очень спокойным человеком" I
I cool cat I I
Л=================+=============================================?
I to blow one's I "потерять контроль над собой, рассердиться" I
I stack I I
Л=================+=============================================?
I to fly off the I "прийти в ярость" I
I handle I I
Л=================+=============================================?
I what's more I "помимо этого, кроме того" I
I I I
I to get away I "смошенничать, оставшись безнаказанным" I
I with something I I
I I I
I of course I "конечно" I
I I I
I to be getting I "постареть" I
I on I I
I I I
I pepper and salt I "седеющие черные или темные волосы" I
I I I
I to make up for I "восполнить что-то" I
I something I I
I I I
I lost time I "потерянное время" I
I I I
I to take it easy I "не обращать внимания" I
I I I
I to get up I "встать утром" I
I I I
I to work out I "делать гимнастику" I
I I I
I to turn in I "лечь спать" I
I I I
I to lake care of I "отвечать за что-то" I
I something I I
I I I
I like a breeze I "легко, элегантно, без усилий" I
I I I
I time off I "время отдыха" I
I I I
I to have got it I "быть счастливым, довольным, удачливым" I
I made I I
I I I
I this is it I "вот и все, что нужно" I
+=================Й=============================================+
Некоторые идиомы из этого небольшого списка можно найти в нашем
словаре. Большая часть идиом принадлежит обыкновенным грамматическим
классам или частям речи. Так, например, некоторые идиомы по своей
природе - типичные глаголы: get away with, get up, work out, turn in и
т.д. Не меньшее число идиоматических выражений - имена. Так, hot dog
(сосиска в хлебе), The White House (Белый Дом - официальная резиденция
американского президента) - имена существительные. Некоторые из идиом
- имена прилагательные: так, в нашем примере pepper and salt (седеющие
черные или темные волосы) обозначает цвет волос. Многие из этих
выражений, как, например, like a breeze (легко), hammer and tongs
(violently, насильственно) - наречия. Идиоматические выражения,
относящиеся к одному из обыкновенных грамматических классов,
называются лексемными идиомами (lexemic idioms).
Вторая основная группа идиом состоит из фраз, таких как наши
примеры to fly off the handle (потерять контроль над собой) и to blow
one's stack (прийти в ярость). В американском варианте английского
языка подобные выражения встречаются очень часто. Некоторые из
наиболее известных следующие: to kick the bucket (die, умереть,
сыграть в ящик, отбросить копыта), to be up the creek (in danger, быть
в опасности), to seize the bull by the horns (face a problem squarely,
разрешать проблему или задачу, стоящую перед нами, взять быка за рога)
и т.д. Идиомы этой группы называются оборотами речи, по-английски
tournures (из французского языка). Они не принадлежат одному
какому-либо грамматическому классу (части речи), и переводить их нужно
не словом, а группой слов.
Форма подобных идиоматических выражений устоялась; многие из них
совсем "застыли" и не могут функционировать в другой форме.
Рассмотрим, например, идиому tо kick the bucket (die, умереть).
Употребив эту форму в пассивном залоге, мы отказываемся от
идиоматического смысла, получив выражение the bucket has been kicked
by the cowboy (ковбой ударил ведро ногой). Впрочем, даже это выражение
может изменяться по времени, так как мы можем сказать the cowboy
kicked the bucket, the cowboy will kick the bucket, the cowboy has
kicked the bucket и т.д. Проблема, можно ли употреблять это
идиоматическое выражение в герундивной форме (герундив, gerundive -
слово, производное от глагола с помощью суффикса -ing, например,
singing от sing, eating от eat и т.д.), не решена окончательно
учеными-лингвистами и носителями языка. Правильная эта форма или нет,
мы не рекомендуем употреблять выражения типа his kicking the bucket
surprised us all.
Следующий большой класс идиом состоит из поговорок, таких как don't
count your chickens before they're hatched (do not celebrate the
outcome of an undertaking prematurely - you may fail and will look
ridiculous); буквально: "не считайте кур, пока они не вылупились из
яиц"; русский вариант поговорки звучит: "цыплят по осени считают".
Большое число поговорок пришло в американский вариант английского
языка из литературных источников или же от первых английских
иммигрантов в Америку.
Своим рождением идиомы обязаны тому, что мы чаще используем уже
существующие слова для выражения новых идей, чем создаем новые слова с
помощью фонем языка. Фактически нет языков, в которых не было бы
идиом. Возьмем, например, слова "ма шанг", китайское выражение,
которое значит "быстро". Переведенное дословно, оно означает
"лошадиная спина". Связь понятий лошадиной спины и быстроты очевидна:
раньше, до появления поезда, автомобиля и самолета, быстрее всего было
путешествовать верхом на лошади. Китайское выражение "ма шанг" было бы
аналогом русской фразы: "Торопитесь, нам надо ехать на лошадиной
спине". Такая форма была бы вполне понятной носителю русского языка,
но иностранец должен был бы понять, что это идиома. Даже если
иностранец никогда не слышал выражения "ма шанг" (лошадиная спина), он
может догадаться, что это значит; однако, во многих случаях подобные
догадки ошибочны.
Например, возьмем английскую идиому the die is cast (жребий
брошен). Вряд ли, не зная ее точного выражения, Вы догадаетесь, что
это выражение значит: "Я решил, и больше не могу изменить свое
решение". Зная точное значение, Вы можете догадаться, как возникло это
идиоматическое выражение: кость, брошенная во время игры в кости, по
правилам может быть брошена только один раз, независимо от результата.
Многие знают, что эту фразу произнес Юлий Цезарь, когда перешел
Рубикон, что явилось началом войны.
Как научиться употреблять идиоматическое выражение правильно?
Прежде всего, подождите, пока Вы не услышите идиому от человека, для
которого американский английский - родной язык. Если Вы неоднократно
слышали идиому и вполне поняли ее значение, Вы сами можете начать
употреблять это выражение. Предположим, молодая девушка очень хочет
выйти замуж. Она может выбирать между двумя возможными женихами,
назовем их Павел и Николай. Павел немолод, некрасив и небогат, но он
уже сделал предложение и готов жениться хоть завтра. Николай красив и
богат, но он пока не собирается жениться и неизвестно, женится ли
когда-нибудь. После некоторого размышления девушка решает принять
предложение Павла, боясь остаться старой девой. Если вскоре после
свадьбы Николай признается ей, что мечтает быть ее мужем, нашей
героине останется только сказать "Oh, well, the die is cast..." ("Что
делать, жребий брошен"). Если, оказавшись в подобной ситуации, Вы
произносите эту фразу, беседуя с американцем, и он смотрит на Вас с
сочувствием и не переспрашивает: "Что Вы имеете в виду?" - считайте,
что Вы достигли первого успеха, употребив новую идиому в правильном
контексте. Американцы относятся к иностранцам более лояльно, чем
другие нации, но они, конечно, оценят, сколь бегло Вы говорите
по-английски. Использование идиом поможет Вам установить контакт со
слушателем и избежать репутации "слишком серьезного" человека. Чем
больше идиом Вы употребляете в правильном контексте, тем лучше о Вас
будут думать Ваши собеседники.
Как пользоваться этим словарем?
Словарь был составлен для людей, говорящих по-английски, но не
родившихся в Америке. Словарь содержит лексемные идиомы,
фразеологические единицы и поговорки, имеющие особенное значение.
Возможно, некоторые из идиоматических выражений Вам уже знакомы, и Вы
понимаете, что они означают. Найдите в словаре перевод одной из
следующих идиом, значение которой Вы уже знаете, - это поможет Вам
понять, как пользоваться этой книгой: boyfriend, girlfriend, piggy
bank, get even, give up, going to, keep on, keep your mouth shut, lead
somebody by the nose, look after, show off, throw away, all over, in
love, mixed-up, out of this world, I'll say.
Чтобы научиться пользоваться словарем, несколько раз внимательно
изучите предписания и попрактикуйтесь в нахождении значения
идиоматических выражений. Если Вы услышите идиому, которой нет в
книге, то, имея некоторый опыт работы с нашим словарем, Вы сможете
найти ее значение и выписать его для себя. Заведите Ваш собственный
список идиом и храните его вместе с Вашим обычным словарем. Пошлите
нам Ваши наблюдения и замечания.
Как узнать, поможет ли Вам "Словарь идиом" понять трудную фразу?
Иногда догадаться, о чем идет речь, не сложно, как в выражениях puppy
love, fun house, dog-eat-dog, mixed-up. Если же Вы не можете перевести
выражение, выберите основное слово из самой трудной части и найдите
его в словаре. Если это первое слово идиомы, Вы найдете всю фразу и
перевод к ней. Таким образом, выражение bats in the belfry напечатано
в этом словаре под буквой В, слово bats. Если слово, которое Вы
выбрали, не первое слово идиомы, Вы найдете список идиом, которые
содержат это слово. Например, слово toe (палец ноги) Вы найдете в
статьях CURL ONE'S HAIR or CURL ONE'S TOES, ON ONE'S TOES, STEP ON THE
TOES (OF SOMEBODY). Конечно, Вы можете столкнуться с тем, что не
понимаете некоторые фразы, потому что Вам незнакомы обыкновенные
слова, а не из-за обилия идиоматических выражений. В этом случае Вам
поможет обычный словарь. Обратите внимание, что в этом словаре
приведены наиболее употребительные выражения только американского
английского языка, без учета идиоматики, например, британского или
австралийского диалектов. Словарь, содержащий идиомы всех диалектов
английского языка, был бы международным словарем английских
идиоматических выражений. В настоящее время такой книги нет, но
надеемся, что в будущем она будет написана.
Типы словарных статей
Этот словарь содержит четыре типа статей: главные статьи,
продолжающиеся статьи, статьи-ссылки и указательные статьи. Главная
статья включает полное объяснение идиомы. Продолжающаяся статья -
фраза, происходящая от другой идиомы, но которая была бы
самостоятельной единицей, если бы она была напечатана в своем
собственном алфавитном месте. Эти производные идиомы приводятся в
конце главной статьи, например, fence sitter "человек, сидящий на
заборе" в конце статьи sit on the fence "сидеть на заборе". В тех
случаях, когда понять производную форму, опираясь на основное
объяснение, затруднительно, приводятся дополнительные объяснения. Если
идиома может употребляться в форме различных частей речи, приводится
отдельная статья на каждый случай.
Ссылки показывают, что объяснение можно найти в другом месте.
Предположим, Вы хотите посмотреть выражение cast in one's lot with
(решить стать соучастниками или партнерами). Вы можете посмотреть на
слово cast (бросать) или на слово lot (судьба), ссылка направит Вас к
слову throw в фразе throw in one's lot with. Причиной этого является
тот факт, что слово cast (бросать) употребляется в сегодняшнем
английском языке гораздо реже чем слово throw. Следовательно, более
распространенная форма этой идиомы начинается глаголом throw.
Указательная статья ведет нас ко всем другим статьям, содержащим
искомое слово. Таким образом, слово chin (подбородок) сопровождается
фразами, в которых Вы найдете слово chin, таких как keep one's chin
up, stick one's chin (or neck) out, take out, take it on the chin, up
to the chin.
Указатели частей речи
Лексемные идиомы, которые мы обсуждали раньше, сопровождены
указателем части речи. В некоторых случаях, таких, как, скажем, в
случае предложных фраз, употреблен двойной указатель, потому что
данная фраза имеет два грамматических употребления. Буква {v.} значит
verb (глагол); она напечатана в фразах, содержащих глагол и наречие,
или глагол и предлог, или все три, то есть глагол, предлог и наречие.
Сокращение {v. phr.} означает "verbal phrase" как, например, look up,
look in и т.д., то есть сочетание глагола с существительным: глагол с
дополнением, глагол с подлежащим и глагол с предложной фразой.
Ограничительные указатели
Иностранцу, для которого американский английский - неродной язык,
следует обратить особое внимание на то, в какой ситуации какую идиому
можно употреблять. В этом читателю словаря помогут ограничительные
указатели. Так, указатель {slang} (слэнг) показывает, что идиома
употребляется только в фамильярном разговоре очень близкими друзьями.
Указатель {informal} (неформальный) показывает, что выражение может
употребляться в разговоре, но не должно встречаться в формальных
сочинениях. Указатель {formal} (формальный) имеет противоположное
значение: он указывает, что форма употребляется только в научных
работах или при чтении лекции в университете. Указатель {literary}
(литературный) напоминает, что интересующая Вас идиома - широко
известная цитата; ее не стоит употреблять слишком часто. Указатель
{vulgar} (вульгарный, грубый) показывает, что Вам не следует
употреблять эту форму. Однако, иметь представление о подобных формах
необходимо, чтобы иметь возможность судить о людях по языку, который
они употребляют. Указатель {substandard} (не соответствующий языковой
норме) показывает, что форма употребляется малообразованными людьми;
{non-standard} (нестандартный) значит, что фраза неуклюжая. Указатель
{archaic} (архаический) редко употребляется в этой книге; он означает,
что форма очень редка в современном английском языке. Географические
указатели показывают, где идиома образовалась и где употребляется.
{Chiefly British} (главным образом британское) значит, что американцы
редко употребляют эту форму; {southern} (южный) значит, что идиома
употребляется чаще на юге США, чем на севере. Молодые формы, которые
образовались не более шести или семи лет назад, находятся в приложении
к главному словарю.
Adam Makkai
Maya Aleksandrovna Glinberg
A
[abide by] {v.} To accept and obey; be willing to follow. * /A
basketball player may know he did not foul, but he must abide by the
referee's decision./ * /The members agree to abide by the rules of the
club./
[a bit] {n., informal} A small amount; some. * /There's no sugar in
the sugar bowl, but you may find a bit in the bag./ * /If the ball had
hit the window a bit harder, it would have broken it./ - Often used
like an adverb. * /This sweater scratches a bit./ - Also used like an
adjective before "less", "more". * /Janet thought she could lose
weight by eating a bit less./ * /"Have some more cake?" "Thanks. A bit
more won't hurt me."/ - Often used adverbially after verbs in
negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences, sometimes in the
form "one bit". * /"Won't your father be angry?" "No, he won't care a
bit."/ * /Helen feels like crying, but I'll be surprised if she shows
it one bit./ - Sometimes used with "little" for emphasis, also in the
emphatic form "the least bit". * /"Wasn't Bob even a little bit sorry
he forgot his date?" "No, Bob wasn't the least bit sorry."/ Syn.: A
LITTLE. Compare: A FEW. Contrast: A LOT.
[about face] {n.} A sudden change of course or a decision opposite
to what was decided earlier. * /Her decision to become an actress
instead of a dentist was an about face from her original plans./
[about one's ears] or [around one's ears] {adv. phr.} To or into
complete collapse, defeat, or ruin; to the destruction of a person's
plans, hopes, or happiness. * /They planned to have factories all over
the world but the war brought their plans down about their ears./ *
/John hoped to go to college and become a great scientist some day,
but when his father died he had to get a job, and John's dreams came
crashing around his ears./ Compare: ON ONE'S HEAD.
[about time] {n. phr.} Finally, but later than it should have been;
at last. * /Mother said, "It's about time you got up, Mary."/ * /The
basketball team won last night. About time./
[about to] 1. Close to; ready to. - Used with an infinitive. * /We
were about to leave when the snow began./ * /I haven't gone yet, but
I'm about to./ Compare: GOING TO, ON THE POINT OF. 2. {informal}
Having a wish or plan to. - Used with an infinitive in negative
sentences. * /Freddy wasn't about to give me any of his ice-cream
cone./ * /"Will she come with us?" asked Bill. "She's not about to,"
answered Mary./
[above all] {adv. phr.} Of first or highest importance; most
especially. * /Children need many things, but above all they need
love./ Syn.: FIRST AND LAST.
[above suspicion] {adj. phr.} Too good to be suspected; not likely
to do wrong. * /The umpire in the game must be above suspicion of
supporting one side over the other./
[absent without leave (AWOL)] {adj.} Absent without permission;
used mostly in the military. * /Jack left Fort Sheridan without asking
his commanding officer, and was punished for going AWOL./
[absentia] See: IN ABSENTIA.
[Acapulco gold] {n., slang} Marijuana of an exceptionally high
quality. * /Jack doesn't just smoke pot, he smokes Acapulco gold./
[accord] See: OF ONE'S OWN ACCORD or OF ONE'S OWN FREE WILL.
[according as] {conj.} 1. Depending on which; whichever. * /You may
take an oral or written exam according as you prefer./ 1. Depending on
whether; if. * /We will play golf or stay home according as the
weather is good or bad./
[according to] {prep.} 1. So as to match or agree with; so as to be
alike in. * /Many words are pronounced according to the spelling but
some are not./ * /The boys were placed in three groups according to
height./ 2. On the word or authority of. * /According to the Bible,
Adam was the first man./
[according to one's own lights] {adv. phr.} In accordance with
one's conscience or inclinations. * /Citizens should vote according to
their own lights./
[account] See: CALL TO ACCOUNT, CHARGE ACCOUNT, LEAVE OUT OF
ACCOUNT, ON ACCOUNT, ON ACCOUNT OF, ON ONE'S ACCOUNT, ON ONE'S OWN
ACCOUNT, SAVINGS ACCOUNT, TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.
[ace] See: WITHIN AN ACE OF.
[ace in the hole] {n. phr.} 1. An ace given to a player face down
so that other players in a card game cannot see it. * /When the cowboy
bet all his money in the poker game he did not know that the gambler
had an ace in the hole and would win it from him./ 2. {informal}
Someone or something important that is kept as a surprise until the
right time so as to bring victory or success. * /The football team has
a new play that they are keeping as an ace in the hole for the big
game./ * /The lawyer's ace in the hole was a secret witness who saw
the accident./ Compare: CARD UP ONE'S SLEEVE.
[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./
[acid head] {n.}, {slang} A regular user of LSD on whom the
hallucinogenic drug has left a visible effect. * /The reason John acts
so funny is that he is a regular acid head./
[acid rock] {n.}, {slang} A characteristic kind of rock in which
loudness and beat predominate over melody; especially such music as
influenced by drug experiences. * /John is a regular acid rock freak./
[acorn] See: GREAT OAKS PROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW.
[acoustic perfume] {n.}, {slang} Sound for covering up unwanted
noise, such as music over loudspeakers in a noisy construction area. *
/Let's get out of here - this acoustic perfume is too much for my
ears./
[acquire a taste for] {v. phr.} To become fond of something; get to
like something. * /Jack acquired a taste for ripe cheeses when he went
to France./
[across the board] {adv. phr.} 1. So that equal amounts of money
are bet on the same horse to win a race, to place second, or third. *
/I bet $6 on the white horse across the board./ - Often used with
hyphens as an adjective. * /I made an across-the-board bet on the
white horse./ 2. {informal} Including everyone or all, so that all are
included. * /Thе President wanted taxes lowered across the board./ -
Often used with hyphens as an adjective. * /Thе workers at the store
got an across-the-board pay raise./
[across the tracks] See: THE TRACKS.
[act] See: READ THE RIOT ACT.
[act high and mighty] {v. phr.} To wield power; act overbearingly;
order others around; look down on others. * /Paul is an inexperienced
teacher and he acts high and mighty with his students./
[actions speak louder than words] What you do shows your character
better and is more important than what you say. - A proverb. * /John
promised to help me, but he didn't. Actions speak louder than words./
* /Joe is very quiet, but actions speak louder than words. He is the
best player on the team./
[act of faith] {n. phr.} An act or a deed that shows unquestioning
belief in someone or something. * /It was a real act of faith on
Mary's part to entrust her jewelry to her younger sister's care./
[act of God] {n.} An occurrence (usually some sort of catastrophe)
for which the people affected are not responsible; said of
earthquakes, floods, etc. * /Hurricane Andrew destroyed many houses in
Florida, but some types of insurance did not compensate the victims,
claiming that the hurricane was an act of God./ See: FICKLE FINGER OF
FATE.
[act one's age] or [be one's age] {v. phr.} To do the things that
people expect someone of your age to do, not act as if you were much
younger than you are. * /Mr. O'Brien was playing tag with the children
at the party. Then Mrs. O'Brien said, "Henry! Act your age!" and he
stopped./
[actor] See: BAD ACTOR.
[act out] {v.} 1. To show an idea, story, or happening by your
looks, talk, and movements. * /He tried to act out a story that he had
read./ 2. To put into action. * /All his life he tried to act out his
beliefs./
[act up] {v.}, {informal} 1. To behave badly; act rudely or
impolitely. * /The dog acted up as the postman came to the door./ 2.
To work or run poorly (as a after all machine); skip; miss. * /Thе car
acted up because the spark plugs were dirty./
[add fuel to the flame] {v. phr.} To make a bad matter worse by
adding to its cause; spread trouble, increase anger or other strong
feelings by talk or action. * /By criticizing his son's girl, the
father added fuel to the flame of his son's love./ * /Bob was angry
with Ted and Ted added fuel to the flame by laughing at him./
[add insult to injury] {v. phr.} 1. To hurt someone's feelings
after doing him harm. * /He added insult to injury when he called the
man a rat after he had already beaten him up./ 2. To make bad trouble
worse. * /We started on a picnic, and first it rained, then to add
insult to injury, the car broke down./
[addition] See: IN ADDITION.
[address] See: PUBLIC-ADDRESS SYSTEM.
[add the finishing touches] {v. phr.} To complete; finish. *
/Mary's first novel promised to be excellent; however, her editor
suggested that she should add some finishing touches before accepting
it./
[add up] {v.} 1. To come to the correct amount. * /The numbers
wouldn't add up./ 2. {informal} To make sense; be understandable. *
/His story didn't add up./
[add up to] {v.} 1. To make a total of; amount to. * /The bill
added up to $12.95./ 2. {informal} To mean; result in. * /The rain,
the mosquitoes, and the heat added up to a spoiled vacation./
[ad lib] {v. phr.} To improvise; interpolate during speech. * /When
the actress forgot her lines during the second act, she had to ad lib
in order to keep the show going./
[advance] See: IN ADVANCE or IN ADVANCE OF.
[advantage] See: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF, TO ADVANTAGE.
[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.
[affair] See: LOVE AFFAIR.
[afoul of] {prep.} 1. In collision with. * /The boat ran afoul of a
buoy./ 2. In or into trouble with. * /The thief ran afoul of the night
watchman./ * /Speeders can expect to fall afoul of the law sometimes./
[afraid of one's shadow] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Scared of small or
imaginary things; very easily frightened; jumpy; nervous. * /Mrs.
Smith won't stay alone in her house at night; she is afraid of her own
shadow./ * /Johnny cries whenever he must say hello to an adult; he is
afraid of his own shadow./
[a friend in need is a friend indeed] A genuine friend on whom one
can always depend. - A proverb; often shortened to "a friend in
need..." * /When John's house burned down, his neighbor Jim helped him
and his family with shelter, food and clothing. John said, "Jim, a
friend in need is a friend indeed - this describes you."/
[after a fashion] {adv. phr.} Not very well or properly; poorly. *
/He played tennis after a fashion./ * /The roof kept the rain out
after a fashion./ Compare: IN A WAY.
[after all] {adv. phr.} 1. As a change in plans; anyway. - Used
with emphasis on "after". * /Bob thought he couldn't go to the party
because he had too much homework, but he went after all./ 2. For a
good reason that you should remember. - Used with emphasis on "all". *
/Why shouldn't Betsy eat the cake? After all, she baked it./
[after a while] {informal} or [in a while] {adv. phr.} Later, at
some time in the future; after a time that is not short and not long.
* /"Dad, will you help me make this model plane?" "After a while,
Jimmy, when I finish reading the newspaper."/ * /The boys gathered
some wood, and in a while, a hot fire was burning./ Syn.: BY AND BY.
Contrast: RIGHT AWAY.
[after hours] {adv. or adj. phr.} Not during the regular, correct,
or usual time; going on or open after the usual hours. * /The store
was cleaned and swept out after hours./ * /The children had a secret
after hours party when they were supposed to be in bed./
[after one's own heart] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Well liked because
of agreeing with your own feelings, interests, and ideas; to your
liking-agreeable. Used after "man" or some similar word. * /He likes
baseball and good food; he is a man after my own heart./ * /Thanks for
agreeing with me about the class party; you're a girl after my own
heart./ Compare: SEE EYE TO EYE.
[after the dust clears] or [when the dust settles] {adv. phr.} When
a troubling, confusing, or disastrous event is finally over. * /John
invited Tim for dinner, but since Tim's father had just died, he
replied, "Thanks. I'd like to come after the dust settles."/
[again] See: COME AGAIN, EVERY NOW AND THEN or EVERY NOW AND AGAIN,
NOW AND THEN or NOW AND AGAIN, OFF AGAIN, ON AGAIN or ON AGAIN, OFF
AGAIN, SOMETHING ELSE AGAIN, THEN AGAIN, TIME AND AGAIN, YOU SAID IT
or YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN.
[against it] See: UP AGAINST IT.
[against the clock] See: AGAINST TIME.
[against the current] or [against the stream] See: SWIM AGAINST THE
CURRENT.
[against the grain] {adv. phr.} 1. Across rather than with the
direction of the fibers (as of wood or meat). * /He sandpapered the
wood against the grain./ 2. 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.
[against time] or [against the clock] {adv. phr.} 1. 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./ 2. 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./
3. 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./
[age] See: ACT ONE'S AGE or BE ONE'S AGE, DOG'S AGE or COON'S AGE,
LEGAL AGE or LAWFUL AGE, OF AGE, OVER AGE, UNDER AGE.
[agent] See: FREE AGENT.
[Agent Orange] {n.} A herbicide used as a defoliant during the
Vietnam War, considered by some to cause birth defects and cancer,
hence, by extension, an instance of "technological progress
pollution". * /If things continue as they have, we'll all be eating
some Agent Orange with our meals./
[ago] See: WHILE AGO.
[agree with] {v.} To have a good effect on, suit. * /The meat loaf
did not agree with him./ * /The warm, sunny climate agreed with him,
and he soon grew strong and healthy./
[ahead] See: DEAD AHEAD, GET AHEAD.
[ahead of] {prep.} 1. In a position of advantage or power over. *
/He studies all the time, because he wants to stay ahead of his
classmates./ 2. In front of; before. * /The troop leader walked a few
feet ahead of the boys./ 3. Earlier than; previous to, before. *
/Betty finished her test ahead of the others./
[ahead of the game] {adv. or adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. In a
position of advantage; winning (as in a game or contest); ahead (as by
making money or profit); making it easier to win or succeed. * /The
time you spend studying when you are in school will put you ahead of
the game in college./ * /After Tom sold his papers, he was $5 ahead of
the game./ 2. Early; too soon; beforehand. * /When Ralph came to
school an hour early, the janitor said, "You're ahead of the game."/ *
/John studies his lessons only one day early; if he gets too far ahead
of the game, he forgets what he read./
[ahead of time] {adv. phr.} Before the expected time; early. * /The
bus came ahead of time, and Mary was not ready./ * /The new building
was finished ahead of time./ Contrast: BEHIND TIME.
[a hell of] a [or one hell of a] {adj. or adv. phr.}, {informal}
Extraordinary; very. * /He made a hell of a shot during the basketball
game./ * /Max said seven months was a hell of a time to have to wait
for a simple visa./ * /The fall Max took left one hell of a bruise on
his knee./
[aim] See: TAKE AIM.
[air] See: BUILD CASTLES IN THE AIR, CLEAR THE AIR, GIVE ONESELF
AIRS, GET THE AIR at GET THE BOUNCE(1), GIVE THE AIR at GIVE THE
BOUNCE(1), IN THE AIR, INTO THIN AIR, LEAVE HANGING or LEAVE HANGING
IN THE AIR, ON THE AIR, OUT OF THIN AIR, UP IN THE AIR, WALK ON AIR.
[airbus] n. A trade name, also used informally for a wide-bodied
airplane used chiefly as a domestic passenger carrier. * /Airbuses
don't fly overseas, but mainly from coast to coast./
[air one's dirty linen in public] or [wash one's dirty linen in
public] {v. phr.} To talk about your private quarrels or disgraces
where others can hear; make public something embarrassing that should
be kept secret. * /Everyone in the school knew that the superintendent
and the principal were angry with each other because they aired their
dirty linen in public./ * /No one knew that the boys' mother was a
drug addict, because the family did not wash its dirty linen in
public./
[airquake] {n.} An explosive noise of undetermined origin usually
heard in coastal communities and appearing to come from some higher
point in elevation. * /What was that awful noise just now? - I guess
it must have been an airquake./
[air shuttle] {n.}, {informal} Air service for regular commuters
operating between major cities at not too far a distance, e.g.,
between Boston and New York City; such flights operate without
reservation on a frequent schedule. * /My dad takes the air shuttle
from Boston to New York once a week./
[a la] {prep.} In the same way as; like. * /Billy played ball like
a champion today, a la the professional ball players./ * /Joe wanted
to shoot an apple off my head a la William Tell./ (From French "a la",
in the manner of.)
[albatross around one's neck] {n. phr.}, {literary} Guilt, the
haunting past, an unforgettable problem. * /Even though it was an
accident, John's father's death has been an albatross around John's
neck./ Compare: MONKEY ON ONE'S BACK.
[alert] See: ON THE ALERT.
[a little] {n.} or {adj.} A small amount (of); some. - Usually "a
little" is different in meaning from "little", which emphasizes the
negative; "a little" means "some"; but "little" means "not much". We
say * /"We thought that the paper was all gone, but a little was
left."/ But we say, * /"We thought we still had a bag of flour, but
little was left."/ Also, we say, * /"Bob was sick yesterday, but he is
a little better today."/ But we say, * /"Bob was sick yesterday, and
he is little better today."/ Sometimes "a little" is used with "only",
and then it is negative. * /We thought we had a whole bag of flour,
but only a little was left./ * /We have used most of the sugar; but a
little is left./ * /We did not eat all the cake; we saved a little of
it for you./ * /I'm tired; I need a little time to rest./ * /Where is
the paper? I need a little more./ - Often used like an adverb. *
/Usually the teacher just watched the dancing class, but sometimes she
danced a little to show them how./ * /The children wanted to play a
little longer./ - Sometimes used with "very" for emphasis. * /The sick
girl could not eat anything, but she could drink a very little tea./
Syn.: A BIT. Compare: A FEW. Contrast: A LOT, QUITE A LITTLE.
[a little bird told me] To have learned something from a
mysterious, unknown, or secret source. * /"Who told you that Dean
Smith was resigning?" Peter asked. "A little bird told me," Jim
answered./
[a little knowledge is a dangerous thing] {literary} A person who
knows a little about something may think he knows it all and make bad
mistakes. - A proverb. * /John has read a book on driving a car and
now he thinks he can drive. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing./
[alive] See: COME ALIVE, KNOW --- IS ALIVE, LOOK ALIVE, SKIN ALIVE.
[alive and kicking] {adj. phr.} Very active; vigorous; full of
energy. * /Grandpa was taken to the hospital with pneumonia, but he
was discharged yesterday and is alive and kicking./
[alive with] {prep.}, {informal} Crowded with; filled with. * /The
lake was alive with fish./ * /The stores were alive with people the
Saturday before Christmas./
[all] See: AFTER ALL, AND ALL, AT ALL, BEAT ALL or BEAT THE DUTCH,
FOR ALL, FOR ALL ONE IS WORTH, FOR ALL ONE KNOWS, FOR ALL THE WORLD,
FOR GOOD also FOR GOOD AND ALL, FROM THE BOTTOM OF ONE'S HEART or WITH
ALL ONE'S HEART, HAVE ALL ONE'S BUTTONS or HAVE ALL ONE'S MARBLES, IN
ALL, JUMP ON or JUMP ALL OVER or LAND ALL OVER, KNOW-IT-ALL, ON ALL
FOURS, ONCE AND FOR ALL, PUT ALL ONE'S EGGS IN ONE BASKET, STRIKE ALL
OF A HEAP, WALK OVER or WALK ALL OVER or STEP ALL OVER.
[all along] or ({informal}) [right along] {adv. phr.} All the time;
during the whole time. */I knew all along that we would win./ * /I
knew right along that Jane would come./
[all at once] {adv. phr.} 1. At the same time; together. * /The
teacher told the children to talk one at a time; if they all talked at
one time, she could not understand them./ * /Bill can play the piano,
sing, and lead his orchestra all at once./ 2. or [all of a sudden]
Without warning; abruptly; suddenly; unexpectedly. * /All at once we
heard a shot and the soldier fell to the ground./ * /All of a sudden
the ship struck a rock./ Compare: AT ONCE.
[all better] {adj. phr.} Fully recovered; all well again; no longer
painful. - Usually used to or by children. * /"All better now," he
kept repeating to the little girl./
[all but] {adv. phr.} Very nearly; almost. * /Crows all but
destroyed a farmer's field of corn./ * /The hikers were exhausted and
all but frozen when they were found./
[all ears] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Very eager to hear; very
attentive. - Used in the predicate. * /Go ahead with your story; we
are all ears./ * /When John told about the circus, the boys were all
ears./
[alley] See: BLIND ALLEY, DOWN ONE'S ALLEY or UP ONE'S ALLEY.
[alley cat] {n.}, {slang} 1. A stray cat. 2. A person (usually a
female) of rather easy-going, or actually loose sexual morals; a
promiscuous person. * /You'll have no problem dating her; she's a
regular alley cat./
[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./
[all gone] {adj. phr.} Used up; exhausted (said of supplies); done
with; over with. * /We used to travel a lot, but, alas, those days are
all gone./
[all here] See: ALL THERE.
[all hours] {n. phr.}, {informal} Late or irregular times. * /The
boy's mother said he must stop coming home for meals at all hours./ *
/He stayed up till all hours of the night to finish his school work./
[all in] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Very tired; exhausted. * /The
players were all in after their first afternoon of practice./ Syn.:
PLAYED OUT, WORN OUT.
[all in a day's work] or [all in the day's work] {adj. phr.},
{informal} Unpleasant or bad but to be expected; not harder than
usual; not unusual. * /Keeping ants away from a picnic lunch is all in
the day's work./ * /When the car had a flat tire, Father said that it
was all in a day's work./ Compare: PAR FOR THE COURSE, PUT UP WITH.
[all in all(1)] {n. phr.}, {literary} The person or thing that you
love most. * /She was all in all to him./ * /Music was his all in
all./
[all in all(2)] or [in all] {adv. phr.} When everything is thought
about; in summary; altogether. * /All in all, it was a pleasant day's
cruise./ * /All in all, the pilot of an airplane must have many
abilities and years of experience before he can he appointed./
Compare: ON THE WHOLE 1. * /Counting the balls on the green, we have
six golf balls in all./
[all in good time] {adv. phr.} Some time soon, when the time is
ripe for an event to take place. * /"I want to get married, Dad," Mike
said. "All in good time, Son," answered his father./
[all in one piece] {adv. phr.} Safely; without damage or harm. *
/John's father was terribly concerned when his son was sent to war as
a pilot, but he came home all in one piece./
[all kinds of] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Plenty of. * /People say
that Mr. Fox has all kinds of money./ * /When Kathy was sick, she had
all kinds of company./ Compare: GREAT DEAL.
[all manner of] {adj. phr.}, {formal} Many different kinds of; all
sorts of. * /In a five-and-ten-cent store you can buy all manner of
things./
[all of] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. 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./ 2.
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./
[all of a sudden] See: ALL AT ONCE 2.
[all out] {adv. phr.}, {informal} With all your strength, power, or
determination; to the best of your ability; without holding back. -
Usually used in the phrase "go all out". * /We went all out to win the
game./ * /John went all out to finish the job and was very tired
afterwards./ Compare: ALL THE WAY 2, FULL TILT, GO THE WHOLE HOG, GO
TO ANY LENGTH, LEAVE A STONE UNTURNED, WITH MIGHT AND MAIN.
[all-out effort] {n.} A great and thorough effort at solving a
given problem. * /The President is making an all-out effort to
convince Congress to pass the pending bill on health care./
[all-out war] {n.} Total war including civilian casualties as
opposed to a war that is limited only to armies. * /Hitler was waging
an all-out war when he invaded Poland./
[all over] {adv. phr.} 1. In every part; everywhere. * /He has a
fever and aches all over./ * /I have looked all over for my glasses./
Compare: FAR AND WIDE. 2. {informal} In every way; completely. * /She
is her mother all over./ 3. {informal} Coming into very close physical
contact, as during a violent fight; wrestling. * /Before I noticed
what happened, he was all over me./
[all over but the shouting] {adv. phr.,} {informal} Finally decided
or won; brought to an end; not able to be changed. * /After Bill's
touchdown, the game was all over but the shouting./ * /John and Tom
both tried to win Jane, but after John's promotion it was all over but
the shouting./
[all over someone] See: FALL ALL OVER SOMEONE.
[allowance] See: MAKE ALLOWANCE.
[allow for] {v.} To provide for; leave room for; give a chance to;
permit. * /She cut the skirt four inches longer to allow for a wide
hem./ * /Democracy allows for many differences of opinion./
[all right(1)] {adv. phr.} 1. Well enough. * /The new machine is
running all right./ 2. {informal} I am willing; yes. * /"Shall we
watch television?" "All right."/ Compare: VERY WELL. 3. {informal}
Beyond question, certainly. - Used for emphasis and placed after the
word it modifies. * /It's time to leave, all right, but the bus hasn't
come./
[all right(2)] {adj. phr.} 1. Good enough; correct; suitable. *
/His work is always all right./ 2. In good health or spirits; well. *
/"How are you?" "I'm all right."/ 3. {slang} Good. * /He's an all
right guy./
[all right for you] {interj.} I'm finished with you! That ends it
between you and me! - Used by children. * /All right for you! I'm not
playing with you any more!/
[all roads lead to Rome] {literary} The same end or goal may be
reached by many different ways. - A proverb. * /"I don't care how you
get the answer," said the teacher, "All roads lead to Rome."/
[all set] {adj. phr.} Ready to start. * /"Is the plane ready for
take-off?" the bank president asked. "Yes, Sir," the pilot answered.
"We're all set."/
[all shook up] also [shook up] {adj.}, {slang} In a state of great
emotional upheaval; disturbed; agitated. * /What are you so shook up
about?/
[all systems go] {Originally from space English, now general
colloquial usage.} Everything is complete and ready for action; it is
now all right to proceed. * /After they wrote out the invitations, it
was all systems go for the wedding./
[all the(1)] {adj. phr.}, {dial.} The only. * /A hut was all the
home he ever had./
[all the(2)] {adv. phr.} Than otherwise; even. - Used to emphasize
comparative adjectives, adverbs, and nouns. * /Opening the windows
made it all the hotter./ * /Take a bus instead of walking and get home
all the sooner./ * /If you don't eat your dessert, all the more for
us./
[all the better] See: ALL THE(2).
[all the ---er] {substandard} The ---est; as ... as. - Used with a
comparative adjective or adverb and subordinate clause in place of a
superlative adjective or adverb. * /That was all the bigger he grew./
* /Is that all the faster you can go?/
[all there] or [all here] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Understanding
well; thinking clearly; not crazy. - Usually used in negative
sentences, * /Joe acted queerly and talked wildly, so we thought he
was not all there./
[all the same(1)] or [all one] {n. phr.} Something that makes no
difference; a choice that you don't care about. * /If it's all the
same to you, I would like to be waited on first./ * /You can get there
by car or by bus - it's all one./
[all the same(2)] or [just the same] {adv. phr.}, {informal} As if
the opposite were so; nevertheless; anyway; anyhow; still. * /Everyone
opposed it, but Sally and Bob got married all the same./ * /Mary is
deaf, but she takes tap dancing lessons just the same./ Compare: AT
THAT 3, IN SPITE OF.
[all the thing] or [all the rage], [the in thing] {n. phr.} The
fashionable or popular thing to do, the fashionable or most popular
artist or form of art at a given time. * /After "The Graduate" Dustin
Hoffman was all the rage in the movies./ * /It was all the thing in
the late sixties to smoke pot and demonstrate against the war in
Vietnam./
[all the time] {adv. phr.} 1. or [all the while] During the whole
period; through the whole time. * /Mary went to college in her home
town and lived at home all the while./ * /Most of us were surprised to
hear that Mary and Tom had been engaged all year, but Sue said she
knew it all the time./ 2. Without stopping; continuously * /Most
traffic lights work all the time./ 3. Very often; many times. * /Ruth
talks about her trip to Europe all the time, and her friends are tired
of it./
[all the way] or [the whole way] {adv. phr.} 1. From start to
finish during the whole distance or time. * /Jack climbed all the way
to the top of the tree./ * /Joe has played the whole way in the
football game and it's almost over./ 2. In complete agreement; with
complete willingness to satisfy. - Often used in the phrase "go all
the way with". * /I go all the way with what George says about Bill./
* /Mary said she was willing to kiss Bill, but that did not mean she
was willing to go all the way with him./ * /The bank was willing to
lend Mr. Jones money to enlarge his factory but it wasn 't willing to
go all the way with his plans to build another in the next town./
Compare: ALL OUT, GO THE WHOLE HOG.
[all the worse] See: ALL THE 2.
[all thumbs] {adj.}, {informal} Awkward, especially with your
hands; clumsy. * /Harry tried to fix the chair but he was all thumbs./
[all told] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Counting or including
everything. * /Including candy sale profits we have collected $300 all
told./
[all to the good] See: TO THE GOOD.
[all up] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Near to certain death or defeat
without any more chance or hope. * /With their ammunition gone the
patrol knew that it was all up with them./
[all very well] {adj.} All right; very good and correct; very true.
- Usually followed by a "but" clause. * /It's all very well for you to
complain but can you do any better?/ * /It's all very well if Jane
comes with us, but how will she get back home?/ Compare: WELL AND
GOOD.
[all walks of life] {n. phr.} All socioeconomic groups; all
professions and lines of work. * /A good teacher has to be able to
communicate with students from all walks of life./ * /A clever
politician doesn't alienate people from any walk of life./
[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.
[all wool and a yard wide] {adj. phr.} Of fine character;
especially, very generous and kind-hearted. * /He's a wonderful
brother - all wool and a yard wide./
[all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy] Too much hard work
without time out for play or enjoyment is not good for anyone. - A
proverb. * /Bill's mother told him to stop studying and to go out and
play, because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy./
[all year round] {adv. phr.} Always; all the time; throughout all
seasons of the year. * /In California the sun shines all year round./
[alone] See: LET ALONE or LEAVE ALONE, LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE or
LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE.
[along] See: ALL ALONG or RIGHT ALONG, COME ALONG, GET ALONG, GO
ALONG, RUN ALONG, STRING ALONG.
[along for the ride] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Being in a group for
the fun or the credit without doing any of the work. * /He wants no
members in his political party who are just along for the ride./
[along in years] or [on in years] {adj. phr.} Elderly; growing old.
* /As Grandfather got on in years, he became quiet and thoughtful./ *
/Our dog isn 't very playful because it is getting on in years./
[alongside of] {prep.} 1. At or along the side of. * /We walked
alongside of the river./ 2. Together with. * /I played alongside of
Tom on the same team./ Compare: SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, SIDE BY SIDE. 3.
{informal} Compared with or to; measured next to. * /His money doesn't
look like much alongside of a millionaire's./
[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.
[aloud] See: THINK ALOUD or THINK OUT LOUD.
[alpha wave] {n.} A brain wave, 8-12 cycles per second, associated
with a state of relaxation and meditation and, hence, free of
anxieties. * /Try to produce some alpha waves; you will instantly feel
a lot better./
[alter] See: CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER CASES.
[always] See: GRASS is ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE
FENCE.
[ambulance chaser] {n.} An attorney who specializes in representing
victims of traffic accidents. By extension, a lawyer of inferior rank
or talent. * /Don't hire Cohen; he's just another ambulance chaser./
[American plan] {n.} A system of hotel management in which meals
are included with the room, as opposed to the European plan that does
not include meals. * /American tourists in Europe sometimes expect
that their meals will be included, because they are used to the
American plan./
[amount to] {v.} Signify; add up to. * /John's total income didn't
amount to more than a few hundred dollars./
[a must] {n.} 1. An inevitability; a necessity. * /Visas in many
foreign countries are a must./ 2. An extremely interesting or
memorable event, such as a free concert given by an international
celebrity. * /Alfred Brendel's Beethoven master classes are open to
the public and are not to be missed; they're a must./
[anchor] See: AT ANCHOR.
[--- and ---] 1. - And is used between repeated words to show
continuation or emphasis. * /When the children saw the beautiful
Christmas tree they looked and looked./ * /Old Mr, Bryan has known
Grandfather for years and years, since they were boys./ * /Billy dived
to the bottom of the lake again and again, looking for the lost
watch./ * /Everyone wished the speaker would stop, but he talked on
and on./ Compare: THROUGH AND THROUGH. 2. - When "and" is used between
words with opposite meaning, it often emphasizes how much you mean. *
/Mr. Jones worked early and late to earn enough to live./ * /The
parents hunted high and low for the lost child./ Compare: DAY AND
NIGHT, FROM -- TO, INSIDE AND OUT.
[and all] {informal} And whatever goes with it; and all that means.
* /We don't go out much nowadays, with the new baby and all./ *
/Jack's employer provided the tools and all./
[and how!] {interj.}, {informal} Yes, that is certainly right! -
Used for emphatic agreement. * /"Did you see the game?" "And how!"/ *
/"Isn't Mary pretty?" "And how she is!"/ Syn.: YOU BET, YOU SAID IT.
Compare:: BUT GOOD.
[and so forth] or [and so on] And more of the same kind; and
further amounts or things like the ones already mentioned. * /The
costumes were red, pink, blue, purple, yellow, and so forth./ Compare:
WHAT HAVE YOU.
[and the like] {n. phr.} Things of a similar nature. * /I like
McDonald's, Wendy's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the like./ * /When I
go out to the beach flake towels, a mat, suntan lotion, and the like./
[and then some] And a lot more; and more too. * /It would cost all
the money he had and then some./ * /Talking his way out of this
trouble was going to take all his wits and then some./
[and what not] See: WHAT NOT.
[angel dust] {n.}, {slang} Phencyclidine, an addictive
hallucinatory narcotic drug extremely dangerous to the users' health,
also called PCP. * /Mike has gone from grass to angel dust; he will
end up in the morgue./
[another] See: DANCE TO ANOTHER TUNE.
[answer back] See: TALK BACK.
[answer for] {v.} 1. To take responsibility for; assume charge or
supervision of. * /The secret service has to answer for the safety of
the President and his family./ 2. To say you are sure that (someone)
has good character or ability; guarantee: sponsor. * /When people
thought Ray had stolen the money, the principal said, "Ray is no
thief. I'll answer for him."/ 3. Take the blame or punishment for. *
/When Mother found out who ate the cake, Tom had to answer for his
mischief./
[answer one's calling] {v. phr.} To fulfill one's destiny in terms
of work or profession by doing what one has a talent for. * /Don
answered his calling when he became a chiropractor. Susy answered her
calling when she became a violinist./
[answer the call of nature] or [obey the call of nature] {v. phr.},
{slang} To go to the bathroom to relieve oneself by urinating or
defecating. * /Ted was hiking in the mountains when suddenly he had to
answer the call of nature but since there was no bathroom in the
woods, he excused himself and disappeared behind the bushes./
[answer to] {v.} To be named; go by a certain name or designation;
be accountable. * /When you walk my dog, please remember that he
answers to the name "Caesar."/ * /As head of the company she does not
have to answer to anyone./
[ante up] {v.}, {informal} To produce the required amount of money
in order to close a transaction; to pay what one owes. * /"I guess I'd
better ante up if I want to stay an active member of the Association",
Max said./
[ants in one's pants] {n. phr.}, {slang} Nervous over-activity;
restlessness. * /Jane can not sit still; she has ants in her pants./ *
/You have ants in your pants today. Is something wrong?/
[a number] {n.} A rather large number; numbers. - Used when there
arc more than several and fewer than many. * /The parents were invited
to see the program, and a number came./ * /We knew the Smiths rattier
well; we had visited them a number of times./ - Used like an adjective
before "less", "more". * /We have not set up enough folding chairs; we
need a number more./ Compare: QUITE A FEW.
[any] See: HARDLY ANY or SCARCELY ANY.
[any number] {n.}, {informal} A large number; many. * /There are
any number of reasons for eating good food./ * /Don't ask George what
his excuse is. He can invent any number./ Compare: A LOT, A NUMBER,
GOOD MANY.
[any old how] / [any old way] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Doing
something in a casual, haphazard, or careless way. * /"John," the
teacher said, "you can't just do your homework any old way; you must
pay attention to my instructions!"/
[any port in a storm] Any help is welcome in an emergency. - A
proverb. * /The motel we stopped in was nothing to brag about, but we
were so exhausted that it was a clear case of any port in a storm./
[anything] See: HAVE NOTHING ON or NOT HAVE ANYTHING ON, IF
ANYTHING.
[anything but] {adv. phr.} Quite the opposite of; far from being. *
/I don't mean he's lazy - anything but!/ * /The boys knew they had
broken the rules, and they were anything but happy when they were
called to the office./
[anything like] or [anywhere near] {adv.} Nearly. - Used in
negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences, often in the
negative forms "nothing like" or "nowhere near". * /It's not anything
like as hot today as it was yesterday./ * /Do you think that gold ring
is worth anywhere near a hundred dollars?/ * /Today's game was nowhere
near as exciting as yesterday's game./ * /Studying that lesson should
take nothing like two hours./
[anywhere near] See: ANYTHING LIKE or ANYWHERE NEAR.
[any which way] See: EVERY WHICH WAY.
[apart] See: JOKING ASIDE or JOKING APART, POLES APART, TELL APART.
[apart from] or [aside from] {prep. phr.} Beside or besides; in
addition to. * /The children hardly see anyone, apart from their
parents./ * /Aside from being fun and good exercise, swimming is a
very useful skill./ Syn.: EXCEPT FOR, OUTSIDE OF.
[ape] See: GO APE.
[appear] See: SPEAK OF THE DEVIL AND HE APPEARS.
[appearance] See: PUT IN AN APPEARANCE also MAKE AN APPEARANCE.
[apple] See: POLISH THE APPLE.
[applecart] See: UPSET THE APPLECART or UPSET ONE'S APPLECART.
[apple of one's eye] {n. phr.} Something or someone that is adored;
a cherished person or object. * /Charles is the apple of his mother's
eye./ * /John's first car was the apple of his eye. He was always
polishing it./
[apple-pie order] {n. phr.}, {informal} Exact orderly arrangement,
neatness; tidy arrangement. * /The house was in apple-pie order./ *
/Like a good secretary, she kept the boss's desk in apple-pie order./
[apple polisher]; [apple polishing] See: POLISH THE APPLE.
[approval] See: ON APPROVAL.
[a pretty pass] {n. phr.} An unfortunate condition; a critical
state. * /While the boss was away, things at the company had come to a
pretty pass./
[apron] See: TIED TO ONE'S MOTHER'S APRON STRINGS.
[apropos of] {prep.}, {formal} In connection with; on the subject
of, about; concerning. * /Apropos of higher tuition, Mr. Black told
the boy about the educational loans that banks are offering./ * /Mr.
White went to see Mr. Richards apropos of buying a car./
[arm] See: GIVE ONE'S RIGHT ARM, KEEP AT A DISTANCE Or KEEP AT
ARM'S LENGTH, SHOT IN THE ARM, TAKE UP ARMS, TWIST ONE'S ARM, UP IN
ARMS, WITH OPEN ARMS, COST AN ARM AND A LEG.
[arm and a leg] {n.}, {slang} An exorbitantly high price that must
be paid for something that isn't really worth it. * /It's true that to
get a decent apartment these days in New York you have to pay an arm
and a leg./
[armed to the teeth] {adj. phr.} Having all needed weapons; fully
armed. * /The paratroopers were armed to the teeth./
[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.
[around one's ears] See: ABOUT ONE'S EARS.
[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./
[around the corner] {adv. phr.} Soon to come or happen; close by;
near at hand. * /The fortuneteller told Jane that there was an
adventure for her just around the corner./
[arrest] See: UNDER ARREST.
[as] See: FOR AS MUCH AS, IN AS MUCH AS.
[as a last resort] {adv. phr.} In lieu of better things; lacking
better solutions. * /"We'll sleep in our sleeping bags as a last
resort," John said, "since all the motels are full."/
[as a matter of fact] {adv. phr.} Actually; really; in addition to
what has been said; in reference to what was said. - Often used as an
interjection. * /It's not true that I cannot swim; as a matter of
fact, I used to work as a lifeguard in Hawaii./ * /Do you think this
costs too much? As a matter of fact, I think it is rather cheap./
[as an aside] {adv. phr.} Said as a remark in a low tone of voice;
used in theaters where the actor turns toward the audience as if to
"think out loud." * /During the concert Tim said to his wife as an
aside, "The conductor has no idea how to conduct Beethoven."/
[as a rule] {adv. phr.} Generally; customarily. * /As a rule, the
boss arrives at the office about 10 A.M./
[as an old shoe] See: COMFORTABLE AS AN OLD SHOE, COMMON AS AN OLD
SHOE.
[as --- as ---] - Used with an adjective or adverb in a comparison
or with the effect of a superlative. * /John is as tall as his father
now./ * /I didn't do as badly today as I did yesterday./ * /John's
father gave him a hard job and told him to do as well as possible./ *
/The sick girl was not hungry, but her mother told her to eat as much
as she could./ - Also used in the form "so --- as" in some sentences,
especially negative sentences. * /This hill isn't nearly so high as
the last one we climbed./ - Often used in similes (comparisons that
are figures of speech). * /The baby mouse looked as big as a minute./
* /Jim's face was red as a beet after he made the foolish mistake./ -
Most similes in conventional use are cliches, avoided by careful
speakers and writers.
[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./
[as catch can] See: CATCH AS CATCH CAN.
[as far as] or [so far as] {adv. phr.} 1. 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./ 2. To the extent that; within the
limit that. * /He has no brothers so far as I know./ Compare: FOR
ALL(2).
[as far as that goes] or [as far as that is concerned] or [so far
as that is concerned] also [so far as that goes] {adv. phr.} While we
are talking about it; also; actually. * /You don't have to worry about
the girls. Mary can take care of herself, and as far as that goes,
Susan is pretty independent, too./ * /I didn't enjoy the movie, and so
far as that is concerned, I never like horror movies./ Syn.: FOR THAT
MATTER, IN FACT. Compare: COME TO THINK OF IT.
[as follows] A list of things that come next; what is listed next.
- Followed by a colon. * /My grocery list is as follows: bread,
butter, meat, eggs, sugar./ * /The names of the members are as
follows: John Smith, Mary Webb, Linda Long, Ralph Harper./ * /The
route is as follows: From City Hall go south on Main Street to Elm
Street, east on Elm to 5th Street, and south on 5th two blocks to the
school./
[as for] {prep.} 1. In regard to; speaking of; concerning. * /We
have plenty of bread, and as for butter, we have more than enough./ 2.
Speaking for. * /Most people like the summer but as for me, I like
winter much better./ Compare: FOR ONE'S PART.
[as good as] {adv. phr.} Nearly the same as; almost. * /She claimed
that he as good as promised to marry her./ * /He as good as called me
a liar./ * /We'll get to school on time, we're as good as there now./
* /The man who had been shot was as good as dead./ - Often used
without the first "as" before adjectives. * /When the car was
repaired, it looked good as new./
[as good as a mile] See: MISS IS AS GOOD AS A MILE.
[as good as one gets] See: GIVE AS GOOD AS ONE GETS.
[as good as one's promise] See: AS GOOD AS ONE'S WORD.
[as good as one's word] or [good as one's word] {adj. phr.}
Trustworthy; sure to keep your promise. * /The coach said he would
give the players a day off if they won, and he was as good as his
word./ * /We knew she was always good as her word, so we trusted her./
[as hard as nails] {adj. phr.} Very unfeeling; cruel, and
unsympathetic. * /Uncle Joe is as hard as nails; although he is a
millionaire, he doesn't help his less fortunate relatives./
[aside] See: JOKING ASIDE, SET ASIDE.
[aside from] See: APART FROM.
[aside of] {prep.}, {dialect} Beside; by the side of. * /Mary sits
aside of her sister on the bus./
[as if] or [as though] {conj.} 1. As (he, she, it) would if; in the
same way one would if seeing to show. * /The baby laughed as if he
understood what Mother said./ * /The book looked as though it had been
out in the rain./ * /The waves dashed on the rocks as if in anger./ 2.
That. * /It seems as if you are the first one here./
[as if one has come out of a bandbox] See: LOOK AS IF ONE HAS COME
OUT OF A BANDBOX.
[as is] {adv.} Without changes or improvements; with no guarantee
or promise of good condition. - Used after the word it modifies. *
/They agree to buy the house as is./ * /He bought an old car as is./
Compare: AT THAT(1).
[as it were] {adv. phr.} As it might be said to be; as if it really
were; seemingly. - Used with a statement that might seem silly or
unreasonable, to show that it is just a way of saying it. * /In many
ways children live, as it were, in a different world from adults./ *
/The sunlight on the icy branches made, as it were, delicate lacy
cobwebs from tree to tree./ Compare: SO TO SPEAK.
[ask] See: FOR THE ASKING.
[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.
[ask for one's hand] {v. phr.} To ask permission to marry someone.
* /"Sir," John said timidly to Mary's father, "I came to ask for your
daughter's hand."/
[ask for the moon] or [cry for the moon] {v. phr.} To want
something that you cannot reach or have; try for the impossible. *
/John asked his mother for a hundred dollars today. He's always asking
for the moon./ Compare: PROMISE THE MOON.
[asleep at the switch] {adj. phr.} 1. 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./ 2.
{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./
[as likely as not] {adv. phr.} Probably. * /As likely as not, he
will disappear forever./
[as long as] or [so long as] {conj.} 1. Since; because; considering
that. * /As long as you are going to town anyway, you can do something
for me./ 2. Provided that; if. * /You may use the room as you like, so
long as you clean it up afterward./
[as luck would have it] {adv. clause} As it happened; by chance;
luckily or unluckily. * /As luck would have it, no one was in the
building when the explosion occurred./ * /As luck would have it,
there was rain on the day of the picnic./
[as much] {n.} The same; exactly that. * /Don't thank me, I would
do as much for anyone./ * /Did you lose your way? I thought as much
when you were late in coming./
[as much as] {adv. phr.} 1. or [much as] Even though; although. *
/As much as I hate to do it, I must stay home and study tonight./ 2.
or [so much as] Just the same as; almost; practically; really. * /By
running away he as much as admitted that he had taken the money./ *
/You as much as promised you would help us./ * /The clerk as much as
told me that I was a fool./ Compare: AS GOOD AS. 3. See: FOR AS MUCH
AS.
[as of] prep. At or until (a certain time). * /I know that as of
last week he was still unmarried./ * /As of now we don't know much
about Mars./
[as one goes] See: PAY AS ONE GOES.
[as one man] {adv. phr.} Unanimously; together; involving all. *
/The audience arose as one man to applaud the great pianist./
[as regards] {prep.} Regarding; concerning; about. * /You needn't
worry as regards the cost of the operation./ * /He was always
secretive as regards his family./
[as soon as] {conj.} Just after; when; immediately after. * /As
soon as the temperature falls to 70, the furnace is turned on./ * /As
soon as you finish your job let me know./ * /He will see you as soon
as he can./
[as the crow flies] {adv. clause} By the most direct way; along a
straight line between two places. * /It is seven miles to the next
town as the crow flies, but it is ten miles by the road, which goes
around the mountain./
[as the story goes] {adv. phr.} As the story is told; as one has
heard through rumor. * /As the story goes, Jonathan disappeared when
he heard the police were after him./
[as though] See: AS IF.
[as to] {prep.} 1. In connection with; about; regarding. * /There
is no doubt as to his honesty./ * /As to your final grade, that
depends on your final examination./ Syn.: WITH RESPECT TO. 2.
According to; following; going by. * /They sorted the eggs as to size
and color./
[as usual] {adv. phr.} In the usual way; as you usually do or as it
usually does. * /As usual, Tommy forgot to make his bed before he went
out to play./ * /Only a week after the fire in the store, it was doing
business as usual./
[as well] {adv. phr.} 1. In addition; also, too; besides. * /The
book tells about Mark Twain's writings and about his life as well./ *
/Tom is captain of the football team and is on the baseball team as
well./ 2. Without loss and possibly with gain. * /After the dog ran
away, Father thought he might as well sell the dog house./ * /Since he
can't win the race, he may as well quit./ * /It's just as well you
didn't come yesterday, because we were away./
[as well as] {conj.} In addition to; and also; besides. * /Hiking
is good exercise as well as fun./ * /He was my friend as well as my
doctor./ * /The book tells about the author's life as well as about
his writings./
[as yet] {adv. phr.} Up to the present time; so far; yet. * /We
know little as yet about the moon's surface./ * /She has not come as
yet./
[as you please] 1. As you like, whatever you like or prefer; as you
choose. * /You may do as you please./ 2. {informal} Very. - Used after
an adjective or adverb often preceded by "as". * /There was Tinker,
sitting there, cheerful as you please./ * /She was dressed for the
dance and she looked as pretty as you please./
[at a blow] or [at a stroke] or [at one stroke] {adv. phr.}
Immediately; suddenly; with one quick or forceful action. * /The
pirates captured the ship and captured a ton of gold at a blow./ * /A
thousand men lost their jobs at a stroke when the factory closed./ *
/All the prisoners escaped at one stroke./ Compare: AT ONCE, AT ONE
TIME.
[at all] {adv. phr.} At any time or place, for any reason, or in
any degree or manner. - Used for emphasis with certain kinds of words
or sentences. 1. Negative * /It's not at all likely he will come./ 2.
Limited * /I can hardly hear you at all./ 3. Interrogative * /Can it
be done at all?/ 4. Conditional * /She will walk with a limp, if she
walks at all./ Syn.: IN THE LEAST.
[at all costs] {adv. phr.} At any expense of time, effort, or
money. Regardless of the results. * /Mr. Jackson intended to save his
son's eyesight at all costs./ * /Carl is determined to succeed in his
new job at all costs./
[at all events] See: IN ANY CASE.
[at all hazards] {adv. phr.} With no regard for danger; at any
risk; regardless of the chances you must take. * /The racer meant to
win the 500-mile race at all hazards./
[at all hours] {adv. phr.} Any time; all the time; at almost any
time. * /The baby cried so much that we were up at all hours trying to
calm her down./
[at a loss] {adj. phr.} In a state of uncertainty; without any
idea; puzzled. * /A good salesman is never at a loss for words./ *
/When Don missed the last bus, he was at a loss to know what to do./
[at anchor] {adj. phr.} Held by an anchor from floating away;
anchored. * /The ship rode at anchor in the harbor./
[at any rate] {adv. phr.} In any case; anyhow. * /It isn't much of
a car, but at any rate it was not expensive./ Compare: AT LEAST(2), IN
ANY CASE.
[at a premium] {adv. phr.} At a high price due to special
circumstances. * /When his father died, Fred flew to Europe at a
premium because he had no chance to buy a less expensive ticket./
[at arm's length] See: KEEP AT A DISTANCE or KEEP AT ARM'S LENGTH.
[at a set time] {prep. phr.} At a particular, pre-specified time. *
/Do we have to eat in this hotel at a set time, or may we come down
whenever we want?/
[at a snail's pace] See: SNAIL'S PACE.
[at a straw] See: GRASP AT STRAWS.
[at a stroke] See: AT A BLOW or AT A STROKE.
[at a time] {adv. phr.} At once; at one time; in one group or unit;
together. * /He checked them off one at a time as they came in./ * /He
ran up the steps two at a time./ See: EVERY OTHER. * /They showed up
for class three and four at a time./
[at bay] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In a place where you can no longer
run away; unable to go back farther; forced to stand and fight, or
face an enemy; cornered. * /The dog ran the rat into a corner, and
there the rat turned at bay./ * /The police chased the thief to a
roof, where they held him at bay until more policemen came to help./
Compare: BRING TO BAY.
[at best] or [at the best] {adv. phr.} 1. Under the best
conditions; as the best possibility. * /A coal miner's job is dirty
and dangerous at best./ * /We can't get to New York before ten o'clock
at best./ Compare: AT MOST. Contrast: AT WORST. 2. In the most
favorable way of looking at something; even saying the best about the
thing. * The /treasurer had at best been careless with the club's
money, but most people thought he had been dishonest./
[at both ends] See: BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS.
[at call] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. Ready or nearby for use, help,
or service; on request. * /Thousands of auto insurance agents all over
the country are at the insured person's call, wherever he may travel./
2. At the word of command; at an order or signal. * /The dog was
trained to come at call./
[at close range] {adv. phr.} Close by; in proximity. * /The police
officer fired at the fleeing murder suspect at close range./
[at cross purposes] {adv. phr.} With opposing meanings or aims;
with opposing effect or result; with aims which hinder or get in each
other's way. * /Tom's parents acted at cross purposes in advising him;
his father wanted him to become a doctor; but his mother wanted him to
become a minister./
[at death's door] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Very near death; dying. *
/He seemed to be at death's door from his illness./
[at each other's throats] {prep. phr.} Always arguing and
quarreling. * /Joan and Harry have been at each other's throats so
long that they have forgotten how much they used to love one another./
[at ease] or [at one's ease] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. In comfort;
without pain or bother. * /You can't feel at ease with a toothache./
2. or [at one's ease] Comfortable in one's mind; relaxed, not
troubled. - Often used in the phrase "put at ease" or "put at one's
ease." * /We put Mary at her ease during the thunderstorm by reading
her stories./ Compare: AT HOME(2). Contrast: ILL AT EASE, ON EDGE. 3.
Standing with your right foot in place and without talking in military
ranks. * /The sergeant gave his men the command "At ease!"/ Compare:
PARADE REST.
[at every turn] {adv. phr.} Every time; all the time; continually
without exception. * /Because of his drinking, the man was refused a
job at every turn./
[at face value] {prep. phr.} What one can actually hear, read, or
see; literally. * /John is so honest that you can take his words at
face value./ * /This store's advertisements are honest; take them at
face value./
[at fault] {adj. phr.} Responsible for an error or failure; to
blame. * /The driver who didn't stop at the red light was at fault in
the accident./ * /When the engine would not start, the mechanic looked
at all the parts to find what was at fault./ Syn.: IN THE WRONG.
[at first] {adv. phr.} In the beginning; at the start. * /The
driver didn't see the danger at first./ * /At first the job looked
good to Bob, but later it became tiresome./ * /There was a little
trouble at first, but things soon were quiet./
[at first blush] {adv. phr.} When first seen; without careful
study. * /At first blush the offer looked good, but when we studied
it, we found things we could not accept./
[at first glance] or [at first sight] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} After a
first quick look. * /At first sight, his guess was that the whole
trouble between the two men resulted from personalities that did not
agree./ * /Tom met Mary at a party, and it was love at first sight./
[at great length] {prep. phr.} 1. In great detail. * /Jim told us
the story of his life at great length./ 2. For a long time. * /The
boring speaker rambled on at great length./
[at half mast] {prep. phr.} Halfway up or down; referring primarily
to flagposts, but may be used jokingly. * /When a president of the
United States dies, all flags are flown at half mast./
[at hand] also [at close hand] or [near at hand] {adv. phr.} 1.
Easy to reach; nearby. * /When he writes, he always keeps a dictionary
at hand./ 2. {formal} Coming soon; almost here. * /Examinations are
past and Commencement Day is at hand./
[at heart] {adv. phr.} 1. In spite of appearances; at bottom; in
reality. * /His manners are rough but he is a kind man at heart./ 2.
As a serious interest or concern; as an important aim or goal. * /He
has the welfare of the poor at heart./
[at home] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In the place where you live or
come from. * * /I went to his house, but he was not at home./ *
/Americans abroad are protected by the government like Americans at
home./ 2. Knowing what to do or say; familiar; comfortable. * /Charles
and John enjoy working together because they feel at home with each
other./ * /The politician was at home among poor farmers and among
rich factory owners./ * /Make the new student feel at home in your
school./ * /Would you be at home driving a truck?/ * /Jim always lived
by a lake, and he is at home in the water./ * /Tom has read many books
about missiles and is at home in that subject./ Syn.: AT EASE(2).
Compare: IN ONE'S ELEMENT, MAKE ONESELF AT HOME. Contrast: AT A LOSS.
[at issue] {adj. phr.} 1. In dispute; to be settled by debate, by
vote, by battle, or by some other contest. * /His good name was at
issue in the trial./ * /The independence of the United States from
England was at issue in the Revolutionary War./ Compare: IN QUESTION.
2. Not in agreement; in conflict; opposing. * /His work as a doctor
was at issue with other doctors' practice./ Syn.: AT ODDS.
[at it] {adj. phr.} Busily doing something; active. * /His rule for
success was to keep always at it./ * /The couple who owned the little
cleaning shop were at it early and late./ * /Mr. Curtis heard a loud
crash in the next apartment - the neighbors were at it again./
[at large] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Not kept within walls, fences,
or boundaries; free. * /The killer remained at large for weeks./
Compare: AT LIBERTY. * /Cattle and sheep roamed at large on the big
ranch./ 2. In a broad, general way; at length; fully. * /The
superintendent talked at large for an hour about his hopes for a new
school building./ 3. As a group rather than as individuals; as a
whole; taken together. * /The junior class at large was not interested
in a senior yearbook./ 4. As a representative of a whole political
unit or area rather than one of its parts; from a city rather than one
of its wards, or a state rather than one of its districts. * /He was
elected congressman at large./ * /Aldermen are voted for at large./
[at last] also [at long last] {adv. phr.} After a long time;
finally. * /The war had been long and hard, but now there was peace at
last./ * /The boy saved his money until at last he had enough for a
bicycle./
[at least] {adv. phr.} 1. or [at the least] At the smallest guess;
no fewer than; no less than. * /You should brush your teeth at least
twice a day./ * /At least three students are failing in mathematics./
* /Mr. Johnson must weigh 200 pounds at least./ Compare: ALL OF. 2.
Whatever else you may say; anyhow; anyway. * /It was a clumsy move,
but at least it saved her from getting hit./ * /She broke her arm, but
at least it wasn't the arm she writes with./ * /The Mortons had fun at
their picnic yesterday - at least the children did - they played while
their parents cooked the food./ * /He's not coming - at least that's
what he said./ Compare: AT ANY RATE.
[at leisure] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. Not at work; not busy; with
free time; at rest. * /Come and visit us some evening when you're at
leisure./ 2. or [at one's leisure] When and how you wish at your
convenience; without hurry. * /John made the model plane at his
leisure./ * /You may read the book at your leisure./
[at length] {adv. phr.} 1. In detail; fully. * /You must study the
subject at length to understand it./ * /The teacher explained the new
lesson at length to the students./ 2. In the end; at last; finally. *
/The movie became more and more exciting, until at length people were
sitting on the edge of their chairs./
[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).
[at loggerheads] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} In a quarrel; in a fight;
opposing each other. * /The two senators had long been at loggerheads
on foreign aid./ * /Because of their barking dog, the Morrises lived
at loggerheads with their neighbors./ Compare: AT ODDS.
[at long last] See: AT LAST.
[at loose ends] {adj. phr.} Without a regular job or settled
habits; uncertain what to do next; having nothing to do for a while;
undecided; unsettled; restless. * /Feeling at loose ends, I went for a
long walk./ * /He had finished college but hadn't found a job yet, so
he was at loose ends./
[at most] or [at the most] {adv. phr.} By the largest or most
generous guess; at the upper limit; by the maximum account; not more
than; at best; at worst. * /It was a minor offense at most./ * /He had
been gone 15 minutes at the most./ * /Their new house lot is a quarter
acre at most./
[at odds] {adj. phr.} In conflict or disagreement; opposed. * /The
boy and girl were married a week after they met and soon found
themselves at odds about religion./ Compare: AT LOGGERHEADS.
[at once] {adv. phr.} 1. Without delay; right now or right then;
immediately. * /Put a burning match next to a piece of paper and it
will begin burning at once./ * /Mother called the children to lunch,
and Paul came at once, but Brenda stayed in the sand pile a little
longer./ Syn.: RIGHT AWAY or RIGHT OFF. Compare: ALL AT ONCE(2).
[at one] {adj. phr.} 1. In union or harmony; in agreement or
sympathy. Not usually used informally. * /He felt at one with all the
poets who have sung of love./ 2. Of the same opinion, in agreement. *
/Husband and wife were at one on everything but money./ Contrast: AT
ODDS.
[at one fell swoop] See: IN ONE FELL SWOOP.
[at one's beck and call] or [at the beck and call of] {adj. phr.}
Ready and willing to do whatever someone asks; ready to serve at a
moment's notice. * /A good parent isn't necessarily always at the
child's beck and call./
[at one's best] {prep. phr.} In best form; displaying one's best
qualities. * /Tim is at his best when he has had a long swim before a
ballgame./ * /Jane rested before the important meeting because she
wanted to be at her best./
[at one's door] or [at one's doorstep] {adv. phr.} 1. 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./ 2.
See: LAY AT ONE'S DOOR.
[at one's ease] See: AT EASE(2).
[at one's elbow] {adv. phr.} Close beside you; nearby. * /The
President rode in an open car with his wife at his elbow./ * /Mary
practiced for several years to become a champion swimmer and her
mother was always at her elbow to help her./ Contrast: BREATHE DOWN
ONE'S NECK.
[at one's feet] {adv. phr.} Under your influence or power. * /She
had a dozen men at her feet./ * /Her voice kept audiences at her feet
for years./ Compare: THROW ONESELF AT SOMEONE'S FEET.
[at one's fingertips] {adv. phr.} 1. Within easy reach; quickly
touched; nearby. * /Seated in the cockpit, the pilot of a plane has
many controls at his fingertips./ 2. Readily usable as knowledge or
skill; familiar. * /He had several languages at his fingertips./ * /He
had the whole design of the machine at his fingertips./
[at one's heels] {adv. phr.} Close behind; as a constant follower
or companion. * /The boy got tired of having his little brother at his
heels all day./ * /John ran by the finish line with Ned at his heels./
* /Bad luck followed at his heels all his life./
[at one's leisure] See: AT LEISURE(2).
[at one's service] {adv. phr.} 1. Ready to serve or help you;
prepared to obey your wish or command; subject to your orders. * /He
placed himself completely at the President's service./ * /"Now I am at
your service," the dentist told the next patient./ 2. Available for
your use; at your disposal. * /He put a car and chauffeur at the
visitor's service./
[at one stroke] See: AT A BLOW or AT ONE STROKE.
[at one's wit's end] or [at wits end] {adj. phr.} Having no ideas
as to how to meet a difficulty or solve a problem; feeling puzzled
after having used up all of your ideas or resources; not knowing what
to do; puzzled. * /He had approached every friend and acquaintance for
help in vain, and now he was at his wit's end./ * /The designer was at
his wit's end: he had tried out wings of many different kinds but none
would fly./ Compare: AT A LOSS, END OF ONE'S ROPE.
[at one's word] See: TAKE AT ONE'S WORD.
[at one time] {adv. phr.} 1. In the same moment; together. * /Let's
start the dance again all at one time./ * /Mr. Reed's bills came all
at one time and he could not pay them./ Syn.: AT THE SAME TIME(1). 2.
At a certain time in the past; years ago. * /At one time people
thought that Minnesota was not a good place to live./ * /At one time
most school teachers were men, but today there are more women than
men./
[at pains] {adj. phr.} Making a special effort. * /At pains to make
a good impression, she was prompt for her appointment./
[at present] {adv. phr.} At this time; now. * /It took a long time
to get started, but at present the road is half finished./ * /At
present the house is empty, but next week a family will move in./
[at random] {adv. phr.} With no order, plan, or purpose; in a
mixed-up, or thoughtless way. * /He opened the letters at random./ *
/His clothes were scattered about the room at random./
[at sea(1)] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. On an ocean voyage; on a
journey by ship. * /They had first met at sea./ 2. Out on the ocean;
away from land. * /By the second day the ship was well out at sea./ *
/Charles had visited a ship in dock, but he had never been on a ship
at sea./
[at sea(2)] {adj. phr.} Not knowing what to do; bewildered;
confused; lost. * /The job was new to him, and for a few days he was
at sea./ * /When his friends talked about chemistry, Don was at sea,
because he did not study chemistry./ Compare: AT A LOSS.
[at sight] or [on sight] {adv. phr.} 1. The first time the person
or thing is seen; as soon as the person or thing is seen. * /First
graders learn to read many words on sight./ * /Mary had seen many
pictures of Grandfather, so she knew him on sight./ Compare: AT
ONCE(1). 2. On demand, on asking the first time. * /The money order
was payable at sight./
[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./
[at --- stage of the game] {adv. phr.} At (some) time during an
activity; at (some) point. * /At that stage of the game, our team was
doing so poorly that we were ready to give up./ * /It's hard to know
what will happen at this stage of the game./ * /At what stage of the
game did the man leave?/
[at stake] {adj. phr.} Depending, like a bet, on the outcome of
something uncertain; in a position to be lost or gained. * /The team
played hard because the championship of the state was at stake./ *
/The farmers were more anxious for rain than the people in the city
because they had more at stake./ Compare: HANG IN THE BALANCE.
[at straws] See: GRASP AT STRAWS.
[at swords' points] {adj. phr.} Ready to start fighting; very much
opposed to each; other hostile; quarreling. * /The dog's barking kept
the Browns at swords' points with their neighbors for months./ * /The
mayor and the reporter were always at swords' points./
[at table] See: AT THE TABLE; WAIT AT TABLE.
[at that] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. As it is; at that point;
without more talk or waiting. * /Ted was not quite satisfied with his
haircut but let it go at that./ 2. In addition; also. * /Bill's seat
mate on the plane was a girl and a pretty one at that./ 3. After all;
in spite of all; anyway. * /The book was hard to understand, but at
that Jack enjoyed it./ Syn.: ALL THE SAME.
[at the best] See: AT BEST.
[at the bit] See: CHAMP AT THE BIT.
[at the drop of a hat] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. Without waiting;
immediately; promptly. * /If you need a babysitter quickly, call Mary,
because she can come at the drop of a hat./ Compare: ON THE SPUR OF
THE MOMENT. 2. Whenever you have a chance; with very little cause or
urging. * /At the drop of a hat, he would tell the story of the canal
he wanted to build./ * /He was quarrelsome and ready to fight at the
drop of a hat./
[at the eleventh hour] {prep. phr.} At the last possible time. *
/Aunt Mathilda got married at the eleventh hour; after all, she was
already 49 years old./
[at the end of one's rope] See: END OF ONE'S ROPE.
[at the kill] See: IN AT THE KILL.
[at the least] See: AT LEAST.
[at the mercy of] or [at one's mercy] {adj. phr.} In the power of;
subject to the will and wishes of; without defense against. * /The
champion had the other boxer at his mercy./ * /The picnic was at the
mercy of the weather./ * /The small grocer was at the mercy of people
he owed money to./
[at the most] See: AT MOST.
[at the outset] {adv. phr.} At the start; at the beginning. *
/"You'll live in the cheaper barracks at the outset; later you can
move into the better cabins," the camp director said to the new boys./
[at the outside] {adv. phr.} Maximally; at the utmost. * /This old
house can cost no more than $40,000 at the outside./
[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.
[at the ready] {adj. phr.} Ready for use. * /The sailor stood at
the bow, harpoon at the ready, as the boat neared the whale./
[at the same time] {adv. phr.} 1. In the same moment; together. *
/The two runners reached the finish line at the same time./ Syn.: AT
ONCE, AT ONE TIME. 2. In spite of that fact; even though; however;
but; nevertheless. * /John did pass the test; at the same time, he
didn't know the subject very well./
[at the seams] See: BURST AT THE SEAMS.
[at the table] or [at table] {adv. phr.} At a meal; at the dinner
table. * /The telephone call came while they were all at table./
[at the tip of one's tongue] or [on the tip of one's tongue] {adv.
phr.} {informal} 1. 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./ 2. 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./
[at the top of one's voice] or [at the top of one's lungs] {adv.
phr.} As loud as you can; with the greatest possible sound; very
loudly. * /He was singing at the top of his voice./ * /He shouted at
the top of his lungs./
[at this rate] or [at that rate] {adv. phr.} At a speed like this
or that; with progress like this or that. * /John's father said that
if John kept going at that rate he would never finish cutting the
grass./ * /So Johnny has a whole dollar! At this rate he'll be a
millionaire./ * /"Three 100's in the last four tests! At this rate
you'll soon be teaching the subject," Tom said to Mary./
[at times] {adv. phr.} Not often; not regularly; not every day; not
every week; occasionally; sometimes. * /At times Tom's mother lets him
hold the baby./ * /You can certainly be exasperating, at times!/ * /We
have pie for dinner at times./ Syn.: FROM TIME TO TIME, NOW AND THEN,
ONCE IN A WHILE.
[at will] {adv. phr.} As you like; as you please or choose freely.
* /Little Bobby is allowed to wander at will in the neighborhood./ *
/With an air conditioner you can enjoy comfortable temperatures at
will./
[at wits end] See: AT ONE'S WIT'S END.
[at work] {adj, phr.} Busy at a job; doing work. * /The teacher was
soon hard at work correcting that day's test./ * /Jim is at work on
his car./
[at worst] or [at the worst] {adv. phr.} 1. Under the worst
conditions; as the worst possibility. * /When Don was caught cheating
in the examination he thought that at worst he would get a scolding./
Compare: AT MOST. Contrast AT BEST. 2. In the least favorable view, to
say the worst about a thing. * /The treasurer had certainly not stolen
any of the club's money; at worst, he had forgotten to write down some
of the things he had spent money for./
[aught] See: FOR AUGHT at FOR ALL(2), FOR ALL ONE KNOWS.
[Aunt Tom] {n.}, {slang}, {originally from Black English} A
successful professional or business woman who, due to her success in a
masculine profession, doesn't care about the women's liberation
movement or the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution. * /Hermione is a regular Aunt Tom, she'll never vote for
the ERA./
[avail] See: TO NO AVAIL or OF NO AVAIL.
[average] See: ON AN AVERAGE or ON THE AVERAGE, LAW OF AVERAGES.
[awe] See: STAND IN AWE OF.
[awkward age] {n.} Adolescence; awkwardness during adolescence. *
/Sue used to be an "ugly duckling" when she was at the awkward age,
but today she is a glamorous fashion model./
[AWOL] See: ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE.
[ax to grind] {n. phr.}, {informal} Something to gain for yourself:
a selfish reason. * /In praising movies for classroom use he has an ax
to grind; he sells motion picture equipment./ * /When Charles told the
teacher he saw Arthur copying his homework from Jim, he had an ax to
grind; Arthur would not let Charles copy from him./
B
[babe in the woods] {n. phr.} A person who is inexperienced or
innocent in certain things. * /He is a good driver, but as a mechanic
he is just a babe in the woods./ Compare: OVER ONE'S HEAD, BEYOND
ONE'S DEPTH.
[baby] See: WAR BABY.
[baby boom] {n.} A sudden increase in the birth rate. * /The
universities were filled to capacity due to the baby boom that
followed World War II./
[baby grand] {n.} A small grand piano no longer than three feet,
maximally four feet. * /This apartment can't take a regular grand
piano, so we'll have to buy a baby grand./
[baby kisser] {n.}, {slang} A person campaigning for votes in his
quest for elected political office; such persons often kiss little
children in public. * /Nixon was a baby kisser when he ran for Vice
President with Eisenhower./
[back] See: BACK OF or IN BACK OF, BEHIND ONE'S BACK, BRUSH BACK,
COME BACK, CUT BACK, DOUBLE BACK, DRAW BACK, DROP BACK. EYES IN THE
BACK OF ONE'S HEAD, FADE BACK, FALL BACK, FALL BACK ON, FLANKER BACK.
FROM WAY BACK, GET BACK AT, GET ONE'S BACK UP, GIVE THE SHIRT OFF
ONE'S BACK, GO BACK ON, HANG BACK, HARK BACK, HOLD BACK, LIKE WATER
OFF A DUCK'S BACK, LOOK BACK, OFF ONE'S BACK, ON ONE'S BACK, PAT ON
THE BACK, PIGGY-BACK, PIN ONE'S EARS BACK, PUT BACK THE CLOCK or TURN
BACK THE CLOCK, PUT ONE'S BACK TO IT, SCRATCH ONE'S BACK, SET BACK,
SET BACK ON ONE'S HEELS, SIT BACK, STAB IN THE BACK, TAKE A BACK SEAT,
TAKE BACK, TALK BACK also ANSWER BACK, TURN ONE'S BACK ON, WEIGHT OF
THE WORLD ON ONE'S SHOULDERS or WORLD ON ONE'S BACK, WHILE BACK.
[back and forth] {adv.} Backwards and forwards. * /The chair is
rocking hack and forth./ * /The tiger is pacing hack and forth in his
cage./ Compare: TO AND FRO.
[back away] {v.} To act to avoid or lessen one's involvement in
something; draw or turn back; retreat. * The townspeople backed away
from the building plan when they found out how much it would cost.
[back door] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Rear of
vehicle. * /I am watching your back door./
[back down] or [back off] {v.}, {informal} To give up a claim; not
follow up a threat. * /Bill said he could beat Ted, but when Ted put
up his fists Bill backed down./ * /Harry claimed Joe had taken his
book, but backed down when the teacher talked with him./ Syn.: BEAT A
RETREAT. Compare: BACK OUT, GIVE IN, GO BACK ON(1).
[back in circulation] {adv. phr.} 1. Socially active once again
(said about people); back on the dating circuit after a divorce or a
romantic breakup. * /Now that Sully is divorced from Jim she is hack
in circulation./ 2. Once again available to the public (said about
types of paper money, rare coins, or other commercially available
goods). * /In the USA the two-dollar hill was back in circulation for
a short time only in the 1950s and 1960s./
[back number] {n.} Something out of fashion, or out of date. *
/Among today's young people a waltz like "The Blue Danube" is a hack
number./
[backfire] {v.} To misfire; to have a reverse effect from what was
intended. * /Mimi's gossip about the Head of the Department backfired
wizen people began to mistrust her./
[backhanded compliment] {n. phr.} A remark that sounds like a
compliment but is said sarcastically. * /"Not had for a girl" the
coach said, offering a backhanded compliment./
[back of] or [in back of] {prep.} 1. In or at the rear of; to the
back of; behind. * /The garage is hack of the house./ * /Our car was
in hack of theirs at the traffic light./ 2. {informal} Being a cause
or reason for; causing. * /Hard work was back of his success./ * /The
principal tried to find out what was back of the trouble on the bus./
3. {informal} In support or encouragement of; helping, clones will be
elected because many powerful men are back of him. * /Get in back of
your team by cheering them at the game./
[back out] {v. phr.} 1. To move backwards out of a place or
enclosure. * /Bob slowly backed his car out of the garage./ 2. To
withdraw from an activity one has promised to carry out. * /Jim tried
to back out of the engagement with Jane, but she insisted that they
get married./ Compare: BEG OFF, GO BACK ON.
[back seat] See: TAKE A BACK SEAT.
[backseat driver] {n.}, {informal} A bossy person in a car who
always tells the driver what to do. * /The man who drove the car
became angry with the back seat driver./
[back street] {n.} A street not near the main streets or from which
it is hard to get to a main street. * /We got lost in the back streets
going through the city and it took us a half hour to find our way
again./ Compare: SIDE STREET.
[back talk] {n.} A sassy, impudent reply. * /Such back talk will
get you nowhere, young man!/ See: TALK BACK.
[back the wrong horse] {v. phr.} To support a loser. * /In voting
for George Bush, voters in 1992 were backing the wrong horse./
[back-to-back] {adv.} 1. Immediately following. * /The health
clinic had back-to-back appointments for the new students during the
first week of school./ 2. Very close to, as if touching. * /Sardines
are always packed in the can back-to-back./ * /The bus was so full
that people had to stand back-to-back./
[back to the salt mines] {informal} Back to the job; back to work;
back to work that is as hard or as unpleasant as working in a salt
mine would be. - An overworked phrase, used humorously. * /The lunch
hour is over, boys. Back to the salt mines!/ * /"Vacation is over,"
said Billy. "Back to the salt mines."/
[back to the wall] or [back against the wall] {adv. phr.} In a
trap, with no way to escape; in bad trouble. * /The soldiers had their
backs to the wall./ * /He was in debt and could not get any help; his
back was against the wall./ * /The team had their backs to the wall in
the second half./ Compare: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA,
LAST DITCH, ON THE SPOT, UP AGAINST IT.
[back up] {v.} 1. To move backwards. * /The train was backing up./
2. To help or be ready to help; stay behind to help; agree with and
speak in support of. * /Jim has joined the Boy Scouts and his father
is backing him up./ * /The principal backs up the faculty./ * /Jim
told us what had happened and Bob backed him up./ Compare: BACK OF(3),
STAND BY(4). 3. To move behind (another fielder) in order to catch the
ball if he misses it. * /The shortstop backed up the second baseman on
the throw./
[backward] See: BEND OVER BACKWARD or LEAN OVER BACKWARD; FALL OVER
BACKWARDS or FALL OVER ONESELF.
[backward and forward] or [backwards and forwards] {adv. phr.} To
the full extent; in all details; thoroughly; completely. * /He
understood automobile engines backwards and forwards./ * /He knew
basketball rules backwards and forwards./ * /I explained matters to
him so that he understood backwards and forwards how it was./
[bacon] See: BRING HOME THE BACON.
[bad] See: GO FROM BAD TO WORSE, IN A BAD WAY, IN BAD, IN ONE'S BAD
GRACES, LEAVE A BAD TASTE IN ONE'S MOUTH, NOT BAD or NOT SO BAD or NOT
HALF BAD, ON ONE'S BAD SIDE, TOO BAD, WITH BAD GRACE.
[bad actor] {n.}, {informal} A person or animal that is always
fighting, quarreling, or doing bad things. * /The boy was a bad actor
and nobody liked him./
[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.
[bad egg] {n.}, {slang} A ne'er-do-well; good-for nothing; a
habitual offender. * /The judge sent the bad egg to prison at last./
Contrast: GOOD EGG.
[bad mouth (someone)] {v.}, {slang} To say uncomplimentary or
libelous things about someone; deliberately to damage another's
reputation. * /It's not nice to had mouth people./
[bad news] {n.}, {slang} An event, thing, or person which is
disagreeable or an unpleasant surprise. * /What's the new professor
like? - He's all bad news to me./
[bad paper] {n.}, {slang} 1. A check for which there are no funds
in the bank. 2. Counterfeit paper money. * /Why are you so mad? - I
was paid with some bad paper./
[bad shit] {n.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} An unpleasant event or
situation, such as a long lasting and unsettled quarrel or recurring
acts of vengeance preventing two people or two groups from reaching
any kind of reconciliation. * /There is so much had shit between the
two gangs that I bet there will he more killings this year./ Compare:
BAD BLOOD.
[bad trip] {n.}, {slang}, {also used colloquially} A disturbing or
frightening experience, such as terrifying hallucinations, while under
the influence of drugs; hence, by colloquial extension any bad
experience in general. * /Why's John's face so distorted? - He had a
bad trip./ * /How was your math exam? - Don't mention it; it was a bad
trip./
[bag] See: GRAB BAG, IN THE BAG, LEAVE HOLDING THE BAG, LET THE CAT
OUT OF THE BAG.
[bag and baggage] {adv.}, {informal} With all your clothes and
other personal belongings, especially movable possessions; completely.
* /If they don't pay their hotel bill they will be put out bag and
baggage./
[baggage] See: BAG AND BAGGAGE.
[bail] See: JUMP BAIL or SKIP BAIL.
[bail out(1)] {v.} 1. 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./ 2. {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./
[bail out(2)] {v.} To jump from an airplane and drop with a
parachute. * /When the second engine failed, the pilot told everyone
to bail out./
[bail out(3)] {v.} To dip water from a filling or leaking boat;
throw water out of a boat to prevent its sinking. * /Both men were
kept busy bailing out the rowboat after it began to leak./
[bait] See: FISH OR CUT BAIT.
[bake] See: HALF-BAKED.
[baker's dozen] {n.}, {informal} Thirteen. * /"How many of the
jelly doughnuts, Sir? " the salesclerk asked. "Oh, make it a baker's
dozen."/
[balance] See: HANG IN THE BALANCE, OFF BALANCE.
[ball] See: BASE ON BALLS, CARRY THE BALL, FLY BALL, FOUL BALL, GET
THE BALL ROLLING, SET THE BALL ROLLING, START THE BALL ROLLING, GOPHER
BALL, GROUND BALL, HAVE A HALL, HAVE SOMETHING ON THE BALL, JUMP BALL,
KEEP THE BALL. ROLLING, LONG BALL, ON THE BALL, PASSED BALL, PLAY
BALL.
[ball game] {n.}, {slang}, also {informal} The entire matter at
hand; the whole situation; the entire contest. * /You said we can get
a second mortgage for the house?! Wow! That's a whole new ball game./
[ball of fire] {n.}, {informal} A person with great energy and
ability; a person who can do something very well. * /He did poorly in
school but as a salesman he is a ball of fire./ * /The new shortstop
is a good fielder but certainly no ball of fire in batting./ Compare:
HOT NUMBER, HOT ONE.
[balloon] See: TRIAL BALLOON, LEAD BALLOON.
[ballot stuffing] See: STUFF THE BALLOT BOX.
[ball up] {v.}, {slang} To make a mess of; confuse. * /Don't ball
me up./ * /Hal balled up the business with his errors./ - Often used
in the passive. * /He was so balled up that he did not know if he was
coming or going./ Compare: MIXED UP.
[baloney] {n.}, {informal} Nonsense, unbelievable, trite, or
trivial. * /John brags that he's won the $10 million lottery, and I
think it's just a lot of baloney./ * /"Will you marry Joe?" mother
asked. "Baloney," Susie answered with a disgusted look./ * /Do you
still believe all that baloney about socialism excluding free
enterprise? Look at China and Hungary./
[banana oil] {n.}, {slang} Flattery that is an obvious
exaggeration; statements that are obviously made with an ulterior
motive. * /Cut out the banana oil; flattery will get you nowhere!/
[band] See: BEAT THE BAND.
[bandbox] See: LOOK AS IF ONE HAS COME OUT OF A BANDBOX.
[band together] {v. phr.} To join a group to exert united force. *
/The inhabitants of the ecologically threatened area banded together
to stop the company from building new smokestacks./
[bandwagon] See: JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON.
[bandy about] {v. phr.} To spread rumors or whisper secrets. * /The
news of Jim and Mary's divorce was bandied about until everyone at the
office had heard it./
[bang up] {adj.}, {informal} Very successful; very good; splendid;
excellent. * /The football coach has done a bang-up job this season./
* /John did a bang-up job painting the house./ Syn.: FIRST-CLASS.
[bank] See: PIGGY BANK.
[bank on] {v.}, {informal} To depend on; put one's trust in; rely
on. * /He knew he could bank on public indignation to change things,
if he could once prove the dirty work./ * /The students were banking
on the team to do its best in the championship game./ Syn.: COUNT ON.
[bar] See: BEHIND BARS, PARALLEL BARS.
[bargain] See: DRIVE A BARGAIN, IN THE BARGAIN or INTO THE BARGAIN.
[bargain for] or [bargain on] {v.} To be ready for; expect. * /When
John started a fight with the smaller boy he got more than he
bargained for./ * /The final cost of building the house was much more
than they had bargained on./ Compare: COUNT ON.
[barge in] {v. phr.}, {informal} To appear uninvited at someone's
house or apartment, or to interrupt a conversation. * /I'm sorry for
barging in like that, Sir, but my car died on me and there is no pay
phone anywhere./ * /I'm sorry for barging in while you two are having
a discussion, but could you please tell me where the nearest exit is?/
[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./
[bark worse than one's bite] {informal} Sound or speech more
frightening or worse than your actions. * /The small dog barks
savagely, but his bark is worse than his bite./ * /The boss sometimes
talks roughly to the men, but they know that his bark is worse than
his bite./ * /She was always scolding her children, but they knew her
bark was worse than her bite./
[barn] See: LOCK THE BARN DOOR AFTER THE HORSE IS STOLEN.
[barrel] See: OVER A BARREL also OVER THE BARREL, SCRAPE THE BOTTOM
OF THE BARREL.
[barrelhead] See: CASH ON THE BARREL-HEAD.
[bar the door] See: CLOSE THE DOOR.
[base] See: FIRST BASE, GET TO FIRST BASE or REACH FIRST BASE, LOAD
THE BASES or FILL THE BASES, OFF BASE, SECOND BASE, STOLEN BASE, THIRD
BASE.
[base on balls] {n.} First base given to a baseball batter who is
pitched four balls outside of the strike zone. * /He was a good judge
of pitchers and often received bases on balls./
[basket] See: PUT ALL ONE'S EGGS IN ONE BASKET.
[basket case] {n.}, {slang}, {also informal} 1. A person who has
had both arms and both legs cut off as a result of war or other
misfortune. 2. A helpless person who is unable to take care of
himself, as if carted around in a basket by others. * /Stop drinking,
or else you'll wind up a basket case!/
[bat] See: AT BAT, GO TO BAT FOR, RIGHT AWAY or RIGHT OFF also
RIGHT OFF THE BAT.
[bat an eye] or [bat an eyelash] {v. phr.}, {informal} To show
surprise, fear, or interest; show your feelings. - Used in negative
sentences. * /When I told him the price of the car he never batted an
eye./ * /Bill told his story without batting an eyelash, although not
a word of it was true./ Compare: STRAIGHT FACE.
[bath] See: SPONGE BATH, THROW THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATH.
[bats in one's belfry] or [bats in the belfry] {n. phr.}, {slang}
Wild ideas in his mind; disordered senses; great mental confusion. *
/When he talked about going to the moon he was thought to have bats in
his belfry./
[bat the breeze] See: SHOOT THE BREEZE.
[batting average] {n. phr.} Degree of accomplishment (originally
used as a baseball term). * /Dr. Grace has a great batting average
with her heart transplant operations./
[battle] See: HALF THE BATTLE.
[battle of nerves] {n. phr.} A contest of wills during which the
parties do not fight physically but try to wear each other out. * /It
has been a regular battle of nerves to get the new program accepted at
the local state university./ See: WAR OF NERVES.
[bawl out] {v.}, {informal} To reprove in a loud or rough voice;
rebuke sharply; scold. * /The teacher bawled us out for not handing in
our homework./ Compare: HAUL OVER THE COALS, LIGHT INTO, TELL A THING
OR TWO.
[bay] See: AT BAY, BRING TO BAY.
[be] See: LET BE, TO-BE.
[beach] See: NOT THE ONLY PEBBLE ON THE BEACH.
[beach bunny] {n.}, {slang} An attractive girl seen on beaches -
mostly to show off her figure; one who doesn't get into the water and
swim. * /What kind of a girl is Susie? - She's a beach bunny; she
always comes to the Queen's Surf on Waikiki but I've never seen her
swim./
[bead] See: DRAW A BEAD ON.
[be a fly on the wall] {v. phr.} To eavesdrop on a secret
conversation. * /How I wish I could be a fly on the wall to hear what
my fiance's parents are saying about me!/
[be a good hand at] {v. phr.} To be talented, gifted, or skilled in
some activity. * /Florian is a good hand at both gardening and
building./
[beam] See: OFF THE BEAM, ON THE BEAM.
[bean] See: FULL OF BEANS, SPILL THE BEANS, USE ONE'S HEAD or USE
ONE'S BEAN.
[be an item] {v. phr.} To be a couple; belong to one another. * /No
one is surprised to see them together anymore; if is generally
recognized that they are an item./
[be a poor hand at] {v. phr.} To be inept, untalented, or clumsy in
some activity. * /Archibald is a poor hand at tennis so no one wants
to play with him./ Contrast: BE A GOOD HAND AT.
[be at pains] {v. phr.} To be extremely desirous to do something;
to take the trouble to do something. * /The captain was at pains to
see that everybody got safely into the lifeboats./
[bear] See: GRIN AND BEAR IT, LOADED FOR BEAR.
[bear a grudge] {v. phr.} To persist in bearing ill feeling toward
someone after a quarrel or period of hostility. * /Come on, John, be a
good sport and don't bear a grudge because I beat you at golf./
Contrast: BURY THE HATCHET.
[bear a hand] See: LEND A HAND.
[beard] See: LAUNCH UP ONE'S SLEEVE or LAUGH IN ONE'S SLEEVE or
LAUGH IN ONE'S BEARD.
[bear down] {v.} 1. To press or push harder; work hard at; give
full strength and attention. * /She is bearing down in her studies to
win a scholarship./ * /The baseball pitcher is bearing down./ * /The
pitcher bore down on the star batter./ * /Teachers of the deaf bear
down on English./ * /The sergeant bears down on lazy soldiers./
Contrast: LET UP(2b). 2. To move toward in an impressive or
threatening way. - Often used with "on". * /While he was crossing the
street a big truck bore down on him./ * /The little ship tried to
escape when the big pirate ship bore down./ * /After the boys threw
the snowballs they saw a large lady bearing down upon them from across
the street./
[bear down on] or [upon] {v. phr.} To draw constantly nearer with
great speed and force. * /The police cars were bearing down on the
bank robbers' get-away car./
[bear fruit] {v. phr.} To yield results. * /We hope that the
company's new investment policy will bear fruit./
[bear in mind] See: IN MIND.
[bear in the air] or [bear in the sky] {n. phr.}, {slang},
{citizen's band jargon} A police helicopter flying overhead watching
for speeders. * /Slow down, good buddy, there's a bear in the air./
[bear off the palm] See: CARRY OFF THE PALM.
[bear one's cross] See: CARRY ONE'S CROSS.
[bear out] {v.} To show to be right; prove; support. * /Modern
findings do not bear out the old belief that the earth is flat./ *
/Seward's faith in his purchase of Alaska was borne out, even though
it was once called "Seward's Folly."/
[bear trap] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A police
radar unit designed to catch speeders. * /Watch the bear trap at exit
101./
[bear up] {v.} 1. To hold up; carry; support; encourage. * /The old
bridge can hardly bear up its own weight any more./ * /He was borne up
by love of country./ 2. To keep up one's courage or strength; last. -
Often used with "under". * /This boat will bear up under hurricane
winds./ * /She bore up well at the funeral./ Syn.: STAND UP. Compare:
CARRY ON.
[bear watching] {v. phr.} 1. To be worth watching or paying
attention to; have a promising future. * /That young ball player will
bear watching./ 2. To be dangerous or untrustworthy. * /Those tires
look badly worn; they will bear watching./ Compare: KEEP AN EYE ON.
[bear with] {v.}, {formal} To have patience with; not get angry
with. * /Your little sister is sick. Try to bear with her when she
cries./ * /It is hard to bear with criticism./ Syn.: PUT UP WITH.
Compare: CARRY ONE'S CROSS.
[beat] See: HEART SKIP A BEAT, OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
[beat about the bush] or [beat around the bush] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To talk about things without giving a clear answer; avoid the question
or the point. * /He would not answer yes or no, but beat about the
bush./ * /He beat about the bush for a half hour without coming to the
point./ Compare: BESIDE THE POINT. Contrast: COME TO THE POINT.
[beat all] or [beat the Dutch] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be strange
or surprising. * /John found a box full of money buried in his garage.
Doesn't that beat all!/ * /It beats the Dutch how Tom always makes a
basket./
[beat all hollow] also [beat hollow] {v. phr.}, {slang} To do much
better than; to beat very badly. * /We beat their team all hollow./ *
/As a speaker, he beats us all hollow./
[beat a retreat] {v. phr.} 1. To give a signal, esp. by beating a
drum, to go back. * /The Redcoats' drums were beating a retreat./ 2.
To run away. * /They beat a retreat when they saw that they were too
few./ * /The cat beat a hasty retreat when he saw the dog coming./
Compare: BACK DOWN, FALL BACK.
[beat around the bush] See: BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH.
[beat down] {v.} 1. To crush or break the spirit of; win over;
conquer. * /All their defenses were beaten down by the tanks./ 2.
{informal} a. To try to get reduced; force down by discussing. * /Can
we beat down the price?/ b. To persuade or force (someone) to accept a
lower price or easier payments. * /He tried to beat us down, so we did
not sell the house./ 3. To shine brightly or hotly. * /At noon the sun
beat down on our heads as we walked home./
[beaten path] {n. phr.} The usual route or way of operating that
has been conventionally established, * /If we always follow the beaten
path, we'll never have the courage to try something new./
[beaten track] {n.} See: BEATEN PATH.
[beat hollow] See: BEAT ALL HOLLOW.
[beat into one's head] {v. phr.}, {informal} To teach by telling
again and again; repeat often; drill, also, to be cross and punish
often. * /Tom is lazy and stubborn and his lessons have to be beaten
into his head./ * /I cannot beat it into his head that he should take
off his hat in the house./
[beat it] {v.}, {slang} To go away in a hurry; get out quickly. *
/When he heard the crash he beat it as fast as he could./ - Often used
as a command. * /The big boy said, "Beat it, kid. We don't want you
with us."/ Compare: CLEAR OUT(2), LIGHT OUT, HEAD FOR THE HILLS.
[beat one to it] {v. phr.} To arrive or get ahead of another
person. * /I was about to call you, John, but you have beat me to it!
Thanks for calling me./
[beat one's brains out] or [beat one's brains] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To try very hard to understand or think out something difficult; tire
yourself out by thinking. * /It was too hard for him and he beat his
brains out trying to get the answer./ * /Some students are lazy, but
others beat their brains and succeed./
[beat one's gums] {v. phr.}, {slang} To engage in idle talk, or
meaningless chatter; generally to talk too much. * /"Stop beating your
gums, Jack," Joe cried. "I am falling asleep."/ Compare: CHEW THE FAT
or CHEW THE RAG, SHOOT THE BREEZE or BAT THE BREEZE or FAN THE BREEZE
or SHOOT THE BULL.
[beat one's head against a wall] {v. phr.} To struggle uselessly
against something that can't be beaten or helped; not succeed after
trying very hard. * /Trying to make him change his mind is just
beating your head against a wall./
[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./
[beat the bushes] also [beat the brush] {v. phr.}, {informal} To
try very hard to find or get something. * /The mayor was beating the
bushes for funds to build the playground./ Contrast: BEAT ABOUT THE
BUSH or BEAT AROUND THE BUSH.
[beat the drum] {v. phr.} To attract attention in order to
advertise something or to promote someone, such as a political
candidate. * /Mrs. Smith has been beating the drum in her town in
order to get her husband elected mayor./
[beat the gun] See: JUMP THE GUN.
[beat the --- out of] or [lick the --- out of] or [whale the ---
out of] {v. phr.}, {informal} To beat hard; give a bad beating to. -
Used with several words after "the", as "daylights", "living
daylights", "tar". * /The big kid told Charlie that he would beat the
daylights out of him if Charlie came in his yard again./
[beat the meat] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To masturbate
(said primarily of men). * /"So what did you do for sex in prison for
seven years?" Joe asked. "Well, unless you want to become gay, you can
beat the meat and that's about it," Max answered./
[beat the pants off] {v. phr.} 1. To prevail over someone in a race
or competition. * /Jim beat the pants off George in the swimming
race./ 2. To give someone a severe physical beating. * /Jack beat the
pants off the two young men who were trying to hold him up in Central
Park./
[beat the rap] {v. phr.} To escape the legal penalty one ought to
receive. * /In spite of the strong evidence against him, the prisoner
beat the rap and went free./
[beat the shit out of] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} See: KNOCK
THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF.
[beat time] {v. phr.} To follow the rhythm of a piece of music by
moving one's fingers or feet. * /Jack was beating time with his foot
during the concert, which annoyed his neighbor./
[beat to] {v.}, {informal} To do something before someone else does
it. * /I was waiting to buy a ticket but only one ticket was left, and
another man beat me to it./ * /We were planning to send a rocket into
space but the Russians beat us to it./ Compare: GET THE JUMP ON.
[beat to the punch] or [beat to the draw] {v. phr.}, {slang} To do
something before another person has a chance to do it. * /John was
going to apply for the job, but Ted beat him to the draw./ * /Lois
bought the dress before Mary could beat her to the punch./
[beat up] {v.}, {informal} To give a hard beating to; hit hard and
much; thrash; whip. * /When the new boy first came, he had to beat up
several neighborhood bullies before they would leave him alone./ -
Used with "on" in substandard speech. * /The tough boy said to Bill,
"If you come around here again, I'll beat up on you."/
[beauty sleep] {n.} A nap or rest taken to improve the appearance.
* /She took her beauty sleep before the party./ * /Many famous
beauties take a beauty sleep every day./
[beaver] {n.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}, {citizen's band
radio jargon} A female, especially one driving along the highway and
operating a CB radio. * /I didn't know there was a beaver aboard that
eighteen wheeler./
[because of] {prep.} On account of; by reason of; as a result of. *
/The train arrived late because of the snowstorm./
[beck] See: AT ONE'S BECK AND CALL.
[become of] {v. phr.} To happen to; befall. * /What will become of
the children, now that both parents are in jail?/
[bed] See: GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED, GO TO BED WITH THE
CHICKENS, MAKE ONE'S BED AND LIE IN IT, PUT TO BED.
[bed of nails] {n. phr.} A difficult or unhappy situation or set of
circumstances. * /"There are days when my job is a regular bed of
nails," Jim groaned./ Contrast: BED OF ROSES.
[bed of roses] or [bowl of cherries] {n. phr.} A pleasant easy
place, job, or position; an easy life. * /A coal miner's job is not a
bed of roses./ * /After nine months of school, summer camp seemed a
bowl of cherries./ Compare: IN CLOVER, LIFE OF RILEY.
[bed of thorns] {n. phr.} A thoroughly unhappy time or difficult
situation. * /I'm sorry I changed jobs; my new one turned out to be a
bed of thorns./ See: BED OF NAILS.
[bee] See: BIRDS AND THE BEES.
[beef about] {v. phr.} To complain about something. * /Stop beefing
about your job, Jack. You could have done a lot worse!/
[beef up] {v.}, {informal} To make stronger by adding men or
equipment; make more powerful; reinforce. * /The general beefed up his
army with more big guns and tanks./ * /The university beefed up the
football coaching staff by adding several good men./
[bee in one's bonnet] {n. phr.}, {informal} A fixed idea that seems
fanciful, odd, or crazy. * /Robert Fulton had a bee in his bonnet
about a steamboat./ * /Grandmother has some bee in her bonnet about
going to the dance./
[beeline] See: MAKE A BEELINE FOR.
[be even-Steven] {v. phr.} To be in a position of owing no favors
or debt to someone. * /Yesterday you paid for my lunch, so today I
paid for yours; now we're even-Steven./
[before long] {adv. phr.} In a short time; without much delay; in a
little while, soon. * /Class will be over before long./ * /We were
tired of waiting and hoped the bus would come before long./
[before one can say Jack Robinson] {adv. cl.}, {informal} Very
quickly; suddenly. - An overused phrase. * /Before I could say Jack
Robinson, the boy was gone./ Compare: IN A FLASH, RIGHT AWAY.
[before swine] See: CAST PEARLS BEFORE SWINE or CAST ONE'S PEARLS
BEFORE SWINE.
[before you know it] {adv. phr.} Sooner than one would expect. *
/Don't despair; we'll be finished with this work before you know it!/
[beg] See: BEGGING.
[be game] {v. phr.} To be cooperative, willing, sporting. * /When I
asked Charlie to climb Mount McKinley with us, he said he was game if
we were./
[beggars can't be choosers] People who can not choose what they
will have, must accept what they get; if you are not in control, you
must take what you can gel. * /We wanted to leave on the train in the
morning but it doesn't go until afternoon, so we must go then. Beggars
can't he choosers./ * /Mary got a red dress from her sister, although
she didn't like red. She kept it because she said beggars should not
be choosers./ Compare: LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH.
[begin with] {adv. phr.} As a preliminary statement; in the first
place. * /To begin with, you are far too young to get married./
[beg off] {v.} To ask to be excused. * /Father told Tom to rake the
yard, but Tom tried to beg off./ * /Mrs. Crane accepted an invitation
to a luncheon, but a headache made her beg off./ Compare: BACK OUT.
[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.
[behalf] See: IN BEHALF OF or ON BEHALF OF, IN ONE'S BEHALF or ON
ONE'S BEHALF.
[behavior] See: ON ONE'S GOOD BEHAVIOR.
[be hard on] {v. phr.} To be strict or critical with another; be
severe. * /"Don't be so hard on Jimmy," Tom said. "He is bound to
rebel as he gets older."/
[behind] See: DRY BEHIND THE EARS, FALL BEHIND, GET BEHIND, HANG
BACK or HANG BEHIND.
[behind bars] {adv. phr.} In jail; in prison. * /He was a
pickpocket and had spent many years behind bars./ * /That boy is
always in trouble and will end up behind bars./
[behind one's back] {adv. phr.} When one is absent; without one's
knowledge or consent; in a dishonest way; secretly; sneakily. * /Say
it to his face, not behind his back./ * /It is not right to criticize
a person behind his back./ Contrast: TO ONE'S FACE.
[behind the eight-ball] {adj. phr.}, {slang} In a difficult
position; in trouble. * /Mr. Thompson is an older man, and when he
lost his job, he found he was behind the eight-ball./ * /Bill can't
dance and has no car, so he is behind the eight-ball with the girls./
Compare: HAVE TWO STRIKES AGAINST ONE(2), IN A HOLE.
[behind the scenes] {adv. phr.} Out of sight; unknown to most
people; privately. * /Much of the banquet committee s work was done
behind the scenes./ * /John was president of the club, but behind the
scenes Lee told him what to do./
[behind the times] {adj. phr.} Using things not in style; still
following old ways; old-fashioned. * /Johnson's store is behind the
times./ * /The science books of 30 years ago are behind the times
now./ * /Mary thinks her parents are behind the times because they
still do the foxtrot and don't know any new dances./
[behind time] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1a. Behind the correct time;
slow. * /That clock is behind time./ 1b. Behind schedule; late. * /The
train is running behind time today./ 2. Not keeping up; not at the
proper time; overdue. * /Your lessons are good, but why are you behind
time?/ * /We are behind time in paying the rent./ Contrast: AHEAD OF
TIME, IN TIME, ON TIME.
[be-in] {n.}, {slang}, {hippie culture} A gathering or social
occasion with or without a discernible purpose, often held in a public
place like a park or under a large circus tent. * /The youngsters
really enjoyed the great springtime jazz be-in at the park./
[be in a stew] {v. phr.} To be worried, harassed, upset. * /Al has
been in a stew ever since he got word that his sister was going to
marry his worst enemy./
[being] See: FOR THE TIME BEING.
[be in labor] {v. phr.} To be in parturition; experience the
contractions of childbirth. * /Vane had been in labor for eight hours
before her twin daughters were finally born./
[be in someone else's shoes] {v. phr.} To be in someone else's
situation. * /Fred has had so much trouble recently that we ought to
be grateful we're not in his shoes./
[be into something] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have taken something
up partly as a nobby, partly as a serious interest of sorts (basically
resulting from the new consciousness and self-realization movement
that originated in the late Sixties). * /Roger's wife is into women's
liberation and women's consciousness./ * /Did you know that Syd is
seriously into transcendental meditation?/ * /Jack found out that his
teenage son is into pot smoking and gave him a serious scolding./
[be itching to] {v. phr.} To have a very strong desire to do
something. * /Jack is itching to travel abroad./
[be it so] See: SO BE IT.
[belabor the point] {v. phr.} To overexplain something to the point
of obviousness, resulting in ridicule. * /"Lest I belabor the point,"
the teacher said, "I must repeat the importance of teaching good
grammar in class."/
[belfry] See: BATS IN ONE'S BELFRY or BATS IN THE BELFRY.
[believe] See: MAKE BELIEVE, SEEING IS BELIEVING.
[believe one's ears] {v. phr.} 1. To believe what one hears; trust
one's hearing. - Used with a negative or limiter, or in an
interrogative or conditional sentence. * /He thought he heard a horn
blowing in the distance, but he could not believe his ears./ 2. To be
made sure of (something). * /Is he really coming? I can hardly believe
my ears./
[believe one's eyes] {v. phr.} 1. To believe what one sees; trust
one's eyesight. - Used with a negative or limiter or in an
interrogative or conditional sentence. * /Is that a plane? Can I
believe my eyes?/ 2. To be made sure of seeing something. * /She saw
him there but she could hardly believe her eyes./
[bell] See: RING A BELL, WITH BELLS ON.
[bellyache] {v.} To constantly complain. * /Jim is always
bellyaching about the amount of work he is required to do./
[belly up] {adj.}, {informal} Dead, bankrupt, or financially
ruined. * /Tom and Dick struggled on for months with their tiny
computer shop, but last year they went belly up./
[belly up] {v.}, {informal} To go bankrupt, become afunctional; to
die. * /Uncompetitive small businesses must eventually all belly up./
[below par] {adj.} or {adv.} Below standard. * /Bob was fired
because his work has been below par for several months now./ Contrast:
UP TO PAR or UP TO SNUFF.
[below the belt] {adv. phr.} 1. In the stomach; lower than is legal
in boxing. * /He struck the other boy below the belt./ 2. {informal}
In an unfair or cowardly way; against the rules of sportsmanship or
justice; unsportingly; wrongly. * /It was hitting below the belt for
Mr. Jones's rival to tell people about a crime that Mr. Jones
committed when he was a young boy./ * /Pete told the students to vote
against Harry because Harry was in a wheelchair and couldn't be a good
class president, but the students thought Pete was hitting below the
belt./
[belt] See: BELOW THE BELT, SEAT BELT, TIGHTEN ONE'S BELT, UNDER
ONE'S BELT.
[belt out] {v.}, {slang} To sing with rough rhythm and strength;
shout out. * /She belted out ballads and hillbilly songs one after
another all evening./ * /Young people enjoy belting out songs./
[be my guest] {v. phr.} Feel free to use what I have; help
yourself. * /When Suzie asked if she could borrow John's bicycle, John
said, "Be my guest."/
[beneath one] {adj. phr.} Below one's ideals or dignity. * /Bob
felt it would have been beneath him to work for such low wages./
[bench] See: ON THE BENCH, WARM THE BENCH.
[bench warmer] See: WARM THE BENCH.
[bend over backward] or [lean over backward] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To try so hard to avoid a mistake that you make the opposite mistake
instead; do the opposite of something that you know you should not do;
do too much to avoid doing the wrong thing; also, make a great effort;
try very hard. * /Instead of punishing the boys for breaking a new
rule, the principal bent over backward to explain why the rule was
important./ * /Mary was afraid the girls at her new school would be
stuck up, but they leaned over backward to make her feel at home./
Compare: GO OUT OF ONE'S WAY.
[benefit] See: GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
[bent on] or [bent upon] Very decided, determined, or set. * /The
sailors were bent on having a good time./ * /The policeman saw some
boys near the school after dark and thought they were bent on
mischief./ * /The bus was late, and the driver was bent upon reaching
the school on time./
[be nuts about] {v. phr.} To be enthusiastic or very keen about
someone or something; be greatly infatuated with someone. * /Hermione
is nuts about modern music./ * /"I am nuts about you, Helen," Jim
said. "Please let's get married!"/
[be off] {v. phr.} 1. {v.} To be in error; miscalculate. * /The
estimator was off by at least 35% on the value of the house./ 2. {v.}
To leave. * /Jack ate his supper in a hurry and was off without saying
goodbye./ 3. {adj.} Cancelled; terminated. * /The weather was so bad
that we were told that the trip was off./ 4. {adj.} Crazy. * /I'm sure
Aunt Mathilda is a bit off; no one in her right mind would say such
things./ 5. {adj.} Free from work; having vacation time. * /Although
we were off for the rest of the day, we couldn't go to the beach
because it started to rain./
[be on] {v. phr.} 1. To be in operation; be in the process of being
presented. * /The news is on now on Channel 2; it will be off in five
minutes./ 2. To be in the process of happening; to take place. * /We
cannot travel now to certain parts of Africa, as there is a civil war
on there right now./
[be one's age] See: ACT ONE'S AGE.
[be oneself] {v.} To act naturally; act normally without trying
unduly to impress others. * /Just try being yourself; I promise people
will like you more./
[be on the outs with] {v. phr.} To not be on speaking terms with
someone; be in disagreement with someone. * /Jane and Tom have been on
the outs with one another since Tom started to date another woman./
[be on the rocks] See: ON THE ROCKS, GO ON THE ROCKS.
[be on the verge of] {v. phr.} To be about to do something; be very
close to. * /We were on the verge of going bankrupt when,
unexpectedly, my wife won the lottery and our business was saved./
[be on the wagon] See: ON THE WAGON, FALL OFF THE WAGON.
[be on to] {v. phr.} To understand the motives of someone; not be
deceived. * /Jack keeps telling us how wealthy his family is, but we
are on to him./
[be over] {v. phr.} To be ended; be finished. * /The show was over
by 11 P.M./ * /The war will soon be over./
[be out] {v. phr.} 1. To not be at home or at one's place of work.
* /I tried to call but they told me that Al was out./ 2. To be
unacceptable; not be considered; impossible. * /I suggested that we
hire more salespeople but the boss replied that such a move was
positively out./ 3. To be poorer by; suffer a loss of. * /Unless more
people came to the church picnic, we realized we would be out $500 at
least./ 4. To be in circulation, in print, published. * /Jane said
that her new novel won't be out for at least another month./ 5. A
baseball term indicating that a player has been declared either unfit
to continue or punished by withdrawing him. * /The spectators thought
that John was safe at third base, but the umpire said he was out./
[be out to] {v. phr.} To intend to do; to plan to commit. * /The
police felt that the gang may be out to rob another store./
[berth] See: GIVE A WIDE BERTH.
[be set on] or [upon] {v. phr.} To be determined about something. *
/Tow is set upon leaving his Chicago job for Tokyo, Japan, although he
speaks only English./
[beside oneself] {adj. phr.} Very much excited; somewhat crazy. *
/She was beside herself with fear./ * /He was beside himself, he was
so angry./ * /When his wife heard of his death, she was beside
herself./
[beside the point] or [beside the question] {adj.} or {adv. phr.}
Off the subject; about something different. * /What you meant to do is
beside the point; the fact is you didn't do it./ * /The judge told the
witness that his remarks were beside the point./ Compare: BEAT AROUND
THE BUSH, NEITHER HERE NOR THERE.
[best] See: AS BEST ONE CAN, AT BEST, FOR THE BEST, GET THE BETTER
OF or GET THE BEST OF, HAD BETTER or HAD BEST, HE LAUGHS BEST WHO
LAUGHS LAST, MAKE THE BEST OF, PUT ONE'S BEST FOOT FORWARD, SECOND
BEST, TO THE BEST OF ONE'S KNOWLEDGE, WITH THE BEST or WITH THE BEST
OF THEM.
[best bib and tucker] or [Sunday best] or [Sunday go-to-meeting
clothes] {n. phr.}, {informal} Best clothes or outfit of clothing. *
/The cowboy got all dressed up in his best bib and tucker to go to the
dance./ * /Mary went to the party in her Sunday best and made a hit
with the boys./ Compare: GLAD RAGS.
[best man] {n.} The groom's aid (usually his best friend or a
relative) at a wedding. * /When Agnes and I got married, my brother
Gordon was my best man./
[best seller] {n.} An item (primarily said of books) that outsells
other items of a similar sort. * /Catherine Neville's novel "The
Eight" has been a national best seller for months./ * /Among imported
European cars, the Volkswagen is a best seller./
[bet] See: YOU BET or YOU BET YOUR BOOTS or YOU BET YOUR LIFE.
[be the making of] {v. phr.} To account for the success of someone
or something. * /The strict discipline that we had to undergo in
graduate school was the making of many a successful professor./ * /The
relatively low cost and high gas mileage are the making of Chevrolet's
Geo Metro cars./
[bet one's boots] or [bet one's bottom dollar] or [bet one's shirt]
{v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To bet all you have. * /This horse will win.
I would bet my bottom dollar on it./ * /Jim said he would bet his
boots that he would pass the examination./ 2. or [bet one's life]. To
feel very sure; have no doubt. * /Was I scared when I saw the bull
running at me? You bet your life I was!/
[bet on the wrong horse] {v. phr,}, {informal} To base your plans
on a wrong guess about the result of something; misread the future;
misjudge a coming event. * /To count on the small family farm as an
important thing in the American future now looks like betting on the
wrong horse./ * /He expected Bush to be elected President in 1992 but
as it happened, he bet on the wrong horse./
[better] See: ALL BETTER, DISCRETION IS THE BETTER PART OF VALOR,
FOR BETTER OR WORSE, FOR THE BETTER, GET THE BETTER OF, GO --- ONE
BETTER, HAD BETTER, HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NONE or HALF A LOAF IS
BETTER THAN NO BREAD, SEE BETTER DAYS, THINK BETTER OF.
[better half] {n.}, {informal} One's marriage partner (mostly said
by men about their wives.) * /"This is my better half, Mary," said
Joe./
[better late than never] It is better to come or do something late
than never. * /The firemen didn't arrive at the house until it was
half burned, but it was better late than never./ * /Grandfather is
learning to drive a car. "Better late than never," he says./ Compare:
HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NONE.
[better than] {prep. phr.} More than; greater than; at a greater
rate than. * /The car was doing better than eighty miles an hour./ *
/It is better than three miles to the station./
[between] See: BETWIXT AND BETWEEN, COME BETWEEN, PEW AND FAR
BETWEEN.
[between a rock and a hard place] See: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE
DEEP BLUE SEA.
[between life and death] {adv. phr.} In danger of dying or being
killed; with life or death possible. * /He held on to the mountainside
between life and death while his friends went to get help./ * /The
little sick girl lay all night between life and death until her fever
was gone./
[between the devil and the deep blue sea] or {literary} [between
two fires] or [between a rock and a hard place] {adv. phr.} Between
two dangers or difficulties, not knowing what to do. * /The pirates
had to fight and be killed or give up and be hanged; they were between
the devil and the deep blue sea./ * /The boy was between a rock and a
hard place; he had to go home and be whipped or stay in town all night
and be picked up by the police./ * /When the man's wife and her mother
got together, he was between two fires./ Compare: COMING AND GOING(2),
IN A BIND.
[between the eyes] See: HIT BETWEEN THE EYES.
[between the lines] See: READ BETWEEN THE LINES.
[between two fires] See: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA.
[between two shakes of a lamb's tail] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK
ROBINSON.
[be up to no good] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be plotting and
conniving to commit some illegal act or crime. * /"Let's hurry!" Susan
said to her husband. "It's dark here and those hoodlums obviously are
up to no good."/
[be up to something] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To feel strong enough
or knowledgeable enough to accomplish a certain task. * /Are you up to
climbing all the way to the 37th floor?/ * /Are we up to meeting the
delegation from Moscow and speaking Russian to them?/ 2. Tendency to
do something mischievous. * /I'm afraid Jack is up to one of his old
tricks again./
[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./
[beyond one's depth] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. Over your head in
water; in water too deep to touch bottom. * /Jack wasn't a good
swimmer and nearly drowned when he drifted out beyond his depth./ 2.
In or into something too difficult for you; beyond your understanding
or ability. * /Bill decided that his big brother's geometry book was
beyond his depth./ * /Sam's father started to explain the atom bomb to
Sam but he soon got beyond his depth./ * /When Bill played checkers
against the city champion, Bill was beyond his depth./ Compare: OVER
ONE'S HEAD(1).
[beyond one's means] {adj. phr.} Too expensive, not affordable. *
/Unfortunately, a new Mercedes Benz is beyond my means right now./
[beyond one's nose] See: SEE BEYOND ONE'S NOSE.
[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.
[beyond question(2)] or [without question] {adv. phr.} Without
doubt or argument; surely; unquestionably. * /Beyond question, it was
the coldest day of the winter./ * /John's drawing is without question
the best in the class./
[beyond reasonable doubt] {adv. phr.}, {formal and legal} Virtually
certain; essentially convincing. * /The judge instructed the jurors to
come up with a verdict of guilty only if they were convinced beyond a
reasonable doubt that Algernon was the perpetrator./
[beyond the pale] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In disgrace; with no chance
of being accepted or respected by others; not approved by the members
of a group. * /After the outlaw killed a man he was beyond the pale
and not even his old friends would talk to him./ * /Tom's swearing is
beyond the pale; no one invites him to dinner any more./
[beyond the shadow of a doubt] {adv. phr.}, {formal and legal}
Absolutely certain, totally convincing. * /Fred burglarized Mrs.
Brown's apartment, beyond the shadow of a doubt./
[bib] See: BEST BIB AND TUCKER.
[bide one's time] {v. phr.} To await an opportunity; wait patiently
until your chance comes. * /Refused work as an actor, Tom turned to
other work and bided his time./ * /Jack was hurt deeply, and he bided
his time for revenge./
[bid fair] {v.}, {literary} To seem likely; promise. * /He bids
fair to be a popular author./ * /The day bids fair to be warm./
[big] See: IN A BIG WAY, LITTLE FROG IN A BIG POND, LITTLE PITCHERS
HAVE BIG EARS, TALK BIG, TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BREECHES, WHAT'S THE BIG
IDEA.
[big as life] or [large as life] {adj. phr.} 1. or [life-size] The
same size as the living person or thing. * /The statue of Jefferson
was big as life./ * /The characters on the screen were life-size./ 2.
or [big as life and twice as natural] {informal} In person; real and
living. * /I had not seen him for years, but there he was, big as life
and twice as natural./
[big cheese] or [big gun] or [big shot] or [big wheel] or [big wig]
{n.}, {slang} An important person; a leader; a high official; a person
of high rank. * /Bill had been a big shot in high school./ * /John
wanted to be the big cheese in his club./ Compare: WHOLE CHEESE.
[big daddy] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The most important, largest
thing, person or animal in a congregation of similar persons, animals,
or objects. * /The whale is the big daddy of everything that swims in
the ocean./ * /The H-bomb is the big daddy of all modern weapons./ *
/Al Capone was the big daddy of organized crime in Chicago during
Prohibition./
[big deal] {interj.}, {slang}, {informal} (loud stress on the word
"deal") Trifles; an unimportant, unimpressive thing or matter. * /So
you became college president - big deal!/
[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.
[bigger than one's stomach] See: EYES BIGGER THAN ONE'S STOMACH.
[big hand] {n.} Loud and enthusiastic applause. * /When Pavarotti
finished singing the aria from Rigoletto, he got a very big hand./
[big head] {n.}, {informal} Too high an opinion of your own ability
or importance; conceit. * /When Jack was elected captain of the team,
it gave him a big head./ Compare: SWELLED HEAD.
[big house] {n.} A large jail or prison. * /The rapist will spend
many years in the big house./
[big lie, the] {n.}, {informal} A major, deliberate
misrepresentation of some important issue made on the assumption that
a bold, gross lie is psychologically more believable than a timid,
minor one. * /We all heard the big lie during the Watergate months./ *
/The pretense of democracy by a totalitarian regime is part of the big
lie about its government./
[big mouth] or [big-mouthed] See: LOUD MOUTH, LOUD-MOUTHED.
[big shot] or [big wig] {n.} An important or influential person. *
/Elmer is a big shot in the State Assembly./
[big stink] {n.}, {slang} A major scandal; a big upheaval. * /I'll
raise a big stink if they fire me./
[big time] {n.}, {informal} 1. A very enjoyable time at a party or
other pleasurable gathering. * /I certainly had a big time at the club
last night./ 2. The top group; the leading class; the best or most
important company. * /After his graduation from college, he soon made
the big time in baseball./ * /Many young actors go to Hollywood, but
few of them reach the big time./
[big-time] {adj.} Belonging to the top group; of the leading class;
important. * /Jean won a talent contest in her home town, and only a
year later she began dancing on big-time television./ * /Bob practices
boxing in the gym every day; he wants to become a big time boxer./ -
Often used in the phrase "big-time operator". * /Just because Bill has
a new football uniform he thinks he is a big-time operator./ Compare:
SHOW OFF. Contrast: SMALL-TIME.
[big top] {n.} The main tent under which a circus gives its show;
the circus and circus life. * /Lillian Leitzel was one of the great
stars of the big top./ * /The book tells of life under the big top./
[big wheel] {n.}, {informal} An influential or important person who
has the power to do things and has connections in high places. *
/Uncle Ferdinand is a big wheel in Washington; maybe he can help you
with your problem./
[big yawn] {n.} A very boring person, story or event. * /I love my
grandma very much, but the stories she tells sure are a yawn./
[bill] See: CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH, FILL THE BILL.
[bind] See: DUTY BOUND, IN A BIND, MUSCLE BOUND, ROOT-BOUND.
[bingo card] {n.}, {slang} A response card, bound into a
periodical, containing numbers keyed to editorial or advertising
matter, giving the reader the opportunity to send for further
information by marking the numbers of the items he is interested in;
such a card can be mailed free of charge. * /Jack thinks he is saving
time by filling out bingo cards instead of writing a letter./
[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.
[bird has flown] {slang} The prisoner has escaped; the captive has
got away. * /When the sheriff returned to the jail, he discovered that
the bird had flown./
[bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (a)] 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./
[bird of a different feather] {n. phr.} A person who is free
thinking and independent. * /Syd won't go along with recent trends in
grammar; he created his own. He is a bird of a different feather./
[birds of a feather flock together] People who are alike often
become friends or are together; if you are often with certain people,
you may be their friends or like them. - A proverb. * /Don't be
friends with bad boys. People think that birds of a feather flock
together./
[birds and the bees (the)] {n. phr.}, {informal} The facts we
should know about our birth. * /At various ages, in response to
questions, a child can be told about the birds and the bees./
[bird watcher] {n.} A person whose hobby is to study birds close-up
in their outdoor home. * /A bird watcher looks for the first robin to
appear in the spring./
[birthday suit] {n.} The skin with no clothes on; complete
nakedness. * /The little boys were swimming in their birthday suits./
[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.
[bitch] See: SON OF A BITCH.
[bite] See: BARK WORSE THAN ONE'S BITE, PUT THE BITE ON, ONCE
BITTEN, TWICE SHY at BURNT CHILD DREADS THE FIRE.
[bite off more than one can chew] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try to
do more than you can; be too confident of your ability. * /He bit off
more than he could chew when he agreed to edit the paper alone./ * /He
started to repair his car himself, but realized that he had bitten off
more than he could chew./
[bite one's head off] {v. phr.} To answer someone in great anger;
answer furiously. * /I'm sorry to tell you that I lost my job, but
that's no reason to bite my head off!/
[bite one's lips] {v. phr.} To force oneself to remain silent and
not to reveal one's feelings. * /I had to bite my lips when I heard my
boss give the wrong orders./
[bite the dust] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To be killed in battle. *
/Captain Jones discharged his gun and another guerrilla bit the dust./
2. To fall in defeat; go down before enemies; be overthrown; lose. *
/Our team bit the dust today./
[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./
[bitter] See: TO THE BITTER END.
[bitter pill] {n.} Something hard to accept; disappointment. *
/Jack was not invited to the party and it was a bitter pill for him./
[black] See: BLACK AND WHITE, IN THE BLACK, LOOK BLACK, POT CALLS
THE KETTLE BLACK.
[black and blue] {adj.} Badly bruised. * /Poor Jim was black and
blue after he fell off the apple tree./
[black and white] {n. phr.} 1. 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."/ 2. The different shades
of black and white of a simple picture, rather than other colors. *
/He showed us snapshots in black and white./
[black-and-white] {adj.} Divided into only two sides that are
either right or wrong or good or bad, with nothing in between;
thinking or judging everything as either good or bad. * /Everything is
black-and-white to Bill; if you're not his friend, you are his enemy./
* /The old man's religion shows his black-and-white thinking;
everything is either completely good or completely bad./
[black day] {n.} A day of great unhappiness; a disaster. * /It was
a black day when our business venture collapsed./
[black eye] {n.} 1. A dark area around one's eye due to a hard blow
during a fight, such as boxing. * /Mike Tyson sported a black eye
after the big fight./ 2. Discredit. * /Bob's illegal actions will give
a black eye to the popular movement he started./
[blackout] {n.} 1. The darkening of a city curing an air raid by
pulling down all curtains and putting out all street lights. * /The
city of London went through numerous blackouts during World War II./
2. A cessation of news by the mass media. * /There was a total news
blackout about the kidnapping of the prime minister./
[black out] {v.} 1. To darken by putting out or dimming lights, *
/In some plays the stage is blacked out for a short time and the
actors speak in darkness./ * /In wartime, cities are blacked out to
protect against bombing from planes./ 2. To prevent or silence
information or communication; refuse to give out truthful news. * /In
wartime, governments often black out all news or give out false news./
* /Dictators usually black out all criticism of the government./ *
/Some big games are blacked out on television to people who live
nearby./ 3. {informal} To lose consciousness; faint. * /It had been a
hard and tiring day, and she suddenly blacked out./
[black sheep] {n.} A person in a family or a community considered
unsatisfactory or disgraceful. * /My brother Ted is a high school
dropout who joined a circus; he is the black sheep in our family./
[blame] See: TO BLAME.
[blank check] {n.} 1. A bank check written to a person who can then
write in how much money he wants. * /John's father sent him a blank
check to pay his school bills./ 2. {informal} Permission to another
person to do anything he decides to do. * /The teacher gave the pupils
a blank check to plan the picnic./
[blanket] See: WET BLANKET.
[blast off] {v.} 1. To begin a rocket flight. * /The astronaut will
blast off into orbit at six o'clock./ 2. Also [blast away] {informal}
To scold or protest violently. * /The coach blasted off at the team
for poor playing./
[blaze a trail] {v. phr.} 1. To cut marks in trees in order to
guide other people along a path or trail, especially through a
wilderness. * /Daniel Boone blazed a trail for other hunters to follow
in Kentucky./ 2. To lead the way; make a discovery; start something
new. * /Henry Ford blazed a trail in manufacturing automobiles./ *
/The building of rockets blazed a trail to outer space./ See:
TRAILBLAZER.
[bleep out] See: BLIP OUT.
[bless one's heart] {v. phr.} To thank someone; consider one the
cause of something good that has happened. * /Aunt Jane, bless her
heart, left me half a million dollars!/
[blessing] See: MIXED BLESSING.
[blind] See: FLY BLIND.
[blind alley] {n.} 1. A narrow street that has only one entrance
and no exit. * /The blind alley ended in a brick wall./ 2. A way of
acting that leads to no good results. * /John did not take the job
because it was a blind alley./ * /Tom thought of a way to do the
algebra problem, but he found it was a blind alley./
[blind as a bat/beetle/mole/owl] {adj. phr.} Anyone who is blind or
has difficulty in seeing; a person with very thick glasses. * /Without
my glasses I am blind as a bat./
[blind date] {n.} An engagement or date arranged by friends for
people who have not previously known one another. * /A blind date can
be a huge success, or a big disappointment./
[blind leading the blind] One or more people who do not know or
understand something trying to explain it to others who do not know or
understand. * /Jimmy is trying to show Bill how to skate. The blind
are leading the blind./
[blind spot] {n.} 1. A place on the road that a driver cannot see
in the rearview mirror. * /I couldn't see that truck behind me,
Officer, because it was in my blind spot./ 2. A matter or topic a
person refuses to discuss or accept. * /My uncle Ted has a real blind
spot about religion./
[blink] See: ON THE BLINK.
[blip out] or [bleep out] {v. phr.}, {informal} To delete
electronically a word on television or on radio either because it
mentions the name of an established firm in a commercial or because it
is a censored word not allowed for television audiences, resulting in
a sound resembling the word "bleep." * /What was the old product they
compared Spic-n-Span to? - I don't know; they've bleeped it out./
[blitz] See: SAFETY BLITZ.
[block] See: CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK, KNOCK ONE'S BLOCK OFF, ON THE
BLOCK.
[blockhead] {n.}, {informal} An unusually dense, or stupid person
whose head is therefore exaggeratedly compared to a solid block of
wood. * /Joe is such a blockhead that he flunked every course as a
freshman./
[blood] See: DRAW BLOOD, FLESH AND BLOOD, IN COLD BLOOD, IN ONE'S
BLOOD or INTO ONE'S BLOOD, MAKE ONE'S BLOOD BOIL or MAKE THE BLOOD
BOIL, NEW BLOOD, OUT OF ONE'S BLOOD, RUN IN THE BLOOD or RUN IN THE
FAMILY, SPORTING BLOOD, SWEAT BLOOD, WARM ONE'S BLOOD.
[blood and thunder] {n. phr.} The violence and bloodshed of stories
that present fast action rather than understanding of character. *
/Crime movies and westerns usually have lots of blood and thunder./ -
Often used like an adjective. * /John likes to watch blood-and-thunder
stories on television./
[blood freezes] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD.
[blood is thicker than water] Persons of the same family are closer
to one another than to others; relatives are favored or chosen over
outsiders. * /Mr. Jones hires his relatives to work in his store.
Blood is thicker than water./
[blood runs cold] also [blood freezes] or [blood turns to ice] You
are chilled or shivering from great fright or horror; you are
terrified or horrified. - Usually used with a possessive. * /The
horror movie made the children's blood run cold./ * /Mary's blood
froze when she had to walk through the cemetery at night./ * /Oscar's
blood turned to ice when he saw the shadow pass by outside the
window./ Compare: HAIR STAND ON END, THE CREEPS.
[blood turns to ice] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD.
[bloody] See: SCREAM BLOODY MURDER.
[blot out] {v. phr.} 1. To obstruct; cover; obscure. * /The
high-rise building in front of our apartment house blots out the view
of the ocean./ 2. To wipe out of one's memory. * /Jane can't remember
the details when she was attacked in the streets; she blotted it out
of her memory./
[blow] See: AT A BLOW, BODY BLOW, COME TO BLOWS, IT'S AN ILL WIND
THAT BLOWS NOBODY GOOD, WAY THE WIND BLOWS or HOW THE WIND BLOWS.
[blow a fuse] or [blow a gasket] or [blow one's top] or [blow one's
stack] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become extremely angry; express rage in
hot words. * /When Mr. McCarthy's son got married against his wishes,
he blew a fuse./ * /When the umpire called Joe out at first, Joe blew
his top and was sent to the showers./ Syn.: BLOW UP(1b), FLIP ONE'S
LID, LOSE ONE'S TEMPER. Compare: BLOW OFF STEAM(2).
[blow great guns] See: GREAT GUNS.
[blow hot and cold] {v. phr.} To change your ways or likes often;
be fickle or changeable. * /Tom blows hot and cold about coming out
for the baseball team; he cannot decide./ * /Mary blew hot and cold
about going to college; every day she changed her mind./ * /The boys
will get tired of Ann's blowing hot and cold./
[blow in] {v.}, {slang} To arrive unexpectedly or in a carefree
way. * /The house was already full of guests when Bill blew in./
Compare SHOW UP(3).
[blow into] {v.}, {slang} To arrive at (a place) unexpectedly or in
a carefree way. * /Bill blows into college at the last minute after
every vacation./ * /Why Tom, when did you blow into town?/
[blow off steam] See: LET OFF STEAM.
[blow one's brains out] {v. phr.} 1. To shoot yourself in the head.
* /Mr. Jones lost all his wealth, so he blew his brains out./ 2.
{slang} To work very hard; overwork yourself. * /The boys blew their
brains out to get the stage ready for the play./ * /Mary is not one to
blow her brains out./ Compare: BREAK ONE'S NECK.
[blow one's cool] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To lose your
composure or self-control. * /Whatever you say to the judge in court,
make sure that you don't blow your cool./
[blow one's lines] or [fluff one's lines] {v. phr.}, {informal} To
forget the words you are supposed to speak while acting in a play. *
/The noise backstage scared Mary and she blew her lines./
[blow one's mind] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}; {originally from
the drug culture} 1. 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!/ 2. 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.
[blow one's own horn] or [toot one's own horn] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To praise yourself; call attention to your own skill, intelligence, or
successes; boast. * /People get tired of a man who is always blowing
his own horn./ * /A person who does things well does not have to toot
his own horn; his abilities will be noticed by others./
[blow one's top] {v. phr.} To become very excited, angry,
hysterical, or furious. * /"No need to blow your top, Al," his wife
said, "just because you lost a few dollars."/
[blow out] {v. phr.} 1. To cease to function; fail; explode (said
of tires and fuses). * /The accident occurred when Jim's tire blew out
on the highway./ * /The new dishwasher blew out the fuses in the whole
house./ 2. To extinguish. * /Jane blew out her birthday cake candles
before offering pieces to the guests./
[blowout] {n.} 1. An explosion of a tire or a fuse. * /Jim's van
veered sharply to the right after his car had a blowout./ 2. A big
party. * /After graduation from college, my son and his friends staged
a huge blowout./
[blow over] {v.} To come to an end; pass away with little or no bad
effects. * /The sky was black, as if a bad storm were coming, but it
blew over and the sun came out./ * /They were bitter enemies for a
while, but the quarrel blew over./ * /He was much criticized for the
divorce, but it all blew over after a few years./
[blow taps] {v. phr.} To sound the final bugle call of the evening
in a camp or military base. * /After taps is blown the boy scouts go
to their bunks to sleep./
[blow the gaff] {v. phr.} To open one's mouth to reveal a secret. *
/When Al cheated on his wife, his younger brother blew the gaff on
him./
[blow the lid off] {v. phr.}, {informal} Suddenly to reveal the
truth about a matter that has been kept as a secret either by private
persons or by some governmental agency. * /The clever journalists blew
the lid off the Watergate cover-up./
[blow the whistle on] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To inform against;
betray. * /The police caught one of the bank robbers, and he blew the
whistle on two more./ 2. To act against, stop, or tell people the
secrets of (crime or lawlessness). * /The mayor blew the whistle on
gambling./ * /The police blew the whistle on hot reading./
[blow up] {v.} 1a. To break or destroy or to be destroyed by
explosion. * /He blew up the plane by means of a concealed bomb./ *
/The fireworks factory blew up when something went wrong in an
electric switch./ 1b. {informal} To explode with anger or strong
feeling; lose control of yourself. * /When Father bent the nail for
the third time, he blew up./ Compare: BLOW A FUSE. 1c. To stop playing
well in a game or contest, usually because you are in danger of losing
or are tired; {especially}: To lose skill or control in pitching
baseball. * /The champion blew up and lost the tennis match./ * /Our
team was behind but the pitcher on the other team blew up and we got
the winning runs./ 2. {informal} To be ruined as if by explosion; be
ended suddenly. * /The whole scheme for a big party suddenly blew up./
3a. To pump full of air; inflate. * /He blew his tires up at a filling
station./ 3b. To make (something) seem bigger or important. * /It was
a small thing to happen but the newspapers had blown it up until it
seemed important./ 4. To bring on bad weather; also, to come on as bad
weather. * /The wind had blown up a storm./ * /A storm had blown up./
5. To copy in bigger form; enlarge. * /He blew up the snapshot to a
larger size./
[blow up in one's face] {v. phr.}, {informal} To fail completely
and with unexpected force. * /The thief's plan to rob the bank blew up
in his face when a policeman stopped him./
[blue] See: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, BOLT FROM THE
BLUE, ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, OUT OF THE BLUE or OUT OF A CLEAR BLUE SKY.
[blue around the gills] See: GREEN AROUND THE GILLS.
[blue collar worker] {n. phr.} A manual laborer who is probably a
labor union member. * /Because Jack's father is a blue collar worker,
Jack was so anxious to become an intellectual./ Contrast: WHITE COLLAR
WORKER.
[blue in the face] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Very angry or upset;
excited and very emotional. * /Tom argued with Bill until he was blue
in the face./ * /Mary scolded Jane until she was blue in the face, but
Jane kept on using Mary's paints./
[blue Monday] {n.} A Monday when you have to work after a happy
weekend. * /It was blue Monday and John nodded sleepily over his
books./ * /Housewives sometimes wish they could sleep through blue
Monday./
[blue-pencil] {v.} To edit. * /The editor blue-penciled John's
manuscript./
[bluff] See: CALL ONE'S BLUFF.
[blurt out] {v. phr.} To suddenly say something even if one was not
planning to do so, or if it was not expected of them. * /"My brother
Bob is in jail," Tony blurted out, before anybody could stop him./
[blush] See: AT FIRST BLUSH.
[board] See: ACROSS THE BOARD, COLLEGE BOARDS, GO BY THE BOARD or
PASS BY THE BOARD, ON BOARD, SANDWICH BOARD.
[boat] See: BURN ONE'S BRIDGES also BURN ONE'S BOATS, IN THE SAME
BOAT, MISS THE BOAT, ROCK THE BOAT.
[bobby-soxer] {n.} A teen-aged girl. (1940s idiom) * /My two
daughters, age 13 and 14, are typical bobby-soxers./
[bob up] See: POP UP(1).
[body] See: KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER.
[body blow] {n.}, {informal} A great disappointment; a bitter
failure. * /When he failed to get on the team it came as a body blow
to him./
[body English] {n.}, {informal} The wishful attempt to make a ball
move in the right direction after it has been hit or let go, by
twisting the body in the desired direction. * /He tried to help the
putt fall by using body English./
[bog down] {v. phr.} To be immobilized in mud, snow, etc.; slow
down. * /Our research got bogged down for a lack of appropriate
funding./ * /Don't get bogged down in too much detail when you write
an action story./
[bog down, to get bogged down] {v. phr.}, {mostly intransitive or
passive} 1. To stop progressing; to slow to a halt. * /Work on the new
building bogged down, because the contractor didn't deliver the needed
concrete blocks./ 2. To become entangled with a variety of obstacles
making your efforts unproductive or unsatisfying. * /The novelist
wrote tittle last summer because she got bogged down in housework./
[boggle the mind] {v. phr.}, {informal} To stop the rational
thinking process by virtue of being too fantastic or incredible. * /It
boggles the mind that John should have been inside a flying saucer!/
[boil] See: MAKE ONE'S BLOOD BOIL or MAKE THE BLOOD BOIL.
[boil down] {v.} 1. To boil away some of the water from; make less
by boiling. * /She boiled down the maple sap to a thick syrup./ * /The
fruit juice boiled down until it was almost not good for jelly./ 2. To
reduce the length of; cut down; shorten. * /The reporter boiled the
story down to half the original length./ 3. To reduce itself to; come
down to; be briefly or basically. * /The whole discussion boils down
to the question of whether the government should fix prices./
[boil over] {v. phr.} 1. To rise due to boiling and overflow down
the sides of a pan or a pot. * /"Watch out!" Jane cried. "The milk is
boiling over on the stove!"/ 2. To become enraged to the point of
being unable to contain oneself. * /John took a lot of abuse from his
boss, but after 25 minutes he suddenly boiled over and told him what
he thought of him./
[boiling point] {n.} 1. The temperature at which a liquid boils. *
/The boiling point of water is 272{sup}o{/sup} Fahrenheit./ 2. 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.
[bolt from the blue] {n. phr.} Something sudden and unexpected; an
event that you did not see coming; a great and usually unpleasant
surprise; shock. * /We had been sure she was in Chicago, so her sudden
appearance was a bolt from the blue./ * /His decision to resign was a
bolt from the blue./ Compare: OUT OF THE BLUE.
[bombshell] See: EXPLODE A BOMBSHELL.
[bond] See: SAVINGS BOND.
[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.
[bonehead] {n.}, {slang} An unusually dense or stupid person. *
/John is such a bonehead - small wonder he flunks all of his courses./
[bone of contention] {n. phr.} Something to fight over; a reason
for quarrels; the subject of a fight. * /The boundary line between the
farms was a bone of contention between the two farmers./ * /The use of
the car was a bone of contention between Joe and his wife./
[bone to pick] or [crow to pick] {n. phr.}, {informal} A reason for
dispute; something to complain of or argue about. - Often used
jokingly. * /"I have a bone to pick with you," he said./ * /There was
always a crow to pick about which one would shave first in the
morning./ Compare: BONE OF CONTENTION.
[bone up] {v.}, {informal} To fill with information; try to learn a
lot about something in a short time; study quickly. * /Carl was boning
up for an examination./ * /Jim had to make a class report the next day
on juvenile delinquency, and he was in the library boning up on how
the courts handle it./
[bonnet] See: BEE IN ONE'S BONNET.
[book] See: CLOSED BOOK, CLOSE THE BOOKS, HIT THE BOOKS, KEEP
BOOKS, NOSE IN A BOOK, ONE FOR THE BOOKS, READ ONE LIKE A BOOK,
TALKING BOOK, THROW THE BOOK AT.
[boom] See: LOWER THE BOOM.
[boot] See: DIE IN ONE'S BOOTS, IN ONE'S SHOES also IN ONE'S BOOTS,
LICK ONE'S BOOTS, SHAKE IN ONE'S SHOES or SHAKE IN ONE'S BOOTS, TO
BOOT, TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BREECHES or TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BOOTS, YOU BET
or YOU BET YOUR BOOTS.
[boot hill] {n.} A cemetery in the old Wild West where cowboys and
cops and robbers used to be buried with their boots on. Hence,
jokingly, any cemetery. * /Good old Joe, the cowboy, is resting
comfortably in the nearby boot hill./
[boot out] See: KICK OUT.
[boot strap] See: PULL ONESELF UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS.
[border on] {v. phr.} To be adjacent to; come close to; adjoin. *
/Our village borders on the Mississippi River./ * /John's actions
border on irresponsibility./
[bore to death] See: TO DEATH.
[bore to tears] {v. phr.} To fill with tired dislike; tire by
dullness or the same old thing bore. * /The party was dull and Roger
showed plainly that he was bored to tears./ * /Mary loved cooking, but
sewing bores her to tears./
[born] See: NATURAL-BORN, TO THE MANNER BORN.
[born out of wedlock] {adj. phr.} Born to parents who are not
married to each other; without legal parents. * /Sometimes when a
married couple can't have children, they adopt a child who was born
out of wedlock./ * /Today we no longer make fun of children born out
of wedlock./
[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.
[born yesterday] {adj. phr.} Inexperienced and easily fooled; not
alert to trickery; easily deceived or cheated. - Usually used in
negative sentences. * /When Bill started the new job, the other
workers teased him a little, but he soon proved to everyone that he
wasn't born yesterday./ * /I won't give you the money till I see the
bicycle you want to sell me. Do you think I was born yesterday?/
Compare: NOBODY'S FOOL.
[borrow] See: LIVE ON BORROWED TIME.
[borrow trouble] {v. phr.} To worry for nothing about trouble that
may not come; make trouble for yourself needlessly. * /Don't borrow
trouble by worrying about next year. It's too far away./ * /You are
borrowing trouble if you try to tell John what to do./ Compare: ASK
FOR, CROSS ONE'S BRIDGES BEFORE ONE COMES TO THEM, CRY BEFORE ONE IS
HURT.
[bosom friend] {n. phr.} A very close friend; an old buddy with
whom one has a confidential relationship. * /Sue and Jane have been
bosom friends since their college days./
[boss] See: STRAW BOSS.
[boss one around] {v. phr.} To keep giving someone orders; to act
overbearingly toward someone. * /"If you keep bossing me around,
darling," Tom said to Jane, "the days of our relationship are surely
numbered."/
[botch up] {v. phr.} To ruin, spoil, or mess something up. * /"I
botched up my chemistry exam," Tim said, with a resigned sigh./
[both] See: CUT BOTH WAYS, PLAGUE ON BOTH YOUR HOUSES.
[both --- and] {coord. conj.} Used to emphasize that two or more
things are talked about. * /Both Frank and Mary were at the party./ *
/Millie is both a good swimmer and a good cook./ * /In the program
tonight Mary will both sing and dance./ * /The frog can move quickly
both on land and in the water./ Compare: AS WELL AS. Contrast EITHER
OR.
[bothered] See: HOT AND BOTHERED.
[bottle blond] {n.}, {slang} A person who is obviously not a
natural blond but whose hair is artificially colored. * /I doubt that
Leonora's hair color is natural; she strikes me as a bottle blond./
[bottleneck] {n.} A heavy traffic congestion. * /In Chicago the
worst bottleneck is found where the Kennedy and the Eden's expressways
separate on the way to the airport./
[bottle up] {v.} 1. To hide or hold back; control. * /There was no
understanding person to talk to, so Fred bottled up his unhappy
feeling./ 2. To hold in a place from which there is no escape; trap. *
/Our warships bottled up the enemy fleet in the harbor./
[bottom] See: BET ONE'S BOOTS or BET ONE'S BOTTOM DOLLAR, FROM THE
BOTTOM OF ONE'S HEART, FROM --- TO ---, GET TO THE BOTTOM OF, HIT
BOTTOM or TOUCH BOTTOM, ROCK BOTTOM, SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL.
[bottom dollar] {n.}, {v. phr.}, {informal} One's last penny, one's
last dollar. * /He was down to his bottom dollar when he suddenly got
the job offer./
[bottom drop out] or [bottom fall out] {v. phr.} {informal} 1. To
fall below an earlier lowest price. * /The bottom dropped out of the
price of peaches./ 2. To lose all cheerful qualities; become very
unhappy, cheerless, or unpleasant. * /The bottom dropped out of the
day for John when he saw his report card./ * /The bottom fell out for
us when the same ended with our team on the two yard line and six
points behind./
[bottom line] {n.}, {informal} (stress on "line") 1. The last word
on a controversial issue; a final decision. * /"Give me the bottom
line on the proposed merger," said John./ 2. The naked truth without
embellishments. * /Look, the bottom line is that poor Max is an
alcoholic./ 3. The final dollar amount; for example, the lowest price
two parties reach in bargaining about a sale. * /"Five-hundred, " said
the used car dealer, "is the bottom line. Take it or leave it."/
[bottom line] {v.}, {informal} (stress on "bottom") To finish; to
bring to a conclusion. * /Okay, you guys, let's bottom line this
project and break for coffee./
[bottom out] {v. phr.} To reach the lowest point (said chiefly of
economic cycles). * /According to the leading economic indicators the
recession will bottom out within the next two months./
[bounce] See: GET THE BOUNCE, GIVE THE BOUNCE.
[bound] See: BIND, BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS, OUT OF BOUNDS, WITHIN
BOUNDS.
[bound for] {adj. phr.} On the way to; going to. * /I am bound for
the country club./ * /The ship is bound for Liverpool./
[bound up with] {v. phr.} To be connected; be involved with. *
/Tuition at our university is bound up with the state budget./
[bow] See: TAKE A BOW.
[bow and scrape] {v.} To be too polite or obedient from fear or
hope of gain; act like a slave. * /The old servant bowed and scraped
before them, too obedient and eager to please./
[bowl of cherries] See: BED OF ROSES.
[bowl over] {v.}, {informal} 1. To knock down as if with a bowled
ball. * /The taxi hit him a glancing blow and bowled him over./ 2. To
astonish with success or shock with misfortune; upset; stun. * /He was
bowled over by his wife's sudden death./ * /The young actress bowled
over everybody in her first movie./
[bow out] {v.}, {informal} 1. To give up taking part; excuse
yourself from doing any more; quit. * /Mr. Black often quarreled with
his partners, so finally he bowed out of the company./ * /While the
movie was being filmed, the star got sick and had to bow out./ 2. To
stop working after a long service; retire. * /He bowed out as train
engineer after forty years of railroading./
[box] See: IN A BIND or IN A BOX, PENALTY BOX, PRESS BOX, STUFF THE
BALLOT BOX, VOICE BOX.
[box office] {n.}, {informal} 1. The place at movies and theaters
where tickets may be purchased just before the performance instead of
having ordered them through the telephone or having bought them at a
ticket agency. * /No need to reserve the seats; we can pick them up at
the box office./ 2. A best selling movie, musical, or drama (where the
tickets are all always sold out and people line up in front of the box
office). * /John Wayne's last movie was a regular box office./ 3.
Anything successful or well liked. * /Betsie is no longer box office
with me./
[boy] See: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY, FAIR-HAIRED
BOY, MAMA'S BOY, OLD BOY, SEPARATE THE MEN FROM THE BOYS.
[boyfriend] {n.}, {informal} 1. A male friend or companion. *
/"John and his boyfriends have gone to the ball game," said his
mother./ 2. A girl's steady date, a woman's favorite man friend; a
male lover or sweetheart. * /Jane's new boyfriend is a senior in high
school./ Contrast: GIRL FRIEND.
[boys will be boys] Boys are only children and must sometimes get
into mischief or trouble or behave too roughly. * /Boys will be boys
and make a lot of noise, so John's mother told him and his friends to
play in the park instead of the back yard./
[brain] See: BEAT ONE'S BRAINS OUT, BLOW ONE'S BRAINS OUT, ON THE
BRAIN, RACK ONE'S BRAIN, GET ONE'S BRAINS FRIED.
[brain bucket] {n.}, {slang} A motorcycle helmet. * /If you want to
share a ride with me, you've got to wear a brain bucket./
[brain drain] {n.}, {informal} 1. The loss of the leading
intellectuals and researchers of a country due to excessive emigration
to other countries where conditions are better. * /Britain suffered a
considerable brain drain to the United States after World War II./ 2.
An activity requiring great mental concentration resulting in fatigue
and exhaustion * /That math exam I took was a regular brain drain./
[brain-storm] {v.} To have a discussion among fellow researchers or
co-workers on a project in order to find the best solution to a given
problem. * /Dr. Watson and his research assistants are brain-storming
in the conference room./
[brainstorm] {n.} A sudden insight; a stroke of comprehension. *
/Listen to me, I've just had a major brainstorm, and I think I found
the solution to our problem./
[brain trust] {n.} A group of specially trained, highly intelligent
experts in a given field. * /Albert Einstein gathered a brain trust
around himself at the Princeton Institute of Advanced Studies./
[brake] See: RIDE THE BRAKE.
[branch off] {v.} To go from something big or important to
something smaller or less important; turn aside. * /At the bridge a
little road branches off from the highway and follows the river./ *
/Martin was trying to study his lesson, but his mind kept branching
off onto what girl he should ask to go with him to the dance./
[branch out] {v.} To add new interests or activities; begin doing
other things also. * /First Jane collected stamps; then she branched
out and collected coins, too./ * /John started a television repair
shop; when he did well, he branched out and began selling television
sets too./
[brand-new] also [bran-new] {adj.} As new or fresh as when just
made and sold by the manufacturer; showing no use or wear. * /He had
taken a brand-new car from the dealer's floor and wrecked it./ * /In
Uncle Tom's trunk, we found a wedding ring, still in its little
satin-lined box, still brand-new./
[brass] See: DOUBLE IN BRASS, GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS.
[brass hat] {n.}, {slang} 1. A high officer in the army, navy, or
air force. * /The brass hats In Washington often discuss important
secrets./ 2. Any person who has a high position in business, politics,
or other work. * /Mr. Woods, the rich oil man, is a political brass
hat./
[brass tacks] See: GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS.
[brave it out] {v. phr.} To endure something difficult or dangerous
through to the end; keep on through trouble or danger. * /It was a
dangerous ocean crossing in wartime, but captain and crew braved it
out./
[brazen it out] {v. phr.} To pretend you did nothing wrong; be
suspected, accused, or scolded without admitting you did wrong; act as
if not guilty. * /The teacher found a stolen pen that the girl had in
her desk, but the girl brazened it out; she said someone else must
have put it there./
[bread] See: HALF A LOAF is BETTER THAN NONE, KNOW WHICH SIDE ONE'S
BREAD IS BUTTERED ON, TAKE THE BREAD OUT OF ONE'S MOUTH.
[bread and butter(1)] {n. phr.} The usual needs of life; food,
shelter, and clothing. * /Ed earned his bread and butter as a
bookkeeper, but added a little jam by working with a dance band on
weekends./
[bread and butter(2)] {adj.} Thanking someone for entertainment or
a nice visit; thank-you. * /After spending the weekend as a guest in
the Jones' home, Alice wrote the Joneses the usual bread-and-butter
letter./ See: BREAD AND BUTTER LETTER.
[bread and butter(3)] {interj.}, {informal} Spoken to prevent bad
luck that you think might result from some action. * /We'd say "Bread
and butter!" when we had passed on opposite sides of a tree./
[bread-and-butter letter] {n.} A written acknowledgment of
hospitality received. * /Jane wrote the Browns a bread-and-butter
letter when she returned home from her visit to them./
[breadbasket] {n}, {slang} The stomach. * /John is stuffing his
breadbasket again./
[break] See: COFFEE BREAK.
[break away] or [break loose] {v. phr.} To liberate oneself from
someone or something. * /Jane tried to break loose from her attacker,
but he was too strong./
[break camp] {v. phr.} To take down and pack tents and camping
things; take your things from a camping place. * /The scouts broke
camp at dawn./
[break down] {v.} (stress on "down") 1. To smash or hit (something)
so that it falls; cause to fall by force. * /The firemen broke down
the door./ 2. To reduce or destroy the strength or effect of; weaken;
win over. * /By helpful kindness the teacher broke down the new boy's
shyness./ * /Advertising breaks down a lot of stubbornness against
change./ 3. To separate into elements or parts; decay. * /Water is
readily broken down into hydrogen and oxygen./ * /After many years,
rocks break down into dirt./ 4. To become unusable because of breakage
or other failure; lose power to work or go. * /The car broke down
after half an hour's driving./ * /His health broke down./ * /When the
coach was sick in bed, the training rules of the team broke down./
Compare: GO BACK ON(2).
[breakdown] See: NERVOUS BREAKDOWN.
[breaker] See: JAW-BREAKER.
[break even] {v. phr.}, {informal} (stress on "even") To end a
series of gains and losses having the same amount you started with;
have expenses equal to profits; have equal gain and loss. * /The
storekeeper made many sales, but his expenses were so high that he
just broke even./ * /If you gamble you are lucky when you break even./
[break-even] {n.} The point of equilibrium in a business venture
when one has made as much money as one had invested, but not more -
that would be "profit." * /"We've reached the break-even point at long
last!" - Max exclaimed with joy./
[break ground] {v. phr.} To begin a construction project by digging
for the foundation; especially, to turn the formal first spadeful of
dirt. * /City officials and industrial leaders were there as the
company broke ground for its new building./ See: BREAK NEW GROUND.
[break in] {v.} (stress on "in") 1a. To break from outside. * /The
firemen broke in the door of the burning house./ 1b. To enter by force
or unlawfully. * /Thieves broke in while the family was away./ 2. To
enter suddenly or interrupt. * /A stranger broke in on the meeting
without knocking./ * /The secretary broke in to say that a telegram
had arrived./ Compare: CUT IN(2). 3. To make a start in a line of work
or with a company or association; begin a new job. * /He broke in as a
baseball player with a minor league./ 4. To teach the skills of a new
job or activity to. * /An assistant foreman broke in the new man as a
machine operator./ 5. To lessen the stiffness or newness of by use. *
/He broke in a new pair of shoes./ * /Breaking in a new car requires
careful driving at moderate speeds./
[break-in] {n.} (stress on "break") A robbery; a burglary. * /We
lost our jewelry during a break-in./
[break into] {v.} 1. To force an entrance into; make a rough or
unlawful entrance into. * /Thieves broke into the store at night./ 2.
{informal} To succeed in beginning (a career, business, or a social
life) * /He broke into television as an actor./ 3. To interrupt. * /He
broke into the discussion with a shout of warning./ 4. To begin
suddenly. * /He broke into a sweat./ * /She broke into tears./ * /The
dog heard his master's whistle and broke into a run./
[break new ground] {v. phr.} 1. To start a new activity previously
neglected by others; do pioneering work. * /Albert Einstein broke new
ground with his theory of relativity./ 2. To begin something never
done before. * /The school broke new ground with reading lessons that
taught students to guess the meaning of new words./
[break off] {v.} 1. To stop suddenly. * /The speaker was
interrupted so often that he broke off and sat down./ * /When Bob came
in, Jean broke off her talk with Linda and talked to Bob./ 2.
{informal} To end a friendship or love. * /I hear that Tom and Alice
have broken off./ * /She broke off with her best friend./
[break one's balls] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To do
something with maximum effort; to do something very difficult or
taxing * /I've been breaking my balls to buy you this new color TV set
and you aren't the least bit appreciative!/ Compare: BREAK ONE'S NECK.
[break one's heart] {v. phr.} To discourage greatly; make very sad
or hopeless. * /His son's disgrace broke his heart./ * /When Mr. White
lost everything he had worked so hard for, it broke his heart./
[break one's neck] {v. phr.}, {slang} To do all you possibly can;
try your hardest. - Usually used with a limiting adverb or negative. *
/John nearly broke his neck trying not to be late to school./ *
/Mother asked Mary to go to the store when she was free, but not to
break her neck over it./
[break one's word] {v. phr.} To renege on a promise. * /When Jake
broke his word that he would marry Sarah, she became very depressed./
[break out] {v.} 1. To begin showing a rash or other skin disorder.
- Often used with "with". * /He broke out with scarlet fever./ 2. To
speak or act suddenly and violently. * /He broke out laughing./ * /She
broke out, "That is not so!"/ 3. To begin and become noticeable. *
/Fire broke out after the earthquake./ * /War broke out in 1812./
Compare: FLARE UP. 4. {informal} To bring out; open and show. * /When
word of the victory came, people began breaking out their flags./ *
/When Mr. Carson's first son was born, he broke out the cigars he had
been saving./
[break the ice] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. 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./ 2. To be the first person or team to score in a game.
* /The Wolves broke the ice with a touchdown./
[break the record] {v. phr.} To set or to establish a new mark or
record. * /Algernon broke the record in both the pentathlon and the
decathlon and took home two gold medals from the Olympics./
[break through] {v.} To be successful after overcoming a difficulty
or bar to success. * /Dr. Salk failed many times but he finally broke
through to find a successful polio vaccine./ * /Jim studied very hard
this semester in college, and he finally broke through onto the Dean's
List for the first time./
[breakthrough] {n.} A point of sudden success after a long process
of experimentation, trial and error. * /The U.S. Space Program
experienced a major breakthrough when Armstrong and Aldrin landed on
the moon in June of 1969./
[break up] {v. phr.} To end a romantic relationship, a marriage, or
a business partnership. * /Tom and Jane broke up because Tom played so
much golf that he had no time for her./
[break up] {v.} 1. To break into pieces. * /The workmen broke up
the pavement to dig up the pipes under it./ * /River ice breaks up in
the spring./ 2. {informal} To lose or destroy spirit or self-control.
- Usually used in the passive. * /Mrs. Lawrence was all broken up
after her daughter's death, and did not go out of the house for two
months./ Compare: CRACK UP, GO TO PIECES. 3. To come or to put to an
end, especially by separation; separate. * /Some men kept interrupting
the speakers, and finally broke up the meeting./ * /The party broke up
at midnight./ - Often used in the informal phrase "break it up". *
/The boys were fighting, and a passing policeman ordered them to break
it up./ Compare: CUT OUT(1). 4. {informal} To stop being friends. *
/Mary and June were good friends and did everything together, but then
they had a quarrel and broke up/ Compare: BREAK OFF.
[break-up] {n.} The end of a relationship, personal or commercial.
* /The break-up finally occurred when Smith and Brown decided to sue
each other for embezzlement./
[break with] {v.} To separate yourself from; end membership in;
stop friendly association with. * /He broke with the Democratic party
on the question of civil rights./ * /He had broken with some friends
who had changed in their ideas./
[breast] See: MAKE A CLEAN BREAST OF.
[breath] See: CATCH ONE'S BREATH, DRAW A LONG BREATH or TAKE A LONG
BREATH, HOLD ONE'S BREATH, IN THE SAME BREATH, OUT OF BREATH, SAVE
ONE'S BREATH, SECOND WIND also SECOND BREATH, TAKE ONE'S BREATH AWAY,
UNDER ONE'S BREATH, WASTE ONE'S BREATH.
[breathe down one's neck] {v. phr.}, {informal} To follow closely;
threaten from behind; watch every action. * /Too many creditors were
breathing down his neck./ * /The carpenter didn't like to work for Mr.
Jones, who was always breathing down his neck./
[breathe easily] or [breathe freely] {v.} To have relief from
difficulty or worry; relax; feel that trouble is gone; stop worrying.
* /Now that the big bills were paid, he breathed more easily./ * /His
mother didn't breathe easily until he got home that night./
[breathe one's last] {v. phr.} To die. * /The wounded soldier fell
back on the ground and breathed his last./
[bred in the bone] {adj. phr.} Belonging to your nature or
character, especially from early teaching or long habit; natural from
belief or habit; believing deeply. * /The Willett children's cleanness
is bred in the none./ Often used, with hyphens before the noun. * /Joe
is a bred-in-the-bone horseman; he has been riding since he was six./
Contrast: SKIN-DEEP.
[breeches] See: TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BREECHES.
[breeze] See: SHOOT THE BREEZE or BAT THE BREEZE or FAN THE BREEZE,
WIN IN A WALK or WIN IN A BREEZE.
[breeze in] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To walk into a place
casually (like a soft blowing wind). * /Betsie breezed in and sat down
at the bar./
[brew] See: HOME BREW.
[brick] See: MAKE BRICKS WITHOUT STRAW.
[brick wall] See: STONE WALL.
[bridge] See: BURN ONE'S BRIDGES, CROSS A BRIDGE BEFORE ONE COMES
TO IT, WATER OVER THE DAM or WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE.
[brief] See: HOLD A BRIEF FOR, IN BRIEF or IN SHORT or IN A WORD.
[bright and early] {adj. phr.} Prompt and alert; on time and ready;
cheerful and on time or before time. * /He came down bright and early
to breakfast./ * /She arrived bright and early for the appointment./
[bring about] {v.} To cause; produce; lead to. * /The war had
brought about great changes in living./ * /Drink brought about his
downfall./
[bring around] or [bring round] {v.} 1. {informal} To restore to
health or consciousness cure. * /He was quite ill, but good nursing
brought him around./ Compare: BRING TO(1). 2. To cause a change in
thinking; persuade; convince; make willing. * /After a good deal of
discussion he brought her round to his way of thinking./
[bringdown] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. (from "bring down", past
"brought down"). A critical or cutting remark said sarcastically in
order to deflate a braggard's ego. * /John always utters the right
bringdown when he encounters a braggard./ 2. A person who depresses
and saddens others by being a chronic complainer. * /John is a regular
bringdown./
[bring down] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. To deflate
(someone's ego). * /John brought Ted down very cleverly with his
remarks./ 2. To depress (someone). * /The funeral brought me down
completely./
[bring down about one's ears] or [bring down around one's ears]
See: ABOUT ONE'S EARS.
[bring down the house] {v. phr.}, {informal} To start an audience
laughing or clapping enthusiastically. * /The principal's story was
funny in itself and also touched their loyalties, so it brought down
the house./ * /The President made a fine speech which brought down the
house./
[bring home] {v.} To show clearly; emphasize; make (someone)
realize; demonstrate. * /The accident caused a death in his family,
and it brought home to him the evil of drinking while driving./ * /A
parent or teacher should bring home to children the value and pleasure
of reading./
[bring home the bacon] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To support your
family; earn the family living. * /He was a steady fellow, who always
brought home the bacon./ 2. To win a game or prize. * /The football
team brought home the bacon./
[bring in] {v.} In baseball: To enable men on base to score, score.
* /Dick's hit brought in both base runners./ * /A walk and a triple
brought in a run in the third inning./
[bring into line] {v. phr.} To make someone conform to the accepted
standard. * /Sam had to be brought into line when he refused to take
his muddy shoes off the cocktail table./
[bring off] {v.} To do (something difficult); perform successfully
(an act of skill); accomplish (something requiring unusual ability). *
/By skillful discussion, Mr. White had brought off an agreement that
had seemed impossible to get./ * /He tried several times to break the
high jump record, and finally he brought it off./ Compare: PUT
OVER(2).
[bring on] {v.} To result in; cause; produce. * /The murder of
Archduke Franz Ferdinand in the summer of 1914 brought on the First
World War./ * /Spinal meningitis brought on John's deafness when he
was six years old./ * /Reading in a poor light may bring on a
headache./
[bring out] {v.} 1. To cause to appear; make clear. * /His report
brought out the foolishness of the plan./ * /Brushing will bring out
the beauty of your hair./ 2. To help (an ability or skill) grow or
develop. * /The teacher's coaching brought out a wonderful singing
voice of great power and warmth./ 3. To offer to the public by
producing, publishing, or selling. * /He brought out a new play./ *
/The company brought out a line of light personal airplanes./
[bring round] See: BRING AROUND.
[bring suit against] {v. phr.} To sue someone in a court of law. *
/Fred brought suit against Tom for fraud and embezzlement./
[bring to] {v.} (stress on "to") 1. To restore to consciousness;
wake from sleep, anesthesia, hypnosis, or fainting. * /Smelling salts
will often bring a fainting person to./ Compare: BRING AROUND(1). 2.
To bring a ship or boat to a stop. * /Reaching the pier, he brought
the boat smartly to./
[bring to a close] {v. phr.} To terminate; cause to end. * /The
meeting was brought to an abrupt close when the speaker collapsed with
a heart attack./
[bring to a head] {v. phr.} To cause some activity to reach the
point of culmination. * /Time is running out, gentlemen, so let us
bring this discussion to a head./
[bring to bay] {v. phr.} To chase or force into a place where
escape is impossible without a fight; trap; corner. * /The police
brought the robber to bay on the roof and he gave up./ * /The fox was
brought to bay in a hollow tree and the dogs stood around it barking./
Compare: AT BAY.
[bring to heel] See: TO HEEL.
[bring to light] {v. phr.} To discover (something hidden); find out
about; expose. * /Many things left by the ancient Egyptians in tombs
have been brought to light by scientists and explorers./ * /His
enemies brought to light some foolish things he had done while young,
but he was elected anyway because people trusted him./ Compare: COME
TO LIGHT.
[bring to one's knees] {v. phr.} To seriously weaken the power or
impair the function of. * /The fuel shortage brought the automobile
industry to its knees./
[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.
[bring to terms] {v. phr.} To make (someone) agree or do; make
surrender. * /The two brothers were brought to terms by their father
for riding the bicycle./ * /The war won't end until we bring the enemy
to terms./ Contrast: COME TO TERMS.
[bring up] {v.} 1. 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./ 2.
{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./ 3. To begin a discussion of; speak
of; mention. * /At the class meeting Bob brought up the idea of a
picnic./
[bring up the rear] {v. phr.} 1. To come last in a march, parade,
or procession; end a line. * /The fire truck with Santa on it brought
up the rear of the Christmas parade./ * /The governor and his staff
brought up the rear of the parade./ 2. {informal} To do least well; do
the most poorly of a group; be last. * /In the race, John brought up
the rear./ * /In the basketball tournament, our team brought up the
rear./
[bring] or [wheel in] or [out] or [up the big guns] {v. phr.} To
make use of a concealed plan in order to defeat an opponent in an
argument or in a game, debate, or competition. * /The new computer
software company decided to bring out the big guns to get ahead of the
competition./
[broke] See: GO BROKE, GO FOR BROKE, STONE-BROKE OT DEAD BROKE or
FLAT BROKE, STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL'S BACK.
[Bronx cheer] {n. phr.}, {slang} A loud sound made with tongue and
lips to show opposition or scorn. * /When he began to show anti-union
feelings, he was greeted with Bronx cheers all around./
[broom] See: NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN.
[broth] See: SCOTCH BROTH.
[brow] See: BY THE SWEAT OF ONE'S BROW.
[brown] See: DO UP BROWN.
[brown-bagger] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person who does not go
to the cafeteria or to a restaurant for lunch at work, but who brings
his homemade lunch to work in order to save money. * /John became a
brown-bagger not because he can't afford the restaurant, but because
he is too busy to go there./
[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.
[brown paper bag] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} An
unmarked police car. * /The beaver got a Christmas card because she
didn't notice the brown paper bag at her back door./ See: PLAIN WHITE
WRAPPER.
[brown study] {n. phr.} A time of deep thought about something; a
deep thoughtful mood. * /When his wife found him, he had pushed away
his books and was in a brown study./
[brush] See: BEAT THE BUSHES or BEAT THE BRUSH.
[brush aside] {v. phr.} To ignore; give no reply. * /Brushing aside
the editor's comments, the young novelist proceeded with his story,
which was subsequently rejected by the publisher./
[brush back] {v.} To throw a baseball pitch close to. * /The
pitcher threw a high inside pitch to brush the batter back./ Syn.:
DUST OFF.
[brushoff] See: GET THE BRUSHOFF, BRUSH OFF or GIVE THE BRUSHOFF.
[brush off] or [give the brush off] {v. phr.} 1. To refuse to hear
or believe; quickly and impatiently; not take seriously or think
important. * /John brushed off Bill's warning that he might fall from
the tree./ * /I said that it might rain and to take the bus, but Joe
gave my idea the brushoff./ * /Father cut his finger but he brushed it
off as not important and kept working./ 2. {informal} To be unfriendly
to; not talk or pay attention to (someone); get rid of. * /Mary
brushed off Bill at the dance./ * /I said hello to Mr. Smith, but he
gave me the brushoff./ Compare: COLD SHOULDER, HIGH-HAT. Contrast: GET
THE BRUSH OFF.
[brush up] or [brush up on] {v.} To refresh one's memory of or
skill at by practice or review; improve; make perfect. * /She spent
the summer brushing up on her American History as she was to teach
that in the fall./ * /He brushed up his target shooting./
[bubble gum music] {n.}, {slang} The kind of rock'n'roll that
appeals to young teenagers. * /When will you learn to appreciate
Mozart instead of that bubble gum music?/
[bubble trouble] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Tire
trouble, flat tire. * /The eighteen wheeler ahead of me seems to have
bubble trouble./
[buck] See: FAST BUCK or QUICK BUCK, PASS THE BUCK.
[bucket] See: KICK THE BUCKET, RAIN CATS AND DOGS or RAIN BUCKETS.
[bucket of bolts] {n.}, {slang} A very old and shaky car that
barely goes. * /When are you going to get rid of that old bucket of
bolts?/
[buckle] See: BUCKLE DOWN or KNUCKLE DOWN.
[buckle down] or [knuckle down] {v.} To give complete attention (to
an effort or job); attend. * /They chatted idly for a few moments then
each buckled down to work./ * /Jim was fooling instead of studying; so
his father told him to buckle down./
[buck passer], [buck-passing] See: PASS THE BUCK.
[buck up] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make or become more cheerful;
make or become free from discouragement; become more hopeful. * /After
the heavy rain, the scoutmaster bucked up the boys by leading them in
a song./ * /Tom was disappointed that he didn't make the team; but he
soon bucked up./
[bud] See: NIP IN THE BUD.
[bug-eyed] {adj.}, {slang} Wide-eyed with surprise. * /He stood
there bug-eyed when told that he had won the award./
[buggy-whip] {n.}, {slang} An unusually long, thin radio antenna on
a car that bends back like a whip when the car moves fast. * /He's
very impressed with himself ever since he got a buggy whip./
[bughouse(1)] {n.}, {slang} An insane asylum. * /They took Joe to
the bughouse./
[bughouse(2)] {adj.}, {slang} Crazy, insane. * /Joe's gone
bughouse./
[bug in one's ear] {n. phr.}, {informal} A hint; secret information
given to someone to make him act; idea. * /I saw Mary at the jeweler's
admiring the diamond pin; I'll put a bug in Henry's ear./
[build] See: JERRY-BUILT.
[build a fire under] {v. phr.} To urge or force (a slow or
unwilling person) to action; get (someone) moving; arouse. * /The
health department built a fire under the restaurant owner and got him
to clean the place up by threatening to cancel his license./
[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./
[build on sand] {v. phr.} To lay a weak or insufficient foundation
for a building, a business, or a relationship. * /"I don't want to
build my business on sand," John said, "so please. Dad, give me that
loan I requested."/
[build up] {v.} 1. 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./ 2. 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./
[build up to] {v. phr.} To be in the process of reaching a
culmination point. * /The clouds were building up to a violent storm./
* /Their heated words were building up to a premature divorce./
[bull] See: HIT THE BULLS-EYE, SHOOT THE BREEZE or SHOOT THE BULL,
TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS.
[bullet lane] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} The
passing lane. * /Move over into the bullet lane, this eighteen wheeler
is moving too slow./
[bull in a china shop] {n. phr.} A rough or clumsy person who says
or does something to anger others or upset plans; a tactless person. *
/We were talking politely and carefully with the teacher about a class
party, but John came in like a bull in a china shop and his rough talk
made the teacher say no./
[bull session] {n.}, {slang} A long informal talk about something
by a group of persons. * /After the game the boys in the dormitory had
a bull session until the lights went out./
[bullshit] {n.}, {vulgar, but gaining in acceptance by some}
Exaggerated or insincere talk meant to impress others. * /"Joe, this
is a lot of bullshit!"/
[bullshit] {v.}, {vulgar to informal}, {gaining in social
acceptance by some} To exaggerate or talk insincerely in an effort to
make yourself seem impressive. * /"Stop bullshitting me, Joe, I can't
believe a word of what you're saying."/
[bullshit artist] {n.}, {slang}, {vulgar, but gaining in social
acceptance} A person who habitually makes exaggerated or insincerely
flattering speeches designed to impress others. * /Joe is a regular
bullshit artist, small wonder he keeps gettine promoted ahead of
everyone else./
[bum around] {v. phr.}, {slang} To aimlessly wander in no definite
direction, like a vagabond. * /Jim had been bumming around in the
desert for three days and nights before he was able to remember how he
got there in the first place./
[bump] See: GOOSE BUMPS.
[bump into] {v.}, {informal} To meet without expecting to; happen
to meet; come upon by accident. * /Mary was walking down the street,
when she suddenly bumped into Joan./ * /Ed was surprised to bump into
John at the football game./ Syn.: RUN INTO.
[bump off] {v.}, {slang} To kill in a violent way; murder in
gangster fashion. * /Hoodlums in a speeding car bumped him off with
Tommy guns./
[bum's rush] {n. phr.}, {slang} Throwing or pushing someone out
from where he is not wanted. * /When John tried to go to the party
where he was not invited, Bill and Fred gave him the bum's rush./ *
/Tom became too noisy, and he got the bum's rush./ 2. To hurry or rush
(someone). * /The salesman tried to give me the bum's rush./
[bum steer] {n.} Wrong or misleading directions given naively or on
purpose. * /Man, you sure gave me a bum steer when you told me to go
north on the highway; you should have sent me south!/
[bundle of laughs] {n. phr.} A very amusing person, thing, or
event. * /Uncle Lester tells so many jokes that he is a bundle of
laughs./
[bundle up] See: WRAP UP(1).
[burn] See: EARS BURN, KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING, MONEY TO BURN.
[burn a hole in one's pocket] {v. phr.} To make you want to buy
something; be likely to be quickly spent. * /Money burns a hole in
Linda's pocket./ * /The silver dollar that Don got for his birthday
was burning a hole in his pocket, and Don hurried to a dime store./
[burn down] {v. phr.} To burn to the ground; be totally gutted by
fire. * /The old frame house burned down before the firefighters could
get to it./
[burn in effigy] See: HANG IN EFFIGY.
[burn one's bridges] also [burn one's boats] {v. phr.} To make a
decision that you cannot change; remove or destroy all the ways you
can get back out of a place you have got into on purpose; leave
yourself no way to escape a position. * /Bob was a good wrestler but a
poor boxer. He burned his boats by letting Mickey choose how they
would fight./ * /When Dorothy became a nun, she burned her bridges
behind her./
[burn one's fingers] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get in trouble doing
something and fear to do it again; learn caution through an unpleasant
experience. * /He had burned his fingers in the stock market once, and
didn't want to try again./ * /Some people can't be told; they have to
burn their fingers to learn./
[burn out] {v. phr.} 1. To destroy by fire or by overheating. *
/Mr. Jones burned out the clutch on his car./ 2. To destroy someone's
house or business by fire so that they have to move out. * /Three
racists burned out the Black family's home./ 3a. To go out of order;
cease to function because of long use or overheating. * /The light
bulb in the bathroom burned out, and Father put in a new one./ * /The
electric motor was too powerful, and it burned out a fuse./ 3b. To
break, tire, or wear out by using up all the power, energy, or
strength of. * /Bill burned himself out in the first part of the race
and could not finish./ * /The farmer burned out his field by planting
the same crop every year for many years./
[burn-out] {n.} A point of physical or emotional exhaustion. *
/There are so many refugees all over the world that charitable
organizations as well as individuals are suffering from donor
burn-out./
[burn rubber] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To start up a car or a
motorcycle from dead stop so fast that the tires leave a mark on the
road. * /The neighborhood drag racers burned a lot of rubber - look at
the marks on the road!/ 2. To leave in a hurry. * /I guess I am going
to have to burn rubber./
[burnt child dreads the fire] or [once bitten, twice shy] A person
who has suffered from doing something has learned to avoid doing it
again. - A proverb. * /Once Mary had got lost when her mother took her
downtown. But a burnt child dreads the fire, so now Mary stays close
to her mother when they are downtown./
[burn the candle at both ends] {v. phr.} To work or play too hard
without enough rest; get too tired. * /He worked hard every day as a
lawyer and went to parties and dances every night; he was burning the
candle at both ends./
[burn the midnight oil] {v. phr.} To study late at night. * /Exam
time was near, and more and more pupils were burning the midnight
oil./
[bum to a crisp] {v. phr.} To burn black; burn past saving or using
especially as food. * /While getting breakfast, Mother was called to
the telephone, and when she got back, the bacon had been burned to a
crisp./
[burn up] {v.} 1. To burn completely; destroy or be destroyed by
fire. * /Mr. Scott was burning up old letters./ * /The house burned up
before the firemen got there./ 2. {informal} To irritate, anger,
annoy. * /The boy's laziness and rudeness burned up his teacher./ *
/The breakdown of his new car burned Mr. Jones up./
[burn up the road] {v. phr.}, {informal} To drive a car very fast.
* /In his eagerness to see his girl again, he burned up the road on
his way to see her./ * /Speed demons burning up the road often cause
accidents./
[burst at the seams] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be too full or too
crowded. * /John ate so much he was bursting at the seams./ * /Mary's
album was so full of pictures it was bursting at the seams./
[burst into] {v. phr.} 1. To enter suddenly. * /Stuart burst into
the room, screaming angrily./ 2. To break out. * /The crowd burst out
cheering when the astronauts paraded along Fifth Avenue./
[burst into flames] {v. phr.} To begin to burn suddenly. * /The
children threw away some burning matches and the barn burst into
flames./
[burst into tears] {v. phr.} To suddenly start crying. * /Mary
burst into tears when she heard that her brother was killed in a car
accident./
[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./
[bury one's head in the sand] See: HIDE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND.
[bury the hatchet] {v. phr.}, {informal} To settle a quarrel or end
a war; make peace. * /The two men had been enemies a long time, but
after the flood they buried the hatchet./ Compare: MAKE UP(5).
[bus] See: MISS THE BOAT or MISS THE BUS.
[bush] See: BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH, BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN
THE BUSH.
[bushel] See: HIDE ONE'S LIGHT UNDER A BUSHEL.
[bushes] See: BEAT THE BUSHES.
[business] See: DO THE BUSINESS, HAVE NO BUSINESS, LAND-OFFICE
BUSINESS, MEAN BUSINESS, MONKEY BUSINESS, THE BUSINESS.
[bust up] {v. phr.}, {slang} To terminate a partnership, a
relationship, a friendship, or a marriage. * /If Jack keeps drinking
the way he does, it will bust up his marriage to Sue./
[busy work] {n.} Work that is done not to do or finish anything
important, but just to keep busy. * /When the teacher finished all she
had to say it was still a half hour before school was over. So she
gave the class a test for busy work./
[but for] See: EXCEPT FOR.
[but good] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Very much so; thoroughly
completely; forcefully. - Used for emphasis. * /Jack called Charles a
bad name, and Charles hit him, but good./ * /Tom fell and broke his
leg. That taught him but good not to fool around in high trees./
Compare: AND HOW.
[but not least] See: LAST BUT NOT LEAST.
[butter] See: BREAD AND BUTTER.
[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./
[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.
[butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth] {informal} You act very
polite and friendly but do not really care, you are very nice to
people but are not sincere. * /The new secretary was rude to the other
workers, but when she talked to the boss, butter wouldn't melt in her
mouth./
[butt in] {v.}, {slang} To join in with what other people are doing
without asking or being asked; interfere in other people's business;
meddle. * /Mary was explaining to Jane how to knit a sweater when
Barbara butted in./ Often used with "on". * /John butted in on Bill
and Tom's fight, and got hurt./ Compare: HORN IN.
[button] See: HAVE ALL ONE'S BUTTONS, ON THE BUTTON, PUSH THE PANIC
BUTTON.
[button down] {v.}, {slang} (stress on "down") To state precisely,
to ascertain, to pin down, to peg down. * /First let's get the facts
buttoned down, then we can plan ahead./
[button-down] {attrib. adj.}, {slang} (stress on "button")
Well-groomed, conservatively dressed. * /Joe is a regular button-down
type./
[buttonhole] {v.} To approach a person in order to speak with him
or her in private. * /After waiting for several hours, Sam managed to
buttonhole his boss just as she was about to leave the building./
[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.
[buy for a song] {v. phr.} To buy something very cheaply. * /Since
the building on the corner was old and neglected, I was able to buy it
for a song./
[buy off] {v.} To turn from duty or purpose by a gift. * /When the
police threatened to stop the gambling business, the owner bought them
off./ * /The Indians were going to burn the cabins, but the men bought
them off with gifts./ Compare: PAY OFF.
[buy out] {v.} 1. To buy the ownership or a share of; purchase the
stock of. * /He bought out several small stockholders. 2. To buy all
the goods of; purchase the merchandise of./ * /Mr. Harper bought out a
nearby hardware store./ Contrast: SELL OUT.
[buy up] {v. phr.} To purchase the entire stock of something. *
/The company is trying to buy up all the available shares./
[buzz] See: GIVE A RING also GIVE A BUZZ.
[buzz word] {n.} A word that sounds big and important in a sentence
but, on closer inspection, means little except the speaker's
indication to belong to a certain group. * /The politician's speech
was nothing but a lot of misleading statements and phony promises
hidden in a bunch of buzz words./
[by] See: TOO --- BY HALF.
[by a hair] See: HANG BY A THREAD or HANG BY A HAIR
[by] or [in my book] {adv. phr.} In my opinion; as far as I am
concerned; in my judgment. * /By my book, Mr. Murgatroyd is not a very
good department head./
[by all means] also [by all manner of means] {adv. phr.} Certainly,
without fail. * /He felt that he should by all means warn Jones./
Contrast: BY NO MEANS.
[by all odds] {adv. phr.} Without question; certainly. * /He was by
all odds the strongest candidate./ * /By all odds we should win the
game, because the other team is so weak./ Compare: FAR AND AWAY.
[by a long shot] {adv. phr.}, {informal} By a big difference; by
far. - Used to add emphasis. * /Bert was the best swimmer in the race,
by a long shot./ Often used with a negative. * /Tom isn't the kind who
would be fresh to a teacher, by a long shot./ * /Our team didn't win -
not by a long shot./ Compare: MISS BY A MILE.
[by a mile] See: MISS BY A MILE.
[by and by] {adv.} After a while; at some time in the future;
later. * /Roger said he would do his homework by and by./ * /The
mother knew her baby would be a man by and by and do a man's work./
Syn.: AFTER A WHILE.
[by and large] {adv. phr.} As it most often happens; more often
than not; usually; mostly. * /There were bad days, but it was a
pleasant summer, by and large./ * /By and large, women can bear pain
better than men./ Syn.: FOR THE MOST PART, ON THE WHOLE(2).
[by any means] See: BY NO MEANS.
[by a thread] See: HANG BY A THREAD.
[by chance] {adv. phr.} Without any cause or reason; by accident;
accidentally. * /Tom met Bill by chance./ * /The apple fell by chance
on Bobby's head./
[by choice] {adv. phr.} As a result of choosing because of wanting
to; freely. * /John helped his father by choice./ * /Mary ate a plum,
but not by choice. Her mother told her she must eat it./
[by dint of] {prep.} By the exertion of; by the use of; through. *
/By dint of sheer toughness and real courage, he lived through the
jungle difficulties and dangers./ * /His success in college was
largely by dint of hard study./
[bye] See: BY THE WAY also BY THE BYE.
[by ear] {adv. phr.} 1. By sound, without ever reading the printed
music of the piece being played. * /The church choir sang the hymns by
ear./ 2. Waiting to see what will happen. * /I don't want to plan now;
let's just play it by ear./
[by far] {adv. phr.} By a large difference; much. * /His work was
better by far than that of any other printer in the city./ * /The old
road is prettier, but it is by far the longer way./ Compare: FAR AND
AWAY.
[by fits and starts] or [jerks] {adv. phr.} With many stops and
starts, a little now and a little more later; not all the time;
irregularly. * /He had worked on the invention by fits and starts for
several years./ * /You will never get anywhere if you study just by
fits and starts./ Compare: FROM TIME TO TIME, OFF AND ON.
[bygone] See: LET BYGONES BE BYGONES.
[by heart] {adv. phr.} By exact memorizing; so well that you
remember it; by memory. * /The pupils learned many poems by heart./ *
/He knew the records of the major league teams by heart./
[by hook or by crook] {adv. phr.} By honest ways or dishonest in
any way necessary. * /The wolf tried to get the little pigs by hook or
by crook./ * /The team was determined to win that last game by hook or
by crook, and three players were put out of the game for fouling./
[by inches] {adv. phr.} By small or slow degrees; little by little;
gradually. * /The river was rising by inches./ * /They got a heavy
wooden beam under the barn for a lever, and managed to move it by
inches./ * /He was dying by inches./
[by leaps and bounds] {adv. phr.} With long steps; very rapidly. *
/Production in the factory was increasing by leaps and bounds./ * /The
school enrollment was going up by leaps and bounds./
[by means of] {prep.} By the use of; with the help of. * /The
fisherman saved himself by means of a floating log./ * /By means of
monthly payments, people can buy more than in the past./
[by mistake] {adv. phr.} As the result of a mistake; through error.
* /He picked up the wrong hat by mistake./
[by no means] or [not by any means] also [by no manner of means] or
[not by any manner of means] {adv. phr.} Not even a little; certainly
not. * /He is by no means bright./ * /"May I stay home from school?"
"By no means."/ * /Dick worked on his project Saturday, but he is not
finished yet, by any means./ Contrast: BY ALL MEANS.
[B.Y.O.] (Abbreviation) {informal} Bring Your Own. Said of a kind
of party where the host or hostess does not provide the drinks or food
but people ring their own.
[B.Y.O.B.] (Abbreviation) {informal} Bring Your Own Bottle.
Frequently written on invitations for the kind of party where people
bring their own liquor.
[by oneself] {adv. phr.} 1. Without any others around; separate
from others; alone. * /The house stood by itself on a hill./ * /Tom
liked to go walking by himself./ * /Betty felt very sad and lonely by
herself./ 2. Without the help of anyone else; by your own work only. *
/John built a flying model airplane by himself./ * /Lois cleaned the
house all by herself./
[by one's own bootstraps] See: PULL ONE SELF UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS.
[by storm] See: TAKE BY STORM.
[by surprise] See: TAKE BY SURPRISE.
[by the board] See: GO BY THE BOARD also PASS BY THE BOARD.
[by the bootstraps] See: PULL ONESELF UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS.
[by the bye] See: BY THE WAY.
[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./
[by the horns] See: TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS.
[by the hundred] See: BY THE DOZEN.
[by the nose] See: LEAD BY THE NOSE.
[by the piece] {adv. phr.} Counted one piece at a time, separately
for each single piece. * /John bought boxes full of bags of potato
chips and sold them by the piece./ * /Mary made potholders and got
paid by the piece./
[by the seat of one's pants] See: FLY BY THE SEAT OF ONE'S PANTS.
[by the skin of one's teeth] {adv. phr.} By a narrow margin; with
no room to spare; barely. * /The drowning man struggled, and I got him
to land by the skin of my teeth./ * /She passed English by the skin of
her teeth./ Compare: SQUEAK THROUGH, WITHIN AN ACE OF or WITHIN AN
INCH OF.
[by the sweat of one's brow] {adv. phr.} By hard work; by tiring
effort; laboriously. * /Even with modern labor-saving machinery, the
farmer makes his living by the sweat of his brow./
[by the thousand] See: BY THE DOZEN.
[by the way] also [by the bye] {adv. phr.} Just as some added fact
or news; as something else that I think of. - Used to introduce
something related to the general subject, or brought to mind by it. *
/We shall expect you; by the way, dinner will be at eight./ * /I was
reading when the earthquake occurred, and, by the way, it was The Last
Days of Pompeii that I was reading./
[by the wayside] See: FALL BY THE WAYSIDE.
[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.
[by virtue of] also [in virtue of] {prep.} On the strength of;
because of; by reason of. * /By virtue of his high rank and position,
the President takes social leadership over almost everyone else./ *
/Plastic bags are useful for holding many kinds of food, by virtue of
their clearness, toughness, and low cost./ Compare: BY DINT OF.
[by way of] {prep.} 1. For the sake or purpose of; as. * /By way of
example, he described his own experience./ 2. Through; by a route
including; via. * /He went from New York to San Francisco by way of
Chicago./
[by word of mouth] {adv. phr.} From person to person by the spoken
word; orally. * /The news got around by word of mouth./ * /The message
reached him quietly by word of mouth./
C
[cahoots] See: IN LEAGUE WITH or IN CAHOOTS WITH.
[Cain] See: RAISE CAIN.
[cake] See: EAT-ONE'S CAKE AND HAVE IT TOO, PAT-A-CAKE, TAKE THE
CAKE.
[calculated risk] {n.} An action that may fail but is judged more
likely to succeed. * /The sending of troops to the rebellious island
was a calculated risk./
[calf love] See: PUPPY LOVE.
[call] See: AT CALL, AT ONE'S BECK AND CALL, CLOSE CALL, ON CALL,
PORT OF CALL, POT CALLS THE KETTLE BLACK, WITHIN CALL.
[call a halt] {v. phr.} To give a command to stop. * /The scouts
were tired during the hike, and the scoutmaster called a halt./ *
/When the children's play, got too noisy, their mother called a halt./
[call a spade a spade] {v. phr.} To call a person or thing a name
that is true but not polite; speak bluntly; use the plainest language.
* /A boy took some money from Dick's desk and said he borrowed it, but
I told him he stole it; I believe in calling a spade a spade./
[call down] also [dress down] {v.}, {informal} To scold. * /Jim was
called down by his teacher for being late to class./ * /Mother called
Bob down for walking into the kitchen with muddy boots./ Compare: CALL
ON THE CARPET, CHEW OUT, BAWL OUT, READ THE RIOT ACT.
[call for] {v.} 1. To come or go to get (someone or something). *
/John called for Mary to take her to the dance./ Syn.: PICK UP. 2. To
need; require. * /The cake recipe calls for two cups of flour./ *
/Success in school calls for much hard study./
[call girl] {n.}, {slang} A prostitute catering to wealthy
clientele, especially one who is contacted by telephone for an
appointment. * /Rush Street is full of call girls./
[calling down] also [dressing down] {n. phr.}, {informal} A
scolding; reprimand. * /The judge gave the boy a calling down for
speeding./
[call in question] or [call into question] or [call in doubt] {v.
phr.} To say (something) may be a mistake; express doubt about;
question. * /Bill called in question Ed's remark that basketball is
safer than football./
[call it a day] {v. phr.} To declare that a given day's work has
been accomplished and go home; to quit for the day. * /"Let's call it
a day," the boss said, "and go out for a drink."/ * /It was nearly
midnight, so Mrs. Byron decided to call it a day, and left the party,
and went home./ * /The four golfers played nine holes and then called
it a day./ Compare: CLOSE UP SHOP.
[call it a night] {v. phr.} To declare that an evening party or
other activity conducted late in the day is finished. * /I am so tired
that I am going to call it a night and go to bed./
[call it quits] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To decide to stop what you
are doing; quit. * /When Tom had painted half the garage, he called it
quits./ 2. To agree that each side in a fight is satisfied; stop
fighting because a wrong has been paid back; say things are even. *
/Pete called Tom a bad name, and they fought till Tom gave Pete a
bloody nose; then they called it quits./ 3. To cultivate a habit no
longer. * /"Yes, I called it quits with cigarettes three years ago."/
[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./
[call off] {v.} To stop (something planned); quit; cancel. * /When
the ice became soft and sloppy, we had to call off the ice-skating
party./ * /The baseball game was called off because of rain./
[call on] or [call upon] {v.} 1. To make a call upon; visit. * /Mr.
Brown called on an old friend while he was in the city./ 2. To ask for
help. * /He called on a friend to give him money for the busfare to
his home./
[call one's bluff] {v. phr.}, {informal} To ask someone to prove
what he says he can or will do. (Originally from the card game of
poker.) * /Tom said he could jump twenty feet and so Dick called his
bluff and said "Let's see you do it!"/
[call one's shot] {v. phr.} 1. To tell before firing where a bullet
will hit. * /An expert rifleman can call his shot regularly./ * /The
wind was strong and John couldn't call his shots./ 2. or [call the
turn] To tell in advance the result of something before you do it. *
/Mary won three games in a row, just as she said she would. She called
her turns well./ * /Nothing ever happens as Tom says it will. He is
very poor at calling his turns./
[call on the carpet] {v. phr.}, {informal} To call (a person)
before an authority (as a boss or teacher) for a scolding or
reprimand. * /The worker was called on the carpet by the boss for
sleeping on the job./ * /The principal called Tom on the carpet and
warned him to stop coming to school late./
[call the roll] {v. phr.} To read out the names on a certain list,
usually in alphabetical order. * /The sergeant called the roll of the
newly enlisted volunteers in the army./
[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.
[call the tune] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be in control; give orders
or directions; command. * /Bill was president of the club but Jim was
secretary and called the tune./ * /The people supported the mayor, so
he could call the tune in city matters./ Syn.: CALL THE SHOTS.
[call the turn] See: CALL ONE'S SHOT(2).
[call to account] {v. phr.} 1. To ask (someone) to explain why he
did something wrong (as breaking a rule). * /The principal called Jim
to account after Jim left school early without permission./ 2. To
scold (as for wrong conduct); reprimand. * /The father called his son
to account for disobeying him./
[call to arms] {v. phr.} To summon into the army. * /During World
War II millions of Americans were called to arms to fight for their
country./
[call to mind] {v. phr.} To remember; cause to remember. * /Your
story calls to mind a similar event that happened to us a few years
back./
[call to order] {v. phr.} 1. To open (a meeting) formally. * /The
chairman called the committee to order./ * /The president pounded with
his gavel to call the convention to order./ 2. To warn not to break
the rules of a meeting. * /The judge called the people in the court
room to order when they talked too loud./
[call out] {v. phr.} 1. To shout; speak loudly. * /My name was
called out several times, but I was unable to hear it./ 2. To summon
someone. * /If the rioting continues, the governor will have to call
out the National Guard./
[call up] {v.} 1. To make someone think of; bring to mind; remind.
* /The picture of the Capitol called up memories of our class trip./
2. To tell to come (as before a court). * /The district attorney
called up three witnesses./ 3. To bring together for a purpose; bring
into action. * /Jim called up all his strength, pushed past the
players blocking him, and ran for a touchdown./ * /The army called up
its reserves when war seemed near./ 4. To call on the telephone. *
/She called up a friend just for a chat./
[call upon] See: CALL ON.
[calm down] {v. phr.} To become quiet; relax. * /"Calm down, Mr.
Smith," the doctor said with a reassuring smile. "You are going to
live a long time."/
[camel] See: STRAW THAT
BROKE THE CAMEL'S BACK at LAST STRAW.
[camp] See: BREAK CAMP.
[campaign] See: WHISPERING CAMPAIGN.
[camp follower] {n.} 1. A man or woman who goes with an army, not
to fight but to sell something. * /Nowadays camp followers are not
allowed as they were long ago./ 2. A person who goes with a famous or
powerful person or group in hope of profit. * /A man who runs for
president has many camp followers./
[camp out] {v.} To live, cook, and sleep out of doors (as in a
tent). * /We camped out near the river for a week./
[can] See: AS BEST ONE CAN, CATCH AS CATCH CAN.
[canary] See: LOOK LIKE THE CAT THAT ATE THE CANARY or LOOK LIKE
THE CAT THAT SWALLOWED THE CANARY.
[cancel out] {v.} To destroy the effect of; balance or make
useless. * /The boy got an "A" in history to cancel out the "C" he got
in arithmetic./ * /Our track team won the mile relay to cancel out the
other team's advantage in winning the half-mile relay./ * /Tom's hot
temper cancels out his skill as a player./
[cancer stick] {n.}, {slang} A cigarette. * /Throw away that cancer
stick! Smoking is bad for you!/
[candle] BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS, GAME IS NOT WORTH THE
CANDLE, HOLD A CANDLE.
[canned heat] {n.} Chemicals in a can which burn with a hot,
smokeless flame. * /Some people use canned heat to keep food warm./ *
/The mountain climbers used canned heat for cooking./
[canned laughter] {n.}, {informal} The sounds of laughter heard on
certain television programs that were obviously not recorded in front
of a live audience and are played for the benefit of the audience from
a stereo track to underscore the funny points. * /"How can there be an
audience in this show when it is taking place in the jungle? - Why,
it's canned laughter you're hearing."/
[canned music] {n.} Recorded music, as opposed to music played
live. * /"Let us go to a real concert, honey," Mike said. "I am tired
of all this canned music we've been listening to."/
[canoe] See: PADDLE ONE'S OWN CANOE.
[can of worms] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A complex problem, or
complicated situation. * /Let's not get into big city politics -
that's a different can of worms./ 2. A very restless, jittery person.
* /Joe can't sit still for a minute - he is a can of worms./
[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.
[can't make an omelette without breaking (some) eggs] To achieve a
certain goal one must sometimes incur damage, experience difficulties,
or make sacrifices. - A proverb. * /When we drove across the country,
we put a lot of mileage on our car and had a flat tire, but it was a
pleasant trip. "Well, you can't make an omelette without breaking some
eggs," my wife said with a smile./
[can't see the wood for the trees] or [can't see the woods for the
trees] or [can't see the forest for the trees] {v. phr.} To be unable
to judge or understand the whole because of attention to the parts;
criticize small things and not see the value or the aim of the future
achievement. * /Teachers sometimes notice language errors and do not
see the good ideas in a composition; they cannot see the woods for the
trees./ * /The voters defeated a bond issue for the new school because
they couldn't see the forest for the trees; they thought of their
taxes rather than of their children's education./ * /We should think
of children's growth in character and understanding more than of their
little faults and misdeeds; some of us can't see the wood for the
trees./
[cap] See: FEATHER IN ONE'S CAP, SET ONE'S CAP FOR, PUT ON ONE'S
THINKING CAP.
[cap the climax] {v. phr.} To exceed what is already a high point
of achievement. * /Sam's piano recital was great, but Bill's
performance capped the climax./
[card] See: CREDIT CARD, FLASH CARD, HOUSE OF CARDS, IN THE CARDS
or ON THE CARDS, LAY ONE'S CARDS ON THE TABLE, PLAY ONE'S CARDS RIGHT,
PUT ONE'S CARDS ON THE TABLE, STACK THE CARDS, TRUMP CARD.
[cards stacked against one] See: STACK THE CARDS.
[card up one's sleeve] {n. phr.}, {informal} Another help, plan, or
argument kept back and produced if needed; another way to do
something. * /John knew his mother would lend him money if necessary,
but he kept that card up his sleeve./ * /Bill always has a card up his
sleeve, so when his first plan failed he tried another./ Compare: ACE
IN THE HOLE(2).
[care] See: COULDN'T CARE LESS, HAVE A CARE, GIVE A HANG or CARE A
HANG, TAKE CARE.
[carpet] See: CALL ON THE CARPET, MAGIC CARPET, ROLL OUT THE RED
CARPET.
[car pool] {n.} A group of people who own cars and take turns
driving each other to work or on some other regular trip. * /It was
John's father's week to drive his own car in the car pool./
[carriage trade] {n.}, {literary} Rich or upper class people. *
/The hotel is so expensive that only the carriage trade stays there./
* /The carriage trade buys its clothes at the best stores./
[carrot and stick] {n. phr.} The promise of reward and threat of
punishment, both at the same time. * /John's father used the carrot
and stick when he talked about his low grades./
[carry] See: CASH-AND-CARRY.
[carry a torch] or [carry the torch] {v. phr.} 1. To show great and
unchanging loyalty to a cause or a person. * /Although the others gave
up fighting for their rights, John continued to carry the torch./ 2.
{informal} To be in love, usually without success or return. * /He is
carrying a torch for Anna, even though she is in love with someone
else./
[carry a tune] {v. phr.} To sing the right notes without catching
any false ones. * /Al is a wonderful fellow, but he sure can't carry a
tune and his singing is a pain to listen to./
[carry away] {v.} To cause very strong feeling; excite or delight
to the loss of cool judgment. * /The music carried her away./ * /He
let his anger carry him away./ - Often used in the passive, * /She was
carried away by the man's charm./ * /He was carried away by the sight
of the flag./
[carry coals to Newcastle] {v. phr.} To do something unnecessary;
bring or furnish something of which there is plenty. * /The man who
waters his grass after a good rain is carrying coals to Newcastle./ *
/Joe was carrying coals to Newcastle when he told the doctor how to
cure a cold./ (Newcastle is an English city near many coal mines, and
coal is sent out from there to other places.)
[carrying charge] {n.} An extra cost added to the price of
something bought on weekly or monthly payments. * /The price of the
bicycle was $50. Jim bought it for $5.00 a month for ten months plus a
carrying charge of $1 a month./
[carry on] {v.} 1. To cause death of; kill. * /Years ago smallpox
carried off hundreds of Indians of the Sioux tribe./ Compare: WIPE
OUT. 2. To succeed in winning. * /Bob carried off honors in science./
* /Jim carried off two gold medals in the track meet./ 3. To succeed
somewhat unexpectedly in. * /The spy planned to deceive the enemy
soldiers and carried it off very well./ * /In the class play, Lloyd
carried off his part surprisingly well./
[carry --- off one's feet] See: KNOCK OFF ONE'S FEET, SWEEP OFF
ONE'S FEET.
[carry off the palm] or [bear off the palm] {v. phr.}, {literary}
To gain the victory; win. * /John carried off the palm in the tennis
championship match./ * /Our army bore off the palm in the battle./
(From the fact that long ago a palm leaf was given to the winner in a
game as a sign of victory.)
[carry on] {v.} 1. To work at; be busy with; manage. * /Bill and
his father carried on a hardware business./ * /Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith
carried on a long correspondence with each other./ 2. To keep doing as
before; continue. * /After his father died, Bill carried on with the
business./ * /The colonel told the soldiers to carry on while he was
gone./ * /Though tired and hungry, the Scouts carried on until they
reached camp./ Compare: BEAR UP(2), GO ON. 3a. {informal} To behave in
a noisy, foolish, and troublesome manner. * /The boys carried on in
the swimming pool until the lifeguard ordered them out./ 3b.
{informal} To make too great a show of feeling, such as anger, grief,
and pain. * /John carried on for ten minutes after he hit his thumb
with the hammer./ Compare: TAKE ON(4). 4. {informal} To act in an
immoral or scandalous way; act disgracefully. * /The townspeople said
that he was carrying on with a neighbor girl./
[carry one's cross] or {literary} [bear one's cross] {v. phr.} To
live with pain or trouble; keep on even though you suffer or have
trouble. * /Weak ankles are a cross Joe carries while the other boys
play basketball./ * /We didn't know the cheerful woman was bearing her
cross, a son in prison./
[carry out] {v.} To put into action; follow; execute. * /The
generals were determined to carry out their plans to defeat the
enemy./ * /John listened carefully and carried out the teacher's
instructions./
[carry over] {v.} 1. 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./ 2. 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./ 3. To continue in another place. * /The story was carried over
to the next page./
[carry the ball] {v. phr.}, {informal} To take the most important
or difficult part in an action or business. * /None of the other boys
would tell the principal about their breaking the window, and John had
to carry the ball./ * /When the going is rough, Fred can always be
depended on to carry the ball./
[carry the banner] {v. phr.} To support a cause or an ideal with
obvious advocacy. * /Our college is carrying the banner for saving the
humpback whale, which is on the list of endangered species./
[carry the day] {v. phr.}, {informal} To win completely; to succeed
in getting one's aim accomplished. * /The defense attorney's summary
before the jury helped him carry the day./
[carry the torch] See: CARRY A TORCH.
[carry the weight of the world on one's shoulders] See: WEIGHT OF
THE WORLD ON ONE'S SHOULDERS.
[carry through] {v.} 1a. To put into action. * /Mr. Green was not
able to carry through his plans for a hike because he broke his leg./
1b. To do something you have planned; put a plan into action. * /Jean
makes good plans but she cannot carry through with any of them./
Compare: GO THROUGH WITH, CARRY OUT. 2. To keep (someone) from failing
or stopping; bring through; help. * /When the tire blew out, the rules
Jim had learned in driving class carried him through safely./
[carry weight] {n.} To be influential; have significance and/or
clout; impress. * /A letter of recommendation from a full professor
carries more weight than a letter from an assistant professor./
[cart before the horse (to put)] {n. phr.}, {informal} Things in
wrong order; something backwards or mixed up. - An overused
expression. Usually used with "put" but sometimes with "get" or
"have". * /When the salesman wanted money for goods he hadn't
delivered, I told him he was putting the cart before the horse./ * /To
get married first and then get a job is getting the cart before the
horse./
[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./
[carved] or [chiseled] or [inscribed in granite] / [written in
stone] {adj. phr.} Holy; unchangeable; noble and of ancient origin. *
/You should wear shoes when you come to class, although this is not
carved in granite./ * /The Constitution of the United States is so
hard to change that one thinks of it as written in stone./
[case] See: BASKET CASE, CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER CASES, COUCH CASE, GET
DOWN TO BRASS TACKS also GET DOWN TO CASES, IN ANY CASE, IN CASE or IN
THE EVENT, IN CASE OF also IN THE EVENT OF, VANITY CASE.
[case in point] {n. phr.} An example that proves something or helps
to make something clearer. * /An American can rise from the humblest
beginnings to become President. Abraham Lincoln is a case in point./
[case the joint] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To study the layout of a
place one wishes to burglarize. * /The hooded criminals carefully
cased the joint before robbing the neighborhood bank./ 2. To
familiarize oneself with a potential workplace or vacation spot as a
matter of preliminary planning. * /"Hello Fred," he said. "Are you
working here now?" "No, not yet," Fred answered. "I am merely casing
the joint."/
[cash] See: COLD CASH.
[cash-and-carry(1)] {adj.} Selling things for cash money only and
letting the customer carry them home, not having the store deliver
them; also sold in this way. * /This is a cash-and-carry store only./
* /You can save money at a cash-and-carry sale./
[cash-and-carry(2)] {adv}. With no credit, no time payments, and no
deliveries. * /Some stores sell cash-and-carry only./ * /It is cheaper
to buy cash-and-carry./
[cash crop] {n.} A crop grown to be sold. * /Cotton is a cash crop
in the South./ * /They raise potatoes to eat, but tobacco is their
cash crop./
[cash in] {v.} 1. To exchange (as poker chips or bonds) for the
value in money. * /He paid the bill by cashing in some bonds./ * /When
the card game ended, the players cashed in their chips and went home./
2. or [cash in one's chips] {slang} To die. * /When the outlaw cashed
in his chips, he was buried with his boots on./ * /He was shot through
the body and knew he was going to cash in./
[cash in on] {v.}, {informal} To see (a chance) and profit by it;
take advantage of (an opportunity or happening). * /Mr. Brown cashed
in on people's great interest in camping and sold three hundred
tents./
[cash on the barrelhead] {n. phr.}, {informal} Money paid at once;
money paid when something is bought. * /Father paid cash on the
barrelhead for a new car./ * /Some lawyers want cash on the
barrelhead./ Compare: COLD CASH.
[cast] or [shed] or [throw light upon] {v. phr.} To explain;
illuminate; clarify. * /The letters that were found suddenly cast a
new light on the circumstances of Tom's disappearance./ * /Einstein's
General Theory of Relativity threw light upon the enigma of our
universe./
[cast about] also [cast around] {v.}, {literary} 1. To look
everywhere; search. * /The committee was casting about for an
experienced teacher to take the retiring principal's place./ 2. To
search your mind; try to remember something; try to think of
something. * /The teacher cast about for an easy way to explain the
lesson./ * /Jane cast around for a good subject for her report./
[cast down] {adj.} Discouraged; sad; unhappy. - Used less often
than the reverse form, "downcast". * /Mary was cast down at the news
of her uncle's death./ * /Charles felt cast down when he lost the
race./
[cast in one's lot with] {formal} See: THROW IN ONE'S LOT WITH.
[castle in the air] See: BUILD CASTLES IN THE AIR.
[castles in Spain] See: CASTLES IN THE AIR.
[cast off] {v.} 1a. or [cast loose] To unfasten; untie; let loose
(as a rope holding a boat). * /The captain of the boat cast off the
line and we were soon out in open water./ 1b. To untie a rope holding
a boat or something suggesting a boat. * /We cast off and set sail at
6 A.M./ 2. To knit the last row of stitches. * /When she had knitted
the twentieth row of stitches she cast off./ 3. To say that you do not
know (someone) any more; not accept as a relative or friend. * /Mr.
Jones cast off his daughter when she married against his wishes./
[cast one's lot with] See: THROW IN ONE'S LOT WITH.
[cast out] {v.}, {formal} To force (someone) to go out or away;
banish; expel. * /After the scandal, he was cast out of the best
society./ Compare: CAST OFF(3).
[cast pearls before swine] or [cast one's pearls before swine] {n.
phr.}, {literary} To waste good acts or valuable things on someone who
won't understand or be thankful for them, just as pigs won't
appreciate pearls. - Often used in negative sentences. * /I won't
waste good advice on John any more because he never listens to it. I
won't cast pearls before swine./
[cast the first stone] {v. phr.}, {literary} To be the first to
blame someone, lead accusers against a wrongdoer. * /Jesus said that a
person who was without sin could cast the first stone./ * /Although
Ben saw the girl cheating, he did not want to cast the first stone./
[cast up] {v.}, {literary} 1. To turn or direct upward; raise. *
/The dying missionary cast up his eyes to heaven and prayed./ 2.
{archaic} To do sums; do a problem in addition; add. * /Cast up 15,
43, 27, and 18./ * /When John had all the figures, he cast them up./
[cat] See: COPY CAT, CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT, FRAIDY-CAT or
FRAID-CAT or SCAREDY CAT OY SCARED-CAT, HOLY CATS, LET THE CAT OUT OF
THE BAG, LOOK LIKE THE CAT THAT ATE THE CANARY, PLAY CAT AND MOUSE
WITH, RAIN CATS AND DOGS.
[catch] See: EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM, FAIR CATCH, SHOESTRING
CATCH.
[catch-as-catch-can(1)] {adv. phr.} In a free manner; in any way
possible; in the best way you can. * /On moving day everything is
packed and we eat meals catch-as-catch-can./
[catch-as-catch-can(2)] {adj. phr.} Using any means or method;
unplanned; free. * /Rip van Winkle seems to have led a
catch-as-catch-can life./ * /Politics is rather a catch-as-catch-can
business./ Compare: HIT-OR-MISS.
[catch at] {v.} 1. To try to catch suddenly; grab for. * /The boy
on the merry-go-round caught at the brass ring, but did not get it./
2. To seize quickly; accept mentally or physically. * /The hungry man
caught at the sandwich and began to eat./ * /Joe caught at Bill's
offer to help./
[catch at a straw] See: GRASP AT STRAWS.
[catch cold] {v. phr.} 1. or [take cold] To get a common
cold-weather sickness that causes a running nose, sneezing, and
sometimes sore throat and fever or other symptoms. * /Don't get your
feet wet or you'll catch cold./ 2. {informal} To catch unprepared or
not ready for a question or unexpected happening. * /I had not studied
my lesson carefully, and the teacher's question caught me cold./ *
/The opposing team was big and sure of winning, and they were caught
cold by the fast, hard playing of our smaller players./
[catch (someone) dead] {v. phr.}, {informal} To see or hear
(someone) in an embarrassing act or place at any time. Used in the
negative usually in the passive. * /You won't catch Bill dead taking
his sister to the movies./ * /John wouldn't be caught dead in the
necktie he got for Christmas./
[catch fire] {v. phr.} 1. To begin to burn. * /When he dropped a
match in the leaves, they caught fire./ 2. To become excited. * /The
audience caught fire at the speaker's words and began to cheer./ *
/His imagination caught fire as he read./
[catch flat-footed] See: FLAT-FOOTED(2).
[catch forty winks] See: FORTY WINKS.
[catch hold of] {v. phr.} To grasp a person or a thing. * /"I've
been trying to catch hold of you all week," John said, "but you were
out of town."/ * /The mountain climber successfully caught hold of his
friend's hand and thereby saved his life./
[catch it] or [get it] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be scolded or
punished. - Usually used of children. * /John knew he would catch it
when he came home late for supper./ * /Wow, Johnny! When your mother
sees those torn pants, you're going to get it./ Compare: GET WHAT'S
COMING TO ONE. Contrast: GIVE IT TO(2).
[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.
[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./
[catch off guard] {v. phr.} To challenge or confront a person at a
time of lack of preparedness or sufficient care. * /The suspect was
caught off guard by the detective and confessed where he had hidden
the stolen car./
[catch on] {v.}, {informal} 1. To understand; learn about. - Often
used with "to". * /You'll catch on to the job after you've been here
awhile./ * /Don't play any tricks on Joe. When he catches on, he will
beat you./ 2. To become popular; be done or used by many people. *
/The song caught on and was sung and played everywhere./ 3. To be
hired; get a job. * /The ball player caught on with a big league team
last year./
[catch one's breath] {v. phr.} 1. To breathe in suddenly with fear
or surprise. * /The beauty of the scene made him catch his breath./
Compare: TAKE ONE'S BREATH AWAY. 2a. To rest and get back your normal
breathing, as after running. * /After running to the bus stop, we sat
down to catch our breath./ 2b. To relax for a moment after any work. *
/After the day's work we sat down over coffee to catch our breath./
[catch one's death of] or [take one's death of] {v. phr.},
{informal} To become very ill with (a cold, pneumonia, flu). * /Johnny
fell in the icy water and almost took his death of cold./ Sometimes
used in the short form "catch your death." * /"Johnny! Come right in
here and put your coat and hat on. You'll catch your death!"/
[catch one's eye] {v. phr.} To attract your attention. * /I caught
his eye as he moved through the crowd, and waved at him to come over./
* /The dress in the window caught her eye when she passed the store./
[catch red-handed] {v. phr.} /To apprehend a person during the act
of committing an illicit or criminal act./ * /Al was caught red-handed
at the local store when he was trying to walk out with a new camera he
had not paid for./
[catch sight of] {v. phr.} To see suddenly or unexpectedly. *
/Allan caught sight of a kingbird in a maple tree./ Contrast: LOSE
SIGHT OF.
[catch some rays] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To get tanned
while sunbathing. * /Tomorrow I'll go to the beach and try to catch
some rays./
[catch some Z's] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To take a nap, to
go to sleep. (Because of the "z" sound resembling snoring.) * /I want
to hit the sack and catch some Z's./
[catch-22] {n.}, {informal} From Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22",
set in World War II. 1. A regulation or situation that is
self-contradictory or that conflicts with another regulation. In
Heller's book it referred to the regulation that flight crews must
report for duty unless excused for reasons of insanity, but that any
one claiming such an excuse must, by definition, be sane. *
/Government rules require workers to expose any wrongdoing in their
office, but the Catch-22 prevents them from their doing so, because
they are not allowed to disclose any information about their work./ 2.
A paradoxical situation. * /The Catch-22 of job-hunting was that the
factory wanted to hire only workers who had experience making
computers but the only way to get the experience was by working at the
computer factory./
[catch up] {v.} 1. To take or pick up suddenly; grab (something). *
/She caught up the book from the table and ran out of the room./ 2. To
capture or trap (someone) in a situation; concern or interest very
much. - Usually used in the passive with "in". * /The Smith family was
caught up in the war in Europe and we did not see them again till it
was over./ * /We were so caught up in the movie we forgot what time it
was./ Compare: MIX UP. 3. To go fast enough or do enough so as not to
be behind; overtake; come even. - Often used with "to" or "with". *
/Johnny ran hard and tried to catch up to his friends./ * /Mary missed
two weeks of school; she must work hard to catch up with her class./
Compare: UP TO. 4. To find out about or get proof to punish or arrest.
- Usually used with "with". * /A man told the police where the robbers
were hiding, so the police finally caught up with them./ 5. To result
in something bad; bring punishment. - Usually used with "with". * /The
boy's fighting caught up with him and he was expelled from school./ *
/Smoking will catch up with you./ Compare: CHICKENS COME HOME TO
ROOST. 6. To finish; not lose or be behind. - Used with "on" and often
in the phrase "get caught up on". * /Frank stayed up late to get
caught up on his homework./ * /I have to catch up on my sleep./ * /We
caught up on all the latest news when we got back to school and saw
our friends again./ Syn.: KEEP UP.
[catch with one's pants down] {v. phr.}, {slang} To surprise
someone in an embarrassing position or guilty act. * /They thought
they could succeed in the robbery, but they got caught with their
pants down./ * /When the weather turned hot in May, the drive-in
restaurant was caught with its pants down, and ran out of ice cream
before noon./
[cat got one's tongue] You are not able or willing to talk because
of shyness. Usually used about children or as a question to children.
* /Tommy's father asked Tommy if the cat had got his tongue./ * /The
little girl had a poem to recite, but the cat got her tongue./
Compare: LOSE ONE'S TONGUE.
[cat has nine lives] A cat can move so fast and jump so well that
he seems to escape being killed many times. * /We thought our cat
would be killed when he fell from the roof of the house. He was not,
but he used up one of his nine lives./
[cathouse] {n.}, {slang} A house of ill repute, a house of
prostitution. * /Massage parlors are frequently cathouses in
disguise./
[cat's meow] or [cat's pajamas] {n.}, {slang} Something very
wonderful, special, or good. * /John's new hike is really the cat's
meow./ * /Mary's party is going to be the cat's pajamas./
[caught short] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Not having enough of
something when you need it. * /Mrs. Ford was caught short when the
newspaper boy came for his money a day early./ * /The man was caught
short of clothes when he had to go on a trip./
[cause eyebrows to raise] {v. phr.} To do something that causes
consternation; to shock others. * /When Algernon entered Orchestra
Hall barefoot and wearing a woman's wig, he caused eyebrows to raise./
[cause tongues to wag] See: TONGUES TO WAG.
[caution] See: THROW CAUTION TO THE WINDS.
[cave in] {v.} 1. To fall or collapse inward. * /The mine caved in
and crushed three miners./ * /Don't climb on that old roof. It might
cave in./ 2. {informal} To weaken and be forced to give up. * /The
children begged their father to take them to the circus until he caved
in./ * /After the atomic bomb, Japan caved in and the war ceased./
[cease fire] {v.} To give a military command ordering soldiers to
stop shooting. * /"Cease fire!" the captain cried, and the shooting
stopped./
[cease-fire] {n.} A period of negotiated nonaggression, when the
warring parties involved promise not to attack. * /Unfortunately, the
cease-fire in Bosnia was broken many times by all parties concerned./
[ceiling] See: HIT THE CEILING or HIT THE ROOF.
[cent] See: TWO CENTS, WORTH A CENT.
[center] See: FRONT AND CENTER, OFF-CENTER, SHOPPING CENTER.
[century] See: TURN OF THE CENTURY.
[C.E.O.] {n.} Abbreviation of "Chief Executive Officer." The head
of a company, factory, firm, etc. * /We are very proud of the fact
that our C.E.O. is a young woman./
[ceremony] See: STAND ON CEREMONY.
[certain] See: FOR SURE or FOR CERTAIN.
[chain gang] {n.} A group of convicts or slaves in the old South
who were chained together. * /Chain gangs are no longer an acceptable
way of punishment, according to modern criminologists./
[chain letter] {n.} A letter which each person receiving it is
asked to copy and send to several others. * /Most chain letters die
out quickly./
[chain-smoke] {v.} To smoke cigarettes or cigars one after another
without stopping. * /Mr. Jones is very nervous. He chain-smokes
cigars./ [chain smoker] {n.} * /Mr. Jones is a chain smoker./
[chain-smoking] {adj.} or {n.} * /Chain smoking is very dangerous to
health./
[chain stores] {n.} A series of stores in different locations,
joined together under one ownership and general management. * /The
goods in chain stores tend to be more uniform than in independent
ones./
[chained to the oars] {adj. phr.} The condition of being forced to
do strenuous and unwelcome labor against one's wishes for an extended
period of time. * /Teachers in large public schools frequently
complain that they feel as if they had been chained to the oars./
[chair] See: MUSICAL CHAIRS.
[chalk] See: WALK THE CHALK.
[chalk up] {v.}, {informal} 1. To write down as part of a score;
record. * /The scorekeeper chalked up one more point for the home
team./ 2. To make (a score or part of a score); score. * /The team
chalked up another victory./ * /Bob chalked up a home run and two base
hits in the game./ * /Mary chalked up good grades this term./
[champ at the bit] {v. phr.} To be eager to begin; be tired of
being held back; want to start. * /The horses were champing at the
bit, anxious to start racing./ * /As punishment John was kept after
school for two hours. He was champing at the bit to go out./
[chance] See: BY CHANCE, FAT CHANCE, STAND A CHANCE, TAKE A CHANCE.
[chance it] {v. phr.} To be willing to risk an action whose outcome
is uncertain. * /"Should we take the boat out in such stormy weather?"
Jim asked. "We can chance it," Tony replied. "We have enough
experience."/
[chance on] also [chance upon] {v.} To happen to find or meet; find
or meet by accident. * /On our vacation we chanced upon an interesting
antique store./ * /Mary dropped her ring in the yard, and Mother
chanced on it as she was raking./ Syn.: HAPPEN ON. Compare: RUN INTO.
[change] See: RING THE CHANGES.
[change color] {v. phr.} 1. To become pale. * /The sight was so
horrible that Mary changed color from fear./ * /Bill lost so much
blood from the cut that he changed color./ 2. To become pink or red in
the face; become flushed; blush. * /Mary changed color when the
teacher praised her drawing./ * /Tom got angry at the remark and
changed color./
[change hands] {v. phr.} To change or transfer ownership. * /Ever
since our apartment building changed hands, things are working a lot
better./
[change horses in the middle of a stream] or [change horses in
midstream] {v. phr.} To make new plans or choose a new leader in the
middle of an important activity. * /When a new President is to be
elected during a war, the people may decide not to change horses in
the middle of a stream./
[change off] {v.}, {informal} To take turns doing something;
alternate. * /John and Bill changed off at riding the bicycle./ * /Bob
painted one patch of wall and then he changed off with Tom./
[change of heart] {n. phr.} A change in the way one feels or thinks
about a given task, idea or problem to be solved. * /Joan had a change
of heart and suddenly broke off her engagement to Tim./ * /Fred got
admitted to medical school, but he had a change of heart and decided
to go into the Foreign Service instead./
[change of life] {n. phr.} The menopause (primarily in women). *
/Women usually undergo a change of life in their forties or fifties./
[change of pace] {n. phr.} A quick change in what you are doing. *
/John studied for three hours and then read a comic book for a change
of pace./ * /The doctor told the man he needed a change of pace./
[change one's mind] {v. phr.} To alter one's opinion or judgment on
a given issue. * /I used to hate Chicago, but as the years passed I
gradually changed my mind and now I actually love living here./
[change one's tune] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make a change in your
story, statement, or claim; change your way of acting. * /The man said
he was innocent, but when they found the stolen money in his pocket he
changed his tune./ * /Bob was rude to his teacher, but she threatened
to tell the principal and he changed his tune./ Syn.: SING A DIFFERENT
TUNE.
[change up] See: LET UP(4).
[character] See: IN CHARACTER.
[charge] See: CARRYING CHARGE, CHARGE OFF(2), IN CHARGE, IN CHARGE
OF, TAKE CHARGE.
[charge account] {n.} An agreement with a store through which you
can buy things and pay for them later. * /Mother bought a new dress on
her charge account./ * /Mr. Jones has a charge account at the garage
on the corner./
[charge off] {v.} 1. To consider or record as a loss, especially in
an account book. * /The store owner charged off all of the last
season's stock of suits./ Syn.: WRITE OFF(1). 2. or [charge up]
{informal} To accept or remember (something) as a mistake and not
worry about it any more. - Often used with "to experience". * /He
charged off his mistakes to experience./ Syn.: CHALK UP. Compare:
CHARGE TO.
[charge something to something] {v.} 1. To place the blame on; make
responsible for. * /John failed to win a prize, but he charged it to
his lack of experience./ * /The coach charged the loss of the game to
the team's disobeying his orders./ 2. To buy something on the credit
of. * /Mrs. Smith bought a new pocketbook and charged it to her
husband./ * /Mr. White ordered a box of cigars and had it charged to
his account./
[charge up] {v. phr.} 1. To submit to a flow of electricity in
order to make functional. * /I mustn't forget to charge up my razor
before we go on our trip./ 2. To use up all the available credit one
has on one's credit card(s). * /"Let's charge dinner on the Master
Card," Jane said. "Unfortunately I can't," Jim replied. "All of my
credit cards are completely charged up."/
[charge with] {v. phr.} To accuse someone in a court of law. * /The
criminal was charged with aggravated kidnapping across a state line./
[charmed life] {n.} A life often saved from danger; a life full of
lucky escapes. * /He was in two airplane accidents, but he had a
charmed life./ * /During the war a bullet knocked the gun out of his
hand, but he had a charmed life./
[chase] See: GIVE CHASE, GO CHASE ONESELF, LEAD A MERRY CHASE.
[chase after] See: RUN AFTER.
[chase around] See: RUN AROUND.
[cheapskate] {n.}, {informal} A selfish or stingy person; a person
who will not spend much. - An insulting term. * /None of the girls
like to go out on a date with him because he is a cheapskate./
[cheat on someone] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be unfaithful (to one's
wife or husband, or to one's sweetheart or fiancee). * /It is rumored
that Joe cheats on his wife./
[check] See: BLANK CHECK, CLAIM CHECK, DOUBLE CHECK, IN CHECK, RAIN
CHECK, RUBBER CHECK, SALES CHECK.
[check in] {v.} 1a. To sign your name (as at a hotel or
convention). * /The last guests to reach the hotel checked in at 12
o'clock./ Contrast: CHECK OUT. 1b. {informal} To arrive. * /The
friends we had invited did not check in until Saturday./ 2. To receive
(something) back and make a record of it. * /The coach checked in the
football uniforms at the end of the school year./ * /The students put
their books on the library desk, and the librarian checked them in./
[check off] {v.} To put a mark beside (the name of a person or
thing on a list) to show that it has been counted. * /The teacher
checked off each pupil as he got on the bus./ * /Bill wrote down the
names of all the states he could remember, and then he checked them
off against the list in his book./ Compare: TICK OFF.
[check on someone/thing] or [check up on someone/thing] {v}. To try
to find out the truth or rightness of; make sure of; examine; inspect;
investigate. * /We checked on Dan's age by getting his birth record./
* /Mrs. Brown said she heard someone downstairs and Mr. Brown went
down to check up on it./ * /You can check on your answers at the back
of the book./ * /The police are checking up on the man to see if he
has a police record./ * /Grandfather went to have the doctor check on
his health./ Compare: LOOK INTO, LOOK OVER.
[check out] {v.} 1a. To pay your hotel bill and leave. * /The last
guests checked out of their rooms in the morning./ Contrast: CHECK IN.
1b. {informal} To go away; leave. * /I hoped our guest would stay but
he had to check out before Monday./ Compare: CHECK IN. 2a. To make a
list or record of. * /They checked out all the goods in the store./
2b. To give or lend (something) and make a record of it. * /The boss
checked out the tools to the workmen as they came to work./ 2c. To get
(something) after a record has been made of it. * /I checked out a
book from the library./ 3. {informal} To test (something, like a part
of a motor). * /The mechanic checked out the car battery./ * /"He
checked out from the motel at nine," said the detective, "then he
checked out the air in the car tires and his list of local clients."/
4. {slang} To die. * /He seemed too young to check out./
[check up] {v.} To find out or try to find out the truth or
correctness of something; make sure of something; investigate. * /Mrs.
Brown thought she had heard a burglar in the house, so Mr. Brown
checked up, but found nobody./ * /Bill thought he had a date with
Janie, but phoned her to check up./
[check-up] {n.} A periodic examination by a physician or of some
equipment by a mechanic. * /I am overdue for my annual physical
check-up./ * /I need to take my car in for a check-up./
[check with] {v. phr.} 1. To consult. * /I want to check with my
lawyer before I sign the papers./ 2. To agree with. * /Does my
reconciliation of our account check with the bank statement?/
[cheek] See: TURN THE OTHER CHEEK.
[cheer] See: BRONX CHEER.
[cheer on] {v. phr.} To vociferously encourage a person or a team
during a sports event. * /The spectators at the stadium cheered on
their home team./
[cheer up] {v.} 1. To feel happy; stop being sad or discouraged;
become hopeful, joyous, or glad. * /Jones was sad at losing the
business, but he cheered up at the sight of his daughter./ * /Cheer
up! The worst is over./ 2. To make cheerful or happy. * /The support
of the students cheered up the losing team and they played harder and
won./ * /We went to the hospital to cheer up a sick friend./ *
/Flowers cheer up a room./
[cheese] See: BIG CHEESE, WHOLE CHEESE.
[cheesebox] {n.}, {slang} A small, suburban house built by a land
developer available at low cost and resembling the other houses around
it. * /They moved to a suburb, but their house is just a cheesebox./
[cheesecake] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A showing of the legs of an
attractive woman or a display of her breasts as in certain magazines
known as cheesecake magazines. * /Photographer to model: "Give us some
cheesecake in that pose!"/
[cherry farm] {n.}, {slang} A correctional institution of minimal
security where the inmates, mostly first offenders, work as farmhands.
* /Joe got a light sentence and was sent to a cherry farm for six
months./
[chest] See: OFF ONE'S CHEST, ON ONE'S CHEST.
[chew] See: BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW.
[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.
[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./
[chew the scenery] {v. phr.}, {slang} To act overemotionally in a
situation where it is inappropriate; to engage in histrionics. * /I
don't know if Joe was sincere about our house, but he sure chewed up
the scenery!/
[chicken] See: COUNT ONE'S CHICKENS BEFORE THEY ARE HATCHED, GO TO
BED WITH THE CHICKENS, SPRING CHICKEN.
[chicken-brained] {adj.} Stupid; narrow-minded; unimaginative. * /I
can't understand how a bright woman like Helen can date such a
chicken-brained guy as Oliver./
[chicken feed] {n.}, {slang} A very small sum of money. * /John and
Bill worked very hard, but they were only paid chicken feed./ * /Mr.
Jones is so rich be thinks a thousand dollars is chicken feed./
[chicken-hearted] {adj.} Cowardly; excessively timid. * /"Come on,
let's get on that roller coaster," she cried. "Don't be so
chicken-hearted."/ See: CHICKEN-LIVERED.
[chicken-livered] {adj.}, {slang}, {colloquial} Easily scared;
cowardly. * /Joe sure is a chicken-livered guy./ See: CHICKEN-HEARTED.
[chicken out] {v. phr.}, {informal} To stop doing something because
of fear; to decide not to do something after all even though
previously having decided to try it. * /I used to ride a motorcycle on
the highway, but I've chickened out./ * /I decided to take flying
lessons but just before they started I chickened out./
[chickens come home to roost] {informal} Words or acts come back to
cause trouble for a person; something bad you said or did receives
punishment; you get the punishment that you deserve. * /Fred's
chickens finally came home to roost today. He was late so often that
the teacher made him go to the principal./ - Often used in a short
form. * /Mary's selfishness will come home to roost some day./
[chicken switch] {n.}, {slang}, {Space English} 1. 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./ 2. 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./
[child] See: BURNT CHILD DREADS THE FIRE, WITH CHILD.
[children and fools speak the truth] Children and fools say things
without thinking; they say what they think or know when grown-ups
might not think it was polite or wise to do so. - A proverb. * /"Uncle
Willie is too fat," said little Agnes. "Children and fools speak the
truth," said her father./
[children should be seen and not heard] A command issued by adults
to children ordering them to be quiet and not to interrupt. - A
proverb. * /Your children should not argue so loudly. Haven't you
taught them that children should be seen and not heard?/
[child's play] {adj.} Easy; requiring no effort. * /Mary's work as
a volunteer social worker is so agreeable to her that she thinks of it
as child's play./
[chill] See: SPINE-CHILLING.
[chime in] {v.} 1. {informal} To join in. * /The whole group chimed
in on the chorus./ * /When the argument got hot, John chimed in./ 2.
To agree; go well together. - Usually used with "with". * /Dick was
happy, and the holiday music chimed in with his feelings./ * /When
Father suggested going to the shore for the vacation, the whole family
chimed in with the plan./
[chin] See: KEEP ONE'S CHIN UP, STICK ONE'S NECK OUT or STICK ONE'S
CHIN OUT, TAKE IT ON THE CHIN, UP TO THE CHIN IN.
[china shop] See: BULL IN A CHINA SHOP.
[China syndrome] {n.}, {informal} From the title of the movie with
Jane Fonda and Jack Lemmon. The possibility that an industrial nuclear
reactor might explode, literally affecting the other side of the
planet (as if by eating a hole through the earth all the way to
China.) * /Antinuclear demonstrators are greatly worried about the
China syndrome./
[chip] See: CASH IN ONE'S CHIPS at CASH-IN, IN THE CHIPS. LET THE
CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY, FISH-AND-CHIPS, WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN.
[chip in] or [kick in] {v.}, {informal} To give together with
others, contribute. * /The pupils chipped in a dime apiece for the
teacher's Christmas present./ * /All the neighbors kicked in to help
after the fire./ * /Lee chipped in ten points in the basketball game./
* /Joe didn't say much but chipped in a few words./
[chip off the old block] {n. phr.} A person whose character traits
closely resemble those of his parents. * /I hear that Tom plays the
violin in the orchestra his father conducts; he sure is a chip off the
old block./
[chip on one's shoulder] {n. phr.}, {informal} A quarrelsome
nature; readiness to be angered. * /He went through life with a chip
on his shoulder./ * /Jim often gets into fights because he goes around
with a chip on his shoulder./
[chips] See: WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN.
[chisel] or [muscle in on] {v. phr.} To illegitimately and
forcefully intrude into someone's traditional sales or professional
arena of operation. * /Tim has a good sales territory, but he is
always afraid that someone might chisel in on it./ * /Las Vegas casino
owners are concerned that the Mafia might muscle in on their
territory./
[choice] See: BY CHOICE, FIELDER'S CHOICE.
[choke off] {v.} To put a sudden end to; stop abruptly or
forcefully. * /It was almost time for the meeting to end, and the
presiding officer had to move to choke off debate./ * /The war choked
off diamond shipments from overseas./
[choke up] {v.} 1a. To come near losing calmness or self-control
from strong feeling; be upset by your feelings. * /When one speaker
after another praised John, he choked up and couldn't thank them./ *
/When Father tried to tell me how glad he was to see me safe after the
accident, he choked up and was unable to speak./ 1b. {informal} To be
unable to do well because of excitement or nervousness. * /Bill was a
good batter, but in the championship game he choked up and did
poorly./ 2. To fill up; become clogged or blocked; become hard to pass
through. * /The channel had choked up with sand so that boats couldn't
use it./
[choose] See: PICK AND CHOOSE.
[chooser] See: BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS.
[choose up sides] {v. phr.} To form two teams with two captains
taking turns choosing players. * /The boys chose up sides for a game
of softball./ * /Tom and Joe were the captains. They chose up sides./
[chop] See: LICK ONE'S CHOPS.
[chow line] {n.}, {slang} A line of people waiting for food. * /The
chow line was already long when John got to the dining hall./ * /The
soldiers picked up trays and got into the chow line./
[Christmas] See: FATHER CHRISTMAS.
[Christmas card] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A
speeding ticket. * /Smokey just gave a Christmas card to the eighteen
wheeler we passed./
[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./
[chum around with] {v. phr.} 1. To be close friends with someone. *
/They have been chumming around with one another for quite some time./
2. To travel around with someone. * /Jack is planning to chum around
with Tim in Europe this summer./
[cigar-store Indian] {n. phr.} A wooden statue of an Indian which
in the past was placed in front of a cigar store. * /A cigar store
Indian used to mean a cigar store in the same way a barber pole still
means a barber shop./
[circle] See: COME FULL CIRCLE, IN A CIRCLE or IN CIRCLES, RUN
CIRCLES AROUND also RUN RINGS AROUND.
[circulation] See: IN CIRCULATION, OUT OF CIRCULATION.
[circumstance] See: UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES also IN THE
CIRCUMSTANCES.
[circumstances alter cases] {formal} The way things are, or happen,
may change the way you are expected to act. * /John's father told him
never to touch his gun, but one day when Father was away, John used it
to shoot a poisonous snake that came into the yard. Circumstances
alter cases./
[circus] See: THREE-RING CIRCUS.
[citizen] See: SENIOR CITIZEN.
[civil] See: KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN ONE'S HEAD.
[claim] See: STAKE A CLAIM.
[claim check] {n.} A ticket needed to get back something. * /The
man at the parking lot gave Mrs. Collins a claim check./ * /The boy
put the dry cleaning claim check in his billfold./ * /The man told
Mary the pictures would be ready Friday and gave her a claim check./
[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./
[clam up] {v.}, {slang} To refuse to say anything more; stop
talking. * /The suspect clammed up, and the police could get no more
information out of him./
[class] See: HIGH-CLASS, SECOND CLASS.
[clay] See: FEET OF CLAY.
[clay pigeon] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A popular target at
practice shooting made of clay and roughly resembling a pigeon; an
easy target that doesn't move. * /All he can shoot is a clay pigeon./
2. A person who, like a clay pigeon in target practice, is immobilized
or is in a sensitive position and is therefore easily criticized or
otherwise victimized. * /Poor Joe is a clay pigeon./ 3. A task easily
accomplished like shooting an immobile clay pigeon. * /The math exam
was a clay pigeon./
[clean] See: COME CLEAN, KEEP ONE'S NOSE CLEAN, MAKE A CLEAN BREAST
OF, NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN, TAKE TO ONE'S HEELS, also SHOW A CLEAN
PAIR OF HEELS.
[clean bill of health] {n. phr.} 1. A certificate that a person or
animal has no infectious disease. * /The government doctor gave Jones
a clean bill of health when he entered the country./ 2. {informal} A
report that a person is free of guilt or fault. * /The stranger was
suspected in the bank robbery, but the police gave him a clean bill of
health./
[clean break] {n. phr.} A complete separation. * /Tom made a clean
break with his former girlfriends before marrying Pamela./
[cleaners] See: TO TAKE TO THE CLEANERS.
[clean hands] {n. phr.}, {slang} Freedom from guilt or dishonesty;
innocence. * /John grew up in a bad neighborhood, but he grew up with
clean hands./ * /There was much proof against Bill, but he swore he
had clean hands./
[clean out] {v.} 1. {slang} To take everything from; empty; strip.
* /George's friends cleaned him out when they were playing cards last
night./ * /The sudden demand for paper plates soon cleaned out the
stores./ 2. {informal} To get rid of; remove; dismiss. * /The new
mayor promised to clean the crooks out of the city government./
[clean slate] {n. phr.} A record of nothing but good conduct,
without any errors or bad deeds; past acts that are all good without
any bad ones. * /Johnny was sent to the principal for whispering. He
had a clean slate so the principal did not punish him./ * /Mary stayed
after school for a week, and after that the teacher let her off with a
clean slate./ Compare: TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.
[clean sweep] {n. phr.} A complete victory. * /Our candidate for
the United States Senate made a clean sweep over his opponent./
[clean up] {v. phr.} 1. 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./ 2. To finish; terminate. * /The secretary
promised her boss to clean up all the unfinished work before leaving
on her Florida vacation./ 3. {informal} To make a large profit. * /The
clever investors cleaned up on the stock market last week./
[clean-up] {n.} 1. An act of removing all the dirt from a given set
of objects. * /What this filthy room needs is an honest clean-up./ 2.
The elimination of pockets of resistance during warfare or a police
raid. * /The FBI conducted a clean-up against the drug pushers in our
district./
[clear] See: COAST IS CLEAR, IN THE CLEAR, OUT OF THE BLUE or OUT
OF A CLEAR SKY or OUT OF A CLEAR BLUE SKY, SEE ONE'S WAY CLEAR, STEER
CLEAR OF.
[clear-cut] {adj.} Definite; well defined. * /The president's new
policy of aggressive action is a clear-cut departure from his old
methods of unilateral appeasement./
[clear-eyed] {adj.} Understanding problems or events clearly; being
able to tell very well the results of a way of acting. * /Tom is very
clear-eyed. He knows he doesn't have much chance of winning the race,
but he will try his best./ * /He is a clear-eyed and independent
commentator on the news./
[clear one's name] {v. phr.} To prove someone is innocent of a
crime or misdeed of which he has been accused. * /The falsely accused
rapist has been trying in vain to clear his name./
[clear out] {v.} 1. To take everything out of; empty. * /When Bill
was moved to another class he cleared out his desk./ 2. {informal} To
leave suddenly; go away; depart. * /The cop told the boys to clear
out./ * /Bob cleared out without paying his room rent./ * /Clear out
of here! You're bothering me./ Compare: BEAT IT.
[clear the air] {v. phr.} To remove angry feelings,
misunderstanding, or confusion. * /The President's statement that he
would run for office again cleared the air of rumors and guessing./ *
/When Bill was angry at Bob, Bob made a joke, and it cleared the air
between them./
[clear the decks] {v. phr.} To put everything in readiness for a
major activity; to eliminate unessentials. * /The governor urged the
State Assembly to clear the decks of all but the most pressing issues
to vote on./
[clear up] {v.} 1. To make plain or clear; explain; solve. * /The
teacher cleared up the harder parts of the story./ * /Maybe we can
clear up your problem./ 2. To become clear. * /The weather cleared up
after the storm./ 3. To cure. * /The pills cleared up his stomach
trouble./ 4. To put back into a normal, proper, or healthy state. *
/The doctor can give you something to clear up your skin./ * /Susan
cleared up the room./ 5. To become cured. * /This skin trouble will
clear up in a day or two./
[clerk] See: ROOM CLERK or DESK CLERK.
[cliffdweller] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A city person who lives on
a very high floor in an apartment building. * /Joe and Nancy have
become cliffdwellers - they moved up to the 30th floor./
[clifihanger] {n.}, {informal} A sports event or a movie in which
the outcome is uncertain to the very end keeping the spectators in
great suspense and excitement. * /Did you see "The Fugitive"? It's a
regular cliffhanger./
[climb] See: SOCIAL CLIMBER.
[climb on the bandwagon] See: ON THE BANDWAGON.
[climb the wall] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. To react to a
challenging situation with too great an emotional response,
frustration, tension, and anxiety. * /By the time I got the letter
that I was hired, I was ready to climb the wall./ 2. To be so
disinterested or bored as to be most anxious to get away at any cost.
* /If the chairman doesn't stop talking, I'll climb the wall./
[clinging vine] {n.} A very dependent woman; a woman who needs much
love and encouragement from a man. * /Mary is a clinging vine; she
cannot do anything without her husband./
[cling to one's mother's apron strings] See: TIED TO ONE'S MOTHER'S
APRON STRINGS.
[clip joint] {n.}, {slang} A low-class night club or other business
where people are cheated. * /The man got drunk and lost all his money
in a clip joint./ * /The angry woman said the store was a clip joint./
[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./
[cloak-and-dagger] {adj.} Of or about spies and secret agents. *
/It was a cloak-and-dagger story about some spies who tried to steal
atomic secrets./ * /The book was written by a retired colonel who used
to take part in cloak-and-dagger plots./ (From the wearing of cloaks
and daggers by people in old adventure stories.) Compare: BLOOD AND
THUNDER.
[clock] See: AGAINST TIME or AGAINST THE CLOCK, AROUND THE CLOCK or
THE CLOCK AROUND, PUT BACK THE CLOCK or TURN BACK THE CLOCK, GO LIKE
CLOCKWORK or GO OFF LIKE CLOCKWORK, TURN THE CLOCK BACK.
[clock watcher] {n. phr.}, {informal} A worker who always quits at
once when it is time; a man who is in a hurry to leave his job. *
/When Ted got his first job, his father told him to work hard and not
be a clock watcher./
[close at hand] {adj. phr.} Handy; close by; within one's range. *
/My calendar isn't close at hand, so I can't tell you whether we can
come next week or not./ * /I always keep my pencils and erasers close
at hand when I work on a draft proposal./
[close call] or [shave] {n. phr.} A narrow escape. * /That sure was
a close call when that truck came near us from the right!/ * /When Tim
fell off his bicycle in front of a bus, it was a very close shave./
[closed book] {n.} A secret; something not known or understood. *
/The man's early life is a closed book./ * /For Mary, science is a
closed book./ * /The history of the town is a closed book./
[closed-door] {adj.} Away from the public; in private or in secret;
limited to a few. * /The officers of the club held a closed-door
meeting./ * /The committee decided on a closed-door rule for the
investigation./ Compare: IN PRIVATE.
[close down] or [shut down] {v.} To stop all working, as in a
factory; stop work entirely; also: to stop operations in. * /The
factory closed down for Christmas./ * /The company shut down the
condom plant for Easter./
[closed shop] {n. phr.} 1. A plant or factory that employs only
union workers. * /Our firm has been fighting the closed shop policy
for many years now./ 2. A profession or line of work dominated by
followers of a certain mode of thinking and behaving that does not
tolerate differing views or ideas. * /Certain groups of psychologists,
historians, and linguists often behave with a closed-shop mentality./
Contrast: OPEN SHOP.
[close in] {v.} To come in nearer from all sides. * /We wanted the
boat to reach shore before the fog closed in./ - Often used with "on".
* /The troops were closing in on the enemy.
[close its doors] {v. phr.} 1. To keep someone or something from
entering or joining; become closed. * /The club has closed its doors
to new members./ 2. To fail as a business; go bankrupt. * /The fire
was so damaging that the store had to close its doors./ * /Business
was so poor that we had to close our doors after six months./ Compare:
CLOSE THE DOOR. Contrast: OPEN ITS DOORS.
[close-knit] {adj.} Closely joined together by ties of love,
friendship, or common interest; close. * /The Joneses are a close-knit
family./ * /The three boys are always together. They form a very
close-knit group./
[close one's eyes] or [shut one's eyes] {v. phr.} To refuse to see
or think about. * /The park is beautiful if you shut your eyes to the
litter./ * /The ice was very thin, but the boys shut their eyes to the
danger and went skating./ Compare: OPEN ONE'S EYES.
[dose out] {v.} To sell the whole of; end (a business or a business
operation) by selling all the goods; also, to sell your stock and stop
doing business. * /The store closed out its stock of garden supplies./
* /Mr. Jones closed out his grocery./ * /Mr. Randall was losing money
in his shoe store, so he decided to close out./
[close quarters] {n. phr.} Limited, cramped space. * /With seven
boy scouts in a tent, they were living in very close quarters./
[close ranks] {v. phr.} 1. To come close together in a line
especially for fighting. * /The soldiers closed ranks and kept the
enemy away from the bridge./ 2. To stop quarreling and work together;
unite and fight together. * /The Democrats and Republicans closed
ranks to win the war./ * /The leader asked the people to close ranks
and plan a new school./
[close shave] See: CLOSE CALL.
[closet] See: SKELETON IN THE CLOSET.
[close the books] {v. phr.} To stop taking orders; end a
bookkeeping period. * /The tickets were all sold, so the manager said
to close the books./ * /The department store closes its books on the
25th of each month./
[close the door] or [bar the door] or [shut the door] {v. phr.} To
prevent any more action or talk about a subject. * /The President's
veto closed the door to any new attempt to pass the bill./ * /Joan was
much hurt by what Mary said, and she closed the door on Mary's attempt
to apologize./ * /After John makes up his mind, he closes the door to
any more arguments./ Contrast: OPEN THE DOOR.
[close to home] {adv. phr.} Too near to someone's personal
feelings, wishes, or interests. * /When John made fun of Bob's way of
walking, he struck close to home./ * /When the preacher spoke about
prejudice, some people felt he had come too close to home./
[close-up] {n.} A photograph, motion picture, or video camera shot
taken at very close range. * /Directors of movies frequently show
close-ups of the main characters./
[close up shop] {v. phr.} 1. 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./ 2. {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.
[clothes] See: BEST BIB AND TUCKER or SUNDAY-GO-TO-MEETING CLOTHES.
[clothing] See: WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.
[cloud] See: EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING, IN THE CLOUDS, ON
CLOUD NINE, UNDER A CLOUD.
[clover] See: FOUR-LEAF CLOVER, IN CLOVER or IN THE CLOVER.
[club] See: CHRISTMAS CLUB.
[cluck and grunt] {n.}, {slang}, {avoid it in restaurants} The
familiar restaurant dish of ham and eggs; since ham is made of pork
(and pigs grunt) and eggs come from hens (which cluck.) * /"I am sorry
I can't fix you an elaborate meal, but I can give you a quick cluck
and grunt."/
[clutch] See: RIDE THE BRAKE.
[coal] See: CARRY COALS TO NEWCASTLE, HAUL OVER THE COALS or RAKE
OVER THE COALS, HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON ONE'S HEAD.
[coast is clear] No enemy or danger is in sight; there is no one to
see you. * /When the teacher had disappeared around the corner, John
said, "Come on, the coast is clear."/ * /The men knew when the night
watchman would pass. When he had gone, and the coast was clear, they
robbed the safe./ * /When Father stopped the car at the stop sign,
Mother said, "The coast is clear on this side."/
[coat tail] See: ON ONE'S COAT TAILS.
[cock] See: GO OFF HALF-COCKED also GO OFF AT HALF COCK.
[cock-and-bull story] {n. phr.} An exaggerated or unbelievable
story. * /"Stop feeding me such cock-and-bull stories," the detective
said to the suspect./
[cockeyed] {adj.} Drunk; intoxicated. * /Frank has been drinking
all day and, when we met, he was so cockeyed he forgot his own
address./
[cocksure] {adj.} Overconfident; very sure. * /Paul was cocksure
that it wasn 't going to snow, but it snowed so much that we had to
dig our way out of the house./
[C.O.D.] {n. phr.} Abbreviation of "cash on delivery." * /If you
want to receive a piece of merchandise by mail and pay when you
receive it, you place a C.O.D. order./
[coffee break] {n.} A short recess or time out from work in which
to rest and drink coffee. * /The girls in the office take a coffee
break in the middle of the morning and the afternoon./
[coffee hour] {n.} A time for coffee or other refreshments after a
meeting; a time to meet people and have refreshments. * /After the
business meeting we had a coffee hour./ * /The Joneses had a coffee
hour so their visitor could meet their neighbors./
[coffee table] {n.} A low table used in a living room. * /There
were several magazines on the coffee table./
[coffin nail] {n.}, {slang} A cigarette. * /"I stopped smoking,"
Algernon said. "In fact, I haven't had a coffin nail in well over a
year."/
[cog] See: SLIP A COG or SLIP A GEAR.
[coin money] or [mint money] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make a lot of
money quickly; profit heavily; gain big profit. * /Fred coined money
with many cigarette vending machines and juke boxes./
[cold] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD, BLOW HOT AND COLD, CATCH COLD or TAKE
COLD, IN COLD BLOOD, OUT COLD, OUT IN THE COLD, PASS OUT(2),
STONE-COLD, STOP COLD, THROW COLD WATER ON.
[cold cash] or [hard cash] {n.} Money that is paid at the time of
purchase; real money; silver and bills. * /Mr. Jones bought a new car
and paid cold cash for it./ * * /Some stores sell things only for cold
cash./ Compare: CASH ON THE BARRELHEAD.
[cold comfort] {n.} Something that makes a person in trouble feel
very little better or even worse. * /When Tim lost the race, it was
cold comfort to him to hear that he could try again in two weeks./ *
/Mary spent her vacation sick in bed and Jane's letter about her trip
was cold comfort./
[cold feet] {n. phr.}, {informal} A loss of courage or nerve; a
failure or loss of confidence in yourself. * /Ralph was going to ask
Mary to dance with him but he got cold feet and didn't./
[cold fish] {n.}, {informal} A queer person; a person who is
unfriendly or does not mix with others. * /No one knows the new
doctor, he is a cold fish./ * /Nobody invites Eric to parties because
he is a cold fish./
[cold-shoulder] {v.}, {informal} To act towards a person; with
dislike or scorn; be unfriendly to. * /Fred cold-shouldered his old
friend when they passed on the street./ * /It is impolite and unkind
to cold-shoulder people./ Compare: BRUSH OFF(2), HIGH-HAT, LOOK DOWN
ONE'S NOSE AT.
[cold shoulder] {n.}, {informal} Unfriendly treatment of a person,
a showing of dislike for a person or of looking down on a person. -
Used in the cliches "give the cold shoulder" or "turn a cold shoulder
to" or "get the cold shoulder". * /When Bob asked Mary for a date she
gave him the cold shoulder./ * /The membership committee turned a cold
shoulder to Jim's request to join the club./
[cold snap] {n.} A short time of quick change from warm weather to
cold. * /The cold snap killed everything in the garden./
[cold turkey] {adv.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Abruptly and without
medical aid to withdraw from the use of an addictive drug or from a
serious drinking problem. * /Joe is a very brave guy; he kicked the
habit cold turkey./ 2. {n.} An instance of withdrawal from drugs,
alcohol, or cigarette smoking. * /Joe did a cold turkey./
[cold war] {n.} A struggle that is carried on by other means and
not by actual fighting; a war without shooting or bombing. * /After
World War II, a cold war began between Russia and the United States./
[collar] See: HOT UNDER THE COLLAR, ROMAN COLLAR, SAILOR COLLAR.
[collective farm] {n.} A large government-run farm made by
combining many small farms. * /The Russian farmers used to live on
collective farms./
[collector's item] {n.} Something rare or valuable enough to
collect or save. * /Jimmy's mother found an old wooden doll in the
attic that turned out to be a collector's item./
[College Boards] {n.} A set of examinations given to test a
student's readiness and ability for college. * /John got a high score
on his College Boards./ * /College Boards test both what a student has
learned and his ability to learn./
[color] See: CHANGE COLOR, GIVE COLOR TO or LEND COLOR TO, HAUL
DOWN ONE'S COLORS, HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR, NAIL ONE'S COLORS TO
THE MAST, OFF-COLOR or OFF-COLORED, SAIL UNDER FALSE COLORS, SEE THE
COLOR OF ONE'S MONEY, SHOW ONE'S COLORS, WITH FLYING COLORS.
[color guard] {n.} A military guard of honor for the flag of a
country; also: a guard of honor to carry and protect a flag or banner
(as of a club). * /There were four Marines in the color guard in the
parade./ * /Bob was picked to be a color guard and to carry the banner
of the drum corps at the football game./
[color scheme] {n.} A plan for colors used together as decoration.
* /The color scheme for the dance was blue and silver./ * /Mary
decided on a pink and white color scheme for her room./
[comb] See: FINE-TOOTH COMB.
[come] See: CHICKENS COME HOME TO ROOST, CROSS A BRIDGE BEFORE ONE
COMES TO IT, EASY COME - EASY GO, FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED, GET
WHAT'S COMING TO ONE, HAVE IT COMING, HOW COME also HOW'S COME, IF
WORST COMES TO WORST, JOHNNY-COME-LATELY, KNOW ENOUGH TO COME IN OUT
OF THE RAIN, KNOW IF ONE IS COMING OR GOING, LOOK AS IF ONE HAS COME
OUT OF A BANDBOX, SHIP COME IN.
[come about] {v.} To take place; happen, occur. * /Sometimes it is
hard to tell how a quarrel comes about./ * /When John woke up he was
in the hospital, but he didn't know how that had come about./
[come a cropper] 1. To fall off your horse. * /John's horse
stumbled, and John came a cropper./ 2. To fail. * /Mr. Brown did not
have enough money to put into his business and it soon came a
cropper./ Compare: RIDING FOR A FALL.
[come across] {v.} 1. 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). 2. 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./
[come again] {v.}, {informal} Please repeat; please say that again.
- Usually used as a command. * /"Harry has just come into a fortune,"
my wife said. "Come again? " I asked her, not believing it./ * /"Come
again," said the hard-of-hearing man./
[come alive] or [come to life] {v.} 1. {informal} To become alert
or attentive; wake up and look alive; become active. * /When Mr.
Simmons mentioned money, the boys came alive./ * /Bob pushed the
starter button, and the engine came alive with a roar./ 2. To look
real; take on a bright, natural look. * /Under skillful lighting, the
scene came alive./ * /The President came alive in the picture as the
artist worked./
[come along] {v.} To make progress; improve; succeed. * /He was
coming along well after the operation./ * /Rose is coming right along
on the piano./
[come a long way] {v. phr.} To show much improvement; make great
progress. * /The school has come a long way since its beginnings./ *
/Little Jane has come a long way since she broke her leg./
[come apart at the seams] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To become
upset to the point where one loses self-control and composure as if
having suffered a sudden nervous breakdown. * /After his divorce Joe
seemed to be coming apart at the seams./
[come around] See: COME ROUND.
[come at] {v.} 1. To approach; come to or against; advance toward.
* /The young boxer came at the champion cautiously./ 2. To understand
(a word or idea) or master (a skill); succeed with. * /The sense of an
unfamiliar word is hard to come at./
[come back] {v.}, {informal} 1. To reply; answer. * /The lawyer
came back sharply in defense of his client./ * /No matter how the
audience heckled him, the comedian always had an answer to come back
with./ 2. To get a former place or position back, reach again a place
which you have lost. * /After a year off to have her baby, the singer
came back to even greater fame./ * /It is hard for a retired prize
fighter to come hack and beat a younger man./
[comeback] {n.}, {v. phr.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
A return call. * /Thanks for your comeback./
[come back to earth] or [come down to earth] {v. phr.} To return to
the real world; stop imagining or dreaming; think and behave as usual.
* /After Jane met the movie star it was hard for her to come back to
earth./ * /Bill was sitting and daydreaming so his mother told him to
come down to earth and to do his homework./ Compare: COME TO ONE'S
SENSES, DOWN-TO-EARTH. Contrast: IN THE CLOUDS.
[come between] {v.} To part; divide; separate. * /John's
mother-in-law came to live in his home, and as time passed she came
between him and his wife./ * /Bill's hot rod came between him and his
studies, and his grades went down./
[come by] {v.} To get; obtain; acquire. * /A good job like that is
hard to come by./ * /Money easily come by is often easily spent./ *
/How did she come by that money?/
[come by honestly] {v. phr.}, {informal} To inherit (a
characteristic) from your parents. * /Joe comes by his hot temper
honestly; his father is the same way./
[come clean] {v. phr.}, {slang} To tell all; tell the whole story;
confess. * /The boy suspected of stealing the watch came clean after
long questioning./
[comedown] {n.} Disappointment; embarrassment; failure. * /It was
quite a comedown for Al when the girl he took for granted refused his
marriage proposal./
[come down] {v.} 1. To reduce itself; amount to no more than. -
Followed by "to". * /The quarrel finally came down to a question of
which boy would do the dishes./ Syn.: BOIL DOWN(3). 2. To be handed
down or passed along, descend from parent to child; pass from older
generation to younger ones. * /Mary's necklace had come down to her
from her grandmother./
[come down hard on] {v.}, {informal} 1. To scold or punish
strongly. * /The principal came down hard on the boys for breaking the
window./ 2. To oppose strongly. * /The minister in his sermon came
down hard on drinking./
[come down in the world] {v. phr.} To lose a place of respect or
honor, become lower (as in rank or fortune). * /The stranger plainly
had come down a long way in the world./ Compare: DOWN ON ONE'S LUCK.
[come down off one's high horse] {v. phr.} To become less arrogant;
to assume a more modest disposition. * /The boastful candidate for
Congress quickly came down off his high horse when he was soundly
beaten by his opponent./
[come down on like a ton of bricks] {v. phr.}, {slang} To direct
one's full anger at somebody. * /When the janitor was late for work,
the manager came down on him like a ton of bricks./
[come down to earth] See: COME BACK TO EARTH.
[come down with] {v.}, {informal} To become sick with; catch. * /We
all came down with the mumps./ * /After being out in the rain, George
came down with a cold./
[come from far and wide] {v. phr.} To originate or hail from many
different places. * /The students at this university come from far and
wide and speak many languages./
[come full circle] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To become totally
opposed to one's own earlier conviction on a given subject. * /Today's
conservative businessperson has come full circle from former radical
student days./ 2. To change and develop, only to end up where one
started. * /From modern permissiveness, ideas about child raising have
come full circle to the views of our grandparents./
[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.
[come home to roost] See: CHICKENS COME HOME TO ROOST.
[come in] {v.} 1. To finish in a sports contest or other
competition. * /He came in second in the hundred-yard dash./ 2. To
become the fashion; begin to be used. * /Swimming trunks for men came
in after World War I; before that men used full swim suits./
[come in for] {v.} To receive. * /He came in for a small fortune
when his uncle died./ * /His conduct came in for much criticism./
[come in handy] {v. phr.}, {informal} To prove useful. * /Robinson
Crusoe found tools in the ship which came in handy when he built a
house./ * /The French he learned in high school came in handy when he
was in the army in France./
[come into] {v.} To receive, especially after another's death; get
possession of. * /He came into a lot of money when his father died./ *
/He came into possession of the farm after his uncle died./
[come into one's own] {v. phr.} To receive the wealth or respect
that you should have. * /John's grandfather died and left him a
million dollars; when John is 21, he will come into his own./ * /With
the success of the Model T Ford, the automobile industry came into its
own./
[came natural] See: COME EASY.
[come of] {v.} 1. To result from. * /After all the energy we spent
on that advertising campaign, absolutely nothing came of it./ 2. To
become of; happen to. * /"Whatever became of your son, Peter?"/
[come of age] See: OF AGE.
[come off] {v.} 1. To take place; happen. * /The picnic came off at
last, after being twice postponed./ 2. {informal} To do well; succeed.
* /The attempt to bring the quarreling couple together again came off,
to people's astonishment./
[come off it] also [get off it] {v. phr.}, {slang} Stop pretending;
bragging, or kidding; stop being silly. - Used as a command. * /"So I
said to the duchess..." Jimmy began. "Oh, come off it," the other boys
sneered./ * /Fritz said he had a car of his own. "Oh, come off it,"
said John. "You can't even drive."/
[come off] or [through with flying colors] {v. phr.} To succeed;
triumph. * /John came off with flying colors in his final exams at
college./
[come off second best] {v. phr.} To not win first but only second,
third, etc. place. * /Our home team came off second best against the
visitors./ * /Sue complains that she always comes off second best when
she has a disagreement with her husband./
[come on] {v.} 1. To begin; appear. * /Rain came on toward
morning./ * /He felt a cold coming on./ 2. To grow or do well; thrive.
* /The wheat was coming on./ * /His business came on splendidly./ 3.
or [come upon]. To meet accidentally; encounter; find. * /He came on
an old friend that day when he visited his club./ * /He came upon an
interesting idea in reading about the French Revolution./ Syn.: COME
ACROSS, HAPPEN ON. 4. {informal} Let's get started; let's get going;
don't delay; don't wait. - Used as a command. * /"Come on, or we'll he
late," said Joe, but Lou still waited./ 5. {informal} Please do it! -
Used in begging someone to do something. * /Sing us just one song,
Jane, come on!/ * /Come on, Laura, you can tell me. I won't tell
anybody./
[come-on] {n.}, {slang} An attractive offer made to a naive person
under false pretenses in order to gain monetary or other advantage. *
/Joe uses a highly successful come-on when he sells vacant lots on
Grand Bahama Island./
[come one's way] {v. phr.} To be experienced by someone; happen to
you. * /Tom said that if the chance to become a sailor ever came his
way, he would take it./ * /I hope bad luck isn't coming our way./ *
/Luck came Bill's way today and he hit a home run./ Compare: GO ONE'S
WAY, IN ONE'S FAVOR.
[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./
[come out] {v.} 1. {Of a girl:} To be formally introduced to polite
society at about age eighteen, usually at a party; begin to go to big
parties, * /In society, girls come out when they reach the age of
about eighteen, and usually it is at a big party in their honor; after
that they are looked on as adults./ 2. To be published. * /The book
came out two weeks ago./ 3. To become publicly known. * /The truth
finally came out at his trial./ 4, To end; result; finish. * /How did
the story come out?/ * /The game came out as we had hoped./ * /The
snapshots came out well./ 5. To announce support or opposition;
declare yourself (for or against a person or thing). * /The party
leaders came out for an acceptable candidate./ * /Many Congressmen
came out against the bill./ 6. See: GO OUT FOR.
[coming-out] {adj.} Introducing a girl to polite society. * /Mary's
parents gave her a coming-out party when she was 17./
[come out for] {v. phr.} To support; declare oneself in favor of
another, especially during a political election. * /Candidates for the
presidency of the United States are anxious for the major newspapers
to come out for them./
[come out in the open] {v. phr.} 1. To reveal one's true identity
or intentions. * /Fred finally came out in the open and admitted that
he was gay./ 2. To declare one's position openly. * /The conservative
Democratic candidate came out in the open and declared that he would
join the Republican party./
[come out with] {v. phr.} 1. To make a public announcement of; make
known. * /He came out with a clear declaration of his principles./ 2.
To say. * /He comes out with the funniest remarks you can imagine./
[come over] {v.} To take control of; cause sudden strong feeling
in; happen to. * /A sudden fit of anger came over him./ * /A great
tenderness came over her./ * /What has come over him?/
[come round] or [come around] {v.} 1. To happen or appear again and
again in regular order. * /And so Saturday night came around again./ *
/I will tell him when he comes round again./ 2. {informal} To get back
health or knowledge of things; get well from sickness or a faint./ *
/Someone brought out smelling salts and Mary soon came round./ * /Jim
has come around after having had stomach ulcers./ 3. To change
direction, * /The wind has come round to the south./ 4. {informal} To
change your opinion or purpose to agree with another's. * /Tom came
round when Dick told him the whole story./
[come through] {v.}, {informal} To be equal to a demand; meet
trouble or a sudden need with success; satisfy a need. * /When the
baseball team needed a hit, Willie came through with a double./ *
/John needed money for college and his father came through./
[come to] {v.} (stress on "to") 1. To wake up after losing
consciousness; get the use of your senses back again after fainting or
being knocked out. * /She fainted in the store and found herself in
the first aid room when she came to./ * /The boxer who was knocked out
did not come to for five minutes./ * /The doctor gave her a pill and
after she took it she didn't come to for two days./ Compare: BRING TO.
2. (stress on "come") To get enough familiarity or understanding to;
learn to; grow to. - Used with an infinitive. * /John was selfish at
first, but he came to realize that other people counted, too./ *
/During her years at the school, Mary came to know that road well./ 3.
To result in or change to; reach the point of; arrive at. * /Mr. Smith
lived to see his invention come to success./ * /Grandfather doesn't
like the way young people act today; he says, "I don't know what the
world is coming to."/ 4. To have something to do with; be in the field
of; be about. - Usually used in the phrase "when it comes to". * /Joe
is not good in sports, but when it comes to arithmetic he's the best
in the class./ * /The school has very good teachers, but when it comes
to buildings, the school is poor./
[come to a dead end] {v. phr.} To reach a point from which one
cannot proceed further, either because of a physical obstacle or
because of some forbidding circumstance. * /Our car came to a dead
end; the only way to get out was to drive back in reverse./ * /The
factory expansion project came to a dead end because of a lack of
funds./
[come to blows] {v. phr.} To begin to fight. * /The two quarreling
boys came to blows after school./ * /The two countries came to blows
because one wanted to be independent from the other./
[come to grief] {v. phr.} To have a bad accident or disappointment;
meet trouble or ruin; end badly; wreck; fail. * /Bill came to grief
learning to drive a car./ * /Nick's hopes for a new house came to
grief when the house he was building burned down./ * /The fishing boat
came to grief off Cape Cod./
[come to grips with] {v. phr.} 1. To get hold of (another wrestler)
in close fighting. * /After circling around for a minute, the two
wrestlers came to grips with each other./ 2. 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).
[come to hand] {v. phr.} To be received or obtained. * /Father's
letter was mailed from Florida last week and came to hand today./ *
/The new books came to hand today./ * /New information about the boy's
disappearance came to hand yesterday./
[come to heel] See: TO HEEL.
[come to life] See: COME ALIVE.
[come to light] {v. phr.} To be discovered; become known; appear. *
/John's thefts from the bank where he worked came to light when the
bank examiners made an inspection./ * /When the old woman died it came
to light that she was actually rich./ * /New facts about ancient Egypt
have recently come to light./ Compare: BRING TO LIGHT.
[come to mind] {v. phr.} To occur to someone. * /A new idea for the
advertising campaign came to mind as I was reading your book./
[come to nothing] also {formal} [come to naught] {v. phr.} To end
in failure; fail; be in vain. * /The dog's attempts to climb the tree
after the cat came to nothing./
[come to one's senses] {v. phr.} 1. Become conscious again; wake
up. * /The boxer was knocked out and did not come to his senses for
several minutes./ * /The doctors gave Tom an anesthetic before his
operation; then the doctor took out Tom's appendix before he came to
his senses./ Compare: COME TO(1). 2. To think clearly; behave as usual
or as you should; act sensibly. * /A boy threw a snowball at me and
before I could come to my senses he ran away./ * /Don't act so
foolishly. Come to your senses!/ Contrast: OUT OF ONE'S HEAD.
[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.
[come to terms] {v. phr.} To reach an agreement. * /Management and
the labor union came to terms about a new arrangement and a strike was
prevented./
[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.
[come to think of it] {v. phr.}, {informal} As I think again;
indeed; really. * /Come to think of it, he has already been given what
he needs./ * /Come to think of it, I should write my daughter today./
[come true] {v.} To really happen; change from a dream or a plan
into a fact. * /It took years of planning and saving, but their
seagoing vacation came true at last./ * /It was a dream come true when
he met the President./ * /His hope of living to 100 did not come
true./
[come up] {v.} 1. To become a subject for discussion or decision to
talk about or decide about. * /"He was a good salesman, and price
never came up until the very last," Mary said./ * /The question of
wage increases came up at the board meeting./ * /Mayor Jones comes up
for reelection this fall./ 2. To be equal; match in value. - Used with
"to". * /The new model car comes up to last year's./ 3. To approach;
come close. * /We saw a big black bear coming up on us from the
woods./ * /Christmas is coming up soon./ * /The team was out
practicing for the big game coming up./ 4. To provide; supply;
furnish. - Used with "with". * /For years Jones kept coming up with
new and good ideas./ * /The teacher asked a difficult question, but
finally Ted came up with a good answer./
[come up in the world] or [rise in the world] {v. phr.} To gain
success, wealth, or importance in life; rise to a position of greater
wealth or importance. * /He had come up in the world since he peddled
his wife's baked goods from a pushcart./ Compare: GET AHEAD. Contrast:
COME DOWN IN THE WORLD.
[come up smelling like a rose] {v. phr.} To escape from a difficult
situation or misdeed unscathed or without punishment. * /A is
predicted that Congressman Brown, in spite of the current
investigation into his financial affairs, will come up smelling like a
rose at the end./
[come up to] {v. phr.} To equal. * /The meals cooked in most
restaurants do not come up to those prepared at home./
[come up with] {v. phr.} 1. To offer. * /We can always depend on
John Smith to come up with a good solution for any problem we might
have./ 2. To produce on demand. * /I won't be able to buy this car,
because I cannot come up with the down payment you require./ 3. To
find. * /How on earth did you come up with such a brilliant idea?/
[come upon] See: COME ON(3).
[come what may] {adv. phr.} Even if troubles come; no matter what
happens; in spite of opposition or mischance. * /Charles has decided
to get a college education, come what may./ * /The editor says we will
publish the school paper this week, come what may./
[comfort] See: COLD COMFORT.
[comfortable as an old shoe] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Pleasant and
relaxed; not stiff, strict or too polite; easy to talk and work with.
* /The stranger was as comfortable as an old shoe, and we soon were
talking like old friends./
[coming and going] or [going and coming] {adv. phr.} 1. Both ways;
in both directions. * /The truck driver stops at the same cafe coming
and going./ * /John was late. He got punished both going and coming;
his teacher punished him and his parents punished him./ 2. Caught or
helpless; in your power; left with no way out of a difficulty. - Used
after "have". * /If Beth stayed in the house, Mother would make her
help with the cleaning; if she went outside, Father would make her
help wash the car - they had her coming and going./ * /Uncle Mike is a
good checker player, and he soon had me beat coming and going./
Compare: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA.
[coming out] See: COME OUT(1).
[coming out party] {n. phr.} A debutante party in which a young
girl is formally introduced to society. * /Coming out parties used to
be more popular in the early twentieth century than nowadays,
primarily because they cost a lot of money./
[comings and goings] {n. pl.}, {informal} 1. Times of arriving and
going away; movements. * /I can't keep up with the children's comings
and goings./ 2. Activities; doings; business. * /Mary knows all the
comings and goings in the neighborhood./
[command module] {n.}, {Space English} 1. One of the three main
sections of the basic Apollo spacecraft. It weighs six tons and is
cone shaped. It contains crew compartments and from it the astronauts
can operate the lunar module (LM), the docking systems, etc. 2.
{Informal transferred sense.} The cockpit, the chief place where a
person does his most important work. * /My desk is my command module./
[commission] See: IN COMMISSION or INTO COMMISSION, OUT OF
COMMISSION.
[common] See: IN COMMON.
[common as an old shoe] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Not showing off;
not vain; modest; friendly to all. * /Although Mr. Jones ran a large
business, he was common as an old shoe./ * /The most famous people are
sometimes as common as an old shoe./
[common ground] {n.} Shared beliefs, interests, or ways of
understanding; ways in which people are alike. * /Bob and Frank don't
like each other because they have no common ground./ * /The only
common ground between us is that we went to the same school./ Compare:
IN COMMON.
[common touch] {n.} The ability to be a friend of the people;
friendly manner with everyone. * /Voters like a candidate who has the
common touch./
[company] See: KEEP COMPANY, PART COMPANY.
[company man] {n.}, {informal} A worker who always agrees with
management rather than labor. - Usually used to express dislike or
disapproval. * /Joe was a company man and refused to take a part in
the strike./ Compare: YES-MAN.
[compare notes] {v. phr.}, {informal} To exchange thoughts or ideas
about something; discuss together. * /Mother and Mrs. Barker like to
compare notes about cooking./
[compliment] See: RETURN THE COMPLIMENT.
[conclusion] See: JUMP TO A CONCLUSION.
[condition] See: IN SHAPE or IN CONDITION, IN THE PINK or IN THE
PINK OF CONDITION, ON CONDITION THAT, OUT OF SHAPE or OUT OF
CONDITION.
[conference] See: PRESS CONFERENCE.
[congregate housing] {n.}, {informal} A form of housing for elderly
persons in which dining facilities and services are shared in multiple
dwelling units. * /Jerry put Grandma in a place where they have
congregate housing./
[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./
[consent] See: SILENCE GIVES CONSENT.
[consequence] See: IN CONSEQUENCE, IN CONSEQUENCE OF.
[consideration] See: IN CONSIDERATION OF.
[consumer goods] or [consumer items] {n.} Food and manufactured
things that people buy for their own use. * /In time of war, the
supply of consumer goods is greatly reduced./
[content] See: TO ONE'S HEART'S CONTENT.
[contention] See: BONE OF CONTENTION.
[contrary] See: ON THE CONTRARY, TO THE CONTRARY.
[control room] {n.} A room containing the panels and switches used
to control something (like a TV broadcast). * /While a television
program is on the air, engineers are at their places in the control
room./
[control tower] {n.} A tower with large windows and a good view of
an airport so that the traffic of airplanes can be seen and
controlled, usually by radio. * /We could see the lights at the
control tower as our plane landed during the night./
[conversation] See: MAKE CONVERSATION.
[conversation piece] {n.} Something that interests people and makes
them talk about it; something that looks unusual, comical, or strange.
* /Uncle Fred has a glass monkey on top of his piano that he keeps for
a conversation piece./
[conviction] See: HAVE THE COURAGE OF ONE'S CONVICTIONS.
[cook] See: SHORT-ORDER COOK, WHAT'S UP or WHAT'S COOKING.
[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./
[cook up] {v.}, {informal} To plan and put together; make up;
invent. * /The boys cooked up an excuse to explain their absence from
school./
[cool] See: PLOW ONE'S COOL.
[cool as a cucumber] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Very calm and brave;
not nervous, worried, or anxious; not excited; composed. * /Bill is a
good football quarterback, always cool as a cucumber./
[cool customer] {n.} Someone who is calm and in total control of
himself; someone showing little emotion. * /Jim never gets too excited
about anything; he is a cool customer./
[cool down] or [cool off] {v.} To lose or cause to lose the heat of
any deep feeling (as love, enthusiasm, or anger); make or become calm,
cooled or indifferent; lose interest. * /A heated argument can be
settled better if both sides cool down first./ * /John was deeply in
love with Sally before he left for college, but he cooled off before
he got back./ * /Their friendship cooled off when Jack gave up
football./ * /The neighbor's complaint about the noise cooled the
argument down./
[cool one's heels] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be kept waiting by
another's pride or rudeness; be forced to wait by someone in power or
authority; wait. * /He cooled his heels for an hour in another room
before the great man would see him./ * /I was left to cool my heels
outside while the others went into the office./
[coon's age] See: DOG'S AGE.
[coop] See: FLY THE COOP.
[coop up] {v. phr.} To hedge in; confine; enclose in a small place.
* /How can poor Jane work in that small office, cooped up all day
long?/
[cop a feel] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To attempt to arouse
sexually by manual contact, usually by surprise. * /John talks big for
a 16 year old, but all he's ever done is cop a feel in a dark movie
theater./ Compare: FEEL UP. Contrast: COP A PLEA.
[cop a plea] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {colloquial} To plead guilty
during a trial in the hope of getting a lighter sentence as a result.
* /The murderer of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., copped a plea of
guilty, and got away with a life sentence instead of the death
penalty./
[cop out] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To avoid committing
oneself in a situation where doing so would result in difficulties. *
/Nixon copped out on the American people with Watergate./
[cop-out] {n. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} An irresponsible excuse
made to avoid something one has to do, a flimsy pretext. * /Cowe on,
Jim, that's a cheap cop-out, and I don't believe a word of it!/
[copy cat] n. Someone who copies another person's work or manner. -
Usually used by children or when speaking to children. * /He called me
a copy cat just because my new shoes look like his./
[corn ball] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A superficially
sentimental movie or musical in which the word "love" is mentioned too
often; a theatrical performance that is trivially sentimental. * /That
movie last night was a corn hall./ 2. A person who behaves in a
superficially sentimental manner or likes performances portraying such
behavior. * /Suzie can't stand Joe; she thinks he's a corn ball./
[corn belt] {n.} 1. The Midwest; the agricultural section of the
United States where much corn is grown. * /Kansas is one of the slates
that lies within the corn belt./
[corner] See: AROUND THE CORNER, CUT CORNERS, FOUR CORNERS, OUT OF
THE CORNER OF ONE'S EYE.
[cost a bomb] or [an arm and a leg] {v. phr.} To be extremely
expensive. * /My new house has cost us an arm and a leg and we're
almost broke./
[cotton] See: ON TOP OF THE WORLD also SITTING ON HIGH COTTON.
[cotton picking], [cotton-pickin'] {adj.}, {slang}, {colloquial}
Worthless, crude, common, messy. * /Keep your cotton picking hands off
my flowers!/ * /You've got to clean up your room, son, this is a
cotton-pickin' mess!/
[couch case] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person judged emotionally
so disturbed that people think he ought to see a psychiatrist (who,
habitually, make their patients lie down on a couch). * /Joe's divorce
messed him up so badly that he became a couch case./
[couch doctor] {n.}, {slang}, {colloquial} A psychoanalyst who puts
his patients on a couch following the practice established by Sigmund
Freud. * /I didn't know your husband was a couch doctor, I thought he
was a gynecologist!/
[couch potato] {n.} A person who is addicted to watching television
all day. * /Poor Ted has become such a couch potato that we can't
persuade him to do anything./
[cough up] {v.}, {slang} 1. To give (money) unwillingly; pay with
an effort. * /Her husband coughed up the money for the party with a
good deal of grumbling./ 2. To tell what was secret; make known. * /He
coughed up the whole story for the police./
[couldn't care less] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be indifferent; not
care at all. * /The students couldn't care less about the band; they
talk all through the concert./ Also heard increasingly as "could care
less" (nonstandard in this form.)
[counsel] See: KEEP ONE'S OWN COUNSEL.
[count] See: STAND UP AND BE COUNTED.
[countdown] {n.}. {Space English}, {informal} 1. A step-by-step
process which leads to the launching of a rocket. * /Countdown starts
at 23:00 hours tomorrow night and continues for 24 hours./ 2. Process
of counting inversely during the acts leading to a launch; liftoff
occurs at zero. 3. The time immediately preceding an important
undertaking, borrowed from Space English. * /We're leaving for Hawaii
tomorrow afternoon; this is countdown time for us./
[counter] See: UNDER THE COUNTER.
[count heads] or [count noses] {v. phr.}, {informal} To count the
number of people in a group. * /On the class picnic, we counted heads
before we left and when we arrived to be sure that no one got lost./ *
/The usher was told to look out into the audience and count noses./
[count off] {v.} 1. To count aloud from one end of a line of men to
the other, each man counting in turn. * /The soldiers counted off from
right to left./ 2. To place into a separate group or groups by
counting. * /The coach counted off three boys to carry in the
equipment./ * /Tom counted off enough newspapers for his route./
[count on] {v.} 1. To depend on; rely on; trust. * /The team was
counting on Joe to win the race./ * /I'll do it; you know you can
count on me./ * /The company was counting on Brown's making the right
decision./ Syn.: BANK ON. 2. See: FIGURE ON(2).
[count one's chickens before they're hatched] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To depend on getting a profit or gain before you have it; make plans
that suppose something will happen; be too sure that something will
happen. Usually used in negative sentences. * /When Jim said that he
would be made captain of the team, John told him not to count his
chickens before they were hatched./ * /Maybe some of your customers
won't pay, and then where will you be? Don't count your chickens
before they're hatched./
[count out] {v.} 1. To leave (someone) out of a plan; not expect
(someone) to share in an activity; exclude. * /"Will this party cost
anything? If it does, count me out, because I'm broke."/ * /When the
coach was planning who would play in the big game he counted Paul out,
because Paul had a hurt leg./ 2. To count out loud to ten to show that
(a boxer who has been knocked down in a fight) is beaten or knocked
out if he does not get up before ten is counted. * /The champion was
counted. out in the third round./ 3a. To add up; count again to be
sure of the amount. * /Mary counted out the number of pennies she
had./ 3b. To count out loud, (especially the beats in a measure of
music). * /The music teacher counted out the beats
"one-two-three-four," so the class would sing in time./
[count to ten] {v. phr.}, {informal} To count from one to ten so
you will have time to calm down or get control of yourself; put off
action when angry or excited so as not to do anything wrong. * /Father
always told us to count to ten before doing anything when we got
angry./ Compare: KEEP ONE'S HEAD. Contrast: BLOW A FUSE, FLY OFF THE
HANDLE.
[county mounty] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's hand radio jargon}
Sheriff's deputy. * /The county mounties are parked under the bridge./
[courage] See: HAVE THE COURAGE OF ONE'S CONVICTIONS, SCREW UP
ONE'S COURAGE.
[course] See: IN DUE COURSE, MATTER OF COURSE, OF COURSE, PAR FOR
THE COURSE.
[court] See: DAY IN COURT, FRONT COURT, HOLD COURT, KANGAROO COURT.
[cousin] See: FIRST COUSIN, SECOND COUSIN.
[cover] See: FROM COVER TO COVER at FROM --- TO(3), UNDER COVER.
[cover a lot of ground] {v. phr.} To process a great deal of
information and various facts. * /Professor Brown's thorough lecture
on asteroids covered a lot of ground today./
[covered-dish supper] or [potluck supper] A meal to which each
guest brings a share of the food. * /Dolly made a chicken casserole
for the covered-dish supper./
[cover girl] {n.} A pretty girl or woman whose picture is put on
the cover of a magazine. * /Ann is not a cover girl, but she is pretty
enough to be./
[cover ground] or [cover the ground] {v. phr.} 1. To go a distance;
travel. * /Mr. Rogers likes to travel in planes, because they cover
ground so quickly./ 2. {informal} To move over an area at a speed that
is pleasing; move quickly over a lot of ground. * /The new infielder
really covers the ground at second base./ * /Herby's new car really
covers ground!/ 3. To give or receive the important facts and details
about a subject. * /If you're thinking about a trip to Europe, the
airline has a booklet that covers the ground pretty well./ * /The
class spent two days studying the Revolutionary War, because they
couldn't cover that much ground in one day./
[cover one's tracks] or [cover up one's tracks] {v. phr.} 1. 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./ 2. {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).
[cover the waterfront] {v. phr.} To talk or write all about
something; talk about something all possible ways. * /The principal
pretty well covered the waterfront on student behavior./
[cover up] {v.}, {informal} 1. 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). 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./ 3. 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./
[cover-up] {n.}, {slang} A plan or excuse to escape blame or
punishment; lie, alibi. * /When the men robbed the bank, their
cover-up was to dress like policemen./ * /Joe's cover-up to his mother
after he had been fighting was that he fell down./
[cow] See: HOLY CATS or HOLY COW, SACRED COW.
[cowboy] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person who drives his car
carelessly and at too great a speed in order to show off his courage.
* /Joe's going to be arrested some day - he is a cowboy on the
highway./
[cow college] {n.}, {slang} 1. An agricultural college; a school
where farming is studied. * /A new, bigger kind of apple is being
grown at the cow college./ 2. A new or rural college not thought to be
as good as older or city colleges. * /John wanted to go to a big
college in New York City, not to a cow college./
[cows tail] {n.}, {dialect} A person who is behind others. * /John
was the cow's tail at the exam./ * /Fred was always the old cow's tail
for football practice./
[cozy up] {v.}, {slang} To try to be close or friendly; try to be
liked. - Usually used with "to". * /John is cozying up to Henry so he
can join the club./
[crack] See: HARD NUT TO CRACK or TOUGH NUT TO CRACK.
[crack a book] {v. phr.}, {slang} To open a book in order to study.
- Usually used with a negative. * /John did not crack a book until the
night before the exam./ * /Many students think they can pass without
cracking a book./
[crack a bottle] {v. phr.} To open a new bottle of alcoholic
beverage. * /On birthdays it is customary to crack a bottle and offer
one's best wishes./
[crack a joke] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make a joke; tell a joke. *
/The men sat around the stove, smoking and cracking jokes./
[crack a smile] {v. phr.}, {informal} To let a smile show on one's
face; permit a smile to appear. * /Bob told the whole silly story
without even cracking a smile./ * /Scrooge was a gloomy man, who never
cracked a smile./ * /When we gave the shy little boy an ice cream
cone, he finally cracked a smile./
[crack down] {v. phr.}, {informal} To enforce laws or rules
strictly; require full obedience to a rule. * /After a speeding driver
hit a child, the police cracked down./ - Often used with "on". *
/Police suddenly cracked down on the selling of liquors to minors./ *
/The coach cracked down on the players when he found they had not been
obeying the training rules./
[crack of dawn] {n. phr.} The time in the morning when the sun's
rays first appear. * /The rooster crows at the crack of dawn and wakes
up everybody on the farm./
[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./
[cracking] See: GET CRACKING - at GET GOING(2).
[crackpot] {n.}, {attrib. adj.}, {informal} 1. {n.} An eccentric
person with ideas that don't make sense to most other people. * /Don't
believe what Uncle Noam tells you - he is a crackpot./ 2. {attrib.
adj.} * /That's a crackpot idea./
[crack the whip] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get obedience or
cooperation by threats of punishment. * /If the children won't behave
when I reason with them, I have to crack the whip./
[crack up] {v.} 1. To wreck or be wrecked; smash up. * /The
airplane cracked up in landing./ * /He cracked up his car./ 2.
{informal} To become mentally ill under physical or mental overwork or
worry. * /He had kept too busy for years, and when failures came, he
cracked up./ * /It seemed to be family problems that made him crack
up./ 3. Burst into laughter or cause to burst into laughter. * /That
comedian cracks me up./
[cradle] See: ROB THE CRADLE.
[cradle robber], [cradle robbing] See: ROB THE CRADLE.
[cramp] See: WRITER'S CRAMP.
[cramp one's style] {v. phr.}, {informal} To limit your natural
freedom; prevent your usual behavior; limit your actions or talk. *
/He cramped his style a good deal when he lost his money./ * /Army
rules cramped George's style./
[crash dive] {n.} A sudden dive made by a submarine to escape an
enemy; a dive made to get deep under water as quickly as possible. *
/The captain of the submarine told his crew to prepare for a crash
dive when he saw the enemy battleship approaching./
[crash-dive] {v.} 1. To dive deep underwater in a submarine as
quickly as possible. * /We shall crash-dive if we see enemy planes
coming./ 2. To dive into (something) in an airplane. * /When the
plane's motor was hit by the guns of the enemy battleship, the pilot
aimed the plane at the ship and crash-dived into it./
[crash the gate] {v. phr.}, {slang} To enter without a ticket or
without paying; attend without an invitation or permission. * /Bob got
into the circus without paying. He crashed the gate./ * /Three boys
tried to crash the gate at our party but we didn't let them in./
[craw] See: STICK IN ONE'S CRAW.
[crawl up] See: RIDE UP.
[crazy] or [mad] or [nuts about] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Excessively fond of; infatuated with. * /Jack is totally nuts about
Liz, but she is not too crazy about him./
[cream] See: VANISHING CREAM.
[cream of the crop] {n. phr.} The best of a group; the top choice.
* /May Queen candidates were lovely, but Betsy and Nancy were the
cream of the crop./ * /The students had drawn many good pictures and
the teacher chose the cream of the crop to hang up when the parents
came to visit./
[creature of habit] {n. phr.} A person who does things out of habit
rather than by thought. * /Our boss is a creature of habit, so let us
not confuse him with too many new ideas./
[credibility gap] {n.}, {hackneyed phrase}, {politics} An apparent
discrepancy between what the government says and what one can observe
for oneself. * /There was a tremendous credibility gap in the USA
during the Watergate years./
[credit] See: DO CREDIT.
[creek] See: UP THE CREEK or UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE.
[creep] See: THE CREEPS.
[creep up on] {v.} 1. To crawl towards; move along near the ground;
steal cautiously towards so as not to be seen or noticed. * /The mouse
did not see the snake creeping up on it over the rocks./ * /Indians
were creeping up on the house through the bushes./ 2. or [sneak up on]
To come little by little; arrive slowly and unnoticed. * /The woman's
hair was turning gray as age crept up on her./ * /Winter is creeping
up on us little by little./ * /The boys didn't notice the darkness
creeping up on them while they were playing./ Compare: COME OVER.
[crew] See: SECTION GANG or SECTION CREW.
[crew cut] or [crew haircut] {n.} A boy's or man's hair style, cut
so that the hair stands up in short, stiff bristle. * /Many boys like
to get crew cuts during the summer to keep cooler./
[crisp] See: BURN TO A CRISP.
[crocodile tears] {n.} Pretended grief; a show of sorrow that is
not really felt. * /When his rich uncle died, leaving him his money,
John shed crocodile tears./ (From the old legend that crocodiles make
weeping sounds to attract victims and then shed tears while eating
them.)
[crook] See: BY HOOK OR BY CROOK.
[crop] See: CASH CROP, CREAM OF THE CROP, STICK IN ONE'S CRAW or
STICK IN ONE'S CROP.
[crop out] {v.} To appear at the surface; come through or show
through from hiding or concealment. * /Rocks often crop out in New
England pasture land./ * /A hidden hate cropped out in his words./
[cropper] See: COME A CROPPER.
[crop up] {v.} To come without warning; appear or happen
unexpectedly. * /Problems cropped up almost every day when Mr. Reed
was building his TV station./ * /Serious trouble cropped up just when
Martin thought the problem of his college education was solved./
Compare: TURN UP.
[cross] See: AT CROSS PURPOSES, CARRY ONE'S CROSS, DOUBLE CROSS,
KEEP ONE'S FINGERS CROSSED at CROSS ONE'S FINGERS(1b).
[cross a bridge before one comes to it] {v. phr.} To worry about
future events or trouble before they happen. - Usually used in
negative sentences, often as a proverb. * /"Can I be a soldier when I
grow up, Mother?" asked Johnny. "Don't cross that bridge until you
come to it," said his mother./ Compare: BORROW TROUBLE.
[cross-check(1)] {v.} To test the truth of by examining in
different ways or by seeing different reports about. * /If you see
something in a book that may not be true, be sure to crosscheck it in
other books./
[cross-check(2)] {n.} The testing of the truth of by checking one
report against another or others. * /A cross-check with other books
will show us if this story is true./
[cross fire] {n.} 1. Firing in a fight or battle from two or more
places at once so that the lines of fire cross. * /The soldiers on the
bridge were caught in the crossfire coming from both sides of the
bridge./ 2. Fast or angry talking back and forth between two or more
people; also, a dispute; a quarrel. * /There was a cross fire of
excited questions and answers between the parents and the children who
had been lost in the woods./ * /The principal and the graduates
quarreled about the football team, and the coach was caught in the
cross fire and lost his job./
[cross one's fingers] {v. phr.} 1a. To cross two fingers of one
hand for good luck. * /Mary crossed her fingers during the race so
that Tom would win./ 11b. or [keep one's fingers crossed] {informal}
To wish for good luck. * /Keep your fingers crossed while I take the
test./ 2. To cross two fingers of one hand to excuse an untruth that
you are telling. * /Johnny crossed his fingers when he told his mother
the lie./
[cross one's heart] or [cross one's heart and hope to die] {v.
phr.}, {informal} To say that what you have said is surely true;
promise seriously that it is true. - Often used by children in the
longer form. Children often make a sign of a cross over the heart as
they say it, for emphasis. * /"Cross my heart, I didn't hide your
bicycle," Harry told Tom./ * /"I didn't tell the teacher what you
said. Cross my heart and hope to die," Mary said to Lucy./
[cross one's mind] or [pass through one's mind] {v. phr.} To be a
sudden or passing thought; be thought of by someone; come to your
mind; occur to you. * /At first Bob was puzzled by Virginia's waving,
but then it crossed his mind that she was trying to tell him
something./ * /When Jane did not come home by midnight, many terrible
fears passed through Mother's mind./
[cross one's path] {v. phr.} To meet or encounter someone; to come
upon someone more by accident than by plan. * /Surprisingly, I crossed
John's path in Central Park one afternoon./
[cross street] {n.} A street that crosses a main street and runs on
both sides of it. * /Elm Street is a cross street on Main Street and
there is a traffic light there./ Compare: THROUGH STREET.
[cross swords] {v. phr.}, {literary} To have an argument with;
fight. - Often used with "with". * /Don't argue with the teacher;
you're not old enough to cross swords with her./
[cross the wire] {v. phr.} To finish a race. * /The Russian crossed
the wire just behind the American./
[cross up] {v.}, {informal} 1. 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./ 2.
To deceive or be false to. * /George crossed up his partner by selling
a lot of things secretly./
[crow] See: EAT CROW.
[crow before one is out of the woods] {v. phr.} To be glad or brag
before you are safe from danger or trouble. - Usually used in negative
sentences, often as a proverb, "Don't crow before you are out of the
woods." * /John thought his team would win because the game was almost
over, but he didn't want to crow before they were out of the woods./
Often used in a short form, "out of the woods". * /Mary nearly died
during the operation, and she is not out of the woods yet./
[crown jewels] {n. pl.} The crown, staff, and jewels used for the
crowning of a king or queen; the crown and jewels representing royal
power and authority. * /The crown jewels are handed down from one king
to the next when the new king is crowned./
[crow to pick] See: BONE TO PICK or CROW TO PICK.
[crust] See: UPPER CRUST.
[crux of the matter] {n. phr.} The basic issue at hand; the core
essence that one must face. * /The crux of the matter is that he is
incompetent and we will have to fire him./
[cry] See: FAR CRY, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, HUE AND CRY.
[cry] or [scream bloody murder] {v. phr.} To bitterly and loudly
complain against an indignity. * /Pete cried bloody murder when he
found out that he didn't get the promotion he was hoping for./
[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.
[cry buckets] {v. phr.} To shed an excessive amount of tears. *
/Grandma is crying buckets over the loss of our cat./
[cry for] or [cry out for] {v.}, {informal} To need badly; be
lacking in. * /It has not rained for two weeks and the garden is
crying for it./ * /The school is crying out for good teachers./
[cry out] {v.} 1. To call out loudly; shout; scream. * /The woman
in the water cried out "Help!"/ 2. To complain loudly; protest
strongly. - Used with "against". * /Many people are crying out against
the new rule./
[cry out for] See: CRY FOR.
[cry over spilled milk] or [cry over spilt milk] {v. phr.},
{informal} To cry or complain about something that has already
happened; be unhappy about something that cannot be helped. * /After
the baby tore up Sue's picture book, Sue's mother told her there was
no use crying over spilled milk./ * /You have lost the game but don't
cry over spilt milk./ Compare: MAKE ONE'S BED AND LIE IN IT, WATER
OVER THE DAM or WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE.
[crystal ball] {n.} A ball, usually made of quartz crystal (glass)
that is used by fortune-tellers. * /The fortune-teller at the fair
looked into her crystal ball and told me that I would take a long trip
next year./ 2. Any means of predicting the future. * /My crystal ball
tells me you'll be making the honor roll./
[crystal gazing] {n.} The attempt to predict future events. * /The
magician's specialty was crystal gazing./
[cry uncle] See: SAY UNCLE.
[cry wolf] {v. phr.} To give a false alarm; warn of a danger that
you know is not there. * /The general said that the candidate was just
crying wolf when he said that the army was too weak to fight for the
country./ (From an old story about a shepherd boy who falsely claimed
a wolf was killing his sheep, just to start some excitement.)
[cub scout] {n.} A member of the Cub Scouts, the junior branch of
the Boy Scouts for boys 8-10 years of age. * /Jimmie is only seven,
too young to be a Cub Scout./
[cucumber] See: COOL AS A CUCUMBER.
[cudgel] See: TAKE UP THE CUDGELS FOR.
[cudgel one's brains] See: BEAT ONE'S BRAINS OUT.
[cue in] {v. phr.}, {informal} To add new information to that which
is already known. * /Let's not forget to cue in Joe on what has been
happening./
[cuff] See: OFF-THE-CUFF, ON THE CUFF.
[culture vulture] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person who is an avid
cultural sightseer, one who seeks out cultural opportunities
ostentatiously, such as going to the opera or seeing every museum in a
town visited, and brags about it. * /Aunt Mathilda is a regular
culture vulture; she spends every summer in a different European
capital going to museums and operas./
[cup] See: IN ONE'S CUPS.
[cup of tea] also [dish of tea] {n. phr.}, {informal} 1. Something
you enjoy or do well at; a special interest, or favorite occupation.
Used with a possessive. * /You could always get him to go for a walk:
hiking was just his cup of tea./ Compare: DOWN ONE'S ALLEY. 2.
Something to think about; thing; matter. * /That's another cup of
tea./ Compare: KETTLE OF FISH.
[curb service] {n.} Waiting on customers while they sit in their
cars. * /Families with small children often look for hamburger stands
that offer curb service./
[curiosity killed the cat] {informal} Getting too nosy may lead a
person into trouble. - A proverb. * /"Curiosity killed the cat,"
Fred's father said, when he found Fred hunting around in closets just
before Christmas./
[curl] See: PIN CURL.
[curl one's hair] {v. phr.}, {slang} To shock; frighten; horrify;
amaze. * /Wait till you read what it says about you - this'll curl
your hair./ * /The movie about monsters from another planet curled his
hair./
[curl up] {v.} 1a. To become curly or wavy. * /Bacon curls up when
it is cooked./ 1b. To roll oneself into a ball. * /Tim curled up in
bed and was asleep in five minutes./ 2. See: FOLD UP.
[current] See: SWIM AGAINST THE CURRENT.
[curry favor] {v.} To flatter or serve someone to get his help or
friendship. * /Joe tried to curry favor with the new teacher by doing
little services that she didn't really want./ * /Jim tried to curry
favor with the new girl by telling her she was the prettiest girl in
the class./ Compare: POLISH THE APPLE.
[curve] See: THROW A CURVE.
[cut] See: FISH OR CUT BAIT.
[cut a class] {v. phr.} To be truant; to deliberately miss a class
and do something else instead. * /"If you keep cutting classes the way
you do, you will almost surely flunk this course," John's professor
said to him./
[cut a figure] {v. phr.} To make a favorable impression; carry off
an activity with dignity and grace. * /With his handsome face and
sporty figure, Harry cuts quite a figure with all the ladies./
[cut across] {v.} 1. To cross or go through instead of going
around; go a short way. * /John didn't want to walk to the corner and
turn, so he cut across the yard to the next street./ 2. To go beyond
to include; stretch over to act on; affect. * /The love for reading
cuts across all classes of people, rich and poor./
[cut-and-dried] {adj. phr.} Decided or expected beforehand;
following the same old line; doing the usual thing. * /The decision of
the judge was cut-and-dried./ * /The ways of the king's court were
cut-and-dried./ * /People at the convention heard many cut-and-dried
speeches./
[cut and run] {v.}, {informal} To abandon an unfavorable situation.
* /When the price of coffee dropped sharply many investors wanted to
cut and run./
[cut a swathe] {v. phr.} 1a. To mow a path through a field. * /The
farmer cut a swathe through the high grass with his scythe./ 1b. To
cut down as if by mowing. * /The machine gun cut a swathe in the lines
of enemy soldiers./ 2. {informal} To attract notice; make an
impression; seem important. * /The movie star cut a wide swathe when
he walked down the street./ * /John tries to show off and cut a big
swathe with the girls./ Compare: GO OVER(6), MAKE A HIT.
[cut back] {v.} 1. To change direction suddenly while going at full
speed. * /The halfback started to his left, cut back to his right, and
ran for a touchdown./ 2. To use fewer or use less. * /After the big
job was finished, the builder cut back the number of men working for
him./ * /The school employed forty teachers until a lower budget
forced it to cut back./
[cut back] {v. phr.} To diminish; lessen; decrease (said of
budgets). * /The state had to cut back on the university budget./
[cutback] {n.} An act of decreasing monetary sources. * /The
cutback in military spending has caused many bases to be closed./
[cut both ways] or [cut two ways] {v. phr.} To have two effects;
cause injury to both sides. * /People who gossip find it cuts both
ways./
[cut corners] {v. phr.} 1. To take a short way; not go to each
corner. * /He cut corners going home in a hurry./ 2. 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./ 3. 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./
[cut down] {v.} To lessen; reduce; limit. * /Tom had to cut down
expenses./ * /The doctor told Mr. Jones to cut down on smoking./
[cut down to size] {v. phr.}, {informal} To prove that someone is
not as good as he thinks. * /The big boy told John he could beat him,
but John was a good boxer and soon cut him down to size./ Syn.: PUT IN
ONE'S PLACE.
[cut ice] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make a difference; make an
impression; be accepted as important. - Usually used in negative,
interrogative, or conditional sentences. * /When Frank had found a
movie he liked, what others said cut no ice with him./ * /Jones is
democratic; a man's money or importance never cuts any ice with him./
* /Does comfort cut any ice with you?/ * /I don't know if beauty in a
woman cuts any ice with him./
[cut in] {v.} 1. To force your way into a place between others in a
line of cars, people, etc.; push in. * /After passing several cars,
Fred cut in too soon and nearly caused an accident./ - Often used with
"on". * /A car passed Jean and cut in on her too close; she had to
brake quickly or she would have hit it./ * /The teacher beside the
lunch line saw Pete cut in, and she sent him back to wait his turn./
2. To stop a talk or program for a time; interrupt. * /While Mary and
Jim were talking on the porch, Mary's little brother cut in on them
and began to tell about his fishing trip./ * /While we were watching
the late show, an announcer cut in to tell who won the election./
Syn.: BREAK IN(2). 3. {informal} To tap a dancer on the shoulder and
claim the partner. * /Mary was a good dancer and a boy could seldom
finish a dance with her; someone always cut in./ - Often used with
"on". * /At the leap year dance, Jane cut in on Sally because she
wanted to dance with Sally's handsome date./ 4. To connect to an
electrical circuit or to a machine. * /Harry threw the switch and cut
in the motor./ * /The airplane pilot cut in a spare gas tank./ 5.
{informal} To take in; include. * /When John's friends got a big
contract, they cut John in./
[cut into] {v.} 1. To make less; reduce. * /The union made the
company pay higher wages, which cut into the profits./ * /The other
houses got old and shabby, and that cut into the value of his house./
* /At first Smith led in votes, but more votes came in and cut into
his lead./ 2. To get into by cutting in. * /She heard the other women
gossiping and cut into the talk./ * /While Bill was passing another
car, a truck came around a curve heading for him, and Bill cut back
into line quickly./
[cut loose] {v.} 1. To free from ties or connections, cut the
fastenings of. * /The thief hastily cut the boat loose from its
anchor./ Compare: LET LOOSE(1a). 2. {informal} To break away from
control; get away and be free. * /The boy left home and cut loose from
his parents' control./ 3. {informal} To behave freely or wildly. *
/The men had come to the convention to have a good time, and they
really cut loose./ * /When he got the news of his job promotion, Jack
cut loose with a loud "Yippee!"/ Compare: LET GO(6).
[cut no ice] {v. phr.} To have no effect; achieve no result; be
insignificant. * /The fact that the accused is a millionaire will cut
no ice with this particular judge./
[cut off] {v.} 1. To separate or block. * /The flood cut the
townspeople off from the rest of the world./ * /The woods cut off the
view./ * /His rudeness cuts him off from friends he might have./ 2. To
interrupt or stop. * /The television show was cut off by a special
news report./ * /We were told to pay the bill or the water would be
cut off./ 3. To end the life of; cause the death of. * /Disease cut
Smith off in the best part of life./ 4. To give nothing to at death;
leave out of a will. * /Jane married a man her father hated, and her
father cut her off./ * /Frank's uncle cut him off without a penny./ 5.
To stop from operating; turn a switch to stop. * /The ship cut off its
engines as it neared the dock./ Syn.: SHUT OFF, TURN OFF.
[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./
[cut offs] {n.}, {colloquial} Pants cut to the length of shorts and
usually left unhemmed so as to look old and worn, e.g., considered
cool and elegant. * /Jack always wears cut-offs during the summer./
[cut one's eyeteeth on] See: CUT TEETH(2).
[cut one's losses] {v. phr.} To stop spending time, money, or
energy on unprofitable projects and concentrate on what goes well. *
/"Just cut your losses, Jim," his father suggested, "and get on with
the rest of your life."/
[cut one's teeth on] See: CUT TEETH(2).
[cut one's throat] {v. phr.}, {informal} To spoil one's chances;
ruin a person. * /He cut his own throat by his carelessness./ * /The
younger men in the company were cutting each other's throats in their
eagerness to win success./ * /John cut Freddie's throat with Mary by
telling her lies./
[cut out(1)] {v.}, {slang} 1. To stop; quit. * /All right, now -
let's cut out the talking./ * /He was teasing the dog and Joe told him
to cut it out./ Compare: BREAK UP(3). 2. To displace in favor. * /Tony
cut Ed out with Mary./ * /John cut out two or three other men in
trying for a better job./
[cut out(2)] {adj.} 1. Made ready; given for action; facing. *
/Mary agreed to stay with her teacher's children all day; she did not
know what was cut out for her./ - Often used in the phrase "have one's
work cut out for one." * /If Mr. Perkins wants to become a senator, he
has his work cut out fur him./ 2. Suited to; fitted for. * /Warren
seemed to be cut out for the law. It was clear very early that Fred
was cut out to he a doctor./
[cut rate(1)] {n.} A lower price; a price less than usual. * /Toys
are on sale at the store for cut rates./
[cut-rate(2)] {adj.} Sold for a price lower than usual; selling
cheap things. * /If you buy cut-rate things, be sure they are good
quality first./ * /John's brother bought a cut-rate bicycle at the
second-hand store./ * /There is a cut-rate drug-store on the corner./
[cut short] {v.} To stop or interrupt suddenly; end suddenly or too
soon. * /Rain cut short the ball game./ * /An auto accident cut short
the man's life./ * /When Dick began to tell about his summer vacation
the teacher cut him short, saying "Tell us about that another time."/
[cut teeth] {v. phr.} 1. To have teeth grow out through the gums. *
/The baby was cross because he was cutting teeth./ 2. or [cut eye
teeth] {informal} To learn something very early in life; gain
experience; start by learning or doing. - Used with a possessive,
usually used with "on". * /The professional ball player cut his teeth
on a baseball bat in the sandlots./ * /Mr. Jones's company is building
the new Post Office in town but Mr. Jones cut his eye teeth as a
carpenter./
[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./
[cut the mustard] {v. phr.}, {slang} To do well enough in what
needs to be done; to succeed. * /His older brothers and sisters helped
Max through high school, but he couldn't cut the mustard in college./
[cut-throat] {adj.} Severe; intense; unrelenting. * /There is
cut-throat competition among the various software companies today./
[cut to pieces] {v. phr.} 1. To divide into small parts with
something sharp; cut badly or completely. * /Baby has cut the
newspaper to pieces with scissors./ 2. To destroy or defeat
completely. * /The soldiers were cut to pieces by the Indians./ *
/When Dick showed his book report to his big sister for correction,
she cut it to pieces./
[cut to the bone] {v. phr.} To make (something) the least or
smallest possible amount; reduce severely; leave out everything extra
or unnecessary from. * /Father cut Jane's allowance to the bone for
disobeying him./ * /When father lost his job, our living expenses had
to be cut to the bone./
[cut to the quick] {v. phr.} To hurt someone's feelings deeply. *
/The children 's teasing cut Mary to the quick./
[cut two ways] See: CUT BOTH WAYS.
[cut up] {v.} 1. {informal} To hurt the feelings of; wound. -
Usually used in the passive. * /John was badly cut up when Susie gave
him back his ring./ 2. {slang} To act funny or rough; clown, * /Joe
would always cut up if there were any girls watching./ * /At the party
Jim and Ron were cutting up and broke a chair./ Compare: FOOL AROUND.
D
[dab] See: SMACK-DAB or SMACK-TO DAB.
[dagger] See: CLOAK-AND-DAGGER, LOOK DAGGERS.
[daily dozen] {n.}, {informal} Gymnastic exercises; especially,
several different exercises done daily. * /The boys did their daily
dozen early each morning./
[daisy] See: PUSH UP DAISIES.
[dam] See: WATER OVER THE DAM.
[damn] See: GIVE A HANG, NOT WORTH A TINKER'S DAMN.
[damned if one does, damned if one doesn't] {adj. phr.} No matter
what one does, someone is likely to criticize one. * /No matter what
decisions I make, there are always some people who will approve them
and those who won't. It is a classical case of "damned if I do, damned
if I don't."/
[dance] See: SONG AND DANCE.
[dance to another tune] {v. phr.} To talk or act differently,
usually better because things have changed; be more polite or obedient
because you are forced to do it. * /Johnny refused to do his homework
but punishment made him dance to another tune./ Compare: CHANGE ONE'S
TUNE, SING A DIFFERENT TUNE.
[dander] See: GET ONE'S BACK UP, GET ONE'S DANDER UP or GET ONE'S
IRISH UP.
[dandy] See: JIM-DANDY.
[dangerous] See: A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS A DANGEROUS THING.
[dare say] {v. phr.} To think probable; suppose; believe. - Used in
first person. * /Mary is unhappy now but I dare say she will be
laughing about this tomorrow./ * /There is no more ice cream on the
table, but I dare say we can find some in the kitchen./
[dare one to do something] {v. phr.} To challenge someone to do
something. * /"I dare you to jump off that rock into the sea," Fred
said to Jack./
[dark] See: IN THE DARK, SHOT IN THE DARK, WHISTLE IN THE DARK.
[darken one's door] or [darken the door] To appear, as in a
doorway; enter someone's home or establishment. - Used in negative
imperative sentences especially with "never" and "again". * /If you
leave this house now, never darken my door again./ * /After a son
shamed his father by having to go to prison, the father told him never
to darken his door again./
[dark horse] {n.}, {informal} A political candidate little known to
the general voting public; a candidate who was not expected to run. *
/Every once in a while a dark horse candidate gets elected President./
[dark of the moon] {n. phr.}, {literary} A time when the moon is
not shining or cannot be seen. * /A was the dark of the moon when the
scouts reached camp and they had to use flashlights to find their
tents./ Contrast: FULL OF THE MOON.
[dash cold water on] See: THROW COLD WATER ON.
[dash light] {n.} A light on the front inside of a car or vehicle.
* /Henry stopped the car and turned on the dash lights to read the
road map./
[dash off] {v.} To make, do, or finish quickly; especially, to
draw, paint, or write hurriedly. * /Ann took out her drawing pad and
pencil and dashed off a sketch of the Indians./ * /John can dash off
several letters while Mary writes only one./ * /Charles had forgotten
to write his English report and dashed it off just before class./
[date] See: DOUBLE-DATE, TO DATE.
[date back] {v. phr.} To go back to a given period in the past. *
/My ancestors date back to the sixteenth century./
[dawn on] {v.} To become clear to. * /It dawned on Fred that he
would fail the course if he did not study harder./
[day] See: ALL IN A DAY'S WORK, CALL IT A DAY, CARRY THE DAY, EVERY
DOG HAS HIS DAY, FATHER'S DAY, FOREVER AND A DAY, GOOD DAY, MAKE A DAY
OF IT, NAME DAY, NIGHT AND DAY, ONE OF THESE DAYS, or SOME OF THESE
DAYS, PASS THE TIME OF DAY, RAINY DAY, SAVE THE DAY, SEE BETTER DAYS,
THAT'LL BE THE DAY.
[day and night] or [night and day] {adv.} 1. For days without
stopping; continually. Syn.: AROUND THE CLOCK. * /Some filling
stations on great highways are open day and night 365 days a year./ *
/The three men took turns driving the truck, and they drove night and
day for three days./ 2. Every day and every evening. * /The girl
knitted day and night to finish the sweater before her mother's
birthday./
[day by day] {adv.} Gradually. * /The patient got better day by
day./
[day in and day out] or [day in, day out] {adv. phr.} Regularly;
consistently; all the time; always. * /He plays good tennis day in and
day out./ - Also used with several other time words in place of day:
week, month, year. * /Every summer, year in, year out, the ice cream
man comes back to the park./
[day in court] {n. phr.} A chance to be heard; an impartial
hearing; a chance to explain what one has done. * /The letters from
the faculty members to the dean gave Professor Smith his day in
court./
[daylight] See: SCARE OUT OF ONE'S WITS or SCARE THE DAYLIGHTS OUT
OF, SEE DAYLIGHT.
[daylight saving time] also [daylight saving] or [daylight time] or
[fast time] {n.} A way of keeping time in summer that is one or two
hours ahead of standard time. - Abbreviation DST. * /Many places in
the United States keep their clocks on daylight saving time in the
summer; in this way people get up earlier and have more free time in
the afternoon and evening while it is still daylight./ * /Father said
that next week it will get dark later because we will change to
daylight saving lime./ * /We go off daylight saving in the fall./
Compare: CENTRAL TIME. Contrast: STANDARD TIME.
[daylight robbery] See: HIGHWAY ROBBERY.
[daydream] {v.} To spend time in reverie; be absentminded during
the day. * /John spends so much time daydreaming that he never gets
anything done./
[day of grace] {n. phr.} An extension period after the due date of
some contract or bond. * /The premium is due on the first of each
month, but they allow ten days of grace./
[day of reckoning] {n. phr.} 1. A time when one will be made to
account for misdeeds. * /When the criminal was caught and brought to
trial his victims said, "finally, the day of reckoning has come."/ 2.
A time when one's will and Judgment are severely tested. * /"You
always wanted to run the department," the dean said to Professor
Smith. "Now here is your chance; this is your day of reckoning."/
[day off] {n.} A day on which one doesn't have to work, not
necessarily the weekend. * /Monday is his day off in the restaurant,
because he prefers to work on Saturdays and Sundays./
[day-to-day] {adj.} Daily; common; everyday. * /For best results,
students' homework should be checked on a day-to-day basis./
[days are numbered] (Someone or something) does not have long to
live or stay. * /The days of the old school building are numbered./ *
/When a man becomes ninety years old, his days are numbered./
[dazzle] See: RAZZLE-DAZZLE.
[dead] See: CATCH DEAD, DROP DEAD, STONEDEAD.
[dead ahead] {adv.}, {informal} Exactly in front; before. * /The
school is dead ahead about two miles from here./ * /Father was driving
in a fog, and suddenly he saw another car dead ahead of him./
[deadbeat] {n.}, {slang} A person who never pays his debts and who
has a way of getting things free that others have to pay for. *
/You'll never collect from Joe - he's a deadbeat./
[dead and buried] {adj. phr.} Gone forever. * /Slavery is dead and
buried in twentieth-century America./
[dead as a doornail] {adj. phr.} Completely dead without the
slightest hope of resuscitation. * /This battery is dead as a
doornail; no wonder your car won't start./
[dead broke] See: STONE-BROKE.
[dead center] {n.} The exact middle. * /The treasure was buried in
the dead center of the island./ Often used like an adverb. * /The
arrow hit the circle dead center./
[dead duck] {n.}, {slang} A person or thing in a hopeless situation
or condition; one to whom something bad is sure to happen. * /When the
pianist broke her arm, she was a dead duck./
[deadhead] {n.}, {slang} An excessively dull or boring person. *
/You'll never get John to tell a joke - he's a deadhead./
[dead letter] {n. phr.} An undeliverable letter that ends up in a
special office holding such letters. * /There is a dead letter office
in most major cities./
[deadline] {n.} A final date by which a project, such as a term
paper, is due. * /The deadline for the papers on Shakespeare is
November 10./
[dead loss] {n. phr.} A total waste; a complete loss. * /Our
investment in Jack's company turned out to be a dead loss./
[dead on one's feet] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Very tired but still
standing or walking; too tired to do more; exhausted. * /Jimmy never
leaves a job unfinished. He continues to work even when he's dead on
his feet./ * /After the soldiers march all night, they are dead on
their feet./ Compare: DEAD TIRED, WEAR OUT(2).
[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./
[dead pedal] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A slow
moving vehicle. * /Better pass that eighteen wheeler, Jack; it's a
dead pedal./
[dead ringer] {n. phr.} A person who strongly resembles someone
else. * /Charlie is a dead ringer for his uncle./
[dead set against] {adj. phr.} Totally opposed to someone or
something. * /Jack is dead set against the idea of marriage, which
upsets Mary./
[dead tired] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Very tired; exhausted; worn
out. * /She was dead tired at the end of the day's work./ Compare:
DEAD ON ONE'S FEET.
[dead to rights] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Without a chance of
escaping blame; proven wrong. * /Mother had Bob dead to rights,
because she caught him with his hand in the cookie jar./ * /The police
caught the man dead to rights./
[dead to the world] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. Fast asleep. * /Tim
went to bed very late and was still dead to the world at 10 o'clock
this morning./ 2. As if dead; unconscious. * /Tom was hit on the head
by a baseball and was dead to the world for two hours./
[dead-end] {n.} A street closed at one end; a situation that leads
nowhere. * /Jim drove into a dead-end street and had to back out./ *
/Mary was in a dead-end job./
[dead-end] {v.} To not continue normally but end in a closure (said
of streets). * /Our street dead-ends on the lake./
[deaf] See: TURN A DEAF EAR TO.
[deal] See: GOOD DEAL or GREAT DEAL, NEW DEAL, NO DEAL, THINK A
GREAT DEAL OF, WHEEL AND DEAL.
[deal in] {v. phr.} To sell; do business in a certain commodity. *
/Herb's firm deals in sporting goods./
[deal with] {v. phr.} 1. To conduct negotiations or business
dealings with. * /John refuses to deal with the firm of Brown and
Miller./ 2. To handle a problem. * /Ted is a very strong person and
dealt with the fact that his wife had left him much better than anyone
else I know./
[dealer] See: WHEELER-DEALER at WHEEL AND DEAL.
[dear] See: FOR DEAR LIFE.
[Dear John letter] {n. phr.} A note or a letter informing one that
a romantic relationship or a marriage is over. * /Jane left a "Dear
John letter" on the table and went home to live with her parents./
[dear me] {interj.} Used to show surprise, fear, or some other
strong feeling. * /Dear me! My purse is lost, what shall I do now?/
[death] See: AT DEATH'S DOOR, BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH, CATCH ONE'S
DEATH OF or TAKE ONE'S DEATH OF, SIGN ONE'S OWN DEATH WARRANT, TO
DEATH.
[death knell] {n.}, {formal} 1. The ringing of a bell at a death or
funeral. * /The people mourned at the death knell of their friend./ 2.
{literary} Something which shows a future failure. * /Bill's poor
grade on his final examination sounded the death knell of his hope to
be a doctor./ * /His sudden deafness was the death knell of his hope
to become President./
[death on] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. Very successful in meeting or
dealing with. * /Joe is death on fast balls. He usually knocks them
out of the park./ 2. Disliking or strongly against; very strict about.
* /The new teacher is death on students who come late to class./ *
/The twins' grandmother is death on smoking./
[deck] See: HIT THE DECK, ON DECK.
[decked out] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Dressed in fancy clothes;
specially decorated for some festive occasion. * /The school band was
decked out in bright red uniforms with brass buttons./ * /Main Street
was decked with flags for the Fourth of July./
[declare] See: I DECLARE.
[deep] See: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, GO OFF THE
DEEP END, IN DEEP, KNEE-DEEP.
[deep-six] {v.}, {slang} To throw away; dispose of. * /As the
police boat came near, the drug smugglers deep-sixed their cargo./ (An
expression originally used by sailors, suggesting throwing something
into water six fathoms deep.)
[deep water] {n.} Serious trouble or difficulty. * /When Dad tried
to take Mom's place for a day, he found himself in deep water./
[defense] See: ZONE DEFENSE.
[defiance] See: IN DEFIANCE OF.
[degree] See: TO A DEGREE, TO THE NTH DEGREE.
[deliver the goods] {v. phr.} 1. To carry things and give them to
the person who wants them. * /Lee delivered the goods to the right
house./ 2. {slang} To succeed in doing well what is expected. * /The
new pitcher delivered the goods by striking out 20 men in his first
game./ * /This personal computer surely delivers the goods./ Compare:
BRING HOME THE BACON.
[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.
[demand] See: IN DEMAND.
[Dennis the Menace] {n. phr.} After the notorious television
character played by a young boy who always creates trouble for the
grownups. Any hyperactive little boy who needs calming down. * /"Your
son, Joey, is becoming a regular 'Dennis the Menace'," Jane said to
Elvira./
[dent] See: MAKE A DENT IN.
[deposit] See: ON DEPOSIT.
[depth] See: BEYOND ONE'S DEPTH.
[desk clerk] See: ROOM CLERK.
[detective] See: HOUSE DETECTIVE.
[devil] See: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, FULL OF THE
OLD NICK or FULL OF THE DEVIL, GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE, GO TO THE
DEVIL, PLAY THE DEVIL WITH, RAISE THE DEVIL, SPEAK OF THE DEVIL AND HE
APPEARS.
[devil-may-care] {adj.} Not caring what happens; unworried. *
/Johnny has a devil-may-care feeling about his school work./ * /Alfred
was a devil-may-care youth but became more serious as he grew older./
[devil-may-care attitude] {n. phr.} An attitude of no concern for
financial or other loss. * /"Easy come, easy go," John said in a
devil-may-care attitude when he lost all of his money during a poker
game./
[devil of it] or [heck of it] {n. phr.} 1. The worst or most
unlucky thing about a trouble or accident; the part that is most
regrettable. * /Andy lost his notebook, and the devil of it was that
the notebook contained all his homework for the coming week./ * /When
I had a flat tire, the devil of it was that my spare tire was flat
too./ 2. Fun from doing mischief. - Used after "for". * /The boys
carried away Miss White's front gate just for the devil of it./
[devil to pay] {n. phr.} Great trouble. - Used after "the". *
/There'll be the devil to pay when the teacher finds out who broke the
window./ * /When Jim wrecked his father's car, there was the devil to
pay./
[dewey-eyed] See: MISTY-EYED.
[diamond in the rough] {n. phr.} A very smart person without a
formal education who may have untutored manners. * /Jack never went to
school but he is extremely talented; he is a veritable diamond in the
rough./
[dibs] See: TO HAVE DIBS ON or TO PUT DIBS ON.
[dice] See: NO DEAL or NO DICE.
[Dick] See: TOM, DICK AND HARRY.
[die] See: CROSS ONE'S HEART or CROSS ONE'S HEART AND HOPE TO DIE,
DO-OR-DIE, NEVER SAY DIE.
[die away] or [die down] {v.} To come slowly to an end; grow slowly
less or weaker. * /The wind died down./ * /The music died away./ * /He
waited until the excitement had died down./ * /His mother's anger died
away./
[die in one's boots] or [die with one's boots on] {v. phr.},
{informal} To be killed or hanged rather than die in bed. * /The
badmen of the Old West usually died in their boots./ * /The robber
said he wanted to die with his boots on./
[die is cast] {v. phr.}, {literary} To make an irrevocable
decision. (From Julius Caesar's famous words in Latin, "alea iacta
est", when he crossed the river Rubicon, which meant war.) *
/Everything was ready for the invasion of Europe, the die had been
cast, and there was no turning back now./
[die off] {v.} To die one at a time. * /The flowers are dying off
because there has been no rain./
[die on the vine] or [wither on the vine] {v. phr.} To fail or
collapse in the planning stages. * /The program for rebuilding the
city died on the vine./
[die out] {v.} To die or disappear slowly until all gone. * /This
kind of bird is dying out./ * /If you pour salt water on grass, it
dies out./ * /The American colonists started colleges so that learning
would not die out./
[difference] See: MAKE A DIFFERENCE, SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE.
[different] See: SING A DIFFERENT TUNE or WHISTLE A DIFFERENT TUNE.
[dig down] {v.}, {slang} To spend your own money. * /The school let
the club use the bus and driver free for their trip, but they had to
dig down to pay for gas and meals./ * /"So you broke Mrs. Brown's
window?" Tom's father said, "You'll have to dig down and pay for it,"/
[dig in] {v.}, {informal} 1. 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./
[dig out] {v.} 1. To find by searching; bring out (something) that
was put away. * /Jack dug his sled out of the cellar./ * /The
newspaper printed an old story dug out of their records./ Compare: DIG
UP. 2. {informal} To escape. - Usually used with "of". Often used in
the phrase "dig oneself out of a hole." * /The pitcher dug himself out
of a hole by striking the batter out./
[dig up] {v.}, {informal} To find or get (something) with some
effort. * /Sue dug up some useful material for her English
composition./ * /Jim asked each boy to dig up twenty-five cents to pay
for the hot dogs and soda./ Compare: DIG OUT.
[dilemma] See: HORNS OF A DILEMMA.
[dim] See: TAKE A DIM VIEW OF.
[dime a dozen] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Easy to get and so of little
value; being an everyday thing because there are many of them; common.
* /Mr. Jones gives A's to only one or two students, but in Mr. Smith's
class, A's are a dime a dozen./
[dime store] or [five-and-dime] or [five-and-ten] {n. phr.} A store
that sells things that cost little. * /Charles bought a pencil at the
five-and-dime./
[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.
[dint] See: BY DINT OF.
[dip into] {v. phr.} 1. To scan or sample lightly and briefly (said
of printed materials). * /I didn't get a chance to read all of War and
Peace, but I dipped into it here and there./ 2. To take money out of a
savings account or a piggy bank. * /I am sorry to have to say that I
had to dip into the piggy bank; I took out $6.75./
[dirt] See: EAT DIRT, HIT THE DIRT, PAY DIRT.
[dirt cheap] {adj.} Extremely inexpensive. * /The apartment we are
renting is dirt cheap compared to other apartments of similar size in
this neighborhood./
[dirty] See: AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC or WASH ONE'S DIRTY
LINEN IN PUBLIC.
[dirty look] {n.}, {informal} A look that shows dislike. * /Miss
Parker sent Joe to the principal's office for giving her a dirty
look./
[dirty old man] {n. phr.} An older man who shows an unhealthy
interest in young girls. * /"Stay away from Uncle Algernon, Sally,"
her mother warned. "He is a dirty old man."/
[dirty one's hands] or [soil one's hands] {v. phr.} To lower or
hurt one's character or good name; do a bad or shameful thing. * /The
teacher warned the children not to dirty their hands by cheating in
the examination./ * /I would not soil my hands by going with bad
people and doing bad things./
[dirty story] {n. phr.} An improper or obscene story. * /Uncle Bill
is much too fond of telling dirty stories in order to embarrass his
friends./
[dirty trick] {n. phr.} A treacherous action; an unfair act. *
/That was a dirty trick John played on Mary when he ran away with her
younger sister./
[disappear] or [evaporate] or [vanish into thin air] {v. phr.} To
disappear quickly, without leaving a trace. * /Money seems to
disappear into thin air these days./ * /Jack just vanished into thin
air before the meeting had started./
[discretion] See: THROW CAUTION TO THE WINDS also THROW DISCRETION
TO THE WINDS.
[discretion is the better part of valor] {literary} When you are in
danger or trouble, good sense helps more than foolish risks; it is
better to be careful than to be foolishly brave. - A proverb. * /When
you are facing a man with a knife, discretion is the better part of
valor./
[dish] See: COVERED-DISH SUPPER.
[dish of tea] See: CUP OF TEA.
[dish out] {v.} 1. To serve (food) from a large bowl or plate. *
/Ann's mother asked her to dish out the beans./ 2. {informal} To give
in large quantities. * /That teacher dished out so much homework that
her pupils complained to their parents./ 3. {slang} To scold; treat or
criticize roughly. * /Jim likes to dish it out, but he hates to take
it./ Compare: HAND OUT.
[dish the dirt] {v. phr.}, {slang} To gossip, to spread rumors
about others. * /Stop dishing the dirt. Sally, it's really quite
unbecoming!/
[disk jockey] {n.} An employee at a radio station or in a dance
club who puts on the records that will be broadcast. * /Jack is
working as a disk jockey at the local FM station./
[dispose of] {v.} 1. To throw away; give away, or sell; get rid of.
* /John's father wants to dispose of their old house and buy a new
one./ * /The burglars had difficulty in disposing of the stolen
jewelry./ 2. To finish. with; settle; complete. * /The boys were
hungry, and quickly disposed of their dinner./ * /The committee soon
disposed of all its business./ 3. To destroy or defeat. * /The
champion disposed of the other fighter by knocking him out in the
second round./ * /Our planes disposed of two enemy planes./
[dispute] See: IN DISPUTE.
[distance] See: KEEP AT A DISTANCE, KEEP ONE'S DISTANCE.
[ditch] See: LAST DITCH,
[dive] See: GO INTO A TAIL SPIN or GO INTO A NOSE DIVE.
[do] See: HAVE DONE, HAVE DONE WITH, HAVE TO DO WITH, LET GEORGE DO
IT, LET ONE'S RIGHT HAND KNOW WHAT ONE'S LEFT HAND IS DOING, LET'S
DON'T, MAKE DO, WELL-TO-DO, WHAT'S UP or WHAT'S DOING.
[do a double take] {v. phr.}, {informal} To look again in surprise;
suddenly understand what is seen or said. * /John did a double take
when he saw Bill in girls' clothes./ * /When Evvie said she was
quitting school, I did a double take./
[do a job on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To damage badly; do harm to; make
ugly or useless. * /The baby did a job on Mary's book./ * /Jane cut
her hair and really did a job on herself./
[Doakes] See: JOE DOAKES.
[do a stretch] {v. phr.} To spend time in jail serving one's
sentence. * /Jake has disappeared from view for a while; he is doing a
stretch for dope smuggling./
[do away with] {v.} 1. To put an end to; stop. * /The teachers want
to do away with cheating in their school./ * /The city has decided to
do away with overhead wires./ Compare: RID OF. 2. To kill; murder. *
/The robbers did away with their victims./
[do by someone or something] {v.} To deal with; treat. - Used with
a qualifying adverb between "do" and "by". * /Andy's employer always
does very well by him./
[do credit] or [do credit to] also ({informal}) [do proud] To add
to or improve the reputation, good name, honor, or esteem of; show
(you) deserve praise. * /Your neat appearance does you credit./ *
/Mary's painting would do credit to a real artist./
[doctor] See: JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED.
[doctor up] {v. phr.} To meddle with; adulterate. * /You don't have
to doctor up this basic salad with a lot of extras as I am trying to
lose weight./
[do duty for] {v. phr.} To substitute for; act in place of. * /The
bench often does duty for a table./
[Doe] See: JOHN DOE.
[doesn't add up to a can of beans] {v. phr.} To be of little or no
value. (Said of plans, ideas, etc.) * /"That's a fairly interesting
concept you got there, Mike, but the competition is bound to say that
it doesn't add up to a can of beans."/
[do for] {v.}, {informal} To cause the death or ruin of; cause to
fail. - Used usually in the passive form "done for". * /The poor
fellow is done for and will die before morning./ * /Andy's employer
always does very well by him./ * /If Jim fails that test, he is done
for./
[dog] See: EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY, GO TO THE DOGS, HOT DOG, LEAD A
DOG'S LIFE, LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE, RAIN CATS AND DOGS.
[dog days] {n. phr.} The hottest days of the year in the Northern
Hemisphere (July and August). (The ancient Romans associated this time
with the "Dog Star" - Sirius - which becomes visible in the heavens at
this time of year.) * /"The dog days are upon us," John said. "It's
time to go swimming in the lake."/
[dog-eat-dog(1)] {n.} A way of living in which every person tries
to get what he wants for himself no matter how badly or cruelly he
must treat others to get it; readiness to do anything to get what you
want. * /In some early frontier towns it was dog-eat-dog./
[dog-eat-dog(2)] {adj.} Ready or willing to fight and hurt others
to get what you want. * /During the California gold rush, men had a
dog-eat-dog life./
[doghouse] See: IN THE DOGHOUSE.
[dog in the manger] {n. phr.} A person who is unwilling to let
another use what he himself has no use for. * /Although Valerie lives
alone in that big house, she is like a dog in the manger when it comes
to letting someone sharing it with her./
[dog one's steps] {v. phr.} To follow someone closely. * /All the
time he was in Havana, Castro's police were dogging his steps./
[dog's age] or [coon's age] {n.}, {informal} A very long time.
Usually used after "for" or "in" with a negative. * /Charlie Brown! I
haven't seen you for a coon's age./ * /Father hasn't had a night out
with the boys in a dog's age./ * /I waited for him for a dog's age,
but he didn't come./ Syn.: MONTH OF SUNDAYS.
[dog's life] {n. phr.} A life of misery, poverty, and unhappiness.
* /Diogenes, the Greek philosopher, lived a dog's life inside an empty
barrel./
[do in] {v.}, {slang} 1. To ruin; destroy. * /Mr. Smith's business
was done in by a fire that burned down his store./ 2a. To kill;
murder. * /The poor man was done in by two gangsters who ran away
after the crime./ 2b. To make tired; exhaust. * /The boys were done in
after their long hike./ Syn.: WEAR OUT(2). 3. To cheat; swindle. *
/Mr. Jones was done in by two men who claimed to be collecting money
for orphans and widows./
[doing] See: NOTHING DOING.
[do justice to] {v. phr.} 1. To do (something) as well as you
should; do properly. * /Barbara had so many things to do that she
could not do justice to her lessons./ * /The newspaper man did not do
justice to the story./ 2. To eat or drink with enthusiasm or
enjoyment. * /The boy did justice to the meal./
[dole out] {v. phr.} To measure out sparingly. * /Since the water
ration was running low in the desert, the camp commandant doled out
small cups of water to each soldier./
[dollar] See: BET ONE'S BOTTOM DOLLAR at BET ONE'S BOOTS, FEEL LIKE
A MILLION or FEEL LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS, LOOK LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS.
[doll up] {v.}, {slang} 1. To dress in fine or fancy clothes. *
/The girls dolled up for the big school dance of the year./ * /The
girls were all dolled up for the Christmas party./ 2. To make more
pretty or attractive. * /The classrooms were all dolled up with
Christmas decorations./ Compare: DECKED OUT.
[done for] {adj. phr.} Finished; dead. * /When the police burst in
on the crooks, they knew they were done for./
[done to a turn] See: TO A T or TO A TURN.
[done with] {adj. phr.} Finished; completed. * /As soon as you're
done with your work, give us a call./
[don't cross your bridges until you come to them] See: CROSS A
BRIDGE BEFORE ONE COMES TO IT.
[don't cry before you're hurt] See: CRY BEFORE ONE IS HURT.
[don't let's] See: LET'S DON'T.
[don't look a gift horse in the mouth] See: LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN
THE MOUTH.
[do one a good turn] {v. phr.} To perform an act of kindness,
friendship, or help to another person, unselfishly, without
expectation of reward. * /"I'll be happy to help you any time you need
it," John said. "After all you have done me so many good turns."/
[do one good] {v. phr.} To benefit. * /The fresh air will do you
good after having been inside the house all day./
[do one good] or [do one's heart good] {v. phr.} To give
satisfaction; please; gratify. * /It does my heart good to see those
children play./
[do one's best] {v. phr.} To perform at one's optimum capacity;
spare no effort in fulfilling one's duties. * /"I've really done my
best teaching you people," the tired professor said on the last day of
classes. "I hope you got something out of this course."/
[do one's bit] or [part] {v. phr.} To shoulder one's share of
responsibility in a communal undertaking; shirk one's obligation. *
/"Let me go home and rest, fellows, " John said. "I think I've done my
bit for this project. "/
[do one's thing] or [do one's own thing] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1.
To do what one does well and actually enjoys doing. * /Two thousand
fans paid $15 each to hear the rock group do their thing./ 2. To
follow one's bent; for example, to be engaged in left-wing politics,
some sort of meditation, or use of drugs (particularly in the
sixties). * /The hippies were doing their own thing when the cops came
and busted them./ 3. To be engaged in an unusual activity that strikes
others as odd. * /Leave Jim alone, he's just doing his own thing when
he's standing on his head./
[do one's worst] {v. phr.} To do one's utmost by resorting to every
foul means possible. * /Hitler did his worst to drive out the Allied
invasion from Europe, but he failed./
[door] See: AT DEATH'S DOOR, AT ONE'S DOOR, CLOSED-DOOR, CLOSE ITS
DOORS, CLOSE THE DOOR or BAR THE DOOR or SHUT THE DOOR, DARKEN ONE S
DOOR, or DARKEN THE DOOR, FOOT IN THE DOOR, KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE
DOOR, LAY AT ONE'S DOOR, LOCK THE BARN DOOR AFTER THE HORSE IS STOLEN,
NEXT DOOR, OPEN ITS DOORS, OPEN THE DOOR, SHOW THE DOOR, SLAM THE DOOR
IN ONE'S FACE at IN ONE'S FACE.
[do-or-die] {adj.} Strongly decided, very eager and determined. *
/With a real do-or-die spirit the team scored two touchdowns in the
last five minutes of the game./ * /The other army was larger but our
men showed a do-or-die determination and won the battle./
[doorstep] See: AT ONE'S DOOR or AT ONE'S DOOR-STEP.
[do over] {v. phr.} 1. To renovate; redecorate. * /The new owners
are going to do over the entire building in the fall./ 2. To repeat. *
/Please do that math problem over until you get it right./
[dope out] {v.}, {slang} To think of something that explains. *
/The detectives tried to dope out why the man was murdered./ Syn.:
FIGURE OUT.
[do proud] See: DO CREDIT.
[do someone out of something] {v.}, {informal} To cause to lose by
trickery or cheating. * /The clerk in the store did me out of $2.00 by
overcharging me./
[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./
[dot] See: ON THE DOT also ON THE BUTTON.
[do tell] {interj.}, {informal} An inelegant expression used to
show that you are a little surprised by what you hear. * /"You say
George is going to get married after all these years? Do tell!" said
Mrs. Green./ Syn.: YOU DON'T SAY.
[do the business] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do what is needed or
wanted; get the job done; take proper action. * /The boys had trouble
in rolling the stone, but four of them did the business./ * /When the
little boy cut his finger a bandage did the business./
[do the honors] {v. phr.} To act as host or hostess (as in
introducing guests, carving, or paying other attentions to guests.) *
/The president of the club will do the honors at the banquet./
[do the trick] {v. phr.}, {informal} To bring success in doing
something; have a desired result. * /Jim was not passing in English,
but he studied harder and that did the trick./ * /The car wheels
slipped on the ice, so Tom put sand under them, which did the trick./
Compare: TURN THE TRICK.
[do things by halves] {v. phr.} To do things in a careless and
incomplete way. * /When he reads a book he always does it by halves;
he seldom finishes it./
[do time] or [doing time] See: DO A STRETCH.
[do to death] {v. phr.} To overdo; do something so often that it
becomes extremely boring or tiresome. * /The typical car chase scene
in motion pictures has been done to death./
[dot the i's and cross the t's] {v. phr.} To be careful, thorough,
and pay close attention to detail. * /"The best way to get an A on the
final exam," the teacher said, "is for every one to dot the i's and
cross the t's."/ Compare: MIND ONE'S P'S AND Q'S.
[double back] {v.} 1. To turn back on one's way or course. * /The
escaped prisoner doubled back on his tracks./ 2. To fold over; usually
in the middle. * /The teacher told Johnny to double back the sheet of
paper and tear it in half./
[double check] {n.} A careful second check to be sure that
something is right; a careful look for errors. * /The policeman made a
double check on the doors in the shopping area./
[double-check] {v.} 1. To do a double check on; look at again very
carefully. * /When the last typing of his book was finished, the
author double-checked it./ 2. To make a double check; look carefully
at something. * /The proofreader double-checks against errors./
[double-cross] {v.} To promise one thing and deliver another; to
deceive. * /The lawyer double-crossed the inventor by manufacturing
the gadget instead of fulfilling his promise to arrange a patent for
his client./ Compare: SELL DOWN THE RIVER, TWO-TIME.
[double date] {n.}, {informal} A date on which two couples go
together. * /John and Nancy went with Mary and Bill on a double date./
[double-date] {v.}, {informal} To go on a double date; date with
another couple. * /John and Nancy and Mary and Bill double-date./
[double duty] {n.} Two uses or jobs; two purposes or duties. *
/Matthew does double duty. He's the janitor in the morning and
gardener in the afternoon./ * /Our new washer does double duty; it
washes the clothes and also dries them./
[double-header] {n.} Two games or contests played one right after
the other, between the same two teams or two different pairs of teams.
* /The Yankees and the Dodgers played a double-header Sunday
afternoon./ * /We went to a basketball double-header at Madison Square
Garden and saw Seton Hall play St. John's and N.Y.U. play Notre Dame./
[double nickel] {adv.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} The
nationally enforced speed limit on some highways - 55 MPH. * /We'd
better go double nickel on this stretch, partner; there's a bear in
the air./
[double-park] {v.} To park a car beside another car which is at the
curb. * /Jimmy's father double-parked his car and the police gave him
a ticket./ * /If you double-park, you block other cars from passing./
[double-talk] {n.} 1. Something said that is worded, either on
purpose or by accident, so that it may be understood in two or more
different ways. * /The politician avoided the question with
double-talk./ 2. Something said that does not make sense; mixed up
talk or writing; nonsense. * /The man's explanation of the new tax
bill was just a lot of double-talk./
[double up] {v.} 1. To bend far over forward. * /Jim was hit by the
baseball and doubled up with pain./ 2. To share a room, bed, or home
with another. * /When relatives came for a visit, Ann had to double up
with her sister./
[doubt] See: GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, NO DOUBT.
[do up] {v.} 1a. To clean and prepare for use or wear; launder. *
/Ann asked her mother to do up her dress./ 1b. To put in order;
straighten up; clean. * /At camp the girls have to do up their own
cabins./ 2. To tie up or wrap. * /Joan asked the clerk to do up her
purchases./ 3a. To set and fasten (hair) in place. * /Grace helped her
sister to do up her hair./ Compare: PUT UP. 3b. {informal} To dress or
clothe. * /Suzie was done up in her fine new skirt and blouse./
[do up brown] {v. phr.}, {slang} To do in a thorough or complete
way. * /When Jim does a job, he does it up brown./
[do well by] {v. phr.} To benefit; help; treat exceptionally well.
* /In his will Grandpa did well by all of his grandchildren and left
each of them one million dollars./
[do with] {v.} 1. 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. 2. 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./
[do without] or [go without] {v.} 1. To live or work without
(something you want); manage without. * /Ann said that she likes
candy, but can do without it./ * /We had to go without hot food
because the stove was broken./ 2. To live or work without something
you want; manage. * /If George cannot earn money for a bicycle, he
will have to do without./ Compare: GET ALONG, GET BY.
[down and out] {adj. phr.} Without money; without a job or home;
broke. * /Poor Sam lost his job after his wife had left him; he is
really down and out./
[down-and-outer] {n. phr.} A person who has lost everything and is
penniless. * /Joe goes from shelter to shelter asking for food and a
place to sleep; he's become a regular down-and-outer./
[down-at-heel] or [down-at-the-heel] or [down-at-the-heels] {adj.}
Poorly kept up or dressed shabby; not neat; sloppy. * /John is always
down-at-the-heels, but his sister is always very neat./ * /Old houses
sometimes look down-at-the-heel./
[down east] or [Down East] {n.} The northeast coastal part of the
United States and part of Canada; especially: the coastal parts of
Maine. * /Many people in Boston like to go down east for their summer
vacation./ Compare: I WOULDN'T DO IT FOR A FARM DOWN EAST.
[down in the dumps] or [down in the mouth] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Sad or discouraged; gloomy; dejected. * /The boys were certainly down
in the dumps when they heard that their team had lost./
[down on] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Having a grudge against; angry
at. * /John is down on his teacher because she gave him a low grade./
[down one's alley] or [up one's alley] {adj. phr.}, {slang} Suited
to your tastes and abilities; what you like or like to do. * /Baseball
is right down Jim's alley./ Compare: CUP OF TEA.
[down one's neck] See: BREATHE DOWN ONE'S NECK.
[down one's nose] See: LOOK DOWN ONE'S NOSE.
[down one's throat] See: JUMP DOWN ONE'S THROAT, SHOVE DOWN ONE'S
THROAT or RAM DOWN ONE'S THROAT.
[down on one's luck] {adj.}, {informal} Having bad luck; having
much trouble; not successful in life. * /Harry asked me to lend him
ten dollars, because he was down on his luck./ * /The teacher is easy
on Jane because Jane has been down on her luck lately./ Compare: HARD
ROW TO HOE, HARD SLEDDING, ON ONE'S UPPERS.
[down payment] {n.} A retainer paid to a prospective seller. * /How
much of a down payment do you require for this new car?/
[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.
[down the hatch!] {v. phr.}, {informal} Let us drink! * /When we
celebrated Mom's birthday, we all raised our glasses and cried in
unison, "Down the hatch!"/
[down the line] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. Down the road or street;
straight ahead. * /The church is down the line a few blocks./ 2. All
the way; completely; thoroughly. * /Bob always follows the teacher's
directions right down the line./
[down-to-earth] {adj.} Showing good sense; practical. * /The
committee's first plan for the party was too fancy, but the second was
more down-to-earth./ * /Mr. Jenkins never seems to know what is
happening around him, but his wife is friendly and down-to-earth./
Compare: COME BACK TO EARTH.
[down to the wire] {adj.}, {slang} 1. Running out of time, nearing
a deadline. * /Bob is down to the wire on his project./ 2. Being
financially almost broke, being very low on cash or other funds. * /We
can't afford going to a restaurant tonight - we're really down to the
wire!/
[down with a disease] {adj. phr.} Ill or sick. * /Aunt Liz is down
with the flu this week; she has to stay in bed./
[dozen] See: BY THE DOZEN, DAILY DOZEN, DIME A DOZEN, SIX OF ONE
AND HALF-A-DOZEN OF THE OTHER.
[drag in] {v.} To insist on bringing (another subject) into a
discussion; begin talking about (something different.) * /No matter
what we talk about, Jim drags in politics./ * /Whenever anyone
mentions travel, Grace has to drag in the trip to Mexico she took ten
years ago./
[drag on] or [drag out] {v.} 1. To pass very slowly. * /The cold
winter months dragged on until we thought spring would never come./ 2.
To prolong; make longer. * /The meeting would have been over quickly
if the members had not dragged out the argument about dues./
[drag on the market] {n. phr.} An article for which the demand has
fallen off thus causing an oversupply. * /Your type of word processor
went out of style and is now a drag on the market./
[drag oneself up by one's boot straps] See: PULL ONESELF UP BY THE
BOOT STRAPS.
[drag one's feet] or [drag one's heels] {v. phr.} To act slowly or
reluctantly. * /The children wanted to watch television, and dragged
their feet when their mother told them to go to bed./ * /The city
employees said the mayor had promised to raise their pay, but was now
dragging his feet./
[drag out] See: DRAG ON.
[drag race] {n.}, {slang} An automobile race in which the drivers
try to cover a certain distance (usually one quarter mile) in the
shortest possible time. * /Drag races are often held on airport
landing strips./ * /Holding drag races is a good way to stop teenage
hot rod racing on public highways./ Compare: DRAG STRIP.
[drag strip] {n.}, {slang} A place where drag races are held. *
/Before the race Paul loaded his racer onto the trailer to take it out
of town to the drag strip for the race./ Compare: DRAG RACE.
[drain] See: DOWN THE DRAIN.
[draw] See: BEAT TO THE PUNCH or BEAT TO THE DRAW.
[draw a bead on] {v. phr.} {informal} 1. To aim at; sight (with a
gun). * /The deer bounded into the forest before the hunters could
draw a bead on them./ * /John drew a bead on the elk, but didn't have
the heart to pull the trigger./ 2. To take (something) as an aim or
goal. * /"I'm drawing a bead on the Literary Society president's
office," said Tom./ 3. To use as a target of attack; criticize. *
/Whenever a politician makes a mistake, his opponents are ready to
draw a bead on him./
[draw a blank] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To obtain nothing in return
for an effort made or to get a negative result. * /I looked up all the
Joneses in the telephone book but I drew a blank every time I asked
for Archibald Jones./ 2. To fail to remember something. * /I am trying
to think of the name but I keep drawing a blank./ 3. To be
consistently unsuccessful at doing something. * /I keep trying to pass
that math exam but each time I try it I draw a blank./
[draw a conclusion] {v. phr.} To make an inference. * /After he
failed to keep an appointment with me for the third time, I drew the
conclusion that he was an unreliable person./
[draw a line] or [draw the line] {v. phr.} 1. To think of as
different. * /The law in this country draws a line between murder and
manslaughter./ * /Can you draw the line between a lie and a fib?/ 2.
To set a limit to what will be done; say something cannot be done. *
/We would like to invite everybody to our party, but we have to draw a
line somewhere./ - Often used with "at". * /Mrs. Jones draws the line
at permitting the children to play in their father's den./ * /People
fighting for their freedom often do not draw the line at murder./
[draw a long breath] or [take a long breath] {v. phr.} To breathe
deeply when getting ready to speak or act. * /Father asked who broke
the window. Jim drew a long breath and admitted that he had done it./
* /The salesman took a long breath and started his talk./
[draw a parallel] {v. phr.} To make a comparison. * /It is easy to
draw a parallel between the characters of Saint Francis of Assisi and
Great Saint Theresa of Aquila, but this doesn't mean that all saints
are alike./
[draw and quarter] {v. phr.}, {literary} 1. To execute someone in
the barbaric medieval fashion of having him torn into four pieces by
four horses tearing his body in four different directions. * /The
captured foreign marauders were drawn and quartered by the angry
citizens of ancient Frankfurt./ 2. To punish someone very severely. *
/"If you miss another homework assignment, John," the teacher said,
"I'll have you drawn and quartered."/
[draw aside] {v. phr.} To separate; take to one side. * /He drew
her aside and whispered into her ear, "Johanna, please marry me!"/
[draw back] {v.} To move back; back away; step backward; withdraw;
move away from. * /When the man spotted the rattlesnake, he drew back
and aimed his shotgun./ * /The children drew back from the dog when it
barked at them./ * /When the pitcher drew back his arm to pitch the
ball, Tom ran as fast as he could to steal second base./ * /Some juice
from the grapefruit that Father was eating squirted in his eye and he
drew back in surprise./ Compare: DROP BACK.
[drawback] {n.} Disadvantage; obstacle; hindrance. * /The biggest
drawback of Bill's plan is the cost involved./
[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./
[drawer] See: TOP-DRAWER.
[draw fire] {v. phr.} 1. To attract or provoke shooting; be a
target. * /The general's white horse drew the enemy's fire./ 2. To
bring criticism or argument; make people say bad things about you. *
/Having the newest car in your group is sure to draw fire./
[drawing card] {n.} The most important figure in a multi-person
event; the top entertainer during a show; the best professor or
researcher at a university, etc. * /During the concert series Barbra
Streisand was the biggest drawing card./ * /The biggest drawing card
at many a university is the resident Nobel Laureate./
[draw in one's horns] See: PULL IN ONE'S HORNS.
[draw interest] {v. phr.} To earn interest on invested capital. *
/My savings account draws 4.5% interest./
[draw lots] {v. phr.} To select at random from a series in order to
determine precedents or apportionment. * /The refugees to be evacuated
drew lots on who would get a place on the first airplane out of the
besieged city./
[draw near] {v. phr.} To approach; come near. * /The time is
drawing near when this century will end and the next will begin./
[draw off] {v. phr.} To drain away; deflect. * /A light flanking
attack was made in order to draw off the enemy's fire./
[draw on] {v. phr.} 1. To arrive; approach. * /As midnight drew on,
the New Year's Eve party grew louder and louder./ 2. To secure funds
from a bank or person. * /Jack kept drawing on his bank account so
much that several of his checks bounced./
[draw out] {v. phr.} 1. To take out; remove. * /Johnny drew a
dollar out of the bank to buy his mother a present./ * /The hunter
drew out his gun and shot the snake./ 2. To make (a person) talk or
tell something. * /Jimmy was bashful but Mrs. Wilson drew him out by
asking him about baseball./ 3. To make come out; bring out. * /The
bell of the ice-cream truck drew the children out of the houses./ *
/Mary was drawn out of her silence by Billy's jokes./ 4. To make
longer or too long; stretch. * /The Smiths drew out their vacation at
the beach an extra week./ * /It was a long drawn out meeting because
everybody tried to talk at once./ * /Mary and her mother drew out
their goodbyes so long at the bus station that Mary almost missed the
bus./
[draw the fire of] See: DRAW OFF.
[draw the line] See: DRAW A LINE.
[draw to a close] {v. phr.} To finish; terminate; come to an end. *
/The meeting drew to a close around midnight./
[draw up] {v.} 1. To write (something) in its correct form; put in
writing. * /The rich man had his lawyers draw up his will so that each
of his children would receive part of his money when he died./ 2. To
plan or prepare; begin to write out. * /The two countries drew up a
peace treaty after the war ended./ * /Plans are being drawn up for a
new school next year./ Compare: WRITE UP. 3. To hold yourself straight
or stiffly, especially because you are proud or angry. * /When we said
that Mary was getting fat, she drew herself up angrily and walked out
of the room./ 4. To stop or come to a stop. * /The cowboy drew up his
horse at the top of the hill./ * /A big black car drew up in front of
the house./ Syn.: PULL UP.
[dread] See: BURNT CHILD DREADS THE FIRE.
[dream of] {v.} To think about seriously; think about with the idea
of really doing; consider seriously. - Usually used with a negative. *
/I wouldn't dream of wearing shorts to church./
[dressing down] {n.}, {informal} A scolding. * /The sergeant gave
the soldier a good dressing down because his shoes were not shined./
[dress a window] See: WINDOW DRESSING.
[dress like a million dollars] See: BEST BIB AND TUCKER.
[dress up] {v.} 1a. To put on best or special clothes. * /Billy
hated being dressed up and took off his best suit as soon as he got
home from church./ 1b. To put on a costume for fun or clothes for a
part in a play. * /Mary was dressed up to play Cinderella in her
school play./ 2. To make (something) look different; make (something)
seem better or more important. * /A fresh coat of paint will dress up
the old bicycle very much./ * /Tommy dressed up the story of what he
did on vacation and made it seem twice as interesting as it was./
[dressed fit to kill] See: BEST BIB AND TUCKER.
[dressed like a peacock] See: BEST BIB AND TUCKER.
[dribs and drabs] {n. phr.} Portions; small bits. * /John paid
Oliver back what he owed him in dribs and drabs./
[drift off] {v. phr.} 1. To fall asleep, * /He kept nodding and
drifting off to sleep while the lecturer was speaking./ 2. To depart;
leave gradually. * /One by one, the sailboats drifted off over the
horizon./
[drink down] {v. phr.} To drink in one gulp; swallow entirely. *
/Steve was so thirsty that he drank down six glasses of orange juice
in rapid succession./
[drink in] {v. phr.} To absorb with great interest. * /The tourists
stood on the beach drinking in the wonderful Hawaiian sunset./
[drink like a fish] {v. phr.} To drink (alcoholic beverages) in
great quantities; to be addicted to alcohol. * /John is a nice guy
but, unfortunately, he drinks like a fish./
[drink up] {v. phr.} To finish drinking; empty one's glass. *
/"Drink up that cough syrup," the nurse said, "and never mind the
taste,"/
[drive] See: LINE DRIVE.
[drive a bargain] {v. phr.} 1. To buy or sell at a good price;
succeed in a trade or deal. * /Tom's collie is a champion; it should
be easy for Tom to drive a bargain when he sells her puppies./ *
/Father drove a hard bargain with the real estate agent when we bought
our new house./ 2. To make an agreement that is better for you than
for the other person; make an agreement to your advantage. * /The
French drove a hard bargain in demanding that Germany pay fully for
World War I damages./
[drive a hard bargain] See: DRIVE A BARGAIN.
[drive at] {v.} To try or want to say; mean. - Used in the present
participle. * /John did not understand what the coach was driving at./
* /He had been talking for half an hour before anyone realized what he
was driving at./
[drive home] {v. phr.} To argue convincingly; make a strong point.
* /The doctor's convincing arguments and explanation of his X-ray
pictures drove home the point to Max that he needed surgery./
[drive-in] {adj.}/{n.} A kind of movie theater, fast food
restaurant, or church, where the customers, spectators, or worshippers
do not leave their automobiles but are served the food inside their
cars, can watch a motion picture from inside their cars, or can
participate in a religious service in their cars. * /Let's not waste
time on the road; let's just eat at the next drive-in restaurant./ *
/There is a drive-in theater not far from where we live./ * /Max and
Hilde go to a drive-in church every Sunday./
[drive like Jehu] {v. phr.}, {informal} To drive very fast,
carelessly or recklessly. * /When Joe is late for work, he drives like
Jehu./
[drive one ape], [bananas], [crazy], [mad] or [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./
[drive one round the bend] {v. phr.}, {informal} To upset someone
so much that they think they are going crazy. * /"Slow down, please,"
Miss Jones cried. "You are driving me around the bend!"/ Contrast:
DRIVE ONE APE, BANANAS, ETC.
[driver] See: BACKSEAT DRIVER.
[drive to the wall] {v. phr.} To defeat someone completely; to ruin
someone. * /Poor Uncle Jack was driven to the wall
by his angry creditors when his business
failed./ Compare: GO TO THE WALL.
[drive someone bananas] or [drive someone nuts] or [drive someone
ape] {v. phr.}, {slang} {informal} To excite someone to the point that
he or she goes out of his or her mind; to drive someone crazy. *
/You're driving me bananas/nuts with that kind of talk!]
[drop] See: AT THE DROP OF A HAT, BOTTOM DROP OUT, JAW DROP or JAW
DROP A MILE.
[drop a line] {v. phr.} To write someone a short letter or note. *
/Please drop me a line when you get to Paris; I'd like to know that
you've arrived safely./
[drop back] {v.} To move or step backwards; retreat. * /The
soldiers dropped back before the enemy's attack./ * /The quarterback
dropped back to pass the football./ Compare: DRAW BACK, FADE BACK,
FALL BACK.
[drop by] or [stop by] {v.} 1. or [drop around] To make a short or
unplanned visit; go on a call or errand; stop at someone's home. *
/Drop by any time you're in town./ * /Mv sister dropped around last
night./ * /Don't forget to stop by at the gas station./ Syn.: DROP IN.
2. or [drop into] To stop (somewhere) for a short visit or a short
time. * /We dropped by the club to see if Bill was there, but he
wasn't./ * /I dropped into the drugstore for some toothpaste and a
magazine./
[drop by the wayside] See: FALL BY THE WAYSIDE.
[drop dead] {v.}, {slang} To go away or be quiet; stop bothering
someone. - Usually used as a command, * /"Drop dead!" Bill told his
little sister when she kept begging to help him build his model
airplane./ * /When Sally bumped into Kate's desk and spilled ink for
the fifth time, Kate told her to drop dead./ Compare: BEAT IT, GET
LOST.
[drop in] {v.} To make a short or unplanned visit; pay a call. -
Often used with "on". * /We were just sitting down to dinner when
Uncle Willie dropped in./ * /The Smiths dropped in on some old friends
on their vacation trip to New York./ Syn.: DROP BY, RUN IN(2).
[drop in the bucket] {n. phr.} A relatively small amount; a small
part of the whole. * /Our university needs several million dollars for
its building renovation project; $50,000 is a mere drop in the
bucket./
[drop name] {v. phr.} To impress people by mentioning famous names.
* /He likes to pretend he's important by dropping a lot of names./
[drop off] {v.} 1. To take (someone or something) part of the way
you are going. * /Joe asked Mrs. Jones to drop him off at the library
on her way downtown./ 2. To go to sleep. * /Jimmy was thinking of his
birthday party as he dropped off to sleep./ 3. To die. * /The patient
dropped off in his sleep./ 4. or [fall off] To become less. *
/Business picked up in the stores during December, but dropped off
again after Christmas./ Contrast PICK UP(14).
[dropout] {n.} Someone who did not finish school, high school and
college primarily. * /Tim is having a hard time getting a better job
as he was a high-school dropout./ * /Jack never got his B.A. as he
became a college dropout./
[drop out] {v.} To stop attending; quit; stop; leave. * /In the
middle of the race, Joe got a blister on his foot and had to drop
out./ * /Teenagers who drop out of high school have trouble finding
jobs./
[drown one's sorrows] or [drown one's troubles] {v. phr.},
{informal} To drink liquor to try to forget something unhappy. * /When
his wife was killed in an auto accident, Mr. Green tried to drown his
sorrows in whiskey./ * /When Fred lost his job and had to give up his
new car, he tried to drown his troubles at the nearest tavern./
[drown one's troubles] See: DROWN ONE'S SORROWS.
[drown out] {v.} To make so much noise that it is impossible to
hear (some other sound). * /The children's shouts drowned out the
music./ * /The actor's words were drowned out by applause./
[drum up] {v.} 1. To get by trying or asking again and again;
attract or encourage by continued effort. * /The car dealer tried to
drum up business by advertising low prices./ 2. To invent. * /I will
drum up an excuse for coming to see you next week./ Syn.: MAKE UP(2),
THINK UP.
[dry] See: CUT AND DRIED, HIGH AND DRY.
[dry behind the ears] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Experienced; knowing
how to do something. Usually used in the negative. * /John had just
started working for the company, and was not dry behind the ears yet./
Compare: KNOW ONE'S WAY AROUND. Contrast: WET BEHIND THE EARS.
[dry out] {v. phr.} To cure an alcoholic. * /A longtime alcoholic.
Uncle Steve is now in the hospital getting dried out./
[dry up] {v.} 1. To become dry. * /The reservoir dried up during
the four-month drought./ 2. To disappear or vanish as if by
evaporating. * /The Senator's influence dried up when he was voted out
of office./ 3. {slang} To stop talking. - Often used as a command. *
/"Dry up!" Tony said angrily when his friend told him for the third
time that he had made a mistake in his theme./ Syn.: SHUT UP(1).
[dual highway] See: DIVIDED HIGHWAY.
[duck] See: DEAD DUCK, KNEE HIGH TO A GRASSHOPPER or KNEE HIGH TO A
DUCK, LAME DUCK, LIKE WATER OFF A DUCK'S BACK.
[duckling] See: UGLY DUCKLING.
[duck out] {v. phr.} To avoid; escape from something by skillful
maneuvering. * /Somehow or other Jack always manages to duck out of
any hard work./
[duck soup] {n.}, {slang} 1. A task easily accomplished or one that
does not require much effort. * /That history test was duck soup./ 2.
A person who offers no resistance; a pushover. * /How's the new
history teacher? - He's duck soup./
[duddy] See: FUDDY-DUDDY.
[due] See: GIVE ONE'S DUE, GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE, IN DUE COURSE at
IN GOOD TIME.
[due to] {prep.} Because of; owing to; by reason of. * /His injury
was due to his careless use of the shotgun./ * /Joe's application to
the University was not accepted due to his failing English./
[dull] See: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY.
[dumb bunny] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} Any person who is gullible
and stupid. * /Jack is a regular dumb bunny./
[dumbwaiter] {n.} A small elevator for carrying food, dishes, etc.,
from one floor to another in hotels, restaurants, or large homes. *
/The banquet was delayed because the dumbwaiter broke down and the
food had to be carried upstairs by hand./
[dumps] See: DOWN IN THE DUMPS or DOWN IN THE MOUTH.
[dust] See: BITE THE DUST, KICK UP A FUSS or KICK UP A DUST, WATCH
ONE'S DUST, AFTER THE DUST CLEARS/WHEN THE DUST SETTLES.
[dust off] {v.}, {informal} 1. To get ready to use again. * /Four
years after he graduated from school, Tom decided to dust off his
algebra book./ 2. To throw a baseball pitch close to. * /The pitcher
dusted off the other team's best hitter./ Syn.: BRUSH BACK.
[Dutch] See: BEAT ALL or BEAT THE DUTCH, GO DUTCH, IN DUTCH.
[dutch treat] {n.}, {informal} A meal in a restaurant or an outing
at the movies, concert, or theater where each party pays his or her
own way. * /"I am willing to accept your invitation," Mary said, "but
it will have to be Dutch treat."/
[duty] See: DO DUTY FOR, DOUBLE DUTY, HEAVY DUTY, OFF DUTY, ON
DUTY.
[duty bound] {adj. phr.} Forced to act by what you believe is
right. * /Abraham Lincoln walked miles once to return a few pennies
that he had overcharged a woman because he felt duty bound to do it./
* /John felt duty bound to report that he had broken the window./
[duty calls] {n. phr.} One must attend to one's obligations. *
/"I'd love to stay and play more poker," Henry said, "but duty calls
and I must get back to the office."/
[dwell on] or [dwell upon] {v.} To stay on a subject; not leave
something or want to leave; not stop talking or writing about. * /Joe
dwelt on his mistake long after the test was over./ * /Our eyes
dwelled on the beautiful sunset./ * /The principal dwelled on traffic
safety in his talk./ Compare: HARP ON. Contrast: TOUCH ON.
[dyed-in-the-wool] {adj. phr.} Thoroughly committed; inveterate;
unchanging. * /He is a died-in-the-wool Conservative Republican./
[dying to] {adj. phr.} Having a great desire to; being extremely
eager to. * /Seymour is dying to date Mathilda, but she keeps refusing
him./
E
[each and every] {adj. phr.} Every. - Used for emphasis. * /The
captain wants each and every man to be here at eight o'clock./ * /The
teacher must learn the name of each and every pupil./ Syn.: EVERY
SINGLE.
[each other] or [one another] {pron.} Each one the other; one the
other. * /That man and his wife love each other./ * /Bill and Mary
gave one another Christmas presents last year./ * /All the children at
the party were looking at one another trying to recognize one another
in their masks and costumes./ * /The birds fought each other over the
bread./
[eager beaver] {n. phr.}, {slang} A person who is always eager to
work or do anything extra, perhaps to win the favor of his leader or
boss. * /Jack likes his teacher and works hard for her, but his
classmates call him an eager beaver./ * /The man who was promoted to
be manager was an eager beaver who got to work early and left late and
was always offering to do extra work./
[eagle eye] {n.} Sharp vision like that of an eagle; the ability to
notice even the tiniest details. * /The new boss keeps an eagle eye on
all aspects of our operation./
[ear] See: ABOUT ONE'S EARS or AROUND ONE'S EARS, BELIEVE ONE'S
EARS, DRY BEHIND THE EARS, FLEA IN ONE'S EAR, GIVE AN EAR TO or LEND
AN EAR TO, GO IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER, JUG-EARED, LITTLE PITCHERS
HAVE BIG EARS, MUSIC TO ONE'S EARS, PIN ONE'S EARS BACK, PLAY BY EAR,
PRICK UP ONE'S EARS, ROASTING EAR, TURN A DEAF EAR, UP TO THE CHIN IN
or UP TO THE EARS IN, WET BEHIND THE EARS.
[early] See: BRIGHT AND EARLY.
[early bird] {n} An early riser from bed. * /Jane and Tom are real
early birds; they get up at 6 A.M. every morning./
[early bird catches the worm] or [early bird gets the worm] A
person who gets up early in the morning has the best chance of
succeeding; if you arrive early or are quicker, you get ahead of
others. - A proverb. * /When Billy's father woke him up for school he
said, "The early bird catches the worm."/ * /Charles began looking for
a summer job in January; he knows that the early bird gets the worm./
Compare: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
[earn one's keep] {v. phr.} To merit one's salary or keep by
performing the labor or chores that are expected of one. * /John
earned his keep at the music conservatory by dusting off all the
musical instruments every day./
[earnest] See: IN EARNEST.
[ears burn] {informal} To feel embarrassment or shame at hearing
others talk about you. * /Joan overheard the girls criticizing her and
it made her ears burn./ * /Joe's ears burned when he heard his
classmates praising him to each other./
[earth] See: COME BACK TO EARTH or COME DOWN TO EARTH,
DOWN-TO-EARTH, IN THE WORLD or ON EARTH, MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH.
[ear to the ground] {n. phr.}, {informal} Attention directed to the
way things are going, or seem likely to go, or to the way people feel
and think. * /The city manager kept an ear to the ground for a while
before deciding to raise the city employees' pay./ * /Reporters keep
an ear to the ground so as to know as soon as possible what will
happen./
[ease] See: AT EASE or AT ONE'S EASE, ILL AT EASE.
[ease off] or [ease up] {v.} To make or become less nervous; relax;
work easier. * /When the boss realized that John had been overworking,
he eased off his load./ * /With success and prosperity, Mr. Smith was
able to ease off./ Compare: LET UP(3).
[easily] See: BREATHE EASILY or BREATHE FREELY.
[east] See: DOWN EAST.
[easy] See: FREE AND EASY, GET OFF EASY, ON EASY STREET, TAKE IT
EASY or GO EASY or TAKE THINGS EASY.
[easygoing] {adj.} Amiable in manner; relaxed; not excited. *
/Because Al has an easygoing personality, everybody loves him./
[easy as pie] See: PIECE OF CAKE.
[easy come, easy go] {truncated sent.}, {informal} Something you
get quickly and easily may be lost or spent just as easily. *
/Grandfather thought Billy should have to work for the money Father
gave him, saying "Easy come, easy go."/
[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.
[easy mark] {n.} A foolishly generous person; one from whom it is
easy to get money. * /Bill is known to all the neighborhood beggars as
an easy mark./ See: SOFT TOUCH.
[easy money] {n.}, {informal} Money gained without hard work; money
that requires little or no effort. * /The movie rights to a successful
play mean easy money to the writer of the play./ * /Young people who
look for easy money are usually disappointed./
[eat] See: DOG-EAT-DOG, LIVE HIGH OFF THE HOG or EAT HIGH ON THE
HOG, LOOK LIKE THE CAT THAT ATE THE CANARY.
[eat away] {v.} 1. To rot, rust, or destroy. * /Rust was eating
away the pipe./ * /Cancer ate away the healthy flesh./ See: EAT
OUT(2). 2. To gradually consume. * /The ocean waves were gradually
eating the volcanic rocks until they turned into black sand./
[eat away at] {v. phr.} To psychologically gnaw at; to worry
someone. * /Fear of the comprehensive examination was eating away at
Sam./
[eat crow] {v. phr.} To admit you are mistaken or defeated; take
back a mistaken statement. * /John had boasted that he would play on
the first team; but when the coach did not choose him, he had to eat
crow./ * /Fred said he could beat the new man in boxing, but he lost
and had to eat crow./ Compare: BACK DOWN, EAT HUMBLE PIE, EAT ONE'S
WORDS.
[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./
[eat (live) high on the hog] or [eat (live) high off the hog] {v.
phr.} To eat or live well or elegantly. * /For the first few days
after the check arrived, they ate high on the hog./ Compare: IN CLOVER
or IN THE CLOVER, ON EASY STREET.
[eat humble pie] {v. phr.} To be humbled; to accept insult or
shame; admit your error and apologize. * /Tow told a lie about George,
and when he was found out, he had to eat humble pie./ * /In some old
stories a boy with a stepfather has to eat humble pie./
[eating one] {v. phr.} To cause someone to be angry or ill-humored.
* /We can't figure out what's eating Burt, but he hasn't spoken one
pleasant word all day./
[eat like a bird] {v. phr.} To eat very little; have little
appetite. * /Mrs. Benson is on a diet and she eats like a bird./ *
/Alice's mother is worried about her; she eats like a bird and is very
thin./ Contrast: EAT LIKE A HORSE.
[eat like a horse] {v. phr.} To eat a lot; eat hungrily. * /The
harvesters worked into the evening, and then came in and ate like
horses./ Contrast: EAT LIKE A BIRD.
[eat one out of house and home] {v. phr.} 1. To eat so much as to
cause economic hardship. * /Our teenaged sons are so hungry all the
time that they may soon eat us out of house and home./ 2. To overstay
one's welcome. * /We love Bob and Jane very much, but after two weeks
we started to feel that they were eating us out of house and home./
[eat one's cake and have it too] {v. phr.} To use or spend
something and still keep it; have both when you must choose one of two
things. Often used in negative sentences. * /Roger can't make up his
mind whether to go to college or get a job. You can't eat your cake
and have it too./ * /Mary wants to buy a beautiful dress she saw at
the store, but she also wants to save her birthday money for camp. She
wants to eat her cake and have it too./
[eat one's heart out] {v. phr.} To grieve long and hopelessly; to
become thin and weak from sorrow. * /For months after her husband's
death, Joanne simply ate her heart out./ * /We sometimes hear of a dog
eating its heart out for a dead owner./
[eat one's words] also [swallow one's words] {v. phr.} To take back
something you have said; admit something is not true. * /John had
called Harry a coward, but the boys made him eat his words after Harry
bravely fought a big bully./ Compare: EAT CROW.
[eat out] {v.} 1. To eat in a restaurant; eat away from home. *
/Fred ate out often even when he wasn't out of town./ 2. To rust, rot,
or be destroyed in time. * /Rust had eaten out the gun barrel./ See:
EAT AWAY.
[eat out of one's hand] {v. phr.}, {informal} To trust someone
fully; believe or obey someone without question. * /The governor has
the reporters eating out of his hand./ * /Helen is so pretty and
popular that all the boys eat out of her hand./
[eat up] {v.} 1. To eat all of. * /After hiking all afternoon, they
quickly ate up all of the dinner./ 2. To use all of. * /Idle talk had
eaten up the hour before they knew it./ 3. {slang} To accept eagerly;
welcome. * /The girls told John he was a hero because he made the
winning touchdown, and he ate up their praise./ * /Jim told Martha
that she was as smart as she was beautiful and Martha ate it up./
[edge] See: HAVE AN EDGE ON, ON EDGE, SET ONE'S TEETH ON EDGE, TAKE
THE EDGE OFF, THE EDGE.
[edge away] {v. phr.} To withdraw or retreat gradually. *
/Frightened by the growling tiger guarding its catch, the hunter
carefully edged away./
[edge in] {v.} To move slowly; get in quietly, especially with some
difficulty, by force or without a big enough opening. * /People had
crowded around the senator, but Don succeeded in edging in./ * /Harry
edged the book in on the shelf./
[edge in (on)] {v. phr.} 1. To gradually approach an individual or
a group with the intent of taking over or wielding power. * /Jack was
edging in on the firm of Smith and Brown and after half a year
actually became its vice president./ 2. To approach for capture (said
of a group). * /The hunters were edging in on the wounded leopard./
[edge on] {adv. phr.} Edgewise; with the narrow side forward. *
/The board struck him edge on./
[edge out] {v.} To defeat in competition or rivalry; take the place
of; force out. * /Harry edged out Tom for a place in Mary's
affections./ * /Signal lights on cars have gradually edged out hand
signals./
[edgeways] See: GET A WORD IN or GET A WORD IN EDGEWISE, also GET A
WORD IN EDGEWAYS.
[edgewise] See: GET A WORD IN or GET A WORD IN EDGEWAYS.
[education] See: HIGHER EDUCATION.
[effect] See: IN EFFECT, INTO EFFECT, SOUND EFFECTS, TAKE EFFECT,
TO THAT EFFECT, TO THE EFFECT THAT,
[effigy] See: HANG IN EFFIGY or BURN IN EFFIGY.
[egg] See: BAD EGG, GOOD EGG, KILL THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN
EGG, LAY AN EGG, PUT ALL ONE'S EGGS IN ONE BASKET, ROTTEN EGG.
[egg on] {v.} To urge on; excite; lead to action. * /Joe's wife
egged him on to spend money to show off./ * /The big boys egged on the
two little boys to fight./ Compare: PUT UP(6).
[either a feast or a famine] See: FEAST OR A FAMINE.
[either hide or hair] See: HIDE OR HAIR.
[eke out] {v.} 1. To fill out or add a little to; increase a
little. * /Mr. Jones eked out a country teacher's small salary by
hunting and trapping in the winter./ * /The modest meal was eked out
with bread and milk./ 2. To get (little) by hard work; to earn with
difficulty. * /Fred eked out a bare living by farming on a rocky
hillside./
[elbow] See: AT ONE'S ELBOW, ELBOW ROOM, RUB ELBOWS, UP TO THE CHIN
IN or UP TO THE ELBOWS IN.
[elbow grease] {n.} Exertion; effort; energy. * /"You'll have to
use a little more elbow grease to get these windows clean," Mother
said to Ed./
[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./
[elbow room] {n.} Adequate space to move around or to work in. *
/He doesn't require a huge office, but we must at least give him elbow
room./
[element] See: IN ONE'S ELEMENT, OUT OF ONE'S ELEMENT.
[eleventh hour] {adj. phr.} Pertaining to the last minutes; the
last opportunity to accomplish a task. * /The editors made several
eleventh hour changes in the headlines of the morning paper./
[else] See: SOMETHING ELSE AGAIN.
[emcee] See: MASTER OF CEREMONIES.
[end] See: AT LOOSE ENDS, AT ONE'S WITS' END, BURN THE CANDLE AT
BOTH ENDS, GO OFF THE DEEP END, HAIR STAND ON END, HOLD ONE'S END UP
or HOLD UP ONE'S END or KEEP ONE'S END UP or KEEP UP ONE'S END, LIVING
END, LOOSE ENDS, MAKE AN END OF, MAKE ENDS MEET, NO END, NO END TO or
NO END OF, ON END, PUT AN END OF, REAR END, SHORT END, SPLIT END, TAG
END or TAIL END, TIGHT END, TO THE BITTER END, WORLD WITHOUT END.
[end for end] {adv. phr.} In a reversed or opposite position (as
upside down or backwards); the other way around; over. * /The box
turned end for end as it fell, and everything spilled out./ * /The
wind caught the canoe and turned it end for end./
[end in itself] {n. phr.} Something wanted for its own sake; a
purpose, aim, or goal we want for itself alone and not as a way to
something else. * /The miser never spent his gold because for him it
was an end in itself./
[end of one's rope] or [end of one's tether] {n. phr.}, {informal}
The end of your trying or imagining; the last of your ability, or
ideas of how to do more. * /Frank was out of work and broke, and he
was at the end of his rope./ * /The doctor saw that Mother had reached
the end of her tether, and told us to send her away for a holiday./
Compare: AT ONE'S WIT'S END, FED UP, UP AGAINST IT, UP A TREE.
[end of the road] or [end of the line] {n. phr.} The final result
or end (as of a way of action or behavior); the condition that comes
when you can do no more. * /He had left a trail of forgery and
dishonesty across seven states; he had got out of each trouble with a
new trick. Now the police had caught up with him, and it was the end
of the road./ * /"When I get to the end of the line," Jones thought,
"I'd like my children to like and respect me still."/
[end run] {n.} A football play in which a back tries to run around
one end of the opponent's line. * /Smith's end run scored the winning
touchdown./
[end up] {v.} 1. To come to an end; be ended or finished; stop. *
/How does the story end up?/ 2. To finally reach or arrive; land. * /I
hope you don't end up in jail./ 3. {informal} To die, be killed. *
/The gangster ended up in the electric chair./ 4. or [finish up]. To
put an end to; finish; stop. * /The politician finally ended up his
speech./ Syn.: WIND UP.
[end zone] {n.} Either of the marked areas behind the goal line. *
/He caught a pass in the end zone for a touchdown./
[engage in small talk] {v. phr.} To converse with a stranger or
casual acquaintance about matters of no great importance in order to
make the time go faster. * /The patients in the doctor's waiting room
engaged in small talk complaining about the hot weather./
[English] See: BODY ENGLISH.
[enjoy oneself] {v. phr.} To have a good time; be happy; feel
pleasure. * /Mary enjoyed herself at the party./ * /"Enjoy yourselves,
children," Mother urged the guests at our party./
[enlarge on] or [enlarge upon] or [expand on] or [expand upon] {v.}
To talk or write more about; say or explain more completely or at
greater length. * /The teacher enlarged on the uses of atomic power./
[en masse] {adv. phr.} As a group; in one big mass or group. - Used
after the word it modifies. * /The school turned out en masse to cheer
the returning astronaut./
[enough] See: GIVE ONE ENOUGH ROPE, AND HE WILL HANG HIMSELF, KNOW
ENOUGH TO COME IN OUT OF THE RAIN, LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE, SURE ENOUGH.
[enough is enough] That's enough, let's not have any more; that
will do, let's cut it short; that's the limit, let's stop there. * /"I
don't mind good clean fun, but enough is enough," the principal said./
[enterprise] See: FREE ENTERPRISE.
[entry] See: PORT OF ENTRY.
[envy] See: GREEN WITH ENVY.
[equal to] {adj. phr.} Able to meet, do, or control; able to do
something about. * /The situation took quick thinking, but John was
equal to it./ * /When a guest upset the coffee pot, Mrs. Smith's tact
and quickness of mind were equal to the occasion./
[equal to the occasion] {adj. phr.} Capable of handling the
situation. * /Although he had never before assisted in childbirth, the
taxi driver proved equal to the occasion and helped deliver the baby
in his cab./
[error] See: TRIAL AND ERROR.
[evaporate into thin air] See: DISAPPEAR INTO THIN AIR.
[eve] See: ON THE EVE OF.
[even] See: BREAK EVEN, GET EVEN, ON AN EVEN KEEL.
[evening] See: GOOD EVENING.
[even so] {adv.} Although that is true; nevertheless; still. * /The
fire was out, but even so, the smell of smoke was strong./
[event] See: IN ANY CASE or AT ALL EVENTS, IN ANY CASE also IN ANY
EVENT or AT ALL EVENTS, IN CASE or IN THE EVENT, IN CASE OF also IN
THE EVENT OF.
[ever] See: FOREVER AND EVER, HARDLY EVER or SCARCELY EVER.
[ever so much] {adv.} Very much; truly. * /I am ever so much in
your debt for your kind assistance when I needed it most./
[every] See: AT EVERY TURN, EACH AND EVERY.
[every cloud has a silver lining] Every trouble has something
hopeful that you can see in it, like the bright edge around a dark
cloud. - A proverb. * /The doctor told Tommy to cheer up when he had
measles. "Every cloud has a silver lining," he said./ Compare: IT'S AN
ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NOBODY GOOD.
[every dog has his day] Everyone will have his chance or turn;
everyone is lucky or popular at some time. - A proverb. * /Mary will
be able to go to dances like her sister when she grows up. Every dog
has his day./
[every inch] {adv. phr.} To the last part, in every way;
completely. * /He was every inch a man./ * /Henry looked every inch a
soldier./
[every last] See: EVERY SINGLE.
[every last man] also [every man jack] {n. phr.} Every single man;
each man without exception. * /I want every last man to be here on
time tomorrow morning./ * /Every man jack of you must do his duty./
[every man jack] See: EVERY LAST MAN.
[every now and then] or [every now and again] or [every so often]
or [every once in a while] {adv. phr.} At fairly regular intervals;
fairly often; repeatedly. * /John comes to visit me every now and
then./ * /It was hot work, but every so often Susan would bring us
something cold to drink./ Compare: NOW AND THEN.
[every other] {adj. phr.} Every second; every alternate. * /The
milkman comes every other day./ * /On St. Patrick's Day, it seems as
if every other man you meet is wearing a shamrock./
[every single] or [every last] {adj. phr.} Every. - Used for
emphasis. * /She dropped the box, and when she opened it, every single
glass was broken./ * /When she got home she found every last tomato in
the box was rotten./ Syn.: EACH AND EVERY.
[every so often] See: EVERY NOW AND THEN.
[everything] See: HOLD IT or HOLD EVERYTHING.
[every time one turns around] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Very often. *
/Mr. Winston must be rich. He buys a new suit every time he turns
around./ * /No, Charles - I can't drive you to the park every time I
turn around./
[every which way] also [any which way] In all directions. * /Bricks
and boards were scattered in confusion on the ground every which way,
just as they had fallen after the tornado./ Compare HELTER-SKELTER.
[evidence] See: IN EVIDENCE.
[example] See: FOR EXAMPLE, MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF.
[except for] or {formal} [but for] {prep.} 1. With the exception
of; if (a certain person or thing) were left out; omitting. * /Except
for John, the whole class passed the test./ 2. Without. * /I'd have
been lost but for you./
[exception] See: TAKE EXCEPTION TO.
[exception proves the rule] Something unusual that does not follow
a rule tests that rule to see if it is true; if there are too many
exceptions, the rule is no good. - A proverb. * /Frank is very short
but is a good basketball player. He is the exception that proves the
rule./
[excuse oneself] {v. phr.} 1. To think of reasons for not being to
blame; think yourself not at fault. * /John excused himself for his
low grades on the ground that the teacher didn't like him./ 2. To ask
to be excused after doing something impolite. * /John excused himself
for his tardiness, saying his watch was wrong./ 3. To ask permission
to leave a group or place. * /The committee meeting lasted so long
that Mr. Wilkins excused himself to keep an appointment./ * /John had
to go to the dentist's, so he excused himself and left the classroom./
[exert oneself] {v. phr.} To make an effort; try hard; work hard. *
/Susan exerted herself all year to earn good marks./ * /Jerry exerted
himself to please the new girl./
[expand on] or [expand upon] See: ENLARGE ON or ENLARGE UPON.
[explain away] {v.} To explain (something) so that it does not seem
true or important. * /John explained away his unfinished homework by
showing the teacher his broken arm in a cast./ * /It is hard to
explain away Abraham Lincoln's dream about being dead, which he had a
few days before he was shot./ * /The man could not explain away the
gun and the marked money from the bank robbery that the police found
in his car./
[explain oneself] {v. phr.} 1. To make your meaning plainer; make
your first statement clear. * /When we didn't understand Fritz, he
went on to explain himself./ 2. To give a good reason for something
you did or failed to do which seems wrong. * /When Jack brought Mary
home at three o'clock in the morning, her father asked him to explain
himself./
[explode a bombshell] {v. phr.}, {informal} To say something
startling; suggest or show something astonishing or shocking, * /The
police exploded a bombshell when they arrested the kindly old banker
for stealing money from the bank./ * /The principal exploded a
bombshell by cancelling the dance as a penalty./ * /Political leaders
exploded a bombshell when they picked the young lawyer to run for
mayor./
[express oneself] {v. phr.} To say what you think or feel; put your
thoughts or feelings into words by speaking or writing. * /The boy
expressed himself well in debate./ * /The mayor expressed himself as
opposed to any borrowing./
[extend one's sympathy to] {v. phr.} To offer one's condolences on
the occasion of a death or similarly tragic event. * /All of Tom's
colleagues extended their sympathy to him when his wife and daughter
were killed in a car accident./
[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.
[eyebrow] See: RAISE EYEBROWS.
[eye-catcher] {n.} Something that strongly attracts the eye. See:
CATCH ONE'S EYE. * /That new girl in our class is a real eye-catcher./
[eye-catching] See: CATCH ONE'S EYE.
[eye-filling] {adj.}, {literary} Attractive to the eye; beautiful;
especially grand; splendid; majestic. * /The mountains in
the distance were an eye-filling sight./
[eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth] A blow or injury should be
given back as hard as each one that is received; every crime or injury
should be punished or paid back. * /In ancient times if a man's eye
was put out by his enemy, he might get revenge by putting his enemy's
eye out. This was the rule of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a
tooth."/ Sometimes used in a short form. * /Churches today teach that
we should forgive people who hurt us, not follow the rule of "an eye
for an eye."/ (From the old command in the Bible meaning when you pay
back a person, you should not hurt him more than he hurt you.)
Compare: DOG EAT DOG, GIVE AS GOOD AS ONE GETS, TIT FOR TAT.
[eye-opener] See: OPEN ONE'S EYES.
[eye out] Careful watch or attention; guard. - Used after "keep",
"have" or "with". * /Keep an eye out. We're close to Joe's house./ -
Usually used with "for". * /Mary has her eye out for bargains./ *
/They went through the woods very quietly, with an eye out for
Indians./ Compare: LOOK OUT(2), ON GUARD, ON THE ALERT, ON THE WATCH.
[eyes are bigger than one's stomach] {informal} You want more food
than you can eat. * /Annie took a second big helping of pudding, but
her eyes were bigger than her stomach./ * /"Your eyes are bigger than
your stomach," mother told little Tommy when he piled up food on his
plate./
[eye shadow] {n. phr.} A cream used to darken the eyelids in order
to make the eyes more noticeable. * /Jane's mother told her that girls
in the ninth grade shouldn't be using eye shadow./
[eyes in the back of one's head] {n. phr.}, {informal} Ability to
know what happens when your back is turned. * /Mother must have eyes
in the back of her head, because she always knows when I do something
wrong./
[eyes open] 1. Careful watch or attention; readiness to see. -
Usually used with "for". * /Keep your eyes open for a boy in a red cap
and sweater./ * /The hunter had his eyes open for rabbits./ * /They
drove on with their eyes open for a gas station./ Syn.: EYE OUT, KEEP
ONE'S EYES PEELED. 2. Full knowledge; especially of consequences;
understanding of what will or might result. - Used with "have" or
"with". * /Automobile racing is dangerous. Bob went into it with his
eyes open./ * /Betty had her eyes open when she got married./
Contrast: CLOSE ONE'S EYES.
[eyes pop out] {informal} (You) are very much surprised. - Used
with a possessive noun or pronoun. * /Mary's eyes popped out when her
mother entered her classroom./ * /When Joan found a clock radio under
the Christmas tree, her eyes popped out./
[eye teeth] See: CUT ONE'S EYE TEETH ON at CUT TEETH(2).
[eye to] 1. Attention to. - Usually used with "have" or "with". *
/Have an eye to spelling in these test papers./ 2. Plan for, purpose
of. - Usually used with "have" or "with". * /Save your money now with
an eye to the future./ * /John is going to college with an eye to
becoming a lawyer./
F
[face] See: BLUE IN THE FACE, CUT OFF ONE'S NOSE TO SPITE ONE'S
FACE, FLY IN THE FACE OF, HATCHET FACE, HIDE ONE'S FACE, IN ONE'S
FACE, IN THE FACE OF, LONG FACE, LOOK IN THE EYE or LOOK IN THE FACE,
MAKE A FACE, ON THE FACE OF IT, SAVE FACE, SET ONE'S FACE AGAINST,
SHOOT OFF ONE'S MOUTH or SHOOT OFF ONE'S FACE, SHOW ONE'S FACE, SLAP
IN THE FACE, STARE IN THE FACE, STRAIGHT FACE, THROW IN ONE'S FACE, TO
ONE'S FACE.
[face down] {v. phr.} To get the upper hand over someone by
behaving forcefully; disconcert someone by the displaying of great
self-assurance. * /The night guard faced down the burglar by staring
him squarely in the face./ Contrast: FACE UP.
[face lift] {n. phr.} 1. A surgical procedure designed to make
one's face look younger. * /Aunt Jane, who is in her seventies, had an
expensive face lift and now she looks as if she were 40./ 2. A
renovation, a refurbishing. * /Our house needs a major face lift to
make it fit in with the rest of the neighborhood./
[face-saver], [face-saving] See: SAVE FACE.
[face the music] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go through trouble or
danger, especially because of something you did; accept your
punishment. * /The boy was caught cheating in an examination and had
to face the music./ * /The official who had been taking bribes was
exposed by a newspaper, and had to face the music./ * /George knew his
mother would cry when he told her, but he decided to go home and face
the music./ Compare: MAKE ONE'S BED AND LIE IN IT, PAY THE PIPER, TAKE
ONE'S MEDICINE.
[face-to-face] {adv. phr.} 1. With your face looking toward the
face of another person; each facing the other. * /Turning a corner, he
found himself face-to-face with a policeman./ * /The two teams for the
spelling bee stood face-to-face on opposite sides of the classroom./ *
/The church and the school stand face-to-face across the street./ 2.
In the presence of another or others. * /She was thrilled to meet the
President face-to-face./ * /I have heard about him, but I never met
him face-to-face./ Compare: IN PERSON. 3. To the point where you must
do something. - Used with "with". * /The solution of the first problem
brought him face-to-face with a second problem./ Compare: UP AGAINST.
[face-to-face] {adj.} Being in the presence of a person; being
right with someone. * /The British prime minister came to Washington
for a face-to-face meeting with the President./
[face up to] {v. phr.} 1. To bravely confront a person or a
challenge; admit. * /Jack doesn't want to face up to the fact that
Helen doesn't love him anymore./ * /Jane cannot face up to her
mother-in-law who always wins every argument they have./ 2. To confess
something to someone; confess to having done something. * /Jim had to
face up to having stolen a sweater from the department store./
Contrast: FACE DOWN.
[face value] {n.} 1. The worth or price printed on a stamp, bond,
note, piece of paper money, etc. * /The savings bond had a face value
of $25./ 2. The seeming worth or truth of something. * /She took his
stories at face value and did not know he was joking./
[faced with] {adj. phr.} Confronted with. * /We were all faced with
the many wars that broke out in the wake of the collapse of
communism./
[fact] See: IN FACT, MATTER-OF-FACT.
[facts of life] {n. phr.} 1. The truth which we should know about
sex, marriage, and births. * /His father told him the facts of life
when he was old enough./ 2. The truths one learns about people and
their good and bad habits of life, work or play. * /As a cub reporter
he would learn the facts of life in the newspaper world./
[fade back] {v.} To back away from the line before passing in
football. * /The quarterback is fading back to pass./ Compare: DROP
BACK.
[fail] See: WITHOUT FAIL.
[fail to do] {v. phr.} To neglect to do something that is expected
of one. * /Tom waited for Jane for nearly an hour, but she failed to
show up./
[fair] See: BID FAIR, PLAY FAIR.
[fair and square] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Without cheating;
honestly. * /He won the game fair and square./
[fair catch] {n.} A catch of a kicked football by a player after he
holds up his hand to show that he will not run with the ball. * /He
saw that he would not be able to run with the ball, so he signalled
for a fair catch./
[fair-haired boy] {n.}, {informal} A person that gets special
favors; favorite; pet. * /If he wins the election by a large majority,
he will become his party's fair-haired boy./ * /The local boy playing
first base could do no wrong; he was the fair-haired boy of the fans./
* /Charles was a good student and behaved very well; he became the
teacher's fair-haired boy./
[fair play] {n.} Equal and right action (to another person);
justice. * /The visiting team did not get fair play in the game./ *
/The judges decided against Bob, but he said that he had gotten fair
play./ * /Sally's sense of fair play made her a favorite with her
classmates./
[fair sex] {n. }, {informal} Women in general; the female sex. *
/"Better not use four-letter words in front of a member of the fair
sex," Joe said./
[fair shake] {n.}, {informal} Honest treatment. * /Joe has always
given me a fair shake./
[fair-weather friend] {n.} A person who is a friend only when you
are successful. * /Everyone knows that John's only a fair-weather
friend./
[fairy godmother] {n.} 1. A fairy believed to help and take care of
a baby as it grows up. 2. A person who helps and does much for
another. * /The rich man played fairy godmother to the boys and had a
baseball field made for them./ * /Jane was a fairy godmother to her
poorer friends./
[fairy tale] or [story] {n.} An inaccurate, even false account of
something; a result of wishful thinking. * /Jeff said he was going to
be promoted soon, but we all suspect that it is only one of his
customary fairy tales./
[faith] See: GOOD FAITH, ON FAITH.
[fall] See: BOTTOM DROP OUT or BOTTOM FALL OUT, RIDING FOR A FALL.
[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./
[fall asleep at the switch] {v. phr.} To fail to perform an
expected task; be remiss in one's duty. * /The two airplanes wouldn't
have collided, if the control tower operator hadn't fallen asleep at
the switch./ * /The dean promised our department $250,000 but the
foundation never sent the money because someone in the dean's office
fell asleep at the switch./
[fall away] {v. phr.} To decline; diminish. * /I was shocked to see
how haggard Alan looked; he seems to be falling away to a shadow./
[fall back] {v.} To move back; go back. - Usually used with a group
as subject. * /The army fell back before their stubborn enemies./ *
/The crowd around the hurt boy fell back when someone shouted "Give
him air!"/ Compare: DROP BACK, GIVE WAY.
[fall back on] or [fall back upon] v. 1. To retreat to. * /The
enemy made a strong attack, and the soldiers fell back on the fort./
2. To go for help to; turn to in time of need. * /When the big bills
for Mother's hospital care came, Joe was glad he had money in the bank
to fall back on./ * /If Mr. Jones can't find a job as a teacher, he
can fall back on his skill as a printer./
[fall behind] {v.} To go slower than others and be far behind them.
* /When the campers took a hike in the woods, two boys fell behind and
got lost./ * /Frank's lessons were too hard for him, and he soon fell
behind the rest of the class./ * /Mary was not promoted because she
dreamed too much and fell behind in her lessons./
[fall by the wayside] also [drop by the wayside] {v. phr.} To give
up or fail before the finish. * /The boys tried to make a 50-mile
hike, but most of them fell by the wayside./ * /George, Harry, and
John entered college to become teachers, but Harry and John fell by
the wayside, and only George graduated./
[fall down on the job] {v. phr.}, {informal} To fail to work well.
* /The boss was disappointed when his workers fell down on the job./
[fall due] or [come] or [become due] {v. phr.} To reach the time
when a bill or invoice is to be paid. * /Our car payment falls due on
the first of every month./
[fall flat] {v.}, {informal} To be a failure; fail. * /The party
fell flat because of the rain./ * /His joke fell flat because no one
understood it./
[fall for] {v.}, {slang} 1. To begin to like very much. * /Dick
fell for baseball when he was a little boy./ 2. To begin to love (a
boy or a girl.) * /Helen was a very pretty girl and people were not
surprised that Bill fell for her./ 3. To believe (something told to
fool you.) * /Nell did not fall for Joe's story about being a jet
pilot./
[fall from grace] {v. phr.} To go back to a bad way of behaving; do
something bad again. * /The boys behaved well during dinner until they
fell from grace by eating their dessert with their fingers instead of
their forks./ * /The boy fell from grace when he lied./
[fall guy] {n.}, {slang} The "patsy" in an illegal transaction; a
sucker; a dupe; the person who takes the punishment others deserve. *
/When the Savings and Loan Bank failed, due to embezzlement, the vice
president had to be the fall guy, saving the necks of the owners./
[fall in] {v.} 1. To go and stand properly in a row like soldiers.
* /The captain told his men to fall in./ Contrast: FALL OUT(3). 2. to
collapse. * /The explosion caused the walls of the house to fall in./
[fall in for] {v.} To receive; get. * /The boy fell in for some
sympathy when he broke his leg./ * /The team manager fell in for most
of the blame when his team lost the playoffs./
[falling-out] {n.} Argument; disagreement; quarrel. * /Mary and
Jane had a falling-out about who owned the book./ * /The boys had a
falling-out when each said that the other had broken the rules./
[fall in line] or [fall into line] See: IN LINE, INTO LINE.
[fall in love] See: IN LOVE.
[fall in] or [into place] {v. phr.} To suddenly make sense; find
the natural or proper place for the missing pieces of a puzzle. *
/When the detectives realized that a second man was seen at the place
of the murder, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place./
[fall in with] {v.}, {informal} 1. To meet by accident. * /Mary
fell in with some of her friends downtown./ 2. To agree to help with;
support. * /I fell in with Jack's plan to play a trick on his father./
3. To become associated with a group detrimental to the newcomer. *
/John fell in with a wild bunch; small wonder he flunked all of his
courses./ Compare: PLAY ALONG.
[fall into the habit of] {v. phr.} To develop the custom of doing
something. * /Jack has fallen into the bad habit of playing poker for
large sums of money every night./
[fall off] See: DROP OFF(4).
[fall off the wagon] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {alcoholism and drug
culture} To return to the consumption of an addictive, such as alcohol
or drugs, after a period of abstinence. * /Poor Joe has fallen off the
wagon again - he is completely incoherent today./
[fall on] or [fall upon] {v.} 1. To go and fight with; attack. *
/The robbers fell on him from behind trees./ 2. {formal} To meet
(troubles). * /The famous poet fell upon unhappy days./
[fallout] {n.} 1. Result of nuclear explosion; harmful radioactive
particles. * /Some experts consider fallout as dangerous as the bomb
itself./ 2. Undesirable aftereffects in general. * /As a fallout of
Watergate, many people lost their faith in the government./
[fall out] {v.} 1. To happen. * /As it fell out, the Harpers were
able to sell their old car./ Compare: TURN OUT(6). 2. To quarrel;
fight; fuss; disagree. * /The thieves fell out over the division of
the loot./ 3. To leave a military formation. * /You men are dismissed.
Fall out!/ Contrast: FALL IN. 4. To leave a building to go and line
up. * /The soldiers fell out of the barracks for inspection./
[fall over backwards] or [fall over oneself] {v. phr.} To do
everything you can to please someone; try very hard to satisfy
someone. * /The hotel manager fell over backwards to give the movie
star everything she wanted./ * /The boys fell over themselves trying
to get the new girl's attention./
[fall over yourself] See: FALL OVER BACKWARDS.
[fall short] {v.} To fail to reach (some aim); not succeed. * /His
jump fell three inches short of the world record./ * /The movie fell
short of expectations./ Contrast: MEASURE UP.
[fall through] {v.}, {informal} To fail; be ruined; not happen or
be done. * /Jim's plans to go to college fell through at the last
moment./ * /Mr. Jones' deal to sell his house fell through./ Contrast:
COME OFF.
[fall to] {v.} 1. To begin to work. * /The boys fell to and quickly
cut the grass./ Syn.: TURN TO. 2. To begin to fight. * /They took out
their swords and fell to./ 3. To begin to eat. * /The hungry boys fell
to before everyone sat down./ 4. Begin; start. * /The old friends met
and fell to talking about their school days./
[fall to pieces] {v. phr.} To disintegrate; collapse. * /After the
death of Alexander the Great, his empire started to fall to pieces./
[fall wide of the mark] See: WIDE OF THE MARK.
[false] See: PLAY ONE FALSE, SAIL UNDER FALSE COLORS.
[family] See: RUN IN THE BLOOD or RUN IN THE FAMILY, IN A FAMILY
WAY.
[family tree] {n.} Ancestry. * /My family tree can be traced back
to the sixteenth century./
[famine] See: FEAST OR A FAMINE.
[fancy doing something] - An expression of surprise. * /Fancy
meeting you here in such an unexpected place!/
[fancy pants] {n.}, {slang} A man or boy who wears clothes that are
too nice or acts like a woman or girl; sissy. * /The first time they
saw him in his new band uniform, they yelled "Hey, fancy pants, what
are you doing in your sister's slacks?"/
[fan] See: HIT THE FAN.
[fan out] {v. phr.} To spread in several directions. * /The main
road fans out at the edge of the forest in four different directions./
[fan the breeze] {v. phr.} 1. See: SHOOT THE BREEZE. 2. To swing
and miss the ball in baseball. * /The batter tried to hit a home run
but he fanned the breeze./
[far] See: AS FAR AS or SO FAR AS, SO FAR also THUS PAR, BY FAR,
FEW AND FAR BETWEEN, SO PAR, SO GOOD.
[far afield] {adj. phr.} Remote; far from the original starting
point. * /When we started to discuss theology. Jack was obviously
getting far afield from the subject at hand./
[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).
[far and near] {n. phr.} Far places and near places; everywhere. *
/People came from far and near to hear him speak./
[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.
[farfetched] {adj.} Exaggerated; fantastic. * /Sally told us some
farfetched story about having been kidnapped by little green men in a
flying saucer./
[far cry] {n.} Something very different. * /His last statement was
a far cry from his first story./ * /The first automobile could run,
but it was a far cry from a modern car./
[far from it] {adv. phr.} Not even approximately; not really at
all. * /"Do you think she spent $100 on that dress?" Jane asked. "Far
from it," Sue replied. "It must have cost at least $300."/
[far gone] {adj. phr.} In a critical or extreme state. * /He was so
far gone by the time the doctor arrived, that nothing could be done to
save his life./
[farm] See: COLLECTIVE FARM.
[farm out] {v.} 1. To have another person do (something) for you;
send away to be done. * /Our teacher had too many test papers to read,
so she farmed out half of them to a friend./ 2. To send away to be
taken care of. * /While Mother was sick, the children were farmed out
to relatives./ 3. To send a player to a league where the quality of
play is lower. * /The player was farmed out to Rochester to gain
experience./
[far-out] {adj.} 1. Very far away; distant. * /Scientists are
planning rocket trips to the moon and far-out planets./ 2. {informal}
Very different from others; queer; odd, unusual. * /He enjoyed being
with beatniks and other far-out people./ * /Susan did not like some of
the paintings at the art show because they were too far-out for her./
[fashion] See: AFTER A FASHION, HIGH FASHION or HIGH STYLE.
[fast] See: HARD-AND-FAST, PLAY FAST AND LOOSE.
[fast and furious] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Very fast; with much speed
and energy. * /He was mowing the grass at a fast and furious rate./ *
/When I last saw her she was driving fast and furious down the
street./ Compare: GREAT GUNS.
[fast buck] or [quick buck] {slang} Money earned quickly and
easily, and sometimes dishonestly. * /You can make a fast buck at the
golf course by fishing balls out of the water trap./ * /He isn't
interested in a career; he's just looking for a quick buck./
[fast talker] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A con artist or a swindler,
one who is particularly apt to get away with illegitimate transactions
because of the clever way he talks. * /I wouldn't trust Uncle Joe if I
were you, - he is a fast talker./
[fast time] See: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.
[fasten on] {v. phr.} To attach; tie something to make it secure. *
/"Fasten on your life jackets when you get into the life boats," the
captain said./
[fat] See: CHEW THE FAT.
[fat chance] {n. phr.}, {slang} Little or no possibility; almost no
chance. * /A high school team would have a fat chance of beating a
strong college team./ * /Jane is pretty and popular; you will have a
fat chance of getting a date with her./ Compare: GHOST OF A.
[fat city] {n.}, {slang} A state of contentment due to wealth and
position. * /Bully for the Smiths; they have arrived in Fat City./
[fate] See: TEMPT FATE or TEMPT THE FATES.
[father] See: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.
[Father Christmas] {n.}, {British} The joyful spirit of Christmas;
Santa Claus. * /English children look forward to the visit of Father
Christmas./
[Father's Day] {n.} The third Sunday in June set aside especially
to honor fathers whether living or dead. * /The children gave nice
presents to their father on Father's Day./
[fat is in the fire] Something has happened that will cause trouble
or make a bad situation worse. * /He found out you took it? Well, the
fat's in the fire now./
[fat of the land] {n. phr.} The best and richest food, clothes,
everything. * /When I'm rich I'll retire and live off the fat of the
land./
[fault] See: AT FAULT, FIND FAULT, TO A FAULT.
[faultfinding] {n.} Recrimination; nagging; criticism. * /All of
this constant faultfinding will only to lead to trouble between you
and your wife./
[favor] See: CURRY FAVOR, IN FAVOR OF.
[favorite son] {n.} A man supported by his home state for
President. * /At a national convention, states often vote for their
favorite sons first; then they change and vote for another man./
[fear] See: FOR FEAR.
[fear and trembling] or [fear and trepidation] {n. phr.} Great
fear. * /He came in fear and trembling to tell his father he had a bad
report card./
[feast one's eyes on] {v. phr.} To look at and enjoy very much. *
/He feasted his eyes on the beautiful painting./
[feast or a famine] {n. phr.} Plenty or very little; big success or
bad failure. * /In this business it's either a feast or a famine./ *
/He is very careless with his money, it is always a feast or a famine
with him./
[feather] See: BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER, TAR AND FEATHER,
FINE FEATHERS DO NOT MAKE FINE BIRDS, FUSS AND FEATHERS, MAKE THE
FEATHERS FLY, RUFFLE FEATHERS.
[feather in one's cap] {n. phr.} Something to be proud of; an
honor. * /It was a feather in his cap to win first prize./ (From the
medieval practice of placing a feather in the helmet of one who won
honors in battle.)
[feather one's nest] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To use for yourself
money and power, especially from a public office or job in which you
are trusted to help other people. * /The rich man told his lawyer to
use his money after he died to build a hospital for poor people, but
the lawyer feathered his own nest with the money instead./ * /The man
feathered his nest in politics by getting money from contractors who
built roads./ Syn.: LINE ONE'S POCKETS. 2. To make your home pleasant
and comfortable; furnish and decorate your house. * /Furniture stores
welcome young couples who want to feather their nests./
[fed up] ({informal}) also ({slang}) [fed to the gills] or [fed to
the teeth] {adj. phr.} Having had too much of something; at the end of
your patience; disgusted; bored; tired. * /People get fed up with
anyone who brags all the time./ * /I've had enough of his complaints.
I'm fed up./ * /He was fed to the teeth with television and sold his
set to a cousin./ * /John quit football because he was fed to the
gills with practice./ Compare: SICK AND TIRED.
[feed] See: BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS ONE, CHICKEN FEED, OFF FEED or
OFF ONE'S FEED, SPOON FEED.
[feel] See: GET THE FEEL OF and HARD FEELING.
[feel a draft] {v. phr.}, {slang} To have the sensation that one is
not welcome in a place; that one has gotten a cold reception. * /Let's
go, Suzie, I feel a draft./
[feel for someone] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be able to sympathize
with someone's problems. * /I can really feel for you, John, for
losing your job./
[feel free to do] {v. phr.} To take the liberty to engage in an
activity. * /Please feel free to take off your jackets; this is an
informal party./
[feel in one's bones] or [know in one's bones] {v. phr.} To have an
idea or feeling but not know why. * /I feel in my hones that tomorrow
will be a sunny day./ * /I know in my bones that God will protect us./
[feel like] {v.}, {informal} To want to do or have. * /I don't feel
like running today./ * /I just don't feel like pancakes this morning./
[feel like a million] or [feel like a million dollars] {v. phr.},
{informal} To be in the best of health and spirits. * /I feel like a
million this morning./ * /He had a headache yesterday but feels like a
million dollars today./ Compare: LOOK LIKE A MILLION.
[feel like a new man] {v. phr.} To feel healthy, vigorous, and well
again after a major physical illness or emotional upheaval. * /Ted
felt like a new man after his successful heart bypass operation./
[feel like two cents] See: TWO CENTS.
[feel low] {v. phr.} To be depressed; be in low spirits. * /I don't
know what's the matter with Mary, but she says she has been feeling
very low all afternoon./
[feel no pain] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be drunk. * /After a few
drinks, the man felt no pain and began to act foolishly./
[feel one's oats] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. 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./ 2. To act
in a proud or important way. * /The new gardener was feeling his oats
and started to boss the other men./
[feel one's way] {v. phr.} To proceed cautiously by trial and
error; probe. * /I won't ask her to marry me directly; I will feel my
way first./
[feel] or [look small] {v. phr.} To have the impression that one is
insignificant, foolish, or humiliated. * /"I feel small next to
Hemingway," the young student of creative writing said./
[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.
[feel out of place] {v. phr.} To experience the sensation of not
belonging in a certain place or company. * /Dave felt out of place
among all those chess players as he knows nothing about chess./
[feel the pinch] {v. phr.} To be short of money; experience
monetary difficulties. * /If we are going to have a recession,
everybody will feel the pinch./
[feel up] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To arouse sexually by
manual contact. * /You mean to tell me that you've been going out for
six months and he hasn't ever tried to feel you up?/ Contrast: COP A
FEEL.
[feel up to something] {v. phr.}, {informal} To feel adequately
knowledgeable, strong, or equipped to handle a given task. * /Do you
feel up to jogging a mile a day with me?/ Contrast: BE UP TO
SOMETHING.
[feet] See: FOOT.
[feet of clay] {n. phr.} A hidden fault or weakness in a person
which is discovered or shown. * /The famous general showed he had feet
of clay when he began to drink liquor./ * /The banker seemed to be
honest, but he had feet of clay and was arrested for stealing./
[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.
[fell] See: AT ONE FELL SWOOP.
[fellow] See: HAIL-FELLOW-WELL-MET, REGULAR GUY or REGULAR FELLOW.
[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./
[fence] See: GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE
FENCE, MEND ONE'S FENCES, ON THE FENCE.
[fence in] or [hedge in] or [hem in] {v.} To keep (someone) from
doing what he or she would like to do. Usually used in the passive. *
/Mary felt fenced in because her father would not let her drive a car
or have dates with boys./ * /John didn't like his job because he had
to do the same kind of work all the time. He felt that he was hemmed
in./
[fence-sitter] {n.} A person unable to pick between two sides; a
person who does not want to choose. * /Daddy says he is a fence-sitter
because he doesn't know which man he wants for President./
[fence-sitting] {n.} or {adj.} Choosing neither side. * /You have
been fence-sitting for too long. It is time you made up your mind./
Contrast: MAKE UP ONE'S MIND, TAKE SIDES.
[fence with] or [spar with] {v.} To talk with (someone) as if you
were fighting like a swordsman or boxer; to give skillful answers or
arguments against (someone). * /The governor was an expert at fencing
with reporters at press conferences./
[ferret out] {literary} or [smell out] or [sniff out] {v.} To hunt
or drive from hiding; to bring out into the open; search for and find.
* /John ferreted out the answer to the question in the library./ *
/Jane smelled out the boys' secret hiding place in the woods./
[few] See: MAN OF FEW WORDS, NOT A FEW, QUITE A FEW.
[few and far between] {adj. phr.} Not many; few and scattered; not
often met or found; rare. - Used in the predicate. * /People who will
work as hard as Thomas A. Edison are few and far between./ * /Places
where you can get water are few and far between in the desert./ *
/Really exciting games are few and far between./
[fickle finger of fate] See: ACT OF GOD.
[fiddle] See: PLAY SECOND FIDDLE.
[fiddle around] See: FOOL AROUND(3).
[fiddler] See: PAY THE PIPER or PAY THE FIDDLER.
[fiddle with] {v. phr.} To carelessly play with something. * /If
Jimmy continues to fiddle with our computer, he is liable to ruin it./
[field] See: CENTER FIELD, LEFT FIELD, OUT IN LEFT FIELD, PLAY THE
FIELD, RIGHT FIELD.
[field goal] {n.} 1. A score in football made by kicking the ball
over the bar between the goal posts. * /The Giants were not able to
make a touchdown but they kicked two field goals./ Compare: EXTRA
POINT. 2. A score in basketball made by a successful shot through the
basket not made on a free throw. * /A field goal counts two points./
Compare: FOUL SHOT, FREE THROW.
[fifth] See: TAKE THE FIFTH.
[fifth column] {n. phr.} A group or organization within a country
that works to bring about the country's downfall, usually through acts
of espionage and sabotage. * /The Communist party in the United States
was considered by Senator McCarthy to be the Soviet Union's fifth
column./
[flfty-flfty(1)] {adv.}, {informal} Equally; evenly. * /The two
boys divided the marbles they won fifty-fifty./ * /When Dick and Sam
bought an old car, they divided the cost fifty-fifty./
[fifty-fifty(2)] {adj.}, {informal} 1. Divided or shared equally. *
/It will be a fifty-fifty arrangement; half the money for me and half
for you./ 2. Half for and half against; half good and half bad. *
/There is only a fifty-fifty chance that we will win the game./
Compare: HALF AND HALF.
[fight against time] See: RACING TO STAND STILL.
[fight fire with fire] {v. phr.}, {slightly formal}, {of Biblical
origin} To fight back in the same way one was attacked; make a defense
similar to the attack. * /The candidate was determined to fight fire
with fire in the debate./
[fight it out] See: SLUG IT OUT.
[fighting chance] {n. phr.} A chance that necessitates struggle and
courage; a slim chance. * /The doctor told the family that Jack had a
fighting chance to recover./ * /Our business lost a lot of money, but
we have a fighting chance to stage a comeback./
[fight off] {v. phr.} 1. To struggle against someone so as to free
oneself; push an attacker back. * /Suzy fought off her two attackers
in Central Park with a couple of karate chops./ 2. To strive to
overcome something negative. * /After twelve hours at the computer
terminal, Jane had to fight off her overwhelming desire to go to
sleep./
[fight shy of] {v. phr.} To avoid; escape from. * /Jack always
fights shy of anything that even remotely resembles serious work./
[fight tooth and nail] See: TOOTH AND NAIL.
[figure in] {v.} 1. {informal} To add to a total; remember to put
down in figures. * /We figured in the travel expenses but forgot the
cost of meals./ 2. To have a part in; be partly responsible for. *
/Joe figured in all our touchdowns./ * /Mary's good grades figured in
her choice as class president./
[figure on] {v.} 1. To expect and think about while making plans. *
/We did not figure on having so many people at the picnic./ * /He
figured on going to town the next day./ Syn.: PLAN ON. 2. To depend
on; be; sure about. * /You can figure on him to be on time./ Syn.:
COUNT ON.
[figure out] {v.} 1. To find an answer by thinking about (some
problem or difficulty); solve. * /Tom couldn't figure out the last
problem on the arithmetic test./ * /Sam couldn't figure out how to
print a program until the teacher showed him how./ * /Mary couldn't
figure out why her cake tasted so funny until she found salt mixed in
the sugar bag./ Compare: FIND OUT(1). 2. To learn how to explain;
understand. * /Laurence is an odd boy; I can't figure him out./
Compare: MAKE OUT(2).
[figure up] {v. phr.} To calculate; add up. * /If you can figure up
how many phone calls I've made from your home, I will pay you right
away./
[fill in] {v.} 1. To write words needed in blanks; put in; fill. *
/You should fill in all the blanks on an application for a job./ 2.
{informal} To tell what you should know. * /The new boy didn't know
the rules so Bob filled him in./ * /The teacher filled in Mary about
class work done while she was sick./ 3. To take another's place;
substitute. * /The teacher was sick and Miss Jones filled in for her./
[fill (in) the gap] {v. phr.} To supply a missing piece of
information; provide a clue during the course of solving a mystery. *
/Sherlock Holmes said, "These fingerprints are bound to fill the gap
in our investigation."/
[fill one's shoes] {v. phr.} To take the place of another and do as
well; to substitute satisfactorily for. * /When Jack got hurt, the
coach had nobody to fill his shoes./ * /Joe hopes to fill his father's
shoes./ See: IN ONE'S SHOES.
[fill out] {v.} 1. To put in what is missing; complete; finish;
{especially}, to complete (a printed application blank or other form)
by writing the missing facts in the blank spaces; to write down facts
which are asked for in (a report or application.) * /After Tom passed
his driving test he filled out an application for his driver's
license./ * /The policeman filled out a report of the accident./ 2. To
become heavier and fatter; gain weight. * /When Bill was nineteen he
began to fill out./ * /The girl was pale and thin after her sickness,
but in a few months she filled out./
[fill the bases] See: LOAD THE BASES.
[fill the bill] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be just what is needed; be
good enough for something; be just right. * /The boss was worried
about hiring a deaf boy, but after he tried Tom out for a few weeks,
he said that Tom filled the bill./ * /I thought I would need a special
tool, but this wrench fills the bill./
[fill up] or [fill it up] or [fill her up] {v. phr.} To fill
entirely. (Said by the driver of a car to a gas station attendant). *
/When the attendant asked Andrew how much gas he wanted in the tank,
Andrew replied, "Fill her up."/
[filthy lucre] {n.}, {informal} Money, especially when thought of
as bad or shameful. * /When the rich gambler tried to make Sarah marry
him, she said, "Keep your filthy lucre - I shall marry the man I
love."/ - Sometimes used in a joking way. * /"Come and let's get rid
of some filthy lucre."/
[filthy rich] {adj. phr.} Extremely rich but without cultural
refinement; nouveau riche. * /"The Murgatroyds are filthy rich," Ted
complained. "They are rolling in money but they never learned how to
behave properly at a dinner table."/
[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!/
[find fault] {v. phr.} To find something wrong; complain;
criticize. * /She tries to please him, but he always finds fault./ *
/They found fault with every box I made./ Compare: JUMP ON, PICK
AT(3).
[find it in one's heart] {v. phr.} To be able or willing because of
your nature. * /He could not find it in his heart to tell her about
her mother's death./ * /Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?/
* /He could never find it in his heart to be mean to a dog./
[find one's ---] {v. phr.} To become able to use (some power of the
body or mind.) * /In the program for the parents, John was nervous and
could not speak at first; then he found his tongue./ * /The young bird
had just found its wings./ * /The baby was just beginning to find his
feet./ * /The question surprised him, and it was a minute before he
found his tongue./
[find oneself] {v. phr.} To find out what one is fitted for and
succeed in that. * /Mary tried several lines of work, but at last
found herself as a teacher./ * /Sometimes young people move around a
long time from job to job before they find themselves./
[find] or [get one's bearings] {v. phr.} To know where one is or
where one is headed. * /"Without a compass," the sergeant warned the
enlisted men, "you will never find your bearings in the desert."/
[find out] {v.} 1. To learn or discover (something you did not know
before.) * /One morning the baby found out for the first time that she
could walk./ * /I don't know how this car works, but I'll soon find
out./ * /He watched the birds to find out where they go./ * /Mary was
angry when Jane found out her secret./ 2. To get facts; to get facts
about. * /He wrote to find out about a job in Alaska./ * /She found
out how much the house would cost./ 3. To discover (someone) doing
wrong; catch. * /Some children are bad when no one is watching them,
but they are usually found out./ * /The boy knew that if he cheated on
the test the teacher would find him out./
[find out the hard way] See: HARD WAY.
[fine feathers do not make fine birds] {literary} A person who
wears fine clothes may not be as good as he looks. - A proverb. *
/Mary is pretty and she wears pretty clothes, but she is very mean.
Fine feathers do not make fine birds./ Compare: HANDSOME IS AS
HANDSOME DOES.
[fine kettle of fish] See: KETTLE OF FISH.
[fine-tooth comb] {n. phr.} Great care; careful attention so as not
to miss anything. * /The police searched the scene of the crime with a
fine-tooth comb for clues./ * /My room is so clean you couldn't find
dirt if you went over it with a fine-tooth comb./ Compare: LEAVE NO
STONE UNTURNED.
[finger] See: BURN ONE'S FINGERS, CROSS ONE'S FINGERS or KEEP ONE'S
FINGERS CROSSED, LAY A FINGER ON, LIFT A FINGER, PUT ONE'S FINGER ON
also LAY ONE'S FINGER ON, SLIP THROUGH ONE'S FINGERS, SNAP ONE'S
FINGERS AT, STICKY FINGERS, TWIST AROUND ONE'S LITTLE FINGER, WORK
ONE'S FINGERS TO THE BONE.
[finger in the pie] {n. phr.}, {informal} Something to do with what
happens; part interest or responsibility. * /When the girls got up a
Christmas party, I felt sure Alice had a finger in the pie./ * /The
Jones Company was chosen to build the new hospital and we knew Mr.
Smith had a finger in the pie./ * /Jack is a boy with a finger in
every pie at school, from dramatics to football./ Compare: HAVE A HAND
IN, TOO MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE.
[fingertip] See: AT ONE'S FINGERTIPS.
[finish up] See: END UP(4).
[fire] See: BALL OF FIRE, BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA
or BETWEEN TWO FIRES, BUILD A FIRE UNDER, BURNT CHILD DREADS THE FIRE,
CATCH FIRE, DRAW FIRE, FAT'S IN THE FIRE, FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE, HANG
FIRE, HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON ONE'S HEAD, HOLD ONE'S FIRE or HOLD FIRE,
IRON IN THE FIRE, KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING, LINE OF FIRE, ON FIRE,
OPEN FIRE, OUT OF THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE, PLAY WITH FIRE, PULL
ONE'S CHESTNUTS OUT OF THE FIRE, SET FIRE TO, SET THE WORLD ON FIRE,
TILL THE LAST GUN IS FIRED or UNTIL THE LAST GUN IS FIRED, UNDER FIRE.
[firebug] {n.} An arsonist; one who willfully sets fire to
property. * /The police caught the firebug just as he was about to set
another barn ablaze in the country./
[firing squad] {n.} A group of soldiers chosen to shoot a prisoner
to death or to fire shots over a grave as a tribute. * /A dictator
often sends his enemies before a firing squad./ * /The dead general
was honored by a firing squad./
[first] See: AT FIRST BLUSH, AT FIRST SIGHT, CAST THE FIRST STONE,
GET TO FIRST BASE or REACH FIRST BASE, IN THE FIRST PLACE, OF THE
FIRST WATER.
[firsthand] {adj.} Fresh; genuine; from the original source. *
/John says he got the information firsthand from the president
himself./
[first and foremost] {adv. phr.} As the most important thing;
first. * /First and foremost they needed food./ * /I want you to
remember to pay that bill first and foremost./ * /First and foremost,
we must keep America free./
[first and last] {adv. phr.} Most noticeably; all the time;
chiefly. * /He was first and last a school teacher./ * /Steven joined
the army because first and last he wanted to help his country./ Syn.:
ABOVE ALL.
[first base] {n. phr.} 1. The base that must be touched first by a
baseball player after batting. * /He got to first base on four balls./
2. See: GET TO FIRST BASE.
[first class] {n.} 1. The first rank; the highest class; the best
group. * /The pianist was quite good but he was not in the first
class./ 2. The most expensive or comfortable class of travel; the best
or one of the best groups in which to travel, especially by ship,
train, or airplane. * /Most people can't afford the first class when
they take a long journey by ship./ 3. The way of sending all mail that
includes letters and post cards, anything written by hand or
typewriter, and anything sealed so that it cannot be inspected, and
that is the most expensive class of mail but receives the best
treatment. * /The usual way to send a letter is by first class./
Compare: SECOND CLASS, THIRD CLASS.
[first-class(1)] {adj.} 1. Of the highest class or best kind;
excellent; first-rate. * /Jane did a first-class job of repairing the
coat./ * /It was a first-class TV program./ Compare: TOP-NOTCH. 2. Of
the best or most expensive class of travelling. * /Mr. Jones bought a
first-class plane ticket to Chicago./ 3. Belonging to the class of
mail for sending letters, post cards, and handwritten or typewritten
mail that is sealed. * /It is expensive to send a heavy letter by
first-class mail./
[first-class(2)] {adv.} With the best material; in the best or most
expensive way. * /When Mr. Van Smith goes anywhere he always travels
first-class./ * /"How did you send the package?" "First-class."/
[first come, first served] {truncated sent.}, {informal} If you
arrive first, you will be served first; people will be waited on in
the order they come; the person who comes first will have his turn
first. * /Get in line for your ice cream, boys. First come, first
served./ * /The rule in the restaurant is first come, first served./ *
/The team's owners announced that tickets for the World Series would
be sold on a first come, first served basis only./ * /There are only a
few seats left so it's first come, first served./ Compare: EARLY BIRD
CATCHES THE WORM.
[first cousin] {n.} The child of your aunt or uncle. * /Tom's only
first cousin was Ralph, the son of his Uncle John./
[first of all] {adv. phr.} Chiefly; primarily; as the first thing.
* /After we get to Chicago, we will, first of all, try to find a
reliable used car./
[first off] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Before anything else; first. *
/First off, I want you to mow the lawn./
[first-run] {adj. phr.} Shown for the first time; new. * /The local
theater showed only first-run movies./
[first stone] See: CAST THE FIRST STONE.
[first string(1)] {n.}, {informal} 1. The best group of players on
a team; first team; A team. * /Dick loved basketball and practiced
hard until he was put on the first string./ 2. The best group of
workers. * /Tom learned his trade so well that his boss soon called
him one of his first string./
[first-string] {adj.}, {informal} 1. On the starting team or A
team. * /He was the first-string quarterback./ 2. Of the best quality;
foremost. * /He was the least expensive of the city's first-string
lawyers./
[first thing off the bat] {adv. phr.} Immediately; at once. * /He
called home from Paris first thing off the bat as he stepped off the
plane./
[first things first] Other things must wait until the most
important and necessary things are done. * /Study your lessons before
you go out to play. First things first./
[fish] See: COLD FISH, KETTLE OF FISH, NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL, NOT
THE ONLY FISH IN THE SEA, OTHER FISH TO FRY.
[fish-and-chips] {n. phr.} Fried fish and french fried potatoes. *
/The family went to a drive-in restaurant and had fish-and-chips./
[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./
[fish for a compliment] {v, phr.} To try to make someone pay a
compliment. * /When Jim showed me his new car, I could tell that he
was fishing for a compliment./
[fish fry] {n.} An outdoor party or picnic at which fish are fried
and eaten. * /The guests at the fish fry caught and cooked their own
fish./
[fish in muddy] or [troubled waters] {v. phr.} To take advantage of
a troubled or confusing situation; seek personal advantage. * /With
the police disorganized after the collapse of communism in Europe,
many criminals started to fish in troubled waters./
[fish or cut bait] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. Decide what you want to
do and stop wasting time; either act now or give someone else a chance
or turn. * /Jack couldn't decide whether to go to college or get a
job, so his father told him to fish or cut bait./ * /"Buy the kind of
ice cream you want or give someone else in line a chance. Fish or cut
bait!"/ Compare: MAKE UP ONE'S MIND. 2. Either try hard and do your
best, or quit. * /Frank missed football practice so often that the
coach told him to fish or cut bait./
[fish out of water] {n. phr.} A person who is out of his proper
place in life; someone who does not fit in. * /Because Ed could not
swim, he felt like a fish out of water at the beach./ * /She was the
only girl at the party not in a formal dress and she felt like a fish
out of water./ Compare: OUT OF ONE'S ELEMENT, OUT OF PLACE.
[fish story] {n. phr.} An unlikely or improbable tale. * /Hunters
and fishermen often exaggerate their successes by telling fish
stories./
[fist] See: HARD-FISTED.
[fit] See: BY FITS AND STARTS, GIVE PITS, HAVE A FIT or HAVE FITS,
IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT, SEE FIT also THINK FIT, SURVIVAL OF THE
FITTEST.
[fit as a fiddle] {adj. phr.} In very good health. * /The man was
almost 90 years old but fit as a fiddle./ * /Mary rested at home for a
few weeks after her operation; then she felt fit as a fiddle./
[fit for] {v. phr.} To be suited for; be prepared for. * /"What
kind of job is Ted fit for?" the social worker asked./
[fit in with] {v. phr.} To fall into agreement or accord with. *
/His plans to take a vacation in early July fit in perfectly with the
university schedule./
[fit like a glove] {v. phr.} To fit perfectly. * /Her new dress
fits her like a glove./
[fit out] or [fit up] {v.} To give things needed; furnish. * /The
soldiers were fitted out with guns and clothing./ * /The government
fitted out warships and got sailors for them./ * /The house was fitted
out very nicely./ * /He fitted his room up as a photographic
laboratory./
[fit the bill] See: FILL THE BILL.
[fit to a T] See: TO A T.
[fit to be tied(1)] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Very angry or upset. *
/She was fit to be tied when she saw the broken glass./
[fit to be tied(2)] {adv. phr.}, {substandard} Very hard. - Used
for emphasis. * /Uncle Willie was laughing fit to be tied at the
surprised look on Mother's face./
[five o'clock shadow] {n. phr.} A very short growth of beard on a
man's face who did shave in the morning but whose beard is so strong
that it is again visible in the afternoon. * /"You have a five o'clock
shadow, honey," Irene said, "and we're going to the opera. Why don't
you shave again quickly?"/
[fix] See: GET A FIX or GIVE SOMEONE A FIX, GET A FIX ON.
[fix someone's wagon] or [fix someone's little red wagon] {v.
phr.}, {informal} 1. (Said to a child as a threat) to administer a
spanking. * /Stop that right away or I'll fix your (little red)
wagon!/ 2. (Said of an adult) to thwart or frustrate another, to
engineer his failure. * /If he sues me for slander, I will counter-sue
him for malicious prosecution. That will fix his wagon!/
[fix someone up with] {v. phr.}, {informal} To help another get a
date with a woman or man by arranging a meeting for the two. * /Say
Joe, can you possibly fix me up with someone this weekend? I am so
terribly lonesome!/
[fix up] {v. phr.} 1. To repair. * /The school is having the old
gym fixed up./ 2. To arrange. * /I think I can fix it up with the
company so that John gets the transfer he desires. /3. To arrange a
date that might lead to a romance or even to marriage. * /Mary is a
great matchmaker; she fixed up Ron and Betty at her recent party./
[fizzle out] {v.}, {informal} 1. To stop burning; die out. * /The
fuse fizzled out before exploding the firecracker./ 2. To fail after a
good start; end in failure. * /The power mower worked fine for a while
but then it fizzled out./ * /The party fizzled out when everyone went
home early./
[flag down] {v.}, {informal} To stop by waving a signal flag or as
if waving a signal flag. * /The signalman flagged down the freight
train./ * /A policeman flagged down the car with his flashlight./
[flakeball] or [flake] {n.}, {slang}, {drug culture} A disjointed,
or "flaky" person, who is forgetful and incoherent, as if under the
influence of narcotics. * /Hermione is a regular flakeball./ Compare:
SPACED OUT.
[flame] See: ADD FUEL TO THE FLAME, GO UP IN FLAMES.
[flanker back] {n.} A football back who can play far to the outside
of his regular place. * /The coach is still looking for a speedy boy
to play flanker back./
[flare up] {v.} 1. To burn brightly for a short time especially
after having died down. * /The fire flared up again and then died./ 2.
To become suddenly angry. * /The mayor flared up at the reporter's
remark./ * /The mother flared up at her children./ 3. To begin again
suddenly, especially for a short time after a quiet time. * /Mr.
Gray's arthritis flared up sometimes./ * /Even after they had
conquered the country, revolts sometimes flared up./
[flare-up] {n.} The reoccurrence of an infection or an armed
conflict. * /He had a flare-up of his arthritis./ * /There was a bad
flare-up of hostilities in some countries./
[flash] See: IN A FLASH.
[flash card] {n.} A card with numbers or words on it that is used
in teaching, a class. * /The teacher used flash cards to drill the
class in addition./
[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./
[flat] See: FALL FLAT, IN NO TIME or IN NOTHING FLAT, LEAVE FLAT.
[flat as a pancake] {adj. phr.} Very level; very flat; having no
mountains or hills. * /A great part of the American Midwest is as flat
as a pancake./
[flat broke] See: STONE-BROKE.
[flatfoot] {n.}, {slang}, {derogatory} A policeman. * /"What does
Joe do for a living? - He's a flatfoot."/
[flat-footed] {adj.}, {informal} 1. Straightforward; forthright;
direct; outright. * /The governor issued a flat-footed denial of the
accusation./ * /He came out flat-footed against the idea./ 2. Not
ready; not prepared; - usually used with "catch". * /The teacher's
question caught Tim flat-footed./ * /Unexpected company at lunch time
caught Mrs. Green flat-footed./
[flat-out] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. Without hiding anything;
plainly; openly. * /The student told his teacher flat-out that he was
not listening to her./ 2. At top speed; as fast as possible. * /He saw
two men running flat-out from the wild rhinoceros./
[flatter oneself] To be sure of your own talent or skill; highly
confident. * /I flatter myself that I am a better swimmer than he is./
[flea in one's ear] {n. phr.}, {informal} An idea or answer that is
not welcome; an annoying or surprisingly sharp reply or hint. * /I'll
put a flea in his ear if he bothers me once more./
[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./
[flesh] See: IN PERSON also IN THE FLESH, NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL
also NEITHER FISH, FLESH, NOR FOWL, PRESS THE FLESH, THORN IN THE
FLESH.
[flesh and blood] {n.} 1. A close relative (as a father, daughter,
brother); close relatives. Used in the phrase "one's own flesh and
blood". * /Such an answer from her - and she's my own flesh and blood,
too!/ 2. The appearance of being real or alive. * /The author doesn't
give his characters any flesh and blood./ 3. The human body. * /Before
child labor laws, small children often worked 50 or 60 hours a week in
factories. It was more than flesh and blood could bear./
[flesh out] {v.}, {informal} 1. To add to; make fuller, bigger, or
longer. * /The author fleshed out his story by adding more about his
war experiences./ 2. also [flesh up] To become heavier, put on weight,
or flesh. * /He lost weight after his illness but is beginning to
flesh out again./ See: FILL OUT.
[flesh up] See: FLESH OUT(2).
[fling oneself at] See: THROW ONESELF AT.
[fling oneself at someone's head] See: THROW ONESELF AT SOMEONE'S
HEAD.
[flip-flop(1)] {v.}, {informal} To alternate the positions of;
exchange the places of; switch. * /The football coach had one play in
which he flip-flopped his left halfback and fullback./
[flip-flop(2)] {n.}, {informal} A complete change; a switch from
one thing to an entirely different one. * /John wanted to be a
carpenter like his father, but when he saw the print shop he did a
flip-flop and now he's learning printing./
[flip-flop(3)] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Involving or using a change
from one of two places, positions, or alternatives to the other. *
/The machine was controlled by a flip-flop switch./ * /The football
coach hoped to surprise his opponents by using a flip-flop offense./
[flip one's lid] also [flip one's wig] {slang} 1. To lose one's
temper. * /When that pushy salesman came back Mom really flipped her
lid./ Compare: BLOW A FUSE. 2. To lose your mind; become insane. *
/When he offered me three times the pay I was getting, I thought he
had flipped his lid./ 3. To become unreasonably enthusiastic. * /She
flipped her lid over a hat she saw in the store window./ * /He's
flipped his lid over that new actress./
[flip out] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To go insane, to go out
of one's mind. * /A is impossible to talk to Joe today - he must have
flipped out./
[flock] See: BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER.
[floor] See: GROUND FLOOR, MOP THE FLOOR WITH, WALK THE FLOOR.
[floor one] {v. phr.} To overwhelm; astound; nonplus. * /John's
sudden announcement that he would retire floored all of us in the
office./
[floorwalker] {n.} A section manager in a department store. * /To
exchange this pair of shoes, you must first get the floorwalker's
approval./
[flop] See: FLIP-FLOP.
[flower child] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A young person who
believes in nonviolence and carries flowers around to symbolize his
peace-loving nature. * /Flower children are supposed to be nonviolent,
but they sure make a lot of noise when they demonstrate!/ 2. Any
person who cannot cope with reality. * /"Face facts, Suzie, stop being
such a flower child!"/
[flower power] {n.}, {slang} The supposed power of love and
nonviolence as intended to be used by members of the anti-culture to
change American society. * /The young people were marching for flower
power./
[fluff one's lines] See: BLOW ONE'S LINES.
[fluff stuff] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Snow. *
/We can expect some fluff stuff this afternoon./
[flunk out] {v. phr.} To have to withdraw from school or college
because of too many failing grades. * /Fred flunked out of college
during his junior year./
[flush it] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To fail (something). * /I really
flushed it in my math course./ 2. {interj.}, {used imperatively}
Expression registering refusal to believe something considered stupid
or false. * /"You expect me to buy that story? Flush it!"/
[fly] See: BIRD HAS FLOWN, GO FLY A KITE, MAKE THE FEATHERS FLY,
MAKE THE FUR FLY, ON THE FLY, POP FLY, SACRIFICE FLY.
[fly at one's throat] {v. phr.} To attack you suddenly with great
anger. * /When Tom called Dick a bad name, Dick flew at his throat./
[fly ball] {n.} A baseball hit high into the air. * /He hit an easy
fly ball to center field./
[fly blind] {v. phr.} 1. To fly an airplane by instruments alone. *
/In the heavy fog he had to fly blind./ 2. {informal} To do something
without understanding what you are doing. * /I'm glad the car runs
now; I was flying blind when I fixed it./ * /He's flying blind when he
talks about philosophy./
[fly-by-night(1)] {adj.} Set up to make a lot of money in a hurry,
then disappear so people can't find you to complain about poor work,
etc.; not trustworthy; not reliable. * /Mrs. Blank bought her vacuum
cleaner from a new company; when she tried to have it fixed, she found
it was a fly-by-night business./
[fly-by-night(2)] {n.}, {informal} 1. A company that sells many
cheap things for a big profit and then disappears. * /A dependable
company honors its guarantees, but a fly-by-night only wants your
money./ 2. A person who does not pay his bills, but sneaks away (as at
night.) * /Hotels are bothered by fly-by-nights./
[fly by the seat of one's pants] {v. phr.}, {slang} To fly an
airplane by feel and instinct rather than with the help of the
instruments. * /Many pilots in World War I had to fly by the seat of
their pants./
[flying] See: WITH FLYING COLORS.
[flying high] {adj.}, {slang} Very happy; joyful. * /Jack was
flying high after his team won the game./ Compare: IN THE CLOUDS, ON
TOP OP THE WORLD.
[flying start] See: GET OFF TO A FLYING START.
[flying tackle] {n.}, {informal} A tackle made by jumping through
the air at the person to be tackled. * /Most football coaches don't
want their players to make flying tackles./ * /The policeman stopped
the burglar with a flying tackle./
[flying wedge] {n.}, {informal} 1. 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./
2. 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./
[fly in the face of] or [fly in the teeth of] {v. phr.} To ignore;
go against; show disrespect or disregard for. * /You can't fly in the
face of good business rules and expect to he successful./ * /Floyd's
friends tried to help him, but he flew in the teeth of their advice
and soon became a drunkard./
[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?/
[fly off the handle] {v. phr.}, {informal} To become very angry. *
/John flew off the handle whenever Mary made a mistake./ * /The
children's noise made the man next door fly off the handle./ Syn.:
LOSE ONE'S TEMPER.
[fly the coop] {v. phr.}, {slang} To leave suddenly and secretly;
run away. * /The robbers flew the coop before the police arrived./ *
/His partner flew the coop with all the money./
[flying visit] {n. phr.} A visit of very short duration. * /Tom
came to New York for only a flying visit. We had hardly eaten lunch
when he had to leave./
[flying saucer] See: U.F.O.
[fly into a rage] or [temper] {v. phr.} To become very angry. * /By
the time we mention the name of her ex-husband, she flies into a
rage./
[foam at the mouth] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be very angry, like a mad
dog. * /By the time Uncle Henry had the third flat tire he was really
foaming at the mouth./
[fob off] {v.}, {informal} 1. To get something false accepted as
good or real. * /The peddler fobbed off pieces of glass as diamonds./
Syn.: PALM OFF, PASS OFF. 2. To put aside; not really answer but get
rid of. * /Her little brother asked where she was going, but she
fobbed him off with ah excuse./
[fog] See: IN A FOG.
[foggy bottom] {n.}, {slang} An area in downtown Washington, D.C.
where many offices of the Department of State are located; hence
figuratively, the U.S. Department of State. * /The press secretary
gave us a lot of foggy bottom double-talk about the hostage crisis in
the Near East./
[fold up] {v.}, {informal} To collapse; fail. * /The team folded up
in the last part of the season./ * /The new restaurant folded up in
less than a year./ Compare: FALL APART.
[folk] See: WEE FOLK.
[follow] See: AS FOLLOWS.
[follower] See: CAMP FOLLOWER.
[follow in one's footsteps] also [follow in one's tracks] {v. phr.}
To follow someone's example; follow someone exactly, * /He followed in
his father's footsteps and became a doctor./ Compare: LIKE FATHER,
LIKE SON.
[follow one's heart] {v. phr.} To do what one wishes to do rather
than to follow the voice of reason. * /Instead of accepting a
lucrative job in his father's business, Jim followed his heart and
became a missionary in the jungle./
[follow one's nose] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To go straight ahead;
continue in the same direction. * /Just follow your nose and you'll
get there./ 2. 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./
[follow out] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To do fully; finish (what you
are told to do.) * /The boy followed out the instructions and made a
fine model plane./ Compare: FOLLOW THROUGH. 2. To keep working at
(something) until it is finished; give (something) your attention
until it comes to an end or conclusion. * /The student followed out
all the index references in the encyclopedia until he found what he
wanted to know./ Compare: FOLLOW UP.
[follow suit] {v. phr.} 1. To play a card of the same color and
kind that another player has put down. * /When diamonds were led, I
had to follow suit./ 2. To do as someone else has done; follow
someone's example. * /When the others went swimming, I followed suit./
[follow through] {v. phr.} 1. To finish a movement that you have
started; continue an action to its natural ending. * /A football
passer should follow through after he throws the ball./ 2. To finish
an action that you have started. * /Bob drew plans for a table for his
mother, but he did not follow through by making it./
[follow up] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To chase or follow closely and
without giving up. * /The Indians followed up the wounded buffalo
until it fell dead./ 2. Make (one action) more successful by doing
something more. * /After Mary sent a letter to apply for a job, she
followed it up by going to talk to the personnel manager./ * /The
doctor followed up Billy's operation with x-rays, and special
exercises to make his foot stronger./ Compare: FOLLOW OUT, FOLLOW
THROUGH(2). 3a. To hunt for (more news about something that has
already been in the newspapers, radio or TV news); find more about. *
/The day after news of the fire at Brown's store, the newspaper sent a
reporter to follow up Mr. Brown's future plans./ 3b. To print or
broadcast (more news about some happening that has been in the news
before). * /The fire story was printed Monday, and Tuesday's paper
followed it up by saying that Mr. Brown planned to build a bigger and
better store at the same place./
[follow-up] {n.} Additional work or research by means of which an
earlier undertaking's chances of success are increased. * /I hope
you'll be willing to do a bit of follow-up./
[fond of] Having a liking for; attracted to by strong liking. *
/Alan is fond of candy./ * /Uncle Bill was the children's favorite,
and he was fond of them too./
[food for thought] {n. phr.} Something to think about or worth
thinking about; something that makes you think. * /The teacher told
John that she wanted to talk to his father, and that gave John food
for thought./ * /There is much food for thought in this book./
[fool] See: CHILDREN AND FOOLS SPEAK THE TRUTH, MAKE A FOOL OF.
[fool and his money are soon parted] A foolish person soon wastes
his money. - A proverb, * /Jimmy spends all his pennies for candy. A
fool and his money are soon parted./
[fool around] or [mess around] or [play around] or [monkey around]
{v.}, {informal} 1. To spend time playing, fooling, or joking instead
of being serious or working; waste time. * /If you go to college, you
must work, not fool around./ * /The boys fooled around all afternoon
in the park./ Compare: CUT UP(2). To treat or handle carelessly. *
/Bob cut himself by fooling around with a sharp knife./ * /Suzie says
she wishes John would quit playing around with the girls and get
married./ 3. or [fiddle around] To work or do something in an
irregular or unplanned way; tinker. * /Jimmy likes to monkey around
with automobile engines./ * /Alice is fooling around with the piano in
her spare time./ Compare: FUCK AROUND.
[fool around] See: MESS AROUND.
[fool away] or [fritter away] {v.}, {informal} To waste foolishly.
* /Paul failed history because he fooled away his time instead of
studying./ * /The man won a lot of money, but he soon frittered it
away and was poor again./
[foolish] See: PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH.
[foolproof] {adj.} So constructed that not even a fool can spoil
it; easy. * /This entrance examination is so easy that it is actually
foolproof./
[fool's paradise] See: LIVE IN A FOOL'S PARADISE.
[foot] See: AT ONE'S FEET, COLD FEET, DEAD ON ONE'S FEET, DRAG
ONE'S FEET, FROM HEAD TO FOOT, GET OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT, GET ONE'S
FEET WET, HAND AND FOOT, KEEP ONE'S FEET, KNOCK OFF ONE'S FEET, LAND
ON ONE'S FEET, LET GRASS GROW UNDER ONE'S FEET, ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE,
ON FOOT, ON ONE'S FEET, PLAY FOOTSIE, PUT ONE'S BEST FOOT FORWARD, PUT
ONE'S FOOT DOWN, PUT ONE'S FOOT IN IT, SET FOOT, SHOE ON THE OTHER
FOOT, STAND ON ONE'S OWN FEET, SWEEP OFF ONE'S FEET, THINK ON ONE'S
FEET, THROW ONESELF AT SOMEONE'S FEET.
[footed] See: FLAT FOOTED.
[foot in the door] {n. phr.}, {informal} The first step toward
getting or doing something; a start toward success; opening. * /Don't
let Jane get her foot in the door by joining the club or soon she'll
want to be president./
[footstep] See: FOLLOW IN ONE'S FOOTSTEPS.
[foot the bill] {v. phr.} To cover the expenses of; pay for
something. * /The bride's father footed two-thirds of the bill for hix
daughter's wedding./ Compare: PICK UP THE TAB.
[footloose and fancy-free] {adj. phr.} Free and free to do what one
wants (said of unmarried men). * /Ron is a merry bachelor and seems to
enjoy greatly being footloose and fancy-free./
[for a fall] See: RIDING FOR A FALL.
[for all] 1. In spite of; even with, despite. - Used for contrast.
* /For all his city ways, he is a country boy at heart./ * /There may
be mistakes occasionally, but for all that, it is the best book on the
subject./ * /For all his money, he was very unhappy./ 2. also [for
aught] To the extent that. - Used like a negative with "care" and
"know". * /For all I care, you can throw it away./ * /For all he
knows, we might be in Boston./ Compare: AS FAR AS(2), ONCE AND FOR
ALL.
[for all one cares] {adv. phr.} In the opinion of one who is not
involved or who does not care what happens. * /For all Jane cares,
poor Tom might as well drop dead./
[for all one is worth] With all of your strength; as hard as you
can. * /Roger ran for all he was worth to catch the bus./
[for all one knows] {adv. phr.} According to the information one
has; probably. * /For all we know, Ron and Beth might have eloped and
been married in a French chateau./
[for all that] {adv. phr.} In spite of what has been said, alleged,
or rumored. * /Well, for all that, we think that she is still the most
deserving candidate for Congress./
[for all the world] {adv. phr.} 1. Under no circumstances. * /Betty
said she wouldn't marry Jake for all the world./ 2. 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./
[for a loop] See: KNOCK FOR A LOOP or THROW FOR A LOOP.
[for a loss] See: THROW FOR A LOSS.
[for a ride] See: TAKE FOR A RIDE.
[for as much as] {conj.}, {formal} Because; since. * /For as much
as the senator is eighty years old, we feel he should not run for
reelection./ Syn.: INASMUCH AS.
[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./
[for aught] See: FOR ALL(2).
[for bear] See: LOADED FOR BEAR.
[for better or worse] or [for better or for worse] {adv. phr.} 1.
With good or bad effect, depending on how one looks at the matter. *
/The historian did justice, for better or worse, to the careers of
several famous men./ 2. Under any eventuality; forever; always. *
/Alex and Masha decided to leave Moscow and come to Chicago, for
better or for worse./ 3. (Marriage vows) Forever, for as long as one
may live. * /With this ring I thee wed, for richer or poorer, in
sickness and in health, for better or worse, til death do us part./
[forbid] See: GOD FORBID.
[for broke] See: GO FOR BROKE.
[force] See: IN FORCE, JOIN FORCES.
[force one's hand] {v. phr.} To make you do something or tell what
you will do sooner than planned. * /Ben did not want to tell where he
was going, but his friend forced his hand./ * /Mr. Smith planned to
keep his land until prices went up, but he had so many doctor bills
that it forced his hand./
[force play] or [force-out] {n.} A play in baseball in which a
runner is out because he does not run to the next base before the
fielder with the ball touches the base. * /Bob was out at second base
when Joe hit into a force play./
[for certain] See: FOR SURE.
[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.
[for days on end] {adv. phr.} For a long time; for many days. *
/The American tourists tried to get used to Scottish pronunciation for
days on end, but still couldn't understand what the Scots were
saying./
[for dear life] {adv. phr.} As though afraid of losing your life. *
/He was running for dear life toward town./ * /When the horse began to
run, she held on for dear life./
[fore] See: TO THE FORE.
[foremost] See: FIRST AND FOREMOST.
[forest] See: CAN'T SEE THE WOOD FOR THE TREES or CAN'T SEE THE
FOREST FOR THE TREES.
[forever and a day] {adv. phr.}, {informal} For a seemingly endless
time; forever; always. Used for emphasis. * /We waited forever and a
day to find out who won the contest./ * /They promised to remain
friends forever and a day./
[forever and ever] {adv. phr.} Forever; always. - Used for
emphasis, usually about spiritual things. * /God will live forever and
ever./
[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.
[for fear] Because of fear. * /He left an hour early for fear of
missing his train./ * /She worried for fear that the child would be
hurt./
[for fear of] {adv. phr.} Because of being afraid of something; on
account of being scared. * /Dave refuses to go to Europe for fear of
an airplane crash and for fear of a shipwreck./
[for free] {adj. phr.}, {substandard} Without having to pay; free.
* /Hey you guys, look at this balloon! They're for free down at the
new store./
[for fun] {prep. phr.} As amusement, not seriously, as a joke. *
/Let's try to play Beethoven's Emperor Concerto together, you on one
piano, and I on another one./ Compare: IN FUN.
[forget] See: FORGIVE AND FORGET.
[forget oneself] {v. phr.} To do something one should have
remembered not to do; do something below one's usual conduct although
one knows better; let one's self-control slip. * /He forgot himself
only once at dinner - when he belched./ * /He knew he should hold his
temper, but because of the trouble he forgot himself and began to
shout./
[forgive and forget] {v.} To have no bad feelings about what
happened in the past. * /After the argument the boys decided to
forgive and forget./ Syn.: LET BYGONES BE BYGONES, LIVE AND LET LIVE.
[for good] also [for good and all] Permanently, forever, for
always. * /The lost money was gone for good./ * /He hoped that the
repairs would stop the leak for good./ * /When John graduated from
school, he decided that he was done with study for good and all./
Syn.: FOR KEEPS(2).
[for good measure] {adv. phr.} As something more added to what is
expected or needed; as an extra. * /He sold me the car at a cheap
price and included the radio for good measure./ * /She puts in the
spices the recipe calls for and then adds an extra pinch for good
measure./ Compare: IN THE BARGAIN, TO BOOT.
[for granted] See: TAKE FOR GRANTED.
[for Heaven's sake!] {adv. phr.} Please. * /"Help me, for Heaven's
sake!" the injured man cried./
[for hours on end] {adv. phr.} For many hours; for a very long
time. * /We have been trying to get this computer going for hours on
end, but we need serious professional help./
[for instance] See: FOR EXAMPLE.
[for it] See: RUN FOR IT.
[for keeps] {adv. phr.} 1. For the winner to keep. * /They played
marbles for keeps./ 2. {informal} For always; forever, * /He left town
for keeps./ Syn.: FOR GOOD. 3. Seriously, not just for fun. * /This is
not a joke, it's for keeps./ - Often used in the phrase "play for
keeps". * /The policeman knew that the robber was trying to shoot him.
He was playing for keeps./
[forked tongue] See: SPEAK WITH A FORKED TONGUE.
[fork over a lot of money] {v. phr.} To pay an excessive amount of
money often unwillingly. * /"According to my divorce decree," Alan
complained, "I have to fork over a lot of money to my ex-wife every
month."/
[fork over] or [fork out] also [fork up] {v.} To pay; pay out. *
/He had to fork over fifty dollars to have the car repaired./ Compare:
HAND OVER.
[for laughs] {adv. phr.} For pleasure; for fun; as a joke. * /The
college boys climbed up into the girls' dorms and stole some of their
dresses just for laughs, but they were punished all the same./
[for love or money] {adv. phr.} For anything; for any price. Used
in negative sentences. * /I wouldn't give him my dog for love or
money./ Compare: FOR ALL THE WORLD(1).
[form] See: RAN TRUE TO FORM.
[for no man] See: TIME AND TIDE WAIT FOR NO MAN.
[for one] As the first of several possible examples; as one
example. * /Manv people do not like certain foods. I for one do not
like cabbage./ - Also used with similar words instead of "one". *
/Several materials can be used to make the box: plywood, for one;
masonite, for another; sheet metal, for a third./
[for one's money] {prep. phr.} Regarding one's endorsement or
support; as far as one is concerned. * /For my money, the best
candidate for Congress is Ms. Smith./
[for one's part] also [on one's part] {adv. phr.} As far as you are
concerned; the way you feel or think. * /I don't know about you, but
for my part I don't want to go to that place./ Compare: AS FOR.
[for one thing] {adv. phr.} As one thing of several; as one in a
list of things. * /The teacher said, "You get a low mark, for one
thing, because you did not do your homework."/ * /The house was poorly
built; for one thing, the roof leaked./ Compare: FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE
FIRST PLACE.
[for real(1)] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Not practice or play;
earnest, real, serious. * /The war games were over now. This battle
was for real./
[for real(2)] {adv. phr.}, {substandard} Not for practice; really;
seriously. * /Let's do our work for real./
[for one's sake] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Used with different
possessive nouns to show surprise, crossness, or impatience. * /For
heaven's sake, where did you come from?/ * /For Pete's sake, look
who's here!/ * /Well, for pity's sake, I wish you'd told me sooner./ *
/Oh, for gosh sake, let me do it./
[for shame] {interj.} Shame on you; you should be ashamed of
yourself. - An exclamation no longer in common use, having been
largely replaced by "shame on you". * /"For shame, John, taking the
toy from your baby brother!"/
[for short] {adv. phr.} So as to make shorter; as an abbreviation
or nickname. * /The boy's name was Humperdink, or "Dink" for short./ *
/The National Broadcasting Company is called NBC for short./
[for sure] or [for certain] {adv. phr.} 1. Without doubt;
certainly; surely. * /He couldn't tell for sure from a distance
whether it was George or Tom./ * /He didn't know for certain which bus
to take./ * /I know for certain that he has a car./ 2. {slang}
Certain. * /"That car is smashed so badly it's no good any more."
"That's for sure!"/ Compare: SURE THING.
[fort] See: HOLD THE FORT.
[forth] See: AND SO FORTH, BACK AND FORTH, CALL FORTH, HOLD FORTH,
SET FORTH.
[for that matter] {adv. phr.} With regard to that; about that. * /I
don't know, and for that matter, I don't care./ * /Alice didn't come,
and for that matter, she didn't even telephone./ Compare: MATTER OP
FACT,
[for the asking] {adv. phr.} By asking; by asking for it; on
request. * /John said I could borrow his bike any time. It was mine
for the asking./ * /Teacher said her advice was free for the asking./
[for the best] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} good or best; not bad as
thought; lucky; well, happily. * /Maybe it's for the best that your
team lost; now you know how the other boys felt./ * /John's parents
thought it would be for the best if he stayed out of school for the
rest of the year./ Often used in the phrase "turn out for the best". *
/You feel unhappy now because you got sick and couldn't go with your
friends, but it will all turn out for the best./ Compare: TURN OUT(6).
Contrast: FOR THE WORSE.
[for the better] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} With a better result; for
something that is better. * /The doctor felt that moving Father to a
dry climate would be for the better./ * /The new large print in the
book is a change for the better./ Compare: TAKE A TURN. Contrast: FOR
THE WORSE.
[for the birds] {adj. phr.}, {slang} Not interesting; dull; silly;
foolish; stupid. * /I think history is for the birds./ * /I saw that
movie. It's for the birds./
[for the books] See: ONE FOR THE BOOKS.
[for the devil] or [heck] or [the hell of it] {adv. phr.} For no
specific reason; just for sport and fun. * /We poured salt into Uncle
Tom's coffee, just for the heck of it./ See: DEVIL OF IT.
[for the hills] See: HEAD FOR THE HILLS.
[for the life of one] {adv.}, {informal} No matter how hard you
try. - Used for emphasis with negative statements. * /I can't for the
life of me remember his name./
[for the moon] See: ASK FOR THE MOON or CRY FOR THE MOON.
[for the most part] {adv. phr.} In general; mostly; most of the
time; commonly; generally. * /European countries are, for the most
part, tired of war./ Syn.: BY AND LARGE, ON THE WHOLE.
[for the nonce] See: FOR THE TIME BEING.
[for the ride] See: ALONG FOR THE RIDE.
[for the sake of] or [for one's sake] {adv. phr.} On behalf of; for
the benefit of. * /For the sake of truth and freedom, Dr. Sakharov,
the Soviet dissident, was willing to be banished from Moscow./ * /"Do
it for my sake, please!" Tom begged./
[for the time being] also {literary} [for the nonce] {adv. phr.}
For now; for a while; temporarily. * /I haven't any note paper, but
this envelope will do for the time being./ * /She hasn't found an
apartment yet; she's staying with her aunt for the time being./
[for the world] See: NOT FOR THE WORLD.
[for the worse] {adj. phr.} or {adv. phr.} For something that is
worse or not as good, with a worse result. * /He bought a new car but
it turned out to be for the worse./ * /The sick man's condition
changed for the worse./ Compare: TAKE A TURN. Contrast: FOR THE
BETTER.
[for to] {prep. phr.}, {dialect} So that you can; to. * /Simple
Simon went a-fishing for to catch a whale./ Syn.: IN ORDER TO.
[forty winks] {n. phr.}, {informal} A short period of sleep; a nap.
* /When the truck driver felt sleepy, he stopped by the side of the
road to catch forty winks./ Compare: SHUT-EYE.
[forward] See: BACKWARD AND FORWARD, LOOK FORWARD TO, PUT ONE'S
BEST FOOT FORWARD.
[forward wall] {n.} The line of a football team. * /Princeton 's
line outplayed the Rutgers forward wall./
[for you] See: THAT'S --- FOR YOU.
[foul ball] {n.} A batted baseball that lands outside the foul
line. * /Mickey hit a long foul ball that landed on the roof./
[foul line] {n.} 1. Either of two lines separating fair from foul
ground in baseball. * /Willie hit the ball just inside the foul line
for a double./ 2. 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./ 3. 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./
[foul out] {v.} 1. To make an out in baseball by hitting a foul fly
ball that is caught. * /He fouled out to the catcher./ 2. To be forced
to leave a basketball game because of getting more than the limit
number of personal fouls. * /A professional basketball player is
allowed six personal fouls before fouling out./
[foul play] {n.} Treachery; a criminal act (such as murder). *
/After they discovered the dead body, the police suspected foul play./
* /"She must have met with foul play," the chief inspector said when
they couldn't find the 12-year-old girl who had disappeared./
[foul shot] {n.} A free throw given in basketball to a player who
has been fouled. * /Tony was given two foul shots when he was fouled
while trying to shoot./ Compare: FIELD GOAL 2, FREE THROW.
[foul up] {v.}, {informal} 1. To make dirty. * /The birds fouled up
his newly washed car./ 2. To tangle up. * /He tried to throw a lasso
but he got the rope all fouled up./ 3. To ruin or spoil by stupid
mistakes; botch. * /He fouled the whole play up by forgetting his
part./ 4. To make a mistake; to blunder. * /Blue suit and brown socks!
He had fouled up again./ 5. To go wrong. * /Why do some people foul up
and become criminals?/
[foul-up] {n.} (stress on "foul") 1. {informal} A confused
situation; confusion; mistake. * /The luncheon was handled with only
one or two foul-ups./ 2. {informal} A breakdown. * /There was a
foul-up in his car's steering mechanism./ 3. {slang} A person who
fouls up or mixes things. * /He had gotten a reputation as a foul-up./
[foundation garment] {n.} A close-fitting garment designed for
women to wear underneath their clothes to make them look slim; a piece
of woman's underwear. * /Jane wears a foundation garment under her
evening dress./
[four] See: HIT ON ALL FOUR, ON ALL FOURS.
[four bits] {n.}, {slang} Fifty cents. * /Tickets to the play are
four bits," said Bill./ Compare: TWO BITS.
[four corners] {n.} All parts of a place. * /People came from the
four corners of the world to see him./ * /He has been to the four
corners of the country./ Compare: ALL OVER.
[four-eyes] {n.}, {slang} A person who wears glasses. - A rude
expression, * /Hey, four-eyes, come over here./
[four-leaf clover] {n.} A small green plant with four leaves which
many people think means good luck because clover plants usually have
three leaves. * /John has a four-leaf clover in his pocket. He thinks
he will have good luck now./
[fourth class] {n.} A class of mail that is not sealed and weighs a
pound or more, that includes things that are bought and sold and sent
in the mail, and printed things that are not second or third class
mail. * /Bill sent away 98 cereal box tops and a dollar and got back a
sheriff's badge and gun in the mail by fourth class./
[fourth-class(1)] {adj.} Belonging to the fourth class of mail. *
/The package weighed a pound and a half, so it had to be sent by
fourth-class mail./
[fourth-class(2)] {adv.} By fourth-class mail. * /How did the
company mail the package? Fourth-class./
[fourth world] {n.}, {informal} The poor nations of the world, as
distinguished from the oil-rich nations of the third world. * /Sri
Lanka will never join OPEC, since it is a fourth world nation./
[fowl] See: NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL.
[fox and geese] {n. phr.} A tag game in which the player
representing the fox tries to catch one of the players representing
geese as they run around the outside of a circle.
[fraidy-cat] or [fraid-cat] or [scaredy-cat] or [scared cat] {n.},
{informal} A shy person; someone who is easily frightened. - Usually
used by or to children. * /Tom was a fraidy-cat and wouldn't go in the
water./
[frame of mind] {n. phr.} One's mental outlook; the state of one's
psychological condition, * /There is no use trying to talk to him
while he is in such a negative frame of mind./
[freak] {n.}, {slang} 1. 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./ 2. [---
freak] An enthusiast, a person who does or cultivates something in
excess. * /Ellen is a film-freak./
[freak-out(1)] {n.}, {slang} An act of losing control; a situation
that is bizarre or unusual. * /The party last night was a regular
freak-out./
[freak out(2)] {v. phr.}, {slang} To lose control over one's
conscious self due to the influence of hallucinogenic drugs. * /Joe
freaked out last night./
[free] See: FOR FREE, MAKE FREE, MAKE FREE WITH, OF ONE'S OWN
ACCORD or OF ONE'S OWN FREE WILL.
[free agent] {n.} A professional player who does not have a
contract with a team. * /The Giants signed two free agents who had
been released by the Cardinals./
[free and easy] {adj.} Not strict; relaxed or careless. * /The
teacher was free and easy with his students./ * /He had a free and
easy way of acting that attracted many friends./ * /They were free and
easy with their money and it was soon gone./
[free ball] {n.} A ball in football that is in play, that is not in
the possession of anyone, that is not a legally thrown forward pass,
and that belongs to the first team which can grab it. * /A Notre Dame
player fell on a free ball and recovered it for his team./
[free enterprise] {n. phr.} A system in which private business is
controlled by as few government rules as possible. * /The United
States is proud of its free enterprise./
[free hand] {n.} Great freedom. * /The teacher had a free hand in
her classroom./ * /Bob put paint on the fence with a free hand./
Compare: FREE REIN.
[freeload] {v.} To have oneself supported in terms of food and
housing at someone else's expense. * /When are you guys going to stop
freeloading and do some work?/
[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.
[free throw] {n.} A shot at the basket in basketball without
interference from opponents. * /Mike scored the winning point on a
free throw./ Compare: FIELD GOAL(2), FOUL SHOT.
[free-for-all] {n.} 1. Unlimited, free access to something
everybody wants. * /The Smith's party was a lavish free-for-all;
everybody could eat and drink as much as they wanted./ 2. A barroom,
tavern, or street fight in which everybody participates. * /The
celebration after the soccer game victory turned into an
uncontrollable free-for-all./
[freeze] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD or BLOOD FREEZES.
[freeze one's blood] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD.
[freeze out] {v.}, {informal} To force out or keep from a share or
part in something by unfriendly or dishonest treatment. * /The other
boys froze John out of the club./
[freeze over] {v.} To become covered with ice. * /The children
wanted the lake to freeze over so they could ice-skate./
[French fried potato] or [French fry] {n.} A narrow strip of potato
fried in deep fat. - Usually used in the plural. * /Sue ordered a
hamburger and french fries./
[French leave] {n.} The act of slipping away from a place secretly
and without saying good-bye to anyone. * /"It's getting late," Rob
whispered to Janet. "Let's take French leave and get out of here."/
[fresh from] {adj.} Recently returned from; experienced in. * /Tom
was fresh from two years in Paris and was very condescending in
matters pertaining to cuisine and wines./
[friction tape] {n.} Black cloth tape with one sticky side used
around electric wires. * /The boy fixed his cracked baseball bat with
some friction tape./
[Friday] See: GIRL FRIDAY.
[friend] See: BOY FRIEND, FAIR-WEATHER FRIEND, GIRL FRIEND, LADY
FRIEND, MAKE FRIENDS.
[friends with] Friendly to; a friend of. * /Alice found several
girls to be friends with on the first day of school./ * /At first I
didn't like John, but now I am friends with him./
[frightened out of one's wits] See: OUT OF ONE'S WITS.
[frightened to death] See: TO DEATH.
[fritter away] See: FOOL AWAY.
[fro] See: TO AND FRO.
[frog] See: BIG FROG IN A SMALL POND, LITTLE FROG IN A BIG POND.
[from bad to worse] See: GO FROM BAD TO WORSE.
[from grace] See: FALL FROM GRACE.
[from hand to hand] {adv. phr.} From one person to another and
another. * /The box of candy was passed from hand to hand./ * /Jane
brought her engagement ring, and it passed from hand to hand until all
the girls had admired it./
[from hand to mouth] See: LIVE FROM HAND TO MOUTH.
[from little acorns] See: GREAT OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW.
[from Missouri] {adj. phr.}, {slang} Doubtful; suspicious. * /Don't
try to fool me. I'm from Missouri./
[from mouth to mouth] {adv. phr.} See: BY WORD OF MOUTH.
[from pillar to post] {adv. phr.} From one place to another many
times. * /Sarah's father changed jobs several times a year, and the
family was moved from pillar to post./
[from rags to riches] {adv. phr.} Suddenly making a fortune;
becoming rich overnight. * /The Smiths went from rags to riches when
they unexpectedly won the lottery./
[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.
[from the bottom of one's heart] or [with all one's heart] {adv.
phr.} With great feeling; sincerely. * /A mother loves a baby from the
bottom of her heart./ * /John thanked his rescuer from the bottom of
his heart./ * /The people welcomed the returning soldiers from the
bottom of their hearts./
[from the door] See: KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR.
[from the ground up] {adv. phr.} From the beginning; entirely;
completely. * /After the fire they had to rebuild their cabin from the
ground up./ * /Sam knows about baseball from the ground up./ * /The
new cars have been changed from the ground up./
[from the heart] {adv.} Sincerely; honestly. * /John always speaks
from the heart./
[from the word "go"] {adv. phr.} From start to finish; completely.
* /He may look French but he is a New Yorker from the word "go."/
[from time to time] {adv. phr.} Not often; not regularly;
sometimes; occasionally; at one time and then again at another time. *
/Even though the Smiths have moved, we still see them from time to
time./ * /Mother tries new recipes from time to time, but the children
never like them./ Syn.: NOW AND THEN, AT TIMES, ONCE IN A WHILE.
Compare: BY FITS AND STARTS, OFF AND ON.
[from --- to ---] 1. Used with a repeated word to show that
something keeps on. Without ending. * /The world grows wiser from age
to age./ * /He goes from day to day without changing his necktie./ -
Also used in a short form like an adjective. * /The superintendent
spends more time on plans for the future, and the principal handles
the day-to-day problems of the school./ 2. Used with a repeated word
to show that something happens again and again. * /She sells face
cream from door to door./ * /The artist goes from place to place
painting pictures./ - Also used in a short form like an adjective. *
/Mr. Roberts began as a door-to-door salesman, and now is president of
the company./ 3. Used with words showing opposite or extreme limits,
often to emphasize that something is very large or complete. * /The
eagle's wings measured six feet from tip to tip./ * /Sarah read the
book from cover to cover./ * /Mrs. Miller's dinner included everything
from soup to nuts./ * /That book is a bestseller from Maine to
California./ * /The captain looked the boy over from head to foot./ *
/The dog sniffed the yard from end to end in search of a bone./ *
/This new car has been redesigned from top to bottom./ * /That
bookstore has books on everything from archery to zoology./ * /The
television show was broadcast from coast to coast./ * /He knows
mathematics from A to Z./ - Sometimes used in a short form like an
adjective. * /The airplane made a non-stop coast-to-coast flight./
[from under] See: OUT FROM UNDER, PULL THE RUG OUT FROM UNDER.
[from way back] {adv. phr.} From a previous time; from a long time
ago. * /They have known one another from way back when they went to
the same elementary school./
[front] See: IN FRONT OF.
[front and center] {adv.}, {slang} Used as a command to a person to
go to someone who wants him. * /Front and center, Smith. The boss
wants to see you./
[front court] {n.} The half of a basketball court that is a
basketball team's offensive zone. * /The guard brought the ball up to
the front court./
[front office] {n.}, {informal} The group of persons who manage a
business; the officers. * /The front office decides how much the
workers are paid./
[frown upon] {v. phr.} To look with disfavor upon somebody or
something. * /Everybody in her family frowns upon her attachment to
him./
[fruitcake] See: NUTTY AS A FRUITCAKE.
[fry] See: OTHER FISH TO FRY, OUT OF THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE,
SMALL FRY.
[fuck around] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} 1. To be
promiscuous. * /John fucks around with the secretaries./ 2. To play at
something without purpose, to mess around. * /He doesn't accomplish
anything, because he fucks around so much./
[fuck off] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} 1. Go away! * /Can't
you see you're bothering me? Fuck off!/ 2. To be lazy. * /John said "I
don't feel like working, so I'll fuck off today."/ Compare: BEAT IT,
GOOF OFF.
[fuck up] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To make a mess of
something or oneself. * /Because he was totally unprepared, he fucked
up his exam./ * /He is so fucked up he doesn't know whether he is
coming or going./
[fuck-up] {n.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} A mess; a badly botched
situation. * /What a fuck-up the dissolution of the USSR created!/
[fuddy-duddy] {n.} A person whose ideas and habits are
old-fashioned. * /His students think Professor Jones is an old
fuddy-duddy./
[fuel] See: ADD FUEL TO THE FLAME.
[full] See: HAVE ONE'S HANDS FULL, IN FULL SWING, TO THE FULL.
[full blast] {adv.} At full capacity. * /With all the research
money at their disposal, the new computer firm was going ahead full
blast./
[full-bodied] {adj.} Mature; of maximum quality. * /The wines from
that region in California have a rich, full-bodied flavor./
[full-fledged] {adj.} Having everything that is needed to be
something; complete. * /A girl needs three years of training to be a
full-fledged nurse./ * /The book was a full-fledged study of American
history./
[full of beans] {adj. phr.}, {slang} 1. Full of pep; feeling good;
in high spirits. * /The football team was full of beans after winning
the tournament./ * /The children were full of beans as they got ready
for a picnic./ 2. also [full of prunes] Being foolish and talking
nonsense. * /You are full of prunes; that man's not 120 years old./
[full of it] See: FULL OF THE OLD NICK.
[full of oneself] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Interested only in
yourself. * /Joe would be a nice boy if he would stop being so full of
himself./ Compare: BIG HEAD.
[full of prunes] See: FULL OF BEANS(2).
[full of the moon] {n. phr.}, {literary} The moon when it is seen
as a full circle; the time of a full moon. * /The robbers waited for a
dark night when the full of the moon was past./ Contrast: DARK OF THE
MOON.
[full of the Old Nick] or [full of the devil] or [full of it] {adj.
phr.}, {informal} Always making trouble; naughty; bad. * /That boy is
full of the Old Nick./
[full tilt] {adv.} At full speed; at high speed. * /He ran full
tilt into the door and broke his arm./
[fun] See: MAKE FUN OF.
[fun and games] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A party or other
entertaining event. 2. Something trivially easy. 3. Petting, or sexual
intercourse. 4. (Ironically) An extraordinary difficult task. * /How
was your math exam? (With a dismayed expression): - Yeah, it was all
fun and games, man./
[fun house] {n.} A place where people see many funny things and
have tricks played on them to make them laugh or have a good time. *
/The boys and girls had a good time looking at themselves in mirrors
in the fun house./
[funny bone] {n.} 1. The place at the back of the elbow that hurts
like electricity when accidentally hit. * /He hit his funny bone on
the arm of the chair./ 2. or {informal} [crazy bone] Sense of humor;
understanding jokes. * /Her way of telling the story tickled his funny
bone./
[fur] See: MAKE THE FUR FLY.
[furious] See: FAST AND FURIOUS.
[fuse] See: BLOW A FUSE.
[fuss] See: KICK UP A FUSS.
[fuss and feathers] {n.}, {informal} Unnecessary bother and
excitement. * /She is full of fuss and feathers this morning./
G
[gab] See: GIFT OF GAB or GIFT OF THE GAB.
[gaff] See: STAND THE GAFF.
[gain ground] {v. phr.} 1. To go forward; move ahead. * /The
soldiers fought hard and began to gain ground./ 2. To become stronger;
make progress; improve. * /The sick man gained ground after being near
death./ * /Under Lincoln, the Republican Party gained ground./
Contrast: LOSE GROUND.
[gallery] See: PLAY TO THE GALLERY.
[gallon] See: TEN-GALLON HAT.
[gallows' humor] {n. phr.} Bitter joke(s) that make fun of a very
serious matter, e.g. death, imprisonment, etc. * /When the criminal
was led to the electric chair on Monday morning, he said, "Nice way to
start the week, eh?"/
[game] See: AHEAD OF THE GAME, LOVE GAME, NAME OF THE GAME, PLAY
THE GAME, AT --- STAGE OF THE GAME.
[game at which two can play] {n. phr.} A plan, trick, or way of
acting that both sides may use. * /Rough football is a game two can
play./ * /Politics is a game at which two can play./
[game is not worth the candle] {literary} What is being done is not
worth the trouble or cost; the gain is not worth the effort. * /I
don't want to walk so far on such a hot day. The game is not worth the
candle./
[game is up] or {slang} [jig is up] The secret or plan won't work;
we are caught or discovered. * /The game is up; the teacher knows who
took her keys./ * /The jig's up; the principal knows the boys have
been smoking in the basement./ Compare: FAT IS IN THE FIRE.
[gang] See: ROAD GANG, SECTION GANG.
[gang up on] or [gang up against] {v. phr.}, {informal} To jointly
attack someone, either physically or verbally; take sides in a group
against an individual. * /The class bully was stronger than all the
other boys, so they had to gang up on him to put him in his place./
Compare: LINE UP(4b).
[garbage down] {v. phr.}, {slang} To eat eagerly and at great speed
without much regard for manners or social convention. * /The children
garbaged down their food./
[garden apartment] {n.} An apartment with a garden near it. * /The
couple live in a garden apartment./
[garment] See: FOUNDATION GARMENT.
[gas] See: STEP ON IT or STEP ON THE GAS.
[gasket] See: BLOW A FUSE or BLOW A GASKET.
[gas up] {v.}, {informal} 1. To fill the gasoline tank of. * /The
mechanics gassed up the planes for their long trip./ 2. To fill the
tank with gasoline. * /The big truck stopped at the filling station
and gassed up./
[gate] See: GET THE BOUNCE or GET THE GATE, GIVE THE BOUNCE or GIVE
THE GATE.
[gate crasher] See: CRASH THE GATE.
[gather] See: ROLLING STONE GATHERS NO MOSS.
[gather in] {v.}, {informal} To catch. * /The end gathered in the
pass and went over for a touchdown./
[gauntlet] See: RUN THE GAUNTLET, THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET.
[gay nineties] {n.} The years between 1890 and 1900; remembered as
a happy exciting time. * /Ladies wore large hats in the gay nineties./
* /Picnics were popular in the gay nineties./
[gaze] See: CRYSTAL GAZING.
[gear] See: HIGH GEAR, SLIP A COG or SLIP A GEAR, THROW OUT OF
GEAR.
[geese] See: FOX AND GEESE.
[gee whiz] {interj.}, {informal} Used as an exclamation to show
surprise or other strong feeling. Rare in written English. * /Gee
whiz! I am late again./
[general] See: IN GENERAL.
[generation gap] {n.}, {informal}, {hackneyed phrase} The
difference in social values, philosophies, and manners between
children and their parents, teachers and relatives which causes a lack
of understanding between them and frequently leads to violent
confrontations. * /My daughter is twenty and I am forty, but we have
no generation gap in our family./
[generous to a fault] {adj. phr.} Excessively generous. * /Generous
to a fault, my Aunt Elizabeth gave away all her rare books to her old
college./
[George] See: LET GEORGE DO IT.
[get] See: GIVE AS GOOD AS ONE GETS, EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM or
EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM, GO-GETTER, TELL ONE WHERE TO GET OFF.
[get about] See: GET AROUND(1b).
[get a black eye] {v. phr.} 1. To receive a dark ring around the
eye after being hit by someone's fist or an object. * /In the
fistfight Tom got a black eye from Pete./ * /Sue got a black eye when
she ran into a tree./ 2. To have one's character denigrated. * /Our
firm received a black eye because of all the consumer complaints that
were lodged against our product./
[get a break] {v. phr.} To receive a stroke of luck. * /Bill got a
break when he won the lottery./
[get across] {v.} 1. To explain clearly, make (something) clear; to
make clear the meaning of. * /Mr. Brown is a good coach because he can
get across the plays./ Syn.: PUT ACROSS. 2. To become clear. * /The
teacher tried to explain the problem, but the explanation did not get
across to the class./
[get after] {v.}, {informal} 1. To try or try again to make someone
do what he is supposed to do. * /Ann's mother gets after her to hang
up her clothes./ 2. To scold or make an attack on. * /Bob's mother got
after him for tracking mud into the house./ * /The police are getting
after the crooks in the city./
[get ahead] {v.} 1. {informal} To become successful. * /Mr. Brown
was a good lawyer and soon began to get ahead./ * /The person with a
good education finds it easier to get ahead./ 2. To be able to save
money; get out of debt. * /In a few more years he will be able to get
ahead./ * /After Father pays all the doctor bills, maybe we can get a
little money ahead and buy a car./
[get a load of] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To take a good look at; see
(something unusual or interesting.) - Often used to show surprise or
admiration. * /Get a load of that pretty girl!/ * /Get a load of
Dick's new car!/ Compare: LOOK OVER. 2. To listen to carefully or with
interest, especially exciting news. - Often used as a command: /Get a
load of this: Alice got married yesterday!/
[get along] also [get on] {v.} 1. To go or move away; move on. *
/The policeman told the boys on the street corner to get along./ 2. To
go forward; make progress; advance, * /John is getting along well in
school. He is learning more every day./ Syn.: GET AHEAD. 3. To
advance; become old or late. * /It is getting along towards sundown./
* /Grandmother is 68 and getting along./ 4. To get or make what you
need; manage. * /It isn't easy to get along in the jungle./ * /We can
get along on $100 a week./ Compare: DO WITHOUT(2), GET BY, MAKE DO. 5.
To live or work together in a friendly way; agree, cooperate; not
fight or argue. * /We don't get along with the Jones family./ * /Jim
and Jane get along fine together./ * /Don't be hard to get along
with./
[get a fix] or [give a fix] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {drug culture} To
provide (someone) with an injection of narcotics. * /The neighborhood
pusher gave Joe a fix./ Contrast: GET A FIX ON.
[get a fix on] {v. phr.}, {informal} Receive a reading of a distant
object by electronic means, as by radar or sonar. * /Can you get a fix
on the submarine?/ Contrast: GET A FIX.
[get a grip on] {v. phr.} To take firm control of something. * /If
Tim wants to keep his job, he had better get a grip on himself and
start working harder./ Contrast: LOSE ONE'S GRIP.
[get a head start on] {v. phr.} To receive preliminary help or
instruction in a particular subject so that the recipient is in a
favorable position compared to his or her peers. * /At our school,
children get a head start on their reading ability thanks to a special
program./
[get a kick out of] {v. phr.} To be greatly thrilled; derive
pleasure from. * /Tom and Many get a kick out of playing four hands on
the piano./
[get a line on] {v. phr.} To receive special, sometimes even
confidential information about something. * /Before Bill accepted his
new position, he got a line on how the business was being run./
[get a move on] {informal} or {slang} [get a wiggle on] {v. phr.}
To hurry up; get going. - Often used as a command. * /Get a move on,
or you will be late./
[get a raise] {v. phr.} To receive an increment in salary. *
/Because of his good work, Ted got a raise after May 1./
[get a rise out of] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To have some fun with (a
person) by making (him) angry; tease. * /The boys get a rise out of
Joe by teasing him about his girl friend./ 2. {vulgar}, {avoidable} To
be sexually aroused (said of males) * /Jim always gets a rise out of
watching adult movies./
[get (all) dolled up] See: DOLL UP.
[get along] or [on in years] {v. phr.} To age; grow old. * /My
father is getting along in years; he will be ninety on his next
birthday./
[get an earful] {v. phr.}, {informal} To hear more (of usually
unwelcome news) than one expects or wishes to hear. * /I asked how Tim
and his wife were getting along, and I certainly got an earful./
Contrast: SAY A MOUTHFUL.
[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./
[get around to] {v.} To do (something) after putting it off; find
time for. * /Mr. Lee hopes to get around to washing his car next
Saturday./
[get at] {v.} 1. To reach an understanding of; find out the
meaning. * /This book is very hard to get at./ 2. To do harm to. *
/The cat is on the chair trying to get at the canary./ Compare: GET
BACK AT. 3. To have a chance to do; attend to. * /I hope I have time
to get at my homework tonight./ Compare: GET TO(2). 4. To mean; aim
at; hint at. * /What was Betty getting at when she said she knew our
secret?/ * /What the teacher was getting at in this lesson was that it
is important to speak correctly./ Syn.: DRIVE AT. Compare: GET ACROSS.
[getaway car] {n. phr.} A vehicle parked near the scene of a crime
in which the criminals escape. * /The police intercepted the getaway
car at a major crossroads./
[get away] {v.} 1. To get loose or get free; become free from being
held or controlled; succeed in leaving; escape. * /As Jim was trying
the bat, it got away from him and hit Tom./ * /Someone left the door
open, and the puppy got away./ * /Mary tried to catch a butterfly, but
it got away from her./ * /The bank robbers used a stolen car to get
away./ * /If Mr. Graham can get away from his store this afternoon, he
will take Johnny fishing./ 2. To begin; start. * /We got away early in
the morning on the first day of our vacation./ * /The race got away to
a fast start./ Compare: GET OFF(3), START IN, START OUT.
[get away with] {v.}, {informal} To do (something bad or wrong)
without being caught or punished. * /Some students get away without
doing their homework./ See: GET BY(3).
[get away with murder] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do something very
bad without being caught or punished. * /John is scolded if he is late
with his homework, but Robert gets away with murder./ * /Mrs. Smith
lets her children get away with murder./
[get a wiggle on] See: GET A MOVE ON.
[get a word in] or [get a word in edgewise] also [get a word in
edgeways] {v. phr.} To find a chance to say something when others are
talking. * /The little boy listened to the older students and finally
got in a word./ * /Mary talked so much that Jack couldn't get a word
in edgewise./
[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.
[get back on one's feet] {v. phr.} To once again become financially
solvent; regain one's former status and income, or health. * /Max got
back on his feet soon after his open heart surgery. Tom's business was
ruined due to the inflation, but he got back on his feet again./
[get behind] {v.} 1. To go too slowly: be late; do something too
slowly. * /The post office got behind in delivering Christmas mail./
Syn.: FALL BEHIND. Contrast: KEEP UP. 2. {informal} To support; help.
* /A club is much better if members get behind their leaders. * /We
got behind Mary to be class president./ Compare: BACK OF(3). 3.
{informal} To explain; find out the reason for. * /The police are
questioning many people to try and get behind the bank robbery./ Syn.:
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF.
[get busy] {v. phr.} To accelerate the pace in one's activities. *
/We've got to get busy if we want to make the deadline./
[get by] {v.}, {informal} 1. To be able to go past; pass. * /The
cars moved to the curb so that the fire engine could get by./ 2. To
satisfy the need or demand. * /Mary can get by with her old coat this
winter./ * /The janitor does just enough work to get by./ Syn.: GET
ALONG(4). 3. Not to be caught and scolded or punished. * /The soldier
thought he could get by with his dirty rifle./ * /The boy got by
without answering the teacher's question because a visitor came in./
Compare: GET AWAY WITH.
[get carried away with] See: CARRY AWAY.
[get couthed up] {v. phr.}, {slang} To get oneself dressed up
neatly and look elegant and presentable. * /What are you getting all
couthed up for?/ (This derives from "uncouth" ("outlandish,
ill-mannered") by leaving off the prefix "un-".)
[get cracking] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To hurry up, to start
moving fast. (Used mostly as an imperative). * /Come on, you guys,
let's get cracking!/ (Let's hurry up!) Compare: GET GOING 2.
[get credit for] {v. phr.} To be given points of merit,
recognition, or praise for labor or intellectual contribution. * /Our
firm got a lot of credit for developing parts of the space shuttle./
Contrast: GIVE CREDIT FOR.
[get one down] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To make (someone) unhappy;
cause low spirits; cause discouragement. * /Low grades are getting
Helen down./ * /Three straight losses got the team down./ 2. To
swallow; digest. * /The medicine was so bitter I couldn't get it
down./ 3. To depress a person's spirit. * /Working at such an awful
job got Mike down./
[get down cold] {v. phr.} To memorize perfectly. * /Terry got the
text of his speech down cold./
[get down off your high horse] See: OFF ONE'S HIGH HORSE.
[get down to] {v.}, {informal} To get started on, being on. * /Joe
wasted a lot of time before he got down to work./ * /Let's get down to
work./ Compare: GET AT(3), GET GOING, GET TO.
[get down to brass tacks] also [get down to cases] {v. phr.},
{informal} To begin the most important work or business; get started
on the most important things to talk about or know. * /The men talked
about little things and then got down to brass tacks./ * /A busy
doctor wants his patients to get down to brass tacks./
[get down to business] or [work] {v. phr.} To start being serious;
begin to face a problem to be solved, or a task to be accomplished. *
/Gentlemen, I'm afraid the party is over and we must get down to
business./
[get down to work] See: GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.
[get even] {v.}, {informal} 1. To owe nothing. * /Mr. Johnson has a
lot of debts, but in a few years he will get even./ 2. To do something
bad to pay someone back for something bad; get revenge; hurt back. *
/Jack is waiting to get even with Bill for tearing up his notebook./ *
/Last April First Mr. Harris got fooled by Joe, and this year he will
get even./ Compare: GET BACK AT.
[get going] {v.}, {informal} 1. To excite; stir up and make angry.
* /The boys' teasing gets John going./ * /Talking about her freckles
gets Mary going./ 2. or {chiefly British} [get cracking] To begin to
move; get started. * /The teacher told Walter to get going on his
history lesson./ * /The foreman told the workmen to get cracking./ *
/Let's get going. It's almost supper time./ Compare: GET DOWN TO, STEP
LIVELY.
[get gray hair] or [get gray] {v. phr.}, {informal} To become old
or gray from worrying; become very anxious or worried. - Often used
with "over". * /"If John doesn't join the team, I won't get gray hair
over it," the coach said./ * /Naughty children are why mothers get
gray./ Compare: GIVE GRAY HAIR.
[get his or hers] {v. phr.} To receive one's proper reward or
punishment. * /Tim will get his when his wife finds out that he's been
seeing other women./
[get hitched] {v. phr.} To get married. * /After a long period of
dating, Fred and Mary finally got hitched./
[get hold of] {v.} 1. To get possession of. * /Little children
sometimes get hold of sharp knives and cut themselves./ 2. To find a
person so you can speak with him. * /Mr. Thompson spent several hours
trying to get hold of his lawyer./
[get in] {v. phr.} 1. To be admitted. * /Andy wants to go to
medical school but his grades aren't good enough for him to get in./
2. To arrive. * /What time does the plane from New York get in?/ 3. To
enter. * /"Get in the car, and let's go," Tom said in a hurry./ 4. To
put in stock; receive. * /The store just got in a new shipment of
shoes from China./
[get in on] {v. phr.} To be permitted to participate; become privy
to; be included. * /This is your chance to get in on a wonderful deal
with the new company if you're willing to make an investment./
[get in on the ground floor] {v. phr.} To be one of the first
members or employees to participate in the growth of a firm,
educational institution, etc. * /Elliott got in on the ground floor
and made a fortune at the company./ * /Mr. Smith who joined the new
college as an instructor, got in on the ground floor, and wound up as
its president after twenty years./
[get in on the] or [one's act] {v. phr.} To do something because
others are engaged in the same act; join others. * /John's business is
succeeding so well that both of his brothers want to get in on the
act./
[get in one's hair] See: IN ONE'S HAIR.
[get in one's way] See: IN ONE'S WAY.
[get into] See: BE INTO SOMETHING.
[get into line] {v. phr.} To cooperate; conform. * /The maverick
members of the party were advised to get into line unless they wanted
to be expelled./ Contrast: OUT OF LINE.
[get in touch with] See: IN TOUCH.
[get involved with] See: BE INVOLVED WITH.
[get in with] {v. phr.} To join up with; begin to associate with;
be accepted by. * /He got in with the wrong gang of boys and wound up
in jail./ * /She got in with her father's firm and made a successful
career of it./
[get in wrong] {v. phr.} To incur the anger or dislike of someone;
come into disfavor. * /Although he means well, Fred is always getting
in wrong with someone at the office./
[get it] {v.} 1. See: CATCH IT. 2. To understand; comprehend;
grasp. * /"I can't get it," John said. "Why do you spend so much on
clothes."/
[get it all together] {v. phr.} 1. 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?/ 2. Retaining one's
self-composure under pressure. * /A few minutes after the burglars
left he got it all together and called the police./ 3. To be well
built, stacked (said of girls and women.) * /Sue's sure got it all
together, hasn't she?/
[get it in the neck] See: CATCH IT IN THE NECK.
[get it] or [something in] or [into one's head] {v. phr.} To become
possessed of an idea; develop a fixed idea. * /Jack got it into his
head to become a marine and nothing we could say would make him change
his mind./
[get lost] {v. phr.}, {slang} Go away! - Used as a command. * /Get
lost! I want to study./ * /John told Bert to get lost./ Compare: DROP
DEAD.
[get mixed up] See: MIXED UP.
[get next to] See: BE CLOSE TO.
[get off] {v.} 1. To come down from or out of. * /The ladder fell,
and Tom couldn't get off the roof./ * /The bus stopped, the door
opened, and Father got off./ 2. To take off. * /Joe's mother told him
to get his wet clothes off./ 3. To get away; leave. * /Mr. Johnson
goes fishing whenever he can get off from work./ * /William got off
early in the morning./ 4. To go free. * /Mr. Andrews got off with a $5
fine when he was caught passing a stop sign./ 5. To make (something)
go. * /The halfback got off a lung pass./ * /John got a letter off to
his grandmother./ 6. To tell. * /The governor got off several jokes at
the beginning of his speech./
[get off cheap] {v. phr.} 1. To receive a lesser punishment than
one deserves. * /Ted could have been sentenced to fifteen years in
prison; he got off cheap by receiving a reduced sentence of five
years./ 2. To pay less than the normal price. * /If you had your car
repaired for only $75, you got off cheap./ Contrast: GET AWAY WITH.
[get off easy] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have only a little trouble;
escape something worse. * /The children who missed school to go to the
fair got off easy./ * /John got off easy because it was the first time
he had taken his father's car without permission./
[get off it] See: COME OFF IT.
[get off one's back] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {colloquial} To stop
criticizing or nagging someone. * /"Get off my back! Can't you see how
busy I am?"/
[get off one's case] or [back] or [tail] {v. phr.} To stop
bothering and constantly checking up on someone; quit hounding one. *
/"Get off my case!" he cried angrily. "You're worse than the cops."/
Contrast: ON ONE'S CASE.
[get off one's chest] See: OFF ONE'S CHEST.
[get off one's tail] {v. phr.}, {slang} To get busy, to start
working. * /OK you guys! Get off your tails and get cracking!/
[get off on the wrong foot] {v. phr.} To make a bad start; begin
with a mistake. * /Peggy got off on the wrong foot with her new
teacher; she chewed gum in class and the teacher didn't like it./
[get off the ground] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make a successful
beginning; get a good start; go ahead; make progress. * /Our plans for
a party didn't get off the ground because no one could come./
[get off the hook] See: OFF THE HOOK.
[get off to a flying] or [running start] {v. phr.} To have a
promising or successful beginning. * /Ron got off to a flying start in
business school when he got nothing but A's./
[get on] or [get onto] {v.}, {informal} 1. To speak to (someone)
roughly about something he did wrong; blame; scold. * /Mrs. Thompson
got on the girls for not keeping their rooms clean./ * /The fans got
on the new shortstop after he made several errors./ Syn.: JUMP ON. 2.
See: GET ALONG. 3. To grow older. * /Work seems harder these days; I'm
getting on, you know./
[get one's] See: GET WHAT'S COMING TO ONE.
[get one's back up] {v. phr.}, {informal} To become or make angry
or stubborn. * /Fred got his back up when I said he was wrong./ * /Our
criticisms of his actions just got his hack up./
[get one's brains fried] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {also used
colloquially} 1. To sit in the sun and sunbathe for an excessive
length of time. * /Newcomers to Hawaii should be warned not to sit in
the sun too long - they'll get their brains fried./ 2. To get high on
drugs. * /He can't make a coherent sentence anymore - he's got his
brains fried./
[get one's dander up] or [get one's Irish up] {v. phr.} To become
or make angry. * /The boy got his dander up because he couldn't go to
the store./ * /The children get the teacher's dander up when they make
a lot of noise./ Compare: BLOW A FUSE.
[get one's ducks in a row] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get everything
ready. * /The scoutmaster told the boys to get their ducks in a row
before they went to camp./ * /Mr. Brown got his ducks in a row for his
trip./ Compare: LINE UP.
[get one's feet on the ground] See: FEET ON THE GROUND.
[get one's feet wet] {v. phr.}, {informal} To begin; do something
for the first time. * /The party was at Bill's house and when Ruth and
I got there the party had already started. "Jump right in and don't be
afraid to get your feet wet," said Bill./ * /"It's not hard to dance
once you get your feet wet," said the teacher./
[get one's fingers burned] See: BURN ONE'S FINGERS.
[get one's foot in the door] See: FOOT IN THE DOOR.
[get one's goat] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make a person disgusted
or angry. * /The boy's laziness all summer got his father's goat./ *
/The slow service at the cafe got Mr. Robinson's goat./
[get one's hands on] See: LAY ONE'S HANDS ON.
[get one's number] or [have one's number] {v. phr.}, {informal} To
find out or know what kind of person somebody is. * /The boys soon had
the new student's number./ * /The girls got their new roommate's
number the first week of school./
[get one's rear in gear] {v. phr.}, {slang} To hurry up, to get
going. * /I'm gonna have to get my rear in gear./
[get one's second wind] See: SECOND WIND.
[get one's teeth into] or [sink one's teeth into] {v. phr.},
{informal} To have something real or solid to think about; go to work
on seriously; struggle with. * /After dinner, John got his teeth into
the algebra lesson./ * /Frank chose a subject for his report that he
could sink his teeth into./
[get one's tongue] See: CAT GET ONE'S TONGUE.
[get on in years] See: ALONG IN YEARS.
[get on one's good side] {v. phr.} To gain the favor of someone;
flatter or please another. * /A clever lobbyist knows how to get on
the good side of both the House of Representatives and the Senate./
[get on one's nerves] {v. phr.} To make you nervous. * /John's
noisy eating habits get on your nerves./ * /Children get on their
parents' nerves by asking so many questions./
[get on the ball] See: ON THE BALL.
[get on the bandwagon] See: JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON.
[get on the good side of] See: ON THE GOOD SIDE OF.
[get on the stick] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To get moving; to
stop being idle and to start working vigorously. * /All right, man,
let's get on the stick!/ Compare: ON THE BALL, GET OFF ONE'S TAIL.
[get on to one] {v. phr.} To figure someone out; understand what
someone else is up to. * /The FBI is on to Jim's secret trading with
the enemy./
[get one wrong] {v. phr.} To misinterpret; misunderstand another. *
/Don't get me wrong; I didn 't mean to criticize you./
[get] or [have one's say] See: DAY IN COURT.
[get out] {v. phr.} 1. Leave or depart. * /"Get out of here!" the
teacher shouted angrily to the misbehaving student./ * /"Driver, I
want to get out by the opera."/ 2. To publish; produce. * /Our press
is getting out two new books on ecology./ 3. To escape; leak out. *
/We must not let the news about this secret invention get out./
[get out in the open] See: OUT IN THE OPEN.
[get out of] {v. phr.} 1. To be excused from; avoid. * /He got out
of jury duty because of his illness./ 2. To gain from; extract from. *
/Tom complained that he didn't get anything out of the course on
grammar./
[get out of the way] See: OUT OF THE WAY.
[get out of hand] See: OUT OF HAND, OUT OF CONTROL.
[get over] {v.} 1. To finish. * /Tom worked fast to get his lesson
over./ 2. To pass over. * /It was hard to get over the muddy road./ 3.
To get well from; recover from. * /The man returned to work after he
got over his illness./ 4. To accept or forget (a sorrow or suprise.) *
/It is hard to get over the death of a member of your family./ * /We
could not get over the speed of Mary's recovery from pneumonia./
[get rattled] {v. phr.} To become confused, overexcited, or
nervous. * /The thief got so rattled when he saw the police following
him that he drove his car into a ditch./
[get rid of] See: RID OF.
[get set] {v. phr.} To get ready to start. * /The runners got set./
* /The seniors are getting set for the commencement./
[get short shrift] See: SHORT SHRIFT.
[get something out of one's system] {v. phr.} 1. To eliminate some
food item or drug from one's body. * /John will feel much better once
he gets the addictive sleeping pills out of his system./ 2. To free
oneself of yearning for something in order to liberate oneself from an
unwanted preoccupation. * /Ted bought a new cabin cruiser that he'd
been wanting for a long time, and he says he is glad that he's finally
got it out of his system./
[get something over with] See: OVER WITH(1).
get something straight {v. phr.} To clearly comprehend an issue. *
/"Let me get this straight," Burt said. "You want $85,000 for this
miserable shack?"/
[get stoned] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become very drunk or high on
some drug. * /Poor Fred was so stoned that Tom had to carry him up the
stairs./ Compare: THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND.
[get straight] See: GO STRAIGHT, GO LEGIT.
[get stuck] {v. phr.} 1. To be victimized; be cheated. * /The
Smiths sure got stuck when they bought that secondhand car; it broke
down just two days after they got it./ 2. To become entrapped or
embroiled in a physical, emotional, or social obstacle so as to be
unable to free oneself. * /Last winter our car got stuck in the snow
and we had to walk home./ * /Poor Jeff is stuck in a terrible job./ *
/Tom and Jane are stuck in a bad marriage./
[get (all) the breaks] {v. phr.} To be fortunate; have luck. *
/That fellow gets all the breaks! He's been working here only six
months, and he's already been promoted to vice president!/
[get the air] See: GET THE BOUNCE(1).
[get the ax] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To be fired from a job. * /Poor
Joe got the ax at the office yesterday./ 2. To be dismissed from
school for improper conduct, such as cheating. * /Joe got caught
cheating on his final exam and he got the ax./ 3. To have a quarrel
with one's sweetheart or steady ending in a termination of the
relationship. * /Joe got the ax from Betsie - they won't see each
other again./
[get the ball rolling] or [set the ball rolling] or [start the ball
rolling] {informal} To start an activity or action; make a beginning;
begin. * /George started the ball rolling at the party by telling a
new joke./ Compare: KEEP THE BALL ROLLING.
[get the better of] or [get the best of] {v. phr.} 1. To win over,
beat; defeat. * /Our team got the best of the visitors in the last
quarter./ * /George got the better of Robert in a game of checkers./ *
/When the opposing player fouled John, John let his anger get the
better of his good sense and hit the boy back./ * /Dave wanted to
study till midnight, but sleepiness got the best of him./ Compare: RUN
AWAY WITH(1). 2. or [have the best of] or [have the better of] To win
or be ahead in (something); gain most from (something.) * /Bill traded
an old bicycle tire for a horn; he got the best of that deal./ * /Our
team had the best of it today, but they may lose the game tomorrow./ *
/The champion had all the better of it in the last part of the fight./
Contrast: GET THE WORST OF.
[get the boot] or [the gate] or [the sack] See: GET THE AXE.
[get the bounce] or [get the gate] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. or [get
the air] To lose one's sweetheart; not be kept for a friend or lover.
* /Joe is sad because he just got the gate from his girl./ * /Shirley
was afraid she might get the air from her boyfriend if she went out
with other boys while he was away./ 2. or [get the sack] also [get the
hook] To be fired; lose a job. * /Uncle Willie can't keep a job; he
got the sack today for sleeping on the job./ * /You're likely to get
the bounce if you are absent from work too much./ Contrast: GIVE THE
BOUNCE.
[get the brush-off] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. 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./ 2. 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.
[get the cart before the horse] See: CART BEFORE THE HORSE.
[get the eye] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To be looked at, especially
with interest and liking. * /The pretty girl got the eye as she walked
past the boys on the street corner./ 2. To be looked at or stared at,
especially in a cold, unfriendly way. * /When Mary asked if she could
take home the fur coat and pay later, she got the eye from the clerk./
Contrast: GIVE THE EYE.
[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./
[get the go-ahead] or [the green light] {v. phr.} To receive the
permission or signal to start or to proceed. * /We had to wait until
we got the go-ahead on our research project./
[get the goods on] or [have the goods on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To
find out true and, often, bad information about; discover what is
wrong with; be able to prove the guilt of. * /Tell the truth, Johnny.
We know who your girl is because we've got the goods on you./ * /The
police had the goods on the burglar before he came to trial./ Compare:
HAVE SOMETHING ON.
[get the hook] See: GET THE BOUNCE(2).
[get the inside track] See: INSIDE TRACK.
[get the jitters] {v. phr.} To become very nervous or excited. * /I
always get the jitters when I sit in an airplane that's about to take
off./
[get the jump on] or [have the jump on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To get
ahead of; start before (others); have an advantage over. * /Don't let
the other boys get the jump on you at the beginning of the race./ *
/Our team got the jump on their rivals in the first minutes of play,
and held the lead to win./
[get the last laugh] See: HAVE THE LAST LAUGH.
[get the lead out of one's pants] {v. phr.}, {slang} To get busy;
work faster. * /The captain told the sailors to get the lead out of
their pants./ * /The coach told the players to get the lead out of
their pants./
[get the lowdown on] {v. phr.} To receive the full inside
information on a person or thing. * /We need to get the lowdown on
Peter before we can decide whether or not to hire him./
[get the message] or [get the word] {v. phr.}, {slang} To
understand clearly what is meant. * /The principal talked to the
students about being on time, and most of them got the message./ *
/Mary hinted to her boyfriend that she wanted to break up, but he
didn't gel the message./ Compare: THE PICTURE.
[get the picture] See: THE PICTURE.
[get the runaround] See: RUN AROUND.
[get the sack] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To be fired or dismissed from
work. * /John got the sack at the factory last week./ 2. To be told by
one's lover that the relationship is over. * /Joanna gave Sam the
sack./ See: GET THE AX and GET THE BOUNCE(2).
[get the show on the road]{v. phr.}, {informal} To start a program;
get work started. * /It was several years before the rocket scientists
got the show on the road./ Compare: GET THE BALL ROLLING.
[get the third degree] See: THIRD DEGREE.
[get the upper hand on] See: UPPER HAND.
[get the word] See: GET THE MESSAGE.
[get the works] See: THE WORKS.
[get the worst of] also [have the worst of] {v. phr.} To lose; be
defeated or beaten in; suffer most. * /Joe got the worst of the
argument with Molly./ - Often used in the phrase "the worst of it". *
/If you start a fight with Jim, you may get the worst of it./ * /Bill
had the worst of it in his race with Al./ * /Jack traded his knife for
a few marbles; he got the worst of it in that trade./ * /The driver of
the car got the worst of it in the accident./ Contrast: GET THE BETTER
OF(2).
[get through] {v. phr.} 1. To finish. * /Barry got through his
homework by late evening./ 2. To pass a course or an examination. * /I
got through every one of my courses except mathematics./
[get through one's head] {v. phr.} 1. To understand or believe. *
/Jack couldn't get it through his head that his father wouldn't let
him go to camp if his grades didn't improve./ * /At last Mary got it
through her head that she had failed to pass the test./ 2. To make
someone understand or believe. * /I'll get it through his head if it
takes all night./
[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./
[get to] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To begin by chance; begin to. -
Used with a verbal noun or an infinitive. * /George meant to save his
dollar, but he got to thinking how good an ice cream cone would taste,
and he spent it./ * /On a rainy day, Sally got to looking around in
the attic and found some old pictures of Father./ * /I got to know
Mary at the party./ * /I was just getting to know John when he moved
away./ Compare: TAKE TO(2). 2. To have a chance to; be able to. * /The
Taylors wanted to go to the beach Saturday, but it rained and they
didn't get to./ * /Did you get to see the king?/ Compare: GET AT(3).
3. See: HAVE TO.
[get to first base] or [reach first base] {v. phr.} To make a good
start; really begin; succeed, * /Joe had a long paper to write for
history class, but when the teacher asked for it, Joe hadn't got to
first base yet./ * /Suppose Sam falls in love with Betty. Can he even
get to first base with her?/ * /George wants to go to college and
become a teacher, but I'll be surprised if he even reaches first
base./ * /If you don't dress neatly, you won't get to first base when
you look for a job./ Compare: FIRST BASE.
[get together] {v.} To come to an agreement; agree. * /Mother says
I should finish my arithmetic lesson, and Father says I should mow the
lawn. Why don't you two get together?/
[get-together] {n.} A party; a gathering. * /I hate to break up
this nice get-together but we must leave./ * /We manage to have a
get-together with our old friends once or twice a year./
[get to the bottom of] {v. phr.} To find out the real cause of. *
/The superintendent talked with several students to get to the bottom
of the trouble./ * /The doctor made several tests to get to the bottom
of the man's headaches./ Compare: GET TO THE HEART OF.
[get to the heart of] {v. phr.} To find the most important facts
about or the central meaning of; understand the most important thing
about. * /You can often get to the heart of people's unhappiness by
letting them talk./ * /"If you can find a topic sentence, often it
will help you get to the heart of the paragraph," said the teacher./
[get to the point] See: COME TO THE POINT.
[get two strikes against one] See: TWO STRIKES AGAINST.
[get underway] {v. phr.} To set out on a journey; start going. *
/We are delighted that our new Ph.D. program finally got underway./
[get under one's skin] {v. phr.} To bother; upset. * /The students
get under Mary's skin by talking about her freckles./ * /Children who
talk too much in class get under the teacher's skin./
[get up] {v.} 1. To get out of bed. * /John's mother told him that
it was time to get up./ 2. To stand up; get to your feet. * /A man
should get up when a woman comes into the room./ 3. 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./ 4. To dress up. * /One of the girls got herself up as a
witch for the Halloween party./ 5. To go ahead. * /The wagon driver
shouted, "Get up!" to his horses./
[get up] or [rise with the chickens] {v. phr.} To rise very early
in the morning. * /All the farmers in this village get up with the
chickens./ Contrast: GO TO BED WITH THE CHICKENS.
[get-up] {n.} (stress on "get") Fancy dress or costume. * /Some
get-up you're wearing!/
[get-up-and-go] also [get-up-and-get] {n. phr.}, {informal}
Energetic enthusiasm; ambitious determination; pep; drive; push. *
/Joe has a lot of get-up-and-go and is working his way through
school./
[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./
[get up the nerve] {v. phr.} To build up your courage until you are
brave enough; become brave enough. * /Jack got up the nerve to ask
Ruth to dance with him./ * /The hungry little boy got up nerve to ask
for another piece of cake./
[get used to] See: USED TO.
[get warmed up] See: WARM UP.
[get what's coming to one] or {slang} [get one's] {v. phr.} To
receive the good or bad that you deserve; get what is due to you; get
your share. * /At the end of the movie the villain got what was coming
to him and was put in jail./ * /John didn't think he was getting what
was coming to him, so he quit the job./ * /Mother told Mary that she'd
get hers if she kept on being naughty./ Compare: CATCH IT, HAVE IT
COMING, SERVE RIGHT.
[get wind of] {v. phr.} To get news of; hear rumors about; find out
about. * /The police got wind of the plans to rob the bank./ * /The
captain didn't want the sailors to get wind of where the ship was
going./
[get wise] {v. phr.}, {slang} To learn about something kept secret
from you; become alert. * /One girl pretended to be sick on gym days
when she had athletics, until the teacher got wise and made her go
anyway./ - Often used with "to". * /The boys got wise to Jack's
fondness for bubble gum./ * /If you don't get wise to yourself and
start studying, you will fail the course./ Compare: CATCH ON, SEE
THROUGH. Contrast: IN THE DARK.
[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.
[ghost] See: GIVE UP THE GHOST.
[ghost of a] Least trace of; slightest resemblance to; smallest bit
even of; a very little. Usually used with "chance" or "idea" in
negative sentences, or with "smile". * /There wasn't a ghost of a
chance that Jack would win./ * /We didn't have the ghost of an idea
where to look for John./ * /The teacher scolded Harold for drawing a
funny picture on the chalkboard, but she had a ghost of a smile./
Compare: FAT CHANCE.
[ghost-writer] {n.} A writer whose identity remains a secret and
who writes for another who receives all the credit. * /It is rumored
that John Smith's best-selling novel was written by a ghost-writer./
[gift of gab] or [gift of the gab] {n. phr.}, {informal} Skill in
talking; ability to make interesting talk that makes people believe
you. * /Many men get elected because of their gift of gab./ * /Mr.
Taylor's gift of gab helped him get a good job./
[gild the lily] also [paint the lily] {v. phr.} To add
unnecessarily to something already beautiful or good enough. * /To
talk about a beautiful sunset is to gild the lily./ * /For the
beautiful girl to use makeup would be to gild the lily./ * /Frank's
father is a millionaire, but Frank gilds the lily by saying he is a
billionaire./
[gill] See: FED TO THE GILLS at FED UP, GREEN AROUND THE GILLS or
PALE AROUND THE GILLS.
[gilt-edged] {adj.} Of the highest quality. * /Government saving
bonds are considered by many to be a gilt-edged investment./
[gin mill] {n.}, {slang} A bar where liquor is sold. * /Rush Street
in Chicago is full of gin mills./ Syn.: SPEAKEASY.
[G.I.] or ["government issue"] {n.} An American soldier. * /After
the war many GI's were able to get a free education./
[gird one's loins] {v. phr.}, {literary} To prepare for action; get
ready for a struggle or hard work. * /David girded up his loins and
went out to meet the giant Goliath./ * /Seniors must gird their loins
for the battles of life./
[girl Friday] {n.} A very dependable and helpful female office
worker; especially a secretary. * /Miss Johnson is the manager's girl
Friday./ * /There was an advertisement in the newspaper for a girl
Friday./
[girl friend] {n.}, {informal} 1. A female friend or companion. *
/Jane is spending the night at her girlfriend's house./ 2. A boy's
steady girl; the girl or woman partner in a love affair; girl;
sweetheart. * /John is taking his girl friend to the dance./ Contrast:
BOYFRIEND.
[give] See: SILENCE GIVES CONSENT.
[give a buzz] See: GIVE A RING.
[give a cold shoulder] See: COLD SHOULDER.
[give a hand] See: LEND A HAND.
[give a hang] or [care a hang] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have any
interest or liking; care. - Used also with other words in the place of
"hang", such as "damn", "rap", "straw"; usually used in the negative.
* /You can quit helping me if you want to. I don't give a hang./ *
/Some people don't care a rap about sports./ * /Bruce never goes to
the dances; he does not care a straw about dancing./
[give a hard time] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To give trouble by what
you do or say; complain. * /Jane gave her mother a hard time on the
bus by fighting with her sister and screaming./ * /Don't give me a
hard time, George. I'm doing my best on this job./ Compare: GIVE FITS.
2. To get in the way by teasing or playing; kid. * /Don't give me a
hard time, boys. I'm trying to study./ Compare: ACT UP, IN ONE'S HAIR.
[give-and-take] {n. phr.} 1. A sharing; giving and receiving back
and forth between people; a giving up by people on different sides of
part of what each one wants so that they can agree. * /Jimmy is too
selfish. He has no notion of give-and-take with the other children but
wants everything for himself./ * /There has to be give-and-take
between two countries before they can be friends./ Compare: LIVE AND
LET LIVE. 2. Friendly talking or argument back and forth. Friendly
sharing of ideas which may not agree; also: an exchange of teasing
remarks. * /After the meeting there was a lot of give-and-take about
plans for the dance./
[give an ear to] or [lend an ear to] {v. phr.}, {literary} To
listen to. * /Children should give an ear to their parents' advice./ *
/The king lent an ear to the complaints of his people./
[give a pain] {v. phr.}, {slang} To make (you) disgusted; annoy. *
/Ann's laziness gives her mother a pain./ * /John's bad manners give
his teacher a pain./ Compare: PAIN IN THE NECK.
[give as good as one gets] {v. phr.} To be able to give back blow
for blow; defend yourself well in a fight or argument. * /The
Americans gave as good as they got in the war with the English./ *
/George gave as good as he got in his fight with the older boy./
Compare: EYE FOR AN EYE, GAME AT WHICH TWO CAN PLAY.
[give away] {v.} 1. To give as a present. * /Mrs. Jones has several
kittens to give away./ 2. To hand over (a bride) to her husband at the
wedding. * /Mr. Jackson gave away his daughter./ 3. 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. 4. See: GIVE ONESELF AWAY.
[giveaway] or [dead giveaway] {n.} (stress on "give") 1. An open
secret. * /By mid-afternoon, it was a dead giveaway who the new boss
would be./ 2. A forced or sacrifice sale at which items are sold for
much less than their market value. * /The Simpson's garage sale was
actually a big giveaway./ 3. A gift; something one doesn't have to pay
for. * /The tickets to the concert were a giveaway./
[give a wide berth] {v. phr.} To keep away from; keep a safe
distance from. * /Mary gave the barking dog a wide berth./ * /Jack
gave a wide berth to the fallen electric wires./ * /After Tom got Bob
into trouble. Bob gave him a wide berth./
[give birth to] {v. phr.} 1. To bear live offspring. * /The mother
gave birth to twin baby girls./ 2. To bring about; create; occasion. *
/Beethoven gave birth to a new kind of symphony./
[give chase] {v. phr.} To chase or run after someone or something.
* /The dog saw a rabbit and gave chase./ * /The policeman gave chase
to the man who robbed the bank./
[give color to] or [lend color to] {v. phr.} To make (something)
seem true or likely. * /The boy's torn clothes gave color to his story
of a fight./ * /The way the man ate lent color to his story of near
starvation./
[give credence to] {v. phr.} 1. To be willing to believe that
something is true. * /Larry gave credence to the rumor that Fred used
to be a convict./ * /Give no credence to the rumor that our state is
bankrupt; nothing could be farther from the truth./
[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.
[give forth] {v. phr.} To emit; produce. * /When the gong was
struck it gave forth a rich, resounding sound./
[give free rein to] See: GIVE REIN TO.
[give gray hair] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make (someone) anxious,
confused, or worried. * /The traffic problem is enough to give a
policeman gray hairs./ Compare: GET GRAY HAIR.
[give ground] {v. phr.} To go backward under attack; move back;
retreat. * /After fighting for a while the troops slowly began to give
ground./ * /Although they were outnumbered by the enemy, the men
refused to give ground./ Compare: DRAW BACK, DROP BACK, LOSE GROUND.
Contrast: HOLD ONE'S GROUND, STAND OFF, STAND ONE'S GROUND, STAND PAT,
STAVE OFF.
[give her the gun] See: GIVE IT THE GUN.
[give in] {v.} To stop fighting or arguing and do as the other
person wants; give someone his own way; stop opposing someone. *
/Mother kept inviting Mrs. Smith to stay for lunch, and finally she
gave in./ * /After Billy proved that he could ride a bicycle safely,
his father gave in to him and bought him one./ Compare: GIVE UP, SAY
UNCLE.
[give it some thought] {v. phr.} To wait and see; consider
something after some time has elapsed. * /"Will you buy my car?" Fred
asked. "Let me give it some thought," Jim answered./ Contrast: SLEEP
ON.
[give it the gun] or [give her the gun] {v. phr.}, {slang} To gun
or speed up a motor; make a car, airplane, or something driven by a
motor go faster. * /The race driver gave it the gun./ * /The speedboat
pilot gave her the gun./ Compare: STEP ON IT.
[give it to] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To give punishment to; beat.
* /The crowd yelled for the wrestler to give it to his opponent./
Syn.: LET HAVE IT. 2. To scold. * /Jerry's mother gave it to him for
coming home late./ Compare: GIVE A PIECE OF ONE'S MIND, LACE INTO.
Contrast: CATCH IT.
[give it to one straight] {v. phr.} To be direct; be frank. * /I
asked the doctor to give it to me straight how long I have to live./
[give no quarter] {v. phr.} To be ruthless and show no mercy. *
/The enemy soldiers gave no quarter and shot all the prisoners./
[give notice] {v. phr.} To inform an employer, an employee, a
landlord, or a tenant of the termination of a contractual agreement of
service or tenancy. * /Max gave notice at the bank where he was
working./ * /Sally was given notice by her landlord./
[given to] {adj. phr.} Having a tendency to; addicted to. * /Phil
is given to telling fantastic tales about his chateau in France./
[give off] {v.} To send out; let out; put forth. * /Rotten eggs
give off a bad smell./ * /Burning leaves give off thick smoke./ Syn.:
GIVE OUT(2).
[give of oneself] {v. phr.}, {literary} To give your time and
effort to help others. * /You should give of yourself sometimes./ *
/During World War II, Governor Baldwin gave of himself by sweeping the
halls of a hospital every afternoon./
[give one a dressing down] See: DRESSING DOWN.
[give one a free hand] See: FREE HAND.
[give one a (good) going-over] See: GO OVER(1).
[give one a lift] {v. phr.} 1. To give someone a ride. * /Jack gave
me a lift in his new car./ 2. To comfort someone. * /Talking to my
doctor yesterday gave me a lift./
[give one an inch, and he will take a mile] If you give some people
a little or yield anything, they will want more and more; some people
are never satisfied. * /I gave Billy a bite of candy and he wanted
more and more. If you give him an inch, he'll take a mile./ * /The
counselor said to Jack, "No, I can't let you get a haircut until
Saturday. It's against the rules, and if I give an inch, someone will
take a mile."/
[give one a piece of one's mind] {v. phr.}, {informal} To scold
angrily; say what you really think to (someone). * /Mr. Allen gave the
other driver a piece of his mind./ * /The sergeant gave the soldier a
piece of his mind for not cleaning his boots./ Syn.: TELL OFF.
Compare: BAWL OUT, DRESS DOWN, GIVE IT TO, TONGUE LASHING.
[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./
[give one enough rope and he will hang himself] {informal} Give a
bad person enough time and freedom to do as he pleases, and he may
make a bad mistake or get into trouble and be caught. - A proverb. *
/Johnny is always stealing and hasn't been caught. But give him enough
rope and he'll hang himself./ - Often used in a short form, "give one
enough rope". * /Mother didn't know who robbed the cookie jar, but she
thought she could catch him if she gave him enough rope./
[give one pause] {v. phr.} To astonish someone; cause one to stop
and think. * /"Your remark gives me pause," Tom said, when Jane called
him an incurable gambler./
[give one short shrift] See: SHORT SHRIFT.
[give oneself airs] {v. phr.} To act proud; act vain. * /Mary gave
herself airs when she wore her new dress./ * /John gave himself airs
when he won first prize./
[give oneself away] {v. phr.} To show guilt; show you have done
wrong. * /The thief gave himself away by spending so much money./ *
/Carl played a joke on Bob and gave himself away by laughing./
Compare: GIVE AWAY.
[give oneself up] {v.} To stop hiding or running away; surrender. *
/The thief gave himself up to the police./ * /Mr. Thompson hit another
car, and his wife told him to give himself up./ Compare: TURN IN.
[give oneself up to] {v. phr.} Not to hold yourself back from; let
yourself enjoy. * /Uncle Willie gave himself up to a life of
wandering./ * /John came inside from the cold and gave himself up to
the pleasure of being in a warm room./ Compare: ENJOY ONESELF, LET
ONESELF GO.
[give one some of his] or [her own medicine] {v. phr.} To treat
someone the way he or she treats others (used in the negative). * /The
gangster beat up an innocent old man, so when he resisted arrest, a
policeman gave him a little of his own medicine./
[give one's due] {v. phr.} To be fair to (a person), give credit
that (a person) deserves. * /The boxer who lost gave the new champion
his due./ * /We should give a good worker his due./ Compare: GIVE THE
DEVIL HIS DUE.
[give one's right arm for] {v. phr.} To give something of great
value; sacrifice. * /During our long hike in the desert, I would have
given my right arm for an ice cold drink./
[give one's word] {v. phr.} To seriously promise. * /"You gave me
your word you would marry me," Mary bitterly complained, "but you
broke your word."/
[give one the eye] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To look at, especially
with interest and liking. * /A pretty girl went by and all the boys
gave her the eye./ 2. To look or stare at, especially in a cold or
unfriendly way. * /Mrs. Jones didn't like Mary and didn't speak. She
just gave her the eye when they met on the street./
[give one the works] See: THE WORKS.
[give or take] {v, phr.} To add or subtract. Used with a round
number or date to show how approximate it is. * /The house was built
in 1900, give or take five years./
[give out] {v.} 1. To make known; let it be known; publish. * /Mary
gave out that she and Bob were going to be married./ 2. To let escape;
give. * /The cowboy gave out a yell./ Syn.: GIVE OFF, LET GO. 3. to
give to people; distribute. * /The barber gives out free lollipops to
all the children./ Compare: HAND OUT, PASS OUT. 4. To fail; collapse.
* /Tom's legs gave out and he couldn't run any farther./ * /The chair
gave out under the fat man./ Compare: WEAR OUT. 5. To be finished or
gone. * /When the food at the party gave out, they bought more./ *
/The teacher's patience gave out./ Syn.: RUN OUT, RUN SHORT. Compare:
USE UP, WEAR OUT. 6. {slang} Not to hold back; act freely; let
yourself go. - Often used in the imperative. * /You're not working
hard, Charley. Give out!/ 7. {informal} To show how you feel. * /When
Jane saw the mouse, she gave out with a scream./ * /Give out with a
little smile./ Compare: LET GO.
[give pause] {v. phr.} To cause you to stop and think; make you
doubt or worry. * /The heavy monthly payments gave Mr. Smith pause in
his plans to buy a new car./ * /The bad weather gave Miss Carter pause
about driving to New York City./
[give place to] See: GIVE RISE TO.
[give rein to] or [give free rein to] {v. phr.} To remove all
restrictions or limitations from someone or something. * /When she
wrote her first mystery novel, the talented novelist gave rein to her
imagination./
[give rise to] {v. phr.} To be the reason for; cause. * /A branch
floating in the water gave rise to Columbus' hopes that land was
near./ * /John's black eye gave rise to rumors that he had been in a
fight./
[give someone his rights] or [read someone his rights] {v. phr.},
{informal} 1. The act of advising arrested criminals that they have
the right to remain silent and that everything they say can be held
against them in a court of law; that they have the right to the
presence of an attorney during questioning and that if they can't
afford one and request it, an attorney will be appointed for them by
the State. * /The cops gave Smith his rights immediately after the
arrest./ 2. To sever a relationship by telling someone that he or she
can go and see a divorce lawyer or the like. * /Sue gave Mike his
rights before she slammed the door in his face./ Compare: READ THE
RIOT ACT.
[give the air] See: GIVE THE BOUNCE(1).
[give the ax] {v. phr.}, {colloquial} 1. Abruptly to finish a
relationship. * /She gave me the ax last night./ 2. To fire an
employee in a curt manner. * /His boss gave John the ax last Friday./
[give the benefit of the doubt] {v. phr.} To believe (a person) is
innocent rather than guilty when you are not sure. * /The money was
stolen and John was the only boy who had known where it was, but the
teacher gave him the benefit of the doubt./ * /George's grade was
higher than usual and he might have cheated, but his teacher gave him
the benefit of the doubt./
[give the bounce] or [give the gate] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. or [give
the air] To stop being a friend or lover to (a person); separate from.
* /Mary gave John the bounce after she saw him dating another girl./ *
/Bill and Jane had an argument and Bill is giving her the gate./ 2. or
[give the sack] also [give the hook] To fire from a job; dismiss. *
/The ball team gave Joe the gate because he never came to practice./
Contrast: GET THE BOUNCE.
[give the creeps] See: THE CREEPS.
[give the devil his due] {v. phr.} To be fair, even to someone who
is bad; tell the truth about a person even though you don't like him,
* /I don't like Mr. Jones, but to give the devil his due, I must admit
that he is a good teacher./
[give the gate] See: GIVE THE BOUNCE.
[give the glad eye] {v. phr.}, {slang} To give (someone) a
welcoming look as if saying "come over here, I want to talk to you." *
/I was surprised when Joe gave me the glad eye./
[give the go-by] {v. phr.} To pay no attention to a person; avoid.
* /John fell in love with Mary, but she gave him the go-by./ * /The
boy raised his hand to answer the question, but the teacher gave him
the go-by./ Compare: THE RUNAROUND.
[give the high sign] See: HIGH SIGN.
[give the hook] See: GIVE THE BOUNCE(2).
[give the lie to] {v. phr.}, {literary} 1. To call (someone) a
liar. * /The police gave the lie to the man who said that he had been
at home during the robbery./ 2. To show (something) to be false; prove
untrue. * /The boy's dirty face gave the lie to his answer that he had
washed./
[give the sack] See: GIVE THE BOUNCE(2).
[give the shirt off one's back] {v. phr.}, {informal} To give away
something or everything that you own. * /He'd give you the shirt off
his back./
[give the show away] {v. phr.} To reveal a plan or information that
is supposed to be secret. * /You have read further in the book than I
have, but please don't tell me where the treasure was buried;
otherwise you'd be giving the show away./
[give the slip] {v.} To escape from (someone); run away from
unexpectedly; sneak away from. * /An Indian was following, but Boone
gave him the slip by running down a hill./ * /Some boys were waiting
outside the school to beat up Jack, but he gave them the slip./
[give signs of] See: SHOW SIGN(S) OF; SHOW NO SIGN OF.
[give the willies] {v. phr.} To cause someone to be uncomfortable,
fearful, or nervous. * /Sue hates to camp out in a tent; the buzzing
of the mosquitoes gives her the willies./
[give thought to] {v. phr.} To consider; think about. * /Have you
given any thought to the question of how to sell Grandpa's old house?/
Contrast: GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT.
[give to understand] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To make a person
think that something is true but not tell him; suggest; hint. * /Mr.
Johnson gave Billy to understand that he would pay him if he helped
him clean the yard./ 2. To make a person understand by telling him
very plainly or boldly. * /Frank was given to understand in a short
note from the boss that he was fired./
[give up] {v.} 1a. To stop trying to keep; surrender; yield. * /The
dog had the ball in his mouth and wouldn't give it up./ * /Jimmy is
giving up his job as a newsboy when he goes back to school./ Compare:
GIVE ONESELF UP, HAND OVER, LET GO(1a). Contrast: HOLD ON TO. 1b. To
allow; permit. * /Ford gave up two walks in the first inning./ 2. To
stop doing or having; abandon; quit. * /The doctor told Mr. Harris to
give up smoking./ * /Jane hated to give up her friends when she moved
away./ Compare: LEAVE OFF, PART WITH. 3. To stop hoping for, waiting
for, or trying to do. * /Johnny was given up by the doctors after the
accident, but he lived just the same./ * /When Mary didn't come by
nine o'clock, we gave her up./ * /I couldn't do the puzzle so I gave
it up./ 4. To stop trying; quit; surrender. * /The war will be over
when one of the countries gives up./ * /The other team gave up after
we scored three touchdowns./ Compare: GIVE IN(2), RESIGN ONESELF,
THROW IN THE SPONGE.
[give (one) up for] {v. phr.} To abandon hope for someone or
something. * /After Larry had not returned to base camp for three
nights, his fellow mountain climbers gave him up for dead./
[give up the ghost] {v. phr.} To die; stop going. * /After a long
illness, the old woman gave up the ghost./ * /The motor turned over a
few times and gave up the ghost./
[give up the ship] {v. phr.} To stop fighting and surrender; stop
trying or hoping to do something. * /"Don't give up the ship, John,"
said his father when John failed a test./
[give voice] {v. phr.}, {formal} To tell what you feel or think;
especially when you are angry or want to object. - Used with "to". *
/The students gave voice to their pleasure over the new building./ *
/Little Willie gave voice to his pain when the dog bit him by crying
loudly./ Compare: CRY OUT, SPEAK OUT.
[give way] {v.} 1. To go back; retreat. * /The enemy army is giving
way before the cannon fire./ Compare: FALL BACK. 2. To make room, get
out of the way. * /The children gave way and let their mother through
the door./ Compare: MAKE WAY. 3. To lose control of yourself; lose
your courage or hope; yield. * /Mrs. Jones didn't give way during the
flood, but she was very frightened./ Compare: GIVE UP, LOSE ONE'S
HEAD. 4. To collapse; fail. * /The river was so high that the dam gave
way./ * /Mary's legs gave way and she fainted./ Compare: GIVE OUT(4),
LET GO(1a). 5. To let yourself be persuaded; give permission. * /Billy
kept asking his mother if he could go to the movies and she finally
gave way./ Compare: GIVE IN.
[give way to] {v. phr.} 1a. To make room for; allow to go or pass;
yield to. * /John gave way to the old lady and let her pass./ 1b. To
allow to decide. * /Mrs. Rogers gave way lo her husband in buying the
car./ 1c. To lose control of (your feelings), not hold back. * /Timmy
gave way to his feelings when his dog died./ 2. or [give place to]. To
be replaced by. * /Radio has given way to television in popularity./ *
/When she saw the clowns, the little girl's tears gave way lo
laughter./
[glad hand] {n.}, {informal} A friendly handshake; a warm greeting.
* /Father went to the front door to give Uncle Fred the glad hand when
he arrived./ * /The politician went down the street on election day
giving everyone the glad hand./
[glad rags] {n.}, {slang} Clothes worn to parties or on special
occasions; best clothes. * /Mrs. Owens put on her glad rags for the
party./ Compare: BEST BIB AND TUCKER.
[glance] See: AT FIRST GLANCE or AT FIRST SIGHT.
[glance off] {v. phr.} To ricochet. * /The bullet glanced off the
wall and wounded an innocent bystander./
[glass] See: PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT THROW
STONES, SAFETY GLASS.
[glasses] See: LOOK AT THE WORLD THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES.
[glass jaw] {n.}, {slang} The inability of a boxer to get a hard
punch on the jaw without being knocked out; a tendency to be knocked
out easily. * /He would have been champion except for his glass jaw./
[globe-trotter] {n.} One who has travelled far and wide. * /Tim and
Nancy are regular globe-trotters; there are few countries they haven't
been to./
[glory] See: IN ONE'S GLORY.
[gloss over] {v.} To try to make what is wrong or bad seem right or
not important; try to make a thing look easy; pretend about; hide. *
/Billy broke a window and Mother tried to gloss it over by saying it
wouldn't cost much to have it fixed, but Father spanked Billy anyway./
* /John glossed over his mistake by saying that everybody did the same
thing./
[glove] See: FIT LIKE A GLOVE, HAND IN GLOVE or HAND AND GLOVE,
HANDLE WITH GLOVES.
[glutton for punishment] {n. phr.} A greedy person; someone who
wants too much of something, such as food or drink, which will make
him sick. * /Fred eats so much red meat that he is a regular glutton
for punishment./
[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.
[go about] {v.} 1. To be busy with; keep busy at or working on;
start working on; do. * /Bobby is going about his homework very
seriously tonight./ * /Just go about your business and don't keep
looking out of the window./ * /How will you go about building the bird
house?/ Syn.: GO AT(2). 2a. To move from one place or person to
another. * /Some people go about telling untrue stories./ 2b. To go
together. - Usually used with "with". * /Mother doesn't want me to go
about with Jane and her friends any more./ Syn.: GO AROUND(1b).
[go about one's business] {v. phr.} To mind one's own affairs. *
/Fred kept bothering me with his questions all day, so I finally told
him to go about his business and leave me alone./
[go after] {v.} To try to get. * /"First find out what job you want
and then go after it," said Jim's father./
[go against the grain] See: AGAINST THE GRAIN(2).
[go ahead] {v.} To begin to do something; not wait. * /The teacher
told the students not to write on the paper yet, but John went ahead
and wrote his name./ * /"May I ask you a question?" "Go ahead."/
Compare: GO ON(1).
[go astray] {v. phr.} To become lost. * /The letter has obviously
gone astray; otherwise it would have been delivered a long time ago./
[goal] See: FIELD GOAL.
[goal line] {n.} A line that marks the goal in a game (as
football.) * /The fullback went over the goal line from five yards
out./
[goal line stand] {n.} A strong defensive effort right in front of
the goal line. * /A goal line stand by the home team held the visitors
on the two-yard line./
[go all the way with] See: ALL THE WAY.
[go along] {v.} 1. To move along; continue. * /Uncle Bill made up
the story as he went along./ Compare: GO ON(1). 2. 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./ 3. 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./
[go ape] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become highly excited or behave in a
crazy way. * /Amy went ape over the hotel and beautiful beaches./ *
/The electric door opener malfunctioned and caused the garage door to
go ape./
[go around] {v.} 1a. To go from one place or person to another. *
/Mr. Smith is going around looking for work./ * /Don't go around
telling lies like that./ * /Chicken pox is going around the
neighborhood./ * /A rumor is going around school that we will get the
afternoon off./ 1b. To go together; keep company. - Usually used with
"with". * /Bill goes around with boys older than he is because he is
big for his age./ Syn.: GO ABOUT(2b). 2. To be enough to give to
everyone; be enough for all. * /There are not enough desks to go
around in the classroom./
[go around in circles] See: IN A CIRCLE.
[goat] See: GET ONE'S GOAT.
[go at] {v.} 1. To start to fight with; attack. * /The dog and the
cat are going at each other again./ 2. To make a beginning on;
approach; tackle. * /How are you going to go at the job of fixing the
roof?/ Compare: START IN. Syn.: GO ABOUT(1).
[go at it hammer and tongs] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To attack or
fight with great strength or energy; have a bad argument. * /Bill
slapped George's face and now they're going at it hammer and tongs in
back of the house./ * /Helen and Mary have been arguing all day, and
now they are going at it hammer and tongs again./ 2. To start or do
something with much strength, energy, or enthusiasm. * /The farmer had
to chop down a tree and he went at it hammer and tongs./ * /Charles
had a lot of homework to do and he went at it hammer and tongs till
bedtime./ Compare: IN EARNEST, WITH MIGHT AND MAIN.
[go AWOL] See: ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE.
[go back on] {v. phr.} 1. To turn against; not be faithful or loyal
to. * /Many of the man's friends went back on him when he was sent to
prison./ * /The boy's father told him not to go back on his promise./
Compare: BACK DOWN, TURN ONE'S BACK. 2. To fail to do necessary work;
not work. * /Grandfather's eyes are going back on him./ Compare: BREAK
DOWN(4), GIVE OUT.
[go back on one's word] {v. phr.} To renege; break a promise. *
/Patrick went back on his word when he refused to marry Karen in spite
of his earlier promise./
[go] or [be on the rocks] See: ON THE ROCKS.
[go] or [be on the wagon] See: ON THE WAGON. Contrast: FALL OFF THE
WAGON.
[go bail for] {v. phr.} To advance the necessary money as security
in order to release an accused person until trial. * /The arrested
driver had no trouble finding someone to go bail for him./
[go begging] {v. phr.} To be not needed or wanted. * /Many old
homes in the city go begging./ * /Most of the apples on the market
went begging./
[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./
[go-between] {n.} An intermediary. * /They expect Mr. Smith to act
as a go-between in the dispute between management and labor./
[go bust] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become bankrupt. * /Our company
lost a lot of money and went bust./ Compare: BELLY UP.
[go-by] See: GIVE THE GO-BY.
[go by] {v.} 1. To go or move past; pass. * /Bob had to go by the
post office on his way to school, so he mailed the letter./ 2. To
follow; copy; obey. * /Mother goes by a pattern when she makes a
dress./ * /You will find Main Street without trouble if you go by
Father's directions./ * /If you ride a bicycle, you must go by the
rules of the road./ 3. To be known by; be called. * /Many actors do
not go by their real names./ * /Fred goes by the nickname of Chubby./
4. To pass; be over; end. * /Time goes by quickly on vacation./ * /The
horse and buggy days have gone by./ * /The flowers have all gone by.
What will I do for a bouquet?/ 5. To stop for a short visit; go to
someone's house for a short while. * /"Have you seen Bill lately?"
"Yes, I went by his house last week."/ Compare: STOP BY.
[go by the board] also [pass by the board] {v. phr.} To go away or
disappear forever, be forgotten or not used. * /Tom had several
chances to go to college, but he let them go by the board./ *
/Grandfather said he was too old to go to the beach. "Those days have
passed by the board," he said./ Compare: DOWN THE DRAIN.
[go by the name of] {v. phr.} To be called. * /Adolf Schicklegruber
went by the name of Adolf Hitler./
[go chase oneself] {v. phr.}, {slang} Go away and stop being a
nuisance. * /John's father was busy and told him to go chase himself./
* /The owner of the store told the boys in front to go chase
themselves./ Compare: BEAT IT, GO JUMP IN THE LAKE.
[God] See: IN THE LAP OP THE GODS also ON THE KNEES OP THE GODS, MY
GOD or MY GOODNESS, WOULD THAT or WOULD GOD.
[God forbid] {interj.} May God prevent (something from happening);
I hope that will not happen or is not true. * /Someone told the
worried mother that her son might have drowned. She said, "God
forbid!"/ * /God forbid that the dam break and flood the valley!/
Compare: PERISH THE THOUGHT.
[Godfrey] See: GREAT GODFREY.
[God knows] or [goodness knows] or [heaven knows] {informal} 1.
Maybe God knows but I don't know and no one else knows. - Often used
with "only". * /Do you know where Susan is? God only knows!/ 2.
Surely; certainly. * /Goodness knows, the poor man needs the money./ *
/Heaven only knows, I have tried hard enough./
[Godmother] See: FAIRY GODMOTHER.
[go down] {v. phr.} 1. To deteriorate in quality. * /This hotel,
which used to be one of the best, has gone down during the past few
years./ 2. To become lower in price. * /It is said that the price of
milk is expected to go down soon./ 3. To sink. * /The Titanic went
down with a lot of people aboard./
[go down in history] or [go down in the records] {v. phr.} To be
remembered or recorded for always. * /The lives of great men go down
in history./ * /Babe Ruth went down in history as a home run hitter./
* /The boy's straight A's for four years of college went down in the
records./ * /The President said that the day the war ended would go
down in history./
[go down the drain] {v. phr.} To be lost or wasted forever. * /If
he doesn't pass the bar examination tomorrow, his best efforts to
become a lawyer will go down the drain./
[God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb] {literary} A person who is
already helpless will not have more trouble; you will not have more
trouble than you can bear. * /After Mr. Smith lost his job, the
Smith's house caught fire, but the fire was put out before much harm
was done. Mr. Smith said, "God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb."/
Contrast: IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS.
[go Dutch] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go out for fun together but
have each person pay for himself. * /High school students often go
Dutch to basketball games./ * /Sometimes boys and girls go Dutch on
dates./ * /The girl knew her boyfriend had little money, so she
offered to go Dutch./ Compare: DUTCH TREAT.
[go easy] See: TAKE IT EASY(1).
[go fly a kite] {v. phr.}, {slang} To go away; leave. Usually used
as a command, to show that you do not accept someone's ideas. * /Harry
was tired of John's advice and told him to go fly a kite./ * /After
Mary stood around telling Sue what was wrong with her dress. Sue told
her to go fly a kite./ Compare: DROP DEAD, GO JUMP IN THE LAKE.
[go for] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To try to get; aim for; try for.
* /Our team is going for the championship in the game tonight./ * /The
dog went for Bob's leg./ 2. To favor; support; like. * /Little Susie
really goes for ice cream./ * /Bob goes for Jane in a big way./ 3. To
attack; begin to fight or argue with. * /The Indian jumped out of the
*hush and went for Daniel./ * /Molly went for James about being late
as soon as he got home./
[go for a spin] {v. phr.} To go for a ride in a car. * /Billy has
invited us to go for a spin in his new car./
[go for broke] {v. phr.}, {slang} To risk everything on one big
effort; use all your energy and skill; try as hard as possible. * /The
racing car driver decided to go for broke in the biggest race of the
year./ Compare: ALL-OUT.
[go for nothing] also {formal} [go for naught] {v. phr.} To count
for nothing; be useless; be wasted. * /What the teacher said went for
nothing because the pupils did not pay attention./ * /I hope that all
your good work doesn't go for naught./ Compare: IN VAIN.
[go from bad to worse] {adv. phr.} To change from a bad position or
condition to a worse one; become worse. * /Dick's typing went from bad
to worse when he was tired./ * /Jack's conduct in school has gone from
bad to worse./ Compare: OUT OF THE PRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE.
[go from strength to strength] {v. phr.} To move forward,
increasing one's fame, power, or fortune in a series of successful
achievements. * /Our basketball team has gone from strength to
strength./
[go-getter] {n.} A person who works hard to become successful; an
active, ambitious person who usually gets what he wants. * /The
governor of the state has always been a go-getter./ * /The best
salesmen are the go-getters./
[go-go] {adj.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Vigorous youthful, unusually
active. * /Joe is a go-go kind of guy./ 2. Of a discotheque or the
music or dances performed there. 3a. Unrestrained. 3b. Very
up-to-date, hip. * /Mary wore handsome go-go boots to the discotheque
last night./
[go great guns] See: GREAT GUNS.
[go halfway] or [go halfway to meet one] or [meet one halfway] {v.
phr.} To give up part of what you want or to do your share in reaching
an agreement with someone. * /Our neighbors are willing to go halfway
to meet us and pay their share for a fence between our houses./ * /Bob
wants to make up after your fight and you should meet him halfway./ *
/If you're willing to go halfway with us, we'll be friends again./ *
/Bill met Mary halfway after their argument./
[go halves] {v. phr.}, {informal} To share half or equally become
partners. * /The boys went halves in raising pigs./ * /The men are
going halves in a new business./ * /The girl bought a box of candy and
went halves with her roommate./
[go hang] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To stop being of interest or
importance; be forgotten. - Usually used with "let". * /Mr. Johnson
let his business go hang after his wife died./ 2. To leave you alone;
not bother. * /When the neighbor told Father how to manage his
children, Father told him to go hang./ Compare: TELL WHERE TO GET OFF.
[go hard with] {v. phr.} To be painful, troublesome, or hard for;
happen or result badly for. - Used after "it". * /It will go hard with
you if I catch you smoking./
[go haywire] {v. phr.}, {informal} Mixed-up, out of order, not in
regular working condition. * /My electric typewriter has gone all
haywire; I have to call the repair man./
[go hog wild] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become extremely agitated and
go out of control. * /After the soccer game was won, the fans went hog
wild./
[go in a circle] or [go in circles] See: IN A CIRCLE.
[go in for] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try to do; take part in; take
pleasure in. * /Most girls do not go in for rough games./ * /Mrs.
Henry goes in for simple meals./ Compare: GO INTO(3), TAKE UP(5b).
[going and coming] See: COMING AND GOING.
[going for one] {adj. phr.} Working to help; in one's favor. * /The
young woman surely will get the job; she has everything going for
her./
[going on] {adv. phr.} Almost; nearly. * /Joe is going on six years
old./ * /It is going on six o'clock./
[going through changes] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To be in
trouble, to have difficulties, to be trapped in unfavorable
circumstances. * /"What's the matter with Joe?" - "He's going through
changes."/
[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).
[go in one ear and out the other] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be not
really listened to or understood; be paid no attention. * /The
teacher's directions to the boy went in one ear and out the other./ *
/Mother scolded Martha, but it went in one ear and out the other./
[go into] {v.} 1a. To go or fit inside of; able to be put in. *
/The table is too big to go into the closet./ 1b. To be able to be
divided into; be divisible into. * /Two goes into four two times./ 2.
To enter a state or condition of; pass into. * /John went into a fit
of temper when he didn't get his own way./ * /The sick man went into a
coma./ * /The country went into mourning when the king died./ 3. To be
busy in or take part in; enter as a job or profession. * /The mayor
went into politics as a very young man./ * /Mr, Johnson is going into
business for himself./ * /Bill wants to go into law when he gets out
of school./ Compare: GO IN FOR, TAKE UP(5b). 4. To start to talk
about; bring up the subject of; examine. * /We'll talk about the dead
mouse after dinner, Billy. Let's not go into it now./ * /The teacher
went into the subject of newspapers today./ Compare: LOOK INTO.
[go into a huddle] {v. phr.} 1. To gather close together as a team
in a football game, usually to find out your team's next play. * /The
football team which has the ball goes into a huddle before every play
to get orders on what play they will use./ 2. {informal} To talk
together privately about something; discuss something where others
cannot hear. * /The man went into a huddle with his lawyers before
answering the question./ * /The doctors went into a huddle and decided
to operate./
[go into a nose dive] See: GO INTO A TAIL SPIN.
[go into a tailspin] or [go into a nose dive] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To fall or go down badly; collapse; give up trying. * /The team went
into a tailspin after their captain was hurt, and they were badly
beaten./ 2. {informal} To become very anxious, confused, or mentally
sick; give up hope. * /The man went into a tailspin after his wife
died and he never got over it./
[go into orbit] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To become very happy or
successful. * /Our team has gone into orbit./ Compare: FLY HIGH. 2. To
lose one's temper or control completely; become very angry. * /John
was afraid his father would go into orbit when he found out about the
car accident./ Compare: HIT THE CEILING.
[go it] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To go fast; run hard; not to spare
yourself. - Often used as a command. * /The coach yelled to the runner
to go it./ * /At the party the girls cheered for their partners to go
it./ * /The boys called, "Go it!" to the dog chasing the cat./ 2. To
live; continue to do or work. * /John wants to leave home and go it
alone./ Compare: ON ONE'S OWN.
[go jump in the lake] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go away and quit
being a bother. * /George was tired of Tom's advice and told him to go
jump in the lake./ Compare: GO CHASE YOURSELF, GO FLY A KITE.
[gold] See: HEART OF GOLD.
[golden] See: KILL THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG.
[goldfish bowl] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A situation in which
it is not possible to keep things secret for any length of time. *
/Washington Society is a goldfish bowl./ 2. 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./
[golf widow] {n.}, {informal} A woman whose husband is often away
from home playing golf. * /Mrs. Thompson didn't like being a golf
widow./
[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."/
[go like clockwork] or [go off like clockwork] {v. phr.},
{informal} To run smoothly and regularly like the workings of a clock;
go smoothly and without difficulty; go on time or as planned. * /The
car's motor went like clockwork after Bob fixed it./ * /The birthday
party went off like clockwork and everyone had a good time./
[go native] {v. phr.} To behave like a native (said of European
Americans in tropical countries). * /Mainlanders often go native in
Hawaii./
[gone goose] also [gone gosling] {n.}, {slang} A person for whom
there is no hope. * /Herbert's grades have been so low that he is a
gone goose for the year./ * /The man was a gone gosling when a
policeman caught him breaking the store window./
[gone with the wind] {adj. phr.} Gone forever; past; vanished. *
/All the Indians who used to live here are gone with the wind./ * /Joe
knew that his chance to get an "A" was gone with the wind when he saw
how hard the test was./ Compare: DOWN THE DRAIN.
[good] See: AS GOOD AS, AS GOOD AS ONE GETS, BUT GOOD, DO ONE GOOD,
FOR GOOD, FOR GOOD MEASURE, GET THE GOODS ON, HOLD GOOD, IN GOOD, IN
GOOD FAITH, IN GOOD TIME, IN ONE'S GOOD GRACES, IT'S AN ILL WIND THAT
BLOWS NOBODY GOOD, MAKE GOOD, MISS IS AS GOOD AS A MILE, NO GOOD, ON
ONE'S GOOD BEHAVIOR, ON ONE'S GOOD SIDE, SO FAR, SO GOOD, STAND IN
GOOD STEAD, TO THE GOOD, WELL AND GOOD, WITH GOOD GRACE.
[good and ---] {adv.}, {informal} Very; completely. * /John's
father was good and mad when John came home late./ * /Jack knew good
and well that Tom had thrown the snowball at him./ * /I pushed Bill
good and hard./ * /Susan wouldn't come out till she was good and
ready./ * /I beat Joe good and proper in the game of marbles./
[good as] See: AS GOOD AS.
[good as one's promise] See: AS GOOD AS ONE'S WORD.
[good as one's word] See: AS GOOD AS ONE'S WORD.
[good buddy] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's hand radio jargon}
Salutation used by truckers and automobile drivers who have CB radios.
* /What's the Smokey situation, good buddy?/
[good command] See: HAVE A GOOD COMMAND OF.
[good day] {interj.} Hello or goodbye. - Used as a formal greeting
or salute when you meet or leave someone during the day. * /Miss
Rogers said, "Good day!" when she met her friend on the street./ *
/Mr. Lee said "Good day!" and left the office./
[good deal] or [great deal] {n.}, {informal} A large amount; much.
- Used with "a". * /Mrs. Walker's long illness cost her a good deal./
* /George spends a great deal of his time watching television./ -
Often used like an adverb. * /Cleaning up after the party took a great
deal more work than the girls expected./ * /Usually it takes Father
half an hour to drive to work, but in bad weather it takes a good deal
longer./ * /Mother likes the gloves Mary gave her, and she uses them a
good deal./ * /George is a good deal like his father; they both love
to eat./ Syn.: A LOT, QUITE A LITTLE. Compare: ALL KINDS OF, GOOD
MANY. Contrast: A LITTLE.
[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.
[good evening] {interj.} Hello or goodbye. - Used as a formal
greeting or salute when you meet or leave someone in the evening. *
/When the TV program began, an announcer appeared and said, "Good
evening, everyone."/ * /Finally Aunt May stood up and said, "I will
not sell the house. Good evening, Mr. Flynn. "/
[good faith] {n.} 1. Belief in another person's honesty; trust. *
/Uncle Dick let me have the keys to his candy store to show his good
faith./ - Often used in the phrase "in good faith". * /The teacher
accepted Bob's excuse for being late in good faith./ 2. Honesty of
purpose; trustworthiness. * /John agreed to buy Ted's bicycle for $20,
and he paid him $5 right away to show his good faith./
[good for] or [hurrah for] {adj. phr.} Used with a name or pronoun
to praise someone. * /Good for George! He won the 100-yard dash./ *
/You got 100 on the test? Hurrah for you./
[good-for-nothing] {adj. phr.} Worthless. * /While Janice works
hard each day, her good-for-nothing husband hangs around in the bars./
[good grief!] {interj.}, {informal} Wow! Indication of surprise,
good or bad. * /"Good grief," Joe cried out loud. "Is this all you
will pay me for my hard work?"/ * /What a figure Melanie has, good
grief! I wonder if she would be willing to go out with me./ Compare:
GOODNESS GRACIOUS!, HEAVENLY DAYS!, HOLY CATS or HOLY COW or HOLY
MACKEREL or HOLY MOSES. See: GOODNIGHT(2).
[good head on one's shoulders] {n. phr.} Good sense; good judgment.
* /Jack has a good head on his shoulders; he never drives too fast./ *
/Alice is a girl with a good head on her shoulders, she always keeps
good company./ * /George showed he had a good head on his shoulders by
refusing to cheat./
[good many] or [great many] {n.} or {adj.} A large number (of);
very many. Used with "a". * /We found some fall flowers, but the frost
had already killed a good many./ * /A great many of the houses were
knocked down by the earthquake./ * /Tom has a good many friends at
school./ * /Mary has a great many ideas for interesting programs./
Syn.: QUITE A FEW. Compare: A LOT, ANY NUMBER, GOOD DEAL. Contrast: A
FEW.
[good nature] {n.} Readiness to please others and to be pleased.
Cheerfulness, pleasantness. * /Everybody likes Mr. Crowe because of
his good nature./ * /Miss Reynolds was remembered by her students for
her good nature./
[goodness] See: HONEST-TO-GOODNESS, MY GOD or MY GOODNESS.
[goodness gracious] {interj.}, {slightly archaic} Exclamation of
surprise and a certain degree of disapproval. * /"Can my boyfriend
stay overnight, Dad?" Melanie asked. "Goodness gracious, most
certainly not!" her father replied. "What would the neighbors think?"/
[goodness knows] See: GOD KNOWS.
[good night] {interj.} 1. Used as a polite phrase when you leave
someone at night. * /"Good night!" said Bob as he left Dick's house
after the party. "I'll see you in the morning."/ * /Bill said good
night to his parents and went upstairs to bed./ 2. or [good grief] -
Used to show surprise and often some fear or anger. * /Mr. Johnson's
eyes opened wide when he saw the fish his little boy had caught, and
said, "Good night!"/ * /Mother was angry and said to Mary, "Good
grief! Haven't you started the dishes yet?"/
[good riddance] {n.} A loss that you are glad about. Often used as
an exclamation, and in the sentence "good riddance to bad rubbish". To
show that you are glad that something or somebody has been taken or
sent away. * /The boys thought it was good riddance when the
troublemaker was sent home./ * /When Mr. Roberts' old car was stolen
he thought it was good riddance./ * /Betty thought it was good
riddance when her little brother broke his toy drum./ * /"I'm going
and won't come back," said John. "Good riddance to bad rubbish!" said
Mary./
[goods] See: DELIVER THE GOODS, CONSUMER GOODS.
[good show!] {adj. phr.} Excellent; terrific; wonderful. * /"Good
show, boys!" the coach cried, when our team won the game./
[good scout] See: GOOD EGG.
[go off] {v.} 1. To leave; to depart. * /Helen's mother told her
not to go off without telling her./ 2a. To be fired; explode. * /The
firecracker went off and scared Jack's dog./ 2b. To begin to ring or
buzz. * /The alarm clock went off at six o'clock and woke Father./ 3.
To happen. * /The party went off without any trouble./ * /The parade
went off without rain./
[go off half-cocked] also [go off at half cock] {v. phr.},
{informal} To act or speak before getting ready; to do something too
soon. * /Bill often goes off half cocked./ * /Mr. Jones was thinking
about quilting his job, but his wife told him not to go at half cock./
[go off like clockwork] See: GO LIKE CLOCKWORK.
[go off the deep end] or [go overboard] {v. phr.}, {informal} To
act excitedly and without careful thinking. * /John has gone off the
deep end about owning a motorcycle./ * /Mike warned his roommate not
to go off the deep end and get married./ * /Some girls go overboard
for handsome movie and television actors./
[goof off] {v.}, {slang} To loaf or be lazy; not want to work or be
serious; fool around. * /Tow didn't get promoted because he goofed off
all the time and never did his homework./ * /If you goof off on the
job too much, you'll be fired./
[go off in a huff]{v. phr.} To depart in anger. * /Marian went off
in a huff just because Jeff failed to open the door for her./
[go on] {v.} 1a. To continue; not stop. * /After he was hit by the
ball, Billy quit pitching and went home, but the game went on./ * /The
TV picture began to jump, and it went on like that until Father turned
a knob./ * /I asked Jane a question but she went on reading and didn't
answer./ * /Mother told Jim to stop, but he went on hitting Susan./
Syn.: KEEP ON. 1b. To continue after a pause; begin with the next
thing. * /"Go on! I'm listening," said Mother./ * /The teacher pointed
to the map, and went on, "But the land that Columbus came to was not
India."/ - Often used before an infinitive. * /Father said Mother had
gone to the hospital, and went on to say that Grandmother was coming
to take care of us./ 1c. (Of time:) To pass. * /As time went on, Mary
began to wonder if John had forgotten their date./ * /The years went
on, and Betty's classmates became gray-haired men and women./ 2. To
happen. * /Mr. Scott heard the noise and went to see what was going on
in the hall./ * /The teacher knows what goes on when she leaves the
room./ Syn.: TAKE PLACE. 3. To talk for too long, often angrily. * /We
thought Jane would never finish going on about the amount of homework
she had./ 4. To fit on; be able to be worn. * /My little brother's
coat wouldn't go on me. It was too small./ 5. Stop trying to fool me;
I don't believe you. - Used as a command, sometimes with "with". *
/When Father told Mother she was the prettiest girl in the world.
Mother just said, "Oh, go on, Charles."/ * /"Aunt May, your picture is
in the paper." "Go on with you, boy!"/
[go on record] {v. phr.} To make an official statement as opposed
to an informal one; say something officially that may be quoted with
the person's name added for reference. * /I want to go on record that
I oppose the merger with the firm of Catwallender and Swartvik./
[go on the rocks] See: ON THE ROCKS.
[go one's way] {v. phr.} 1. To start again or continue to where you
are going. * /The milkman left the milk and went his way./ * /The man
stopped and asked me for a match, then went his way./ Compare: GO
ALONG, GO ON. 2. To go or act the way you want to or usually do. *
/Joe just wants to go his way and mind his own business./ * /Don't
tell me how to do my job. You go your way and I'll go mine./ * /George
was not a good sport; when the game did not go his way, he became
angry and quit./
[goose] See: COOK ONE'S GOOSE, FOX AND GEESE, KILL THE GOOSE THAT
LAID THE GOLDEN EGG, GONE GOOSE.
[goose bumps] or [goose pimples] {n. plural}, {informal} Small
bumps that come on a person's skin when he gets cold or afraid. *
/Nancy gets goose bumps when she sees a snake./ * /Ann, put on your
sweater; you're so cold you have goose pimples on your arms./
[go or drive to the wall] See: TO THE WALL.
[go out] {v. phr.} 1. To pass out of date or style. * /Short skirts
are gradually going out./ 2. To stop giving off light or burning. *
/Put more wood on the fire or it will go out./ 3. To leave. * /When I
called Sue, her mother said that she had just gone out./
[go out for] or [come out for] {v. phr.} To try for a place on (an
athletic team.) * /Ten boys went out for track that spring./ * /The
coach asked Tom why he didn't come out for basketball./
[go out of business] {v. phr.} To cease functioning as a commercial
enterprise. * /The windows of the store are all boarded up because
they went out of business./
[go out of one's way] {v. phr.} To make an extra effort; do more
than usual. * /Jane went out of her way to be nice to the new girl./ *
/Don did not like Charles, and he went out of his way to say bad
things about Charles./ Compare: BEND OVER BACKWARD, KNOCK ONESELF OUT.
[go out the window] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go out of effect; be
abandoned. * /During the war, the school dress code went out the
window./
[go over] {v.} 1. To examine; think about or look at carefully. *
/The teacher went over the list and picked John's name./ * /The police
went over the gun for fingerprints./ 2. To repeat; do again. * /Don't
make me go all over it again./ * /We painted the house once, then we
went over it again./ 3. To read again; study. * /After you finish the
test, go over it again to look for mistakes./ * /They went over their
lessons together at night./ 4. To cross; go to stop or visit; travel.
* /We went over to the other side of the street./ * /I'm going over to
Mary's house./ * /We went over to the next town to the game./ 5. To
change what you believe. * /Father is a Democrat, but he says that he
is going over to the Republicans in the next election./ * /Many of the
natives on the island went over to Christianity after the white men
came./ 6. To be liked; succeed. - Often used in the informal phrase
"go over big". * /Bill's joke went over big with the other boys and
girls./ * /Your idea went over well with the boss./
[go over like a lead balloon] {v. phr.}, {informal} To fail to
generate a positive response or enthusiasm; to meet with boredom or
disapproval. * /The president's suggested budget cuts went over like a
lead balloon./ * /Jack's off-color jokes went over like a lead
balloon./
[go over one's head] {v. phr.} 1. To be too difficult to
understand. * /Penny complains that what her math teacher says simply
goes over her head./ 2. To do something without the permission of
one's superior. * /Fred went over his boss's head when he signed the
contract on his own./
[go over with a fine-tooth comb] See: FINE-TOOTH COMB.
[gopher ball] {n.}, {slang} A baseball pitch that is hit for a home
run. * /The pitcher's only weakness this year is the gopher ball./
[go places] See: GO TO TOWN(2).
[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.
[gosling] See: GONE GOOSE also GONE GOSLING.
[go somebody one better] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do something
better than (someone else); do more or better than; beat. * /Bill's
mother gave the boys in Bill's club hot dogs for refreshments, so
Tom's mother said that she would go her one better next time by giving
them hot dogs and ice cream./ * /John made a good dive into the water,
but Bob went him one better by diving in backwards./
[go stag] {v. phr.} 1. To go to a dance or party without a
companion of the opposite sex. * /When Sally turned him down, Tom
decided to go stag to the college prom./ 2. To participate in a party
for men only. * /Mrs. Smith's husband frequently goes stag, leaving
her at home./
[go steady] {v. phr.} To go on dates with the same person all the
time; dale just one person. * /At first Tom and Martha were not
serious about each other, but now they are going steady./ * /Jean went
steady with Bob for a year; then they had a quarrel and stopped dating
each other./ Syn.: KEEP COMPANY. Contrast: PLAY THE FIELD.
[go straight] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become an honest person; lead
an honest life. * /After the man got out of prison, he went straight./
* /Mr. Wright promised to go straight if the judge would let him go
free./
[got a thing going] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To be engaged in
a pleasurable or profitable activity with someone else as a partner
either in romance or in mutually profitable business. * /"You two seem
to have got a thing going, haven't you?"/ * /"You've got a good thing
going with your travel bureau, why quit now?"/
[go the rounds] {v. phr.} To pass or be told from one person to
another; spread among many people. * /There is a rumor going the
rounds that Mr. Norton will be the new superintendent./ * /The story
about Mr. Cox's falling into the lake is making the rounds./ Syn.: GO
AROUND.
[go the whole hog] or [go whole hog] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do
something completely or thoroughly; to give all your strength or
attention to something. * /When Bob became interested in model
airplanes, he went the whole hog./ * /The family went whole hog at the
fair, and spent a lot of money./ Compare: ALL OUT, ALL THE WAY, SHOOT
THE WORKS.
[go through] {v.} 1. To examine or think about carefully; search. *
/I went through the papers looking for Jane's letter./ * /Mother went
through the drawer looking for the sweater./ Syn.: GO OVER. 2. To
experience; suffer; live through. * /Frank went through many dangers
during the war./ 3. To do what you are supposed to do; do what you
promised. * /I went through my part of the bargain, but you didn't go
through your part./ Syn.: CARRY OUT. 4. To go or continue to the end
of; do or use all of. * /Jack went through the magazine quickly./ *
/We went through all our money at the circus./ Syn.: RUN THROUGH. 5.
To be allowed; pass; be agreed on. * /I hope the new law we want goes
through Congress./ * /The sale of the store went through quickly./
[go through hell and high water] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go
through danger, or trouble. * /John is ready to go through hell and
high water to help his chum./ * /The soldiers went through hell and
high water to capture the fort./ Compare: COME HELL OR HIGH WATER,
THROUGH THE MILL.
[go through the motions] {v. phr.} To pretend to do something by
moving or acting as if you were really doing it; do something without
really trying hard or caring. * /Jane was angry because she couldn't
go out, and when her mother said to dust her room she just went
through the motions./ * /The team was so far behind in the game that
they just went through the motions of playing at the end./
[go through with] {v. phr.} To finish; do as planned or agreed; not
stop or fail to do. * /The boys don't think Bob will go through with
his plans to spend the summer at a camp./ * /Mr. Trent hopes the city
won't go through with its plans to widen the street./ Syn.: CARRY OUT.
Compare: CARRY THROUGH, LIVE UP TO.
[go to] {v.} To be ready to do; start doing something. * /When Jack
went to write down the telephone number, he had forgotten it./
[go to any length] {v. phr.} To do everything you can. * /Bill will
go to any length to keep Dick from getting a date with Mary./ Compare:
ALL-OUT.
[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.
[go to bed with the chickens] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go to bed
early at night. * /On the farm John worked hard and went to bed with
the chickens./ * /Mr. Barnes goes to bed with the chickens because he
has to get up at 5 A.M./
[go together] {v.} 1. 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. 2. 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./
[go to great lengths] See: GO TO ANY LENGTH.
[go to hell] See: GO TO THE DEVIL.
[go to it!] {v. phr.} An expression of encouragement meaning go
ahead; proceed. * /"Go to it!" my father cried enthusiastically, when
I told him I had decided to become a doctor./
[go to one's head] {v. phr.} 1. To make one dizzy. * /Beer and wine
go to a person's head./ * /Looking out the high window went to the
woman's head./ 2. To make someone too proud; make a person think he is
too important. * /Being the star player went to John's head./ * /The
girl's fame as a movie actress went to her head./
[go to pieces] {v. phr.} To become very nervous or sick from
nervousness; become wild. * /Mrs. Vance went to pieces when she heard
her daughter was in the hospital./ * /The man went to pieces when the
judge said he would have to go to prison for life./ * /Mary goes to
pieces when she can't have her own way./
[go to pot] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be ruined; become bad; be
destroyed. * /Mr. Jones' health has gone to pot./ * /The motel
business went to pot when the new highway was built./ Compare: GO TO
WRACK AND RUIN, GO TO THE DOGS.
[go to prove] See: GO TO SHOW.
[go to seed] or [run to seed] {v. phr.} 1. To grow seeds. * /Onions
go to seed in hot weather./ 2. 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./
[go to show] or [go to prove] {v. phr.}, {informal} To seem to
prove; act or serve to show (a fact); demonstrate. - Often used after
"it". * /Our team beat a bigger team, and it just goes to show you can
win if you play hard enough./ * /The hard winter at Valley Forge goes
to show that our soldiers suffered a great deal to win the
Revolution./
[go to the chair] {v. phr.} To be executed in the electric chair. *
/After many stays of execution, the criminal finally had to go to the
chair./
[go to the devil] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To go away, mind your
own business. - Used as a command; considered rude. * /George told Bob
to go to the devil./ * /"Go to the devil!" said Jack, when his sister
tried to tell him what to do./ 2. To become bad or ruined; become
useless. * /The boy got mixed up with bad company and began to steal
and rob his friends. He went to the devil./ * /Mr. Jones went to the
devil after he lost his business./
[go to the dogs] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go to ruin; to be ruined
or destroyed. * /The man went to the dogs after he started drinking./
* /After the death of the owner, the business went to the dogs./ *
/The team went to the dogs when its best players got hurt./ Compare:
GO TO POT.
[go to the trouble] or [take the trouble] {v. phr.} To make trouble
or extra work for yourself; bother. * /John told Mr. Brown not to go
to the trouble of driving him home./ * /Since your aunt took the
trouble to get you a nice birthday present, the least you can do is to
thank her./ Compare: PUT OUT(5).
[go to town] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To do something quickly or with
great force or energy; work fast or hard. * /The boys went to town on
the old garage, and had it torn down before Father came home from
work./ * /While Sally was slowly washing the dishes, she remembered
she had a date with Pete that evening; then she really went to town./
Compare: IN NO TIME, MAKE TIME. Contrast: TAKE ONE'S TIME. 2. or [go
places]. To do a good job; succeed. * /Our team is going to town this
year. We have won all five games that we played./ * /Dan was a good
student and a good athlete; we expect him to go places in business./
[go to waste] {v. phr.} To be wasted or lost; not used. * /The
strawberries went to waste because there was nobody to pick them./ *
/Joe's work on the model automobile went to waste when he dropped it./
Compare: IN VAIN.
[go to wrack and ruin] {v. phr.} To fall apart and be ruined; to
become useless. * /The barn went to wrack and ruin after the farmer
moved./ * /The car will soon go to wrack and ruin standing out in all
kinds of weather./
[go under] {v.} 1. To be sunk. * /The ship hit an iceberg and went
under./ 2. To fail; be defeated. * /The filling station went under
because there were too many others on the street./
[go under the hammer] {v. phr.} To be auctioned off. * /Our old
family paintings went under the hammer when my father lost his job./
[go up] {v.} 1. To go or move higher; rise. * /Many people came to
watch the weather balloon go up./ * /The path goes up the hill./ 2. To
be able to become heard; become loud or louder. * /A shout went up
from the crowd at the game./ 3. Grow in height while being built; to
be built. * /The new church is going up on the corner./ 4. To
increase. * /Prices of fruit and vegetables have gone up./
[go up in smoke] or [go up in flames] {v. phr.} To burn; be
destroyed by fire. 1. * /The house went up in flames./ * /The barn
full of hay went up in smoke./ 2. Disappear; fail; not come true. *
/Jane's hopes of going to college went up in smoke when her father
lost his job./ * /The team's chances to win went up in smoke when
their captain was hurt./
[go up in the air] {v. phr.} To become angry; lose one's temper. *
/Herb is so irritable these days that he goes up in the air for no
reason at all./
[gourd] See: SAW WOOD or SAW GOURDS.
[go with] {v.} 1. To match; to look good with. * /A yellow blouse
goes with her blonde hair./ * /The woman bought a purse to go with her
new shoes./ 2. To go out in the company of. * /Tom goes with the girl
who lives across the street./
[go without] See: DO WITHOUT.
[go without saying] {v. phr.} To be too plain to need talking
about; not be necessary to say or mention. * /It goes without saying
that children should not be given knives to play with./ * /A person
with weak eyes should wear glasses. That goes without saying./
[go wrong] {v. phr.} 1. To fail; go out of order. * /Something went
wrong with our car and we stalled on the road./ 2. To sink into an
immoral or criminal existence. * /In a large city many young people go
wrong every year./
[gown] See: TOWN AND GOWN.
[grab bag] {n.} 1. A bag from which surprise packages are chosen; a
bag in which there are many unknown things. * /The woman paid a
quarter for a chance at the grab bag./ * /The children brought
packages to be sold from the grab bag at the school carnival./ 2. A
group of many different things from which to choose; a variety. * /The
TV program was a grab bag for young and old alike./
[grab off] {v.}, {informal} To take quickly; take or grab before
anybody else can; choose for yourself. * /The people who got to the
show first grabbed off the best seats./ * /The women hurried to the
store to grab off the things on sale./ * /The prettiest girls at the
dance were grabbed off for partners first./ Compare: SNAP UP.
[grabs] See: UP FOR GRABS.
[grace] See: FALL FROM GRACE, IN ONE'S BAD GRACES, IN ONE'S GOOD
GRACES, WITH BAD GRACE, WITH GOOD GRACE.
[grace period] or [period of grace] {n.} The time or extra time
allowed in which to do something. * /Most insurance companies have a
grace period of one month for payments./ * /The teacher gave the class
a week's period of grace to finish workbooks./
[grade] See: MAKE THE GRADE.
[grain] See: AGAINST THE GRAIN, TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.
[grand slam] {n.} A home run hit when there are three men on the
bases. * /Tony's grand slam won the game for the Yankees, 4-0./
[grandstand] {v.}, {slang}, {informal} To show off, to perform
histrionics needlessly. * /Stop grandstanding and get down to honest
work!/
[grandstander] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A showoff, a person who
likes to engage in histrionics. * /Many people think that Evel Knievel
is a grandstander./
[granted] See: TAKE FOR GRANTED.
[grasp at straws] or [clutch at straws] {v. phr.} To depend on
something that is useless or unable to help in a time of trouble or
danger; try something with little hope of succeeding. * /To depend on
your memory without studying for a test is to grasp at straws./ * /The
robber clutched at straws to make excuses. He said he wasn't in the
country when the robbery happened./
[grass] See: LET GRASS GROW UNDER ONE'S FEET, SNAKE IN THE GRASS.
[grasshopper] See: KNEE-HIGH TO A GRASSHOPPER
[grass is always greener on the other side of the fence] or [grass
is always greener on the other side of the hill] We are often not
satisfied and want to be somewhere else; a place that is far away or
different seems better than where we are. * /John is always changing
his job because the grass always looks greener to him on the other
side of the fence./
[grave] See: ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE, TURN IN ONE'S GRAVE or TURN
OVER IN ONE'S GRAVE.
[graveyard shift] {n. phr.} The work period lasting from sundown to
sunup, when one has to work in the dark or by artificial light. *
/"Why are you always so sleepy in class?" Professor Brown asked Sam.
"Because I have to work the graveyard shift beside going to school,"
Sam answered./
[gravy] See: PAN GRAVY.
[gravy train] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The kind of job that brings
in a much higher income than the services rendered would warrant. *
/Jack's job at the Athletic Club as Social Director is a regular gravy
train./
[gray] See: GET GRAY HAIR or GET GRAY, GIVE GRAY HAIR.
[grease-ball] {n.}, {slang}, {derogatory} (avoid) An immigrant from
a southern country, such as Mexico, Italy, or Spain; a person with
oily looking black hair. * /Mr. White is a racist; he calls Mr. Lopez
from Tijuana a grease-ball because he has dark hair./
[grease monkey] {n., {slang} 1. A person who greases or works on
machinery; a mechanic or worker in a garage or gasoline station. *
/Hey, grease monkey, fill up my gas tank!/ * /The grease monkey was
all dirty when he came out from under the car./ 2. Airplane mechanic.
* /Jack was a grease monkey in the Air Force./
[grease one's palm] or [grease the palm] {slang} 1. To pay a person
for something done or given, especially dishonestly; bribe. * /Some
politicians will help you if you grease their palms./ 2. To give a
tip; pay for a special favor or extra help. * /We had to grease the
palm of the waiter to get a table in the crowded restaurant./
[grease the wheels] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do something or act to
make something go smoothly or happen in the way that is wanted. * /Mr.
Davis asked a friend to grease the wheels so he could borrow money
from the bank./ * /William's father tried to grease the wheels for him
to get a new job./
[greasy spoon] {n.}, {informal} Any small, inexpensive restaurant
patronized by workers or people in a hurry; a place not noted for its
excellence of cuisine or its decor. * /I won't have time to eat lunch
at the club today; I'll just grab a sandwich at the local greasy
spoon./
[great] See: THINK A GREAT DEAL OF.
[great deal] See: GOOD DEAL.
[great Godfrey] or [great guns] or [great Scott] {interj.},
{informal} A saying usually used to show surprise or anger. * /Great
Godfrey! Uncle Willie is sitting on top of the flagpole!/ * /Great
guns! The lion is out of his cage./ * /Great Scott! Who stole my
watch?/
[great guns] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. 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.
2. Very well; successfully. * /Smith's new store opened last week and
it's going great guns./
[great many] See: GOOD MANY.
[great oaks from little acorns grow] As great oak trees grow from
tiny acorns, so many great people or things grew from a small and
unimportant beginning, so be patient. - A proverb. * /Many great men
were once poor, unimportant boys. Great oaks from little acorns grow./
[Great Scott] See: GREAT GODFREY.
[green] See: GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE
or GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL.
[green around the gills] or [pale around the gills] {adj. phr.},
{slang} Pale-faced from fear or sickness; sickly; nauseated. * /Bill's
father took him for a ride in his boat while the waves were rough, and
when he came back he was green around the gills./ * /The car almost
hit Mary crossing the street, and she was pale around the gills
because it came so close./ - Also used with other prepositions besides
"around", as "about", "at", "under", and with other colors, as "blue",
"pink", "yellow", "white".
[green-eyed monster] {n. phr.} Jealousy; envy. * /When John's
brother got the new bicycle, the green-eyed monster made John fight
with him./
[green power] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The social prestige or
power money can buy one. * /In American political elections the
candidates that win are usually the ones who have green power backing
them./
[green thumb] {n.}, {informal} A talent for gardening; ability to
make things grow. - Considered trite by many. * /Mr. Wilson's
neighbors say his flowers grow because he has a green thumb./
[green with envy] {adj. phr.} Very jealous; full of envy. *
/Alice's girlfriends were green with envy when they saw her new
dress./ * /The other boys were green with envy when Joe bought a
second-hand car./ Compare: GREEN-EYED MONSTER.
[grief] See: COME TO GRIEF, GOOD GRIEF, GOOD NIGHT(2) or GOOD
GRIEF.
[grin and bear it] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be as cheerful as
possible in pain or trouble; do something without complaining. * /The
doctor told Mrs. Howard that she had to stop eating sweets if she
wanted to lose weight, and she tried to grin and bear it./ * /If you
must have a tooth drilled, all you can do is grin and bear it./
Compare: MAKE THE BEST OF, PUT UP WITH.
[grind] See: AX TO GRIND.
[grindstone] See: KEEP ONE'S NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE.
[grind to a halt] {v. phr.}, {informal} To slow down and stop like
a machine does when turned off. * /The old car ground to a halt in
front of the house./ * /The Cardinals' offense ground to a halt before
the stubborn Steeler defense./
[grip] See: COME TO GRIPS WITH, LOSE ONE'S GRIP.
[groove] See: IN THE GROOVE.
[gross out] {v.}, {slang} To commit a vulgar act; to repel someone
by saying a disgusting or vulgar thing. * /You are going to gross out
people if you continue talking like that./
[gross-out session] {n.}, {slang}, {avoidable} A verbal contest
between teen-agers in which the object of the game is to see who can
be more disgusting or vulgar than anybody else. * /When Jim got home
he found his two teen-age sons engaged in a gross-out session; he
bawled them out and cut their weekly allowance./
[ground] See: BREAK GROUND, COMMON GROUND, COVER GROUND or COVER
THE GROUND, CUT THE GROUND FROM UNDER, EAR TO THE GROUND, FEET ON THE
GROUND, GAIN GROUND, GET OFF THE GROUND, GIVE GROUND, HAPPY HUNTING
GROUND, HOLD ONE'S GROUND, LOSE GROUND, MIDDLE GROUND, RUN INTO THE
GROUND, STAMPING GROUND, STAND ONE'S GROUND, FROM THE GROUND UP.
[ground ball] {n.} A ball batted onto the ground in baseball; a
grounder. * /Taylor hit a ground ball to the short-stop./
[ground floor] {n.} 1. First floor of a house or building. * /Mrs.
Turner has an apartment on the ground floor./ 2. {informal} The first
or best chance, especially in a business. * /That man got rich because
he got in on the ground floor of the television business./
[ground rule] {n.} 1. A rule in sports that is made especially for
the grounds or place where a game is played. - Usually used in the
plural. * /There was such a big crowd at the baseball game, that the
ground rules of the field were changed in case a ball went into the
crowd./ 2. A rule, usually not written, of what to do or how to act in
case certain things happen. - Usually used in the plural. * /When you
go to a new school, you don't know tire ground rules of how you are
supposed to behave./
[grow] See: GREAT OAKS PROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW, LET GRASS GROW
UNDER ONE'S FEET.
[growing pains] {n.} 1. Pains in children's legs supposed to be
caused by changes in their bodies and feelings as they grow. * /The
little girl's legs hurt, and her mother told her she had growing
pains./ 2. {informal} Troubles when something new is beginning or
growing. * /The factory has growing pains./
[grow on] or [grow upon] {v.} 1. To become stronger in; increase as
a habit of. * /The habit of eating before going to bed grew upon
John./ 2. To become more interesting to or liked by. * /The more Jack
saw Mary, the more she grew on him./ * /Football grew on Billy as he
grew older./
[grow out of] {v. phr.} 1. To outgrow; become too mature for. * /As
a child he had a habit of scratching his chin all the time, but he
grew out of it./ 2. To result from; arise. * /Tom's illness grew out
of his tendency to overwork and neglect his health./
[grow up] {v.} 1. To increase in size or height; become taller or
older; reach full height. * /Johnny is growing up; his shoes are too
small for him./ * /I grew up on a farm./ * /The city has grown up
since I was young./ 2. To become adult in mind or judgment; become old
enough to think or decide in important matters. * /Tom wants to he a
coach when he grows up./ * /Grow up, you're not a baby any more!/
[grudge] See: NURSE A GRUDGE.
[guard] See: COLOR GUARD, OFF GUARD, ON GUARD.
[guest] See: BF. MY GUEST.
[gum up] {v.}, {slang} To cause not to work or ruin; spoil; make
something go wrong. - Often used in the phrase "gum up the works". *
/Jimmy has gummed up the typewriter./ Syn.: THROW A MONKEY WRENCH.
[gun] See: BIG CHEESE or BIG GUN, GIVE IT THE GUN or GIVE HER THE
GUN, GREAT GODFREY or GREAT GUNS, JUMP THE GUN, SON OF A GUN, STICK TO
ONE'S GUNS or STAND BY ONE'S GUNS, TILL THE LAST GUN IS FIRED or UNTIL
THE LAST GUN IS FIRED.
[gun for] {v.}, {informal} 1. To hunt for with a gun; look hard for
a chance to harm or defeat. * /The cowboy is gunning for the man who
stole his horse./ * /Bob is gunning for me because I got a higher mark
than he did./ 2. To try very hard to get. * /The man is gunning for
first prize in the golf tournament./
[gung-ho] {adj.}, {colloquial} Enthusiastic, full of eagerness in
an uncritical or unsophisticated manner. * /Suzie is all gung-ho on
equal rights for women, but fails to see the consequences./
[gut feeling] {n. phr.} An instinctive reaction. * /I have a gut
feeling that they will never get married in spite of all they say./
[gut reaction] {n. phr.} A mental or physical response that springs
from one's depths. * /My gut reaction was to get out of here as fast
as possible./
[gut talk] {n. phr.} Sincere, honest talk. * /We admire people who
speak gut talk and tell exactly what they think and feet./
[guts] See: HATE ONE'S GUTS, HAVE THE GUTS TO DO SOMETHING.
[guy] See: REGULAR GUY, WISE GUY.
H
[hackle] See: RAISE HACKLES or RAISE ONE'S HACKLES.
[had as soon] or [had as lief] See: AS SOON.
[had better] or [had best] {informal} Should; must. * /I had better
leave now, or I'll be late./ * /If you want to stay out of trouble,
you had best not make any mistakes. / * /Jim decided he had better do
his homework instead of playing ball./
[had rather] or [had sooner] {v.} To choose to (do one thing
instead of another thing); like better to; would prefer to. - Used
with an infinitive without "to". * /My aunt invited me to the movies,
but I said I had rather go on a picnic with the girls./ * /I had
sooner live in the city than on a farm./
[hall] See: WITHIN CALL or WITHIN HAIL.
[hail-fellow-well-met(1)] {adj. phr.} Talking easily and in a
friendly way to everyone you meet. * /John won the election as class
president because he was hail-fellow-well-met./
[hail-fellow-well-met(2)] {n. phr.} A good friend and companion;
buddy; pal. * /John just moved to town but he and the boys in the
neighborhood are already hail-fellows-well-met./
[hail from] {v.}, {informal} To have your home in; come from; be
from; especially, to have been born and raised in. * /Mrs. Gardner
hails from Mississippi./ * /Mr. Brown and Mr. White are old friends
because they both hail from the same town./
[hair] See: CURL ONE'S HAIR, GET GRAY HAIR or GET GRAY, GIVE GRAY
HAIR, HANG BY A THREAD or HANG BY A HAIR, HIDE OR HAIR or HIDE NOR
HAIR, IN ONE'S HAIR, LET ONE'S HAIR DOWN, OUT OF ONE'S HAIR, SPLIT
HAIRS, TEAR ONE'S HAIR.
[haircut place] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Bridge
or overpass with tight clearance. * /Are we going to make it in that
haircut place?/
[hairdo] {n.} Style or manner of arranging, combing, or wearing
one's hair. * /"How do you like my new hairdo?" Jane asked, as she
left the beauty parlor./
[hair stand on end] {informal} The hair of your head rises stiffly
upwards as a sign or result of great fright or horror. * /When he
heard the strange cry, his hair stood on end./ * /The sight of the
dead man made his hair stand on end./ Compare: BLOOD RUN COLD, HEART
IN ONE'S MOUTH, HEART STAND STILL, JUMP OUT OF ONE'S SKIN,
SPINE-CHILLING.
[hale and hearty] {adj. phr.} In very good health; well and strong.
* /Grandfather will be 80 years old tomorrow, but he is hale and
hearty./ * /That little boy looks hale and hearty, as if he is never
sick./
[half] See: GO HALVES, GO OFF HALF-COCKED also GO OFF AT HALF COCK,
IN HALF, SIX OF ONE AND HALF-A-DOZEN OF THE OTHER, TIME AND A HALF,
TOO-BY HALF.
[half a chance] or [a half chance] {n.} An opportunity; a
reasonable chance. * /Just give yourself half a chance and you will
quickly get used to your new job./
[half a loaf is better than none] or [half a loaf is better than no
bread] Part of what we want or need is better than nothing. - A
proverb. * /Albert wanted two dollars for shoveling snow from the
sidewalk but the lady would only give him a dollar. And he said that
half a loaf is better than none./ Compare: BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.
[half a mind] also [half a notion] {n. phr.}, {informal} A wish or
plan that you have not yet decided to act on; a thought of possibly
doing something. - Used after "have" or "with" and before "to" and an
infinitive. * /I have half a mind to stop studying and walk over to
the brook./ * /Jerry went home with half a mind to telephone Betty./
[half-and-half(1)] {adj.} As much one thing as the other. * /We
asked the coach if more boys than girls were interested in debating,
and he said it was about half-and-half./ * /The show last night was
neither very good nor very poor - just half-and-half./ Compare:
FIFTY-FIFTY.
[half-and-half(2)] {n.} A mixture of milk and cream in equal parts,
used with cereal or coffee. * /John uses half-and-half with his
cereal, but his wife, who is dieting, uses milk./
[half an eye] {n. phr.} A slight glance; a quick look. * /The
substitute teacher could see with half an eye that she was going to
have trouble with the class./ * /While Mary was cooking she kept half
an eye on the baby to see that he didn't get into mischief./
[half bad] See: NOT BAD.
[half-baked] {adj.}, {informal} Not thought out or studied
thoroughly; not worth considering or accepting. * /We wish Tom would
not take our time at meetings to offer his half-baked ideas./ * /We
cannot afford to put the government in the hands of people with
half-baked plans./
[half-hearted] {adj.} Lacking enthusiasm or interest. * /Phil made
several half-hearted attempts to learn word processing, but we could
see that he didn't really like it./
[half-holiday] {n.} A day on which you get out of school or work in
the afternoon. * /The principal said that Tuesday would be a
half-holiday./
[half the battle] {n.phr.} A large part of the work. * /When you
write an essay for class, making the outline is half the battle./ *
/To see your faults and decide to change is half the battle of
self-improvement./
[half-time] {n.} A rest period in the middle of certain games. * /I
saw Henry at the football game and I went over and talked to him at
half-time./ * /The pep squad put on a drill at half-time when we
played basketball with our old rivals./
[halfway] See: GO HALFWAY or MEET ONE HALF-WAY or GO HALFWAY TO
MEET ONE.
[halt] See: CALL A HALT, GRIND TO A HALT.
[ham actor] {n. phr.}, {slang} An untalented actor; someone who
tries so hard to act that his performance becomes foolishly
exaggerated. * /Fred is a ham actor who, instead of memorizing his
lines, keeps moving around in a ridiculous way./
[ham-handed] {adj.}, {slang} 1. Having very large hands. * /Pete is
a big, ham-handed man who used to be a football player./ 2. See:
HEAVY-HANDED.
[ham it up] {v. phr.}, {slang} To do more than look natural in
acting a part; pretend too much; exaggerate. * /When Tom told the
teacher he was too sick to do homework, he really hammed it up./ *
/The old-fashioned movies are funny to us because the players hammed
it up./ Compare: LAY IT ON.
[hammer] See: GO AT IT HAMMER AND TONGS, UNDER THE HAMMER.
[hammer and tongs] {adv. phr.} Violently. * /Mr. and Mrs. Smith
have been at it all day, hammer and tongs./
[hammer at] or [hammer away at] {v.} 1. To work steadily at; keep
at. * /That lesson is not easy, but hammer away at it and you will get
it right./ 2. To talk about again and again; emphasize. * /The speaker
hammered at his opponent's ideas./
[hammer out] {v.} 1. To write or produce by hard work. * /The
President sat at his desk till midnight hammering out his speech for
the next day./ 2. To remove, change, or work out by discussion and
debate; debate and agree on (something). * /Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Green
have hammered out their difference of opinion./ * /The club members
have hammered out an agreement between the two groups./ Compare: IRON
OUT.
[Hancock] See: JOHN HANCOCK or JOHN HENRY.
[hand] See: AT HAND, BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH,
BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS ONE, CLEAN HANDS, DIRTY ONE'S HANDS, EAT OUT
OF ONE'S HAND, FORCE ONE'S HAND, FREE HAND, FROM HAND TO HAND, GLAD
HAND, HAM-HANDED, HANG HEAVY or HANG HEAVY ON ONE'S HANDS, HAT IN
HAND, HAVE A HAND IN, HAVE ONE'S HANDS FULL, HEAVY-HANDED, IN HAND,
JOIN FORCES or JOIN HANDS, KEEP ONE'S HAND IN, LAY HANDS ON, LAY ONE'S
HANDS ON or GET ONE'S HAND ON or PUT ONE'S HAND ON, LEND A HAND or
GIVE A HAND or BEAR A HAND, LET ONE'S LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT ONE'S RIGHT
HAND IS DOING, LIFT A FINGER or LIFT A HAND also RAISE A HAND, LIVE
FROM HAND TO MOUTH, MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK, OFF ONE'S HANDS, ON
HAND, ON ONE'S HANDS, ON THE OTHER HAND, OUT OF HAND, PLAY INTO ONE'S
HANDS, PUT ONE'S HAND TO or SET ONE'S HAND TO or TURN ONE'S HAND TO,
PUT ONE'S HAND TO THE PLOW, ROB THE TILL or HAVE ONE'S HAND IN THE
TILL, SECTION HAND, SIT ON ONE'S HANDS, TAKE ONE'S LIFE IN ONE'S
HANDS, TAKE THE LAW INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS, THROW UP ONE'S HANDS, THROW
UP ONE'S HANDS IN HORROR, TIE ONE'S HANDS, TRY ONE'S HAND, UPPER HAND
or WHIP HAND, WASH ONE'S HANDS OF.
[hand and foot] {adv. phr.} 1. So that the hands and feet cannot be
used. - Used with "bind" or a synonym. * /The robbers bound him hand
and foot and left him on the floor./ 2. So that no tree action is
possible. - Used with "bind" or a synonym. * /If Mr. Jones signs that
paper, he will be bound hand and foot./ 3. See: WAIT ON HAND AND FOOT.
[hand and glove] See: HAND IN GLOVE.
[hand down] {v.} To arrange to give or leave after, death. * /Joe
will have his father's gold watch because it is handed down in the
family./ * /In old times, property was usually handed down to the
oldest son at his father's death./ Compare: PASS ON.
[hand in] See: TURN IN(1).
[hand in glove] or [hand and glove] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Very
close or friendly; working together; in very close agreement or
cooperation, especially for bad purposes. * /The Navy and the Coast
Guard work hand and glove, especially in war time./ * /Judges and
others in high office sometimes are hand in glove with gangsters to
cheat and steal./
[hand in hand] {adv. phr.} 1. Holding hands. * /Bob and Mary walked
along hand in hand in the park./ Compare: ARM IN ARM. 2. Accompanying
each other; together; closely connected. - Used with "go". *
/Ignorance and poverty often go hand in hand./ * /Selfishness and
unhappiness often go hand in hand./
[hand it to] {v. phr.}, {informal} To admit the excellence of; give
credit or praise to. * /You have to hand it to Jim; he is very careful
and hard-working in all he does./ * /The teacher said, "I hand it to
Jane for the way she managed the Music Club."/ Syn.: TAKE OFF ONE'S
HAT TO.
[handle] See: FLY OFF THE HANDLE.
[handle to one's name] {n. phr.}, {slang} A special title used
before your name. * /Jim's father has a handle to his name. He is
Major Watson./ * /Bob came back from the University with a handle to
his name and was called Dr. Jones./
[handle with gloves] or [handle with kid gloves] {v. phr.},
{informal} 1. To treat very gently and carefully. * /An atomic bomb is
handled with kid gloves./ 2. To treat with great tact and diplomacy. *
/Aunt Jane is so irritable that we have to treat her with kid gloves./
[hand-me-down] {n.}, {informal} Something given away after another
person has no more use for it; especially, used clothing. * /Alice had
four older sisters, so all her clothes were hand-me-downs./
[hand off] {v.} To hand the football to another back. * /The
quarterback faked to the fullback and handed off to the halfback./
[hand on] {v.} To pass along to the next person who should have it.
* /Everyone in class should read this, so when you have finished,
please hand it on./ * /In the early days, news was handed on from one
person to another./
[handout] {n.} 1. A free gift of food, clothes, etc. * /The
homeless people were standing in a long line for various handouts./ 2.
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./
[hand out] {v.}, {informal} To give (things of the same kind) to
several people. * /The teacher handed out the examination papers./ *
/At the Christmas party Santa Claus handed out the presents under the
tree./ * /Handing out free advice to all your friends will not make
them like you./ Compare: GIVE OUT(3).
[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).
[hand over fist] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Fast and in large amounts.
* /Fred may get a pony for Christmas because his father is making
money hand over fist./ * /Business is so bad that the store on the
corner is losing money hand over fist./
[hand over hand] {adv. phr.} By taking hold with one hand over the
other alternately. * /The only way to climb a rope is hand over hand./
[hand-pick] {v.}, {informal} To choose very carefully. * /This
debating team should win because its members are all hand-picked./ *
/The political bosses hand-picked a man for mayor who would agree with
them./
[hands-down] {adj.}, {informal} 1. Easy. * /The Rangers won a
hands-down victory in the tournament./ 2. Unopposed; first; clear. *
/Johnny was the hands-down favorite for president of the class./
[hands down] {adv.}, {informal} 1. Without working hard; easily. *
/The Rangers won the game hands down./ 2. Without question or doubt;
without any opposition; plainly. * /Johnny was bands down the best
player on the team./
[hands off] {informal} Keep your hands off or do not interfere;
leave that alone. - Used as a command. * /I was going to touch the
machine, but the man cried, "Hands off!" and I let it alone./
[hands-off] {adj.}, {informal} Leaving alone, not interfering;
inactive. * /The United States told the European governments to follow
a hands-off policy toward Latin America./ * /I did not approve of his
actions, but I have a hands-off rule in personal matters, so I said
nothing./
[handsome is as handsome does] {informal} A person must act well
and generously so that he will be truly worth respecting. - A proverb.
* /Everyone thinks that Bon is a very handsome boy, but he is very
mean too. Handsome is as handsome does./ Compare: FINE FEATHERS DO NOT
MAKE PINE BIRDS.
[hands up] {informal} Hold up your hands! Put your hands up high
and keep them there! - Used as a command. * /The sheriff pointed his
gun at the outlaws and called out, "Hands up!"/ Syn.: REACH FOR THE
SKY.
[hand something to someone on a silver platter] {v. phr.} To give a
person a reward that has not been earned. * /The lazy student expected
his diploma to be handed to him on a silver platter./
[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.
[hand-to-hand] {adj.} Close to each other; near enough to hit each
other. * /The result of the battle was decided in hand-to-hand
combat./ * /When the police tried to break up the riot, there was
hand-to-hand fighting with fists, stones, and clubs./ Compare:
FACE-TO-FACE.
[hand-to-mouth] {adj.} Not providing for the future; living from
day to day; not saving for later. * /Many native tribes lead a
hand-to-mouth existence, content to have food for one day at a time./
* /John is not a saving boy; he spends his money without thought for
the future, and lives a hand-to-mouth life./ See: LIVE FROM HAND TO
MOUTH.
[handwriting on the wall] {n. phr.} A sign that something bad will
happen. * /When Bill's team lost four games in a row, he saw the
handwriting on the wall./ * /John's employer had less and less work
for him; John could read the handwriting on the wall and looked for
another job./
[hang] See: GO HANG, GIVE A HANG or CARE A HANG, GIVE ONE ENOUGH
ROPE, AND HE WILL HANG HIMSELF, LEAVE HANGING or LEAVE HANGING IN THE
AIR.
[hang around] {v.}, {informal} 1. 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). 2. To spend time or associate, * /Jim hangs
around with some boys who live in his neighborhood./
[hang back] or [hang off] or [hang behind] 1. To stay some distance
behind or away, be unwilling to move forward. * /Mary offered the
little girl candy, but she was shy and hung back./ 2. To hesitate or
be unwilling to do something. * /Lou wanted Fred to join the club, but
Fred hung off./
[hang behind] See: HANG BACK(1).
[hang by a hair] See: HANG BY A THREAD.
[hang by a thread] or [hang by a hair] {v. phr.} To depend on a
very small thing; be in doubt. * /For three days Tom was so sick that
his life hung by a thread./ * /As Joe got ready to kick a field goal,
the result of the game hung by a hair./ Compare: HANG IN THE BALANCE.
[hanger] See: CREPE HANGER.
[hang fire] {v. phr.} 1. To fail or be slow in shooting or firing.
* /Smith pulled the trigger, but the gun hung fire and the deer
escaped./ 2. To be slow in beginning; to be delayed; to wait. * /The
boys' plans for organizing a scout troop hung fire because they could
not find a man to be scoutmaster./
[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.
[hang in effigy] or [burn in effigy] {v. phr.} To hang or burn a
figure, usually a stuffed dummy, representing a person who is disliked
or scorned. * /When the high school team lost the championship game,
the coach was hung in effigy by the townspeople./ * /During World War
II, Hitler was sometimes burned in effigy in the United States./
[hang in the balance] {v. phr.} To have two equally possible
results; to be in doubt; be uncertain. * /Until Jim scored the winning
touchdown, the outcome of the game hung in the balance./ * /She was
very sick and her life hung in the balance for several days./ Compare:
HANG BY A THREAD.
[hang in (there)] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To persevere; not
to give up; to stick to a project and not lose faith or courage. *
/Hang in there old buddy; the worst is yet to come./
[hang it] {interj.}, {informal} An exclamation used to express
annoyance or disappointment. * /Oh, hang it! I forgot to bring the
book I wanted to show you./ * /Hang it all, why don't you watch where
you're going?/
[hang off] See: HANG BACK.
[hang on] {v.} 1. To hold on to something, usually tightly. * /Jack
almost fell off the cliff, but managed to hang on until help came./
Syn.: HOLD ON(1). 2a. To continue doing something; persist. * /The
grocer was losing money every day, but he hung on, hoping that
business would improve./ Compare: HOLD OUT, STICK OUT. 2b. To hold a
lead in a race or other contest while one's opponents try to rally. *
/The favorite horse opened an early lead and hung on to win as two
other horses almost passed him in the final stretch./ * /Bunning,
staked to a 6-0 lead in the first inning, hung on to heat the Dodgers
6-4./ 3. To continue to give trouble or cause suffering. * /Lou's cold
hung on from January to April./ 4. To continue listening on the
telephone. * /Jerry asked John, who had called him on the phone, to
hung on while he ran for a pencil and a sheet of paper./ Compare: HOLD
ON(3).
[hang one on] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. 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./ 2. To get very drunk. * /After Smith
lost his job, he went to a bar and hung one on./
[hang one's head] {v. phr.} To bend your head forward in shame. *
/Johnny hung his head when the teacher asked him if he broke the
window./ Compare: HIDE ONE'S HEAD.
[hang on the words of] also [hang on the lips of] {v. phr.} To
listen very attentively to. * /Ann hangs on every word of her history
teacher and takes very careful notes. / * /As he went on with his
speech, his auditors, deeply interested, hung on his lips./
[hang on to] {v.} To hold tightly; keep firmly. * /The child hung
on to its mother's apron, and would not let go./ * /John did not like
his job, but decided to hang on to it until he found a better one./
[hang on to one's mother's apron strings] See: TIED TO ONE'S
MOTHER'S APRON STRINGS.
[hang on to your hat] or [hold on to your hat] or [hold your hat]
{v. phr.}, {informal} 1. Watch out; be prepared. - Used as a command,
usually to warn of an unexpected action. * /"Hold on to your hat,"
said Jim as he stepped on the gas and the car shot forward./ 2. Get
ready for a surprise. - Used as a command, usually to warn of
unexpected news. * /"Hold on to your hat," said Mary. "Jim asked me to
marry him."/
[hang out] {v.} 1. {slang} To spend your time idly or lounging
about. * /The teacher complained that Joe was hanging out in poolrooms
instead of doing his homework./ Compare: HANG AROUND(1). 2. {slang} To
live; reside. * /Two policemen stopped the stranger and asked him
where he hung out./ 3. To reach out farther than the part below. *
/The branches of the trees hung out over the road./ * /The upper floor
of that house hangs out above the first./
[hang out one's shingle] {v. phr.}, {informal} To give public
notice of the opening of an office, especially a doctor's or lawyer's
office, by putting up a small signboard. * /The young doctor hung out
his shingle and soon had a large practice./
[hangover] {n.} A bad feeling of nausea and/or headache the day
after one has had too much to drink. * /Boy, did I have a hangover
after that party yesterday!/
[hang over] {v.} 1. To be going to happen to; threaten. * /Great
trouble hangs over the little town because its only factory has closed
down./ 2. To remain to be finished or settled. * /The committee took
up the business that hung over from its last meeting./
[hang over one's head] {v. phr.} To be a danger or threat to you. -
An overused phrase. * /Over Jimmy's head hung the teacher's suspicion
that Jimmy had cheated in the final examination./ * /Death hangs over
a bullfighter's head every time he performs./
[hang round] See: HANG AROUND.
[hang ten] {v.}, {slang} 1. 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./ 2. To be a survivor despite great odds. * /Don't worry
about Jack, he can hang ten anywhere!/
[hang together] {v.} 1. To stay united; help and defend one
another. * /The club members always hung together when one of them was
in trouble./ Syn.: STICK TOGETHER. Compare: STAND BY, STAND UP FOR. 2.
{informal} To form a satisfactory whole; fit together. * /Jack's story
of why he was absent from school seems to hang together./
[hang up] {v.} 1. 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./ 4. {informal} To cause a wait;
delay. * /Rehearsals for the school play were hung up by the illness
of some of the actors./ 5. {informal} To set (a record.) * /Bob hung
up a school record for long distance swimming./
[hang-up] {n.}, {informal} (stress on "hang") 1. A delay in some
process. * /The mail has been late for several days; there must be
some hang-up with the trucks somewhere./ 2. A neurotic reaction to
some life situation probably stemming from a traumatic shock which has
gone unconscious. * /Doctor Simpson believes that Suzie's frigidity is
due to some hang-up about men./
[happen on] or [happen upon] {v.}, {literary} To meet or find
accidentally or by chance. * /The Girl Scouts happened on a charming
little brook not far from the camp./ * /At the convention I happened
upon an old friend I had not seen for years./ Syn.: CHANCE ON, COME
ACROSS(1),(3). Compare: HIT ON.
[happy] See: STRIKE A HAPPY MEDIUM, TRIGGER HAPPY at QUICK ON THE
TRIGGER.
[happy as the day is long] {adj. phr.} Cheerful and happy. * /Carl
is happy as the day is long because school is over for the summer./
[happy-go-lucky] See: FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY-FREE.
[happy hour] {n.}, {informal} A time in bars or restaurants when
cocktails are served at a reduced rate, usually one hour before they
start serving dinner. * /Happy hour is between 6 and 7 P.M. at
Celestial Gardens./
[happy hunting ground] {n. phr.} 1. The place where, in American
Indian belief, a person goes after death; heaven. * /The Indians
believed that at death they went to the happy hunting ground./ 2.
{informal} A place or area where you can find a rich variety of what
you want, and plenty of it. * /The forest is a happy hunting ground
for scouts who are interested in plants and flowers./ * /Shell
collectors find the ocean beaches happy hunting grounds./
[hard] See: GIVE A HARD TIME, GO HARD WITH, SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS.
[hard-and-fast] {adj.} Not to be broken or changed; fixed; strict.
* /The teacher said that there was a hard-and-fast rule against
smoking in the school./
[hard as nails] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. Not flabby or soft;
physically very fit; tough and strong. * /After a summer of work in
the country, Jack was as hard as nails, without a pound of extra
weight./ 2. Not gentle or mild; rough; stern. * /Johnny works for a
boss who is as hard as nails and scolds Johnny roughly whenever he
does something wrong./
[hard-boiled] {adj.} Unrefined; tough; merciless. * /"Because you
were two minutes late," my hard-boiled boss cried, "I will deduct
fifteen minutes worth from your salary!"/
[hard cash] See: COLD CASH.
[hard feeling] {n.} Angry or bitter feeling; enmity. - Usually used
in the plural. * /Jim asked Andy to shake hands with him, just to show
that there were no hard feelings./ * /Bob and George once quarreled
over a girl, and there are still hard feelings between them./
[hard-fisted] {adj.} 1. Able to do hard physical labor; strong. *
/Jack's uncle was a hard-fisted truck driver with muscles of steel./
2. Not gentle or easy-going; tough; stern. * /The new teacher was a
hard-fisted woman who would allow no nonsense./ 3. Stingy or mean; not
generous with money. * /The hard-fisted banker refused to lend Mr.
Jones more money for his business./
[hard going] {adj. phr.} Fraught with difficulty. * /Dave finds his
studies of math hard going./
[hardheaded] {adj.} Stubborn; shrewd; practical. * /Don is a
hardheaded businessman who made lots of money, even during the
recession./
[hardhearted] {adj.} Unsympathetic; merciless. * /Jack is so
hardhearted that even his own children expect nothing from him./
[hard-hitting] {adj.} Working hard to get things done; strong and
active; stubbornly eager. * /The boys put on a hard-hitting drive to
raise money for uniforms for the football team./ * /He is a
hard-hitting and successful football coach./
[hard line] {n. phr.} Tough political policy. * /Although modern
economists were trying to persuade him to open up to the West, Castro
has always taken the hard line approach./
[hard-liner] {n.} A politician who takes the hard line. See: HARD
LINE.
[hard luck] See: TOUGH LUCK.
[hardly any] or [scarcely any] Almost no or almost none; very few.
* /Hardly any of the students did well on the test, so the teacher
explained the lesson again./ * /Charles and his friends each had three
cookies, and when they went out, hardly any cookies were left./
[hardly ever] or [scarcely ever] {adv. phr.} Very rarely; almost
never; seldom. * /It hardly ever snows in Florida./ * /Johnny hardly
ever reads a book./
[hard-nosed] {adj.}, {slang} Tough or rugged; very strict; not weak
or soft; stubborn, especially in a fight or contest. * /Joe's father
was a hard-nosed army officer who had seen service in two wars./ *
/Pete is a good boy; he plays hard-nosed football./ Compare:
HARD-BOILED.
[hard nut to crack] also [tough nut to crack] {n. phr.}, {informal}
Something difficult to understand or to do. * /Tom's algebra lesson
was a hard nut to crack./ * /Mary found knitting a hard nut to crack./
Compare: HARD ROW TO HOE.
[hard of hearing] {adj.} Partially deaf. * /Some people who are
hard of hearing wear hearing aids./
[hard-on] {n.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}. An erection of the male
sexual organ.
[hard put] or [hard put to it] {adj.} In a difficult position;
faced with difficulty; barely able. * /John was hard put to find a
good excuse for his lateness in coming to school./ * /The scouts found
themselves hard put to it to find the way home./
[hard row to hoe] or [tough row to hoe] {n. phr.} A hard life to
live; a very hard job to do. * /She has a hard row to hoe with six
children and her husband dead./ * /Young people without enough
education will have a tough row to hoe when they have to support
themselves./ Syn.: HARD SLEDDING. Compare: DOWN ON ONE'S LUCK, HARD
NUT TO CRACK.
[hard sell] {n.}, {informal} A kind of salesmanship characterized
by great vigor, aggressive persuasion, and great eagerness on the part
of the person selling something; opposed to "soft sell". * /Your hard
sell turns off a lot of people; try the soft sell for a change, won't
you?/
[hard sledding] or [rough sledding] or [tough sledding] {n.},
{informal} Difficulty in succeeding or making progress. * /Jane had
hard sledding in her math course because she was poorly prepared./ *
/When Mr. Smith started his new business, he had tough sledding for a
while but things got better./
[hard-top] {n.} 1. A car that has a metal roof; a car that is not a
convertible. * /Every spring Mr. Jones sells his hard-top and buys a
convertible./ 2. or [hardtop convertible] A car with windows that can
be completely lowered with no partitions left standing, and with a top
that may or may not be lowered. * /Mr. Brown's new car is a hardtop
convertible./
[hard up] {adj.}, {informal} Without enough money or some other
needed thing. * /Dick was hard up and asked Lou to lend him a dollar./
* /The campers were hard up for water because their well had run dry./
Compare: UP AGAINST IT.
[hard way] {n.} The harder or more punishing of two or more ways to
solve a problem, do something, or learn something. - Used with "the".
* /The mayor refused the help of the crooks and won the election the
hard way by going out to meet the people./ * /The challenger found out
the hard way that the champion's left hand had to be avoided./
[hare] See: MAD AS A HATTER or MAD AS A MARCH HARE, RUN WITH THE
HARE AND HUNT (RIDE) WITH THE HOUNDS.
[harebrained] {adj.} Thoughtless; foolish. * /Most of the
harebrained things Ed does may be attributable to his youth and lack
of experience./
[hark back] {v.}, {literary} 1. To recall or turn back to an
earlier time or happening. * /Judy is always harking back to the good
times she had at camp./ 2. To go back to something as a beginning or
origin. * /The cars of today hark back to the first automobiles made
about 1900./ * /The slit in the back of a man's coal harks back to the
days when men rode horseback./
[harp away at] or [on] {v.} To mention again and again. * /In his
campaign speeches, Jones harps on his rival's wealth and powerful
friends./
[Harry] See: TOM, DICK, AND HARRY.
[harum-scarum(1)] {adv.}, {informal} In a careless, disorderly or
reckless way. * /Jim does his homework harum-scarum, and that is why
his schoolwork is so poor./
[harum-scarum(2)] {adj.}, {informal} Careless, wild, or disorderly
in one's acts or performance; reckless. * /Jack is such a harum-scarum
boy that you can never depend on him to do anything right./
[hash] See: SETTLE ONE'S HASH, SLING HASH.
[hash house] {n.}, {slang} An eating place where cheap meals are
served. * /Joe and his friends went to a hash house around the corner
after the game./
[hash out] {v.}, {informal} To talk all about and try to agree on;
discuss thoroughly. * /The teacher asked Susan and Jane to sit down
together and hash out their differences./ * /The students hashed out
the matter and decided to drop it./
[hash up] {v.}, {slang} 1. To make a mess of; do badly. * /Bob
really hashed up that exam and failed the course./ 2. To bring to
life; remember and talk about. * /The teacher advised Sue not to hash
up old bitterness against her schoolmates./
[haste] See: MAKE HASTE.
[hat] See: AT THE DROP OF A HAT, BRASS HAT, HANG ON TO YOUR HAT or
HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT or HOLD YOUR HAT, HIGH-HAT, KEEP UNDER ONE'S HAT,
OLD HAT, PULL OUT OF A HAT, TAKE OFF ONE'S HAT TO, TALK THROUGH ONE'S
HAT, TEN-GALLON HAT, THROW ONE'S HAT IN THE RING.
[hat in hand] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a humble and respectful
manner. * /They went hat in hand to the old woman to ask for her
secret recipe./
[hatch] See: COUNT ONE'S CHICKENS BEFORE THEY ARE HATCHED.
[hatchet] See: BURY THE HATCHET.
[hatchet face] {n.} A long narrow face with sharp parts; also, a
person with such a face. * /Johnny was sent to the principal's office
because he called his teacher old hatchet face./ * /He was
hatchet-faced and not at all handsome./
[hatchet job] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. The act of saying or writing
terrible things about someone or something, usually on behalf of one's
boss or organization. * /When Phil makes speeches against the
competition exaggerating their weaknesses, he is doing the hatchet job
on behalf of our president./ 2. A ruthless, wholesale job of editing a
script whereby entire paragraphs or pages are omitted. * /Don, my
editor, did a hatchet job on my new novel./
[hatchet man] {n.}, {colloquial} 1. A politician or newspaper
columnist whose job is to write and say unfavorable things about the
opposition. * /Bill Lerner is the hatchet man for the Mayor's Party;
he smears all the other candidates regularly./ 2. An executive officer
in a firm whose job it is to fire superfluous personnel, cut back on
the budget, etc., in short, to do the necessary but unpleasant things.
* /The firm hired Cranhart to be hatchet man; his title is that of
Executive Vice President./
[hate one's guts] {v. phr.}, {slang} To feel a very strong dislike
for someone. * /Dick said that he hated Fred's guts because Fred had
been very mean to him./
[hats off to] or [one's hat is off to] {truncated phr.}, {informal}
Used to recognize and praise a job well-done. * /Hats off to anyone
who runs the twenty-six mile race./ * /My hat is off to the chef who
created this delicious meal./ Compare: TAKE OFF ONE'S HAT TO.
[hatter] See: MAD AS A HATTER.
[haul] See: LONG HAUL.
[haul down] {v.}, {informal} 1. To catch (as a ball) usually after
a long run. * /Willie hauled down a long fly to center field for the
third out./ * /The star halfback hauled down the pass for a
touchdown./ 2. To tackle in football. * /Ted was hauled down from
behind when he tried to run with the ball./
[haul down one's colors] or [strike one's colors] {v. phr.} 1. To
pull down a flag, showing you are beaten and want to stop fighting. *
/After a long battle, the pirate captain hauled down his colors./ 2.
To admit you are beaten; say you want to quit. * /After losing two
sets of tennis, Tom hauled down his color./
[haul in] or [haul up] or [pull in] {v.}, {slang} To bring before
someone in charge for punishment or questioning; arrest. * /John was
hauled in to court for speeding./ * /The tramp was hauled up for
sleeping on the sidewalk./ Compare: CALL ON THE CARPET.
[haul in one's horns] See: PULL IN ONE'S HORNS.
[haul off] {v.} To move suddenly. - Used with "and" usually before
a verb like "hit" or "kick". * /Ed hauled off and hit the other boy in
the nose./ * /Lee hauled off and threw a touchdown pass./
[haul over the coals] or [rake over the coals] {v. phr.} To
criticize sharply; rebuke; scold. * /The sergeant raked the soldier
over the coals for being late for roll call./ Syn.: DRESS DOWN.
[have] See: CAT HAS NINE LIVES, ONE'S CAKE AND HAVE IT TOO, EVERY
CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING, EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY, HAVE NOTHING ON or
HAVE ANYTHING ON, LITTLE PITCHERS HAVE BIG EARS, or an important word
after this in the sentence.
[have] or [get] or [develop a crush on] {v. phr.} To be infatuated
with someone. * /Walter has a terrible crush on his English teacher,
but she is a lot older and doesn't take it seriously./
[have a ball] {v. phr.}, {slang} Enjoy yourself very much; have a
wonderful time. * /Johnny had a ball at camp./ * /Mary and Tim have a
ball exploring the town./ * /After their parents left, the children
had a ball./ Syn.: HAVE A TIME(2).
[have a bone to pick] See: BONE TO PICK.
[have a care] {v. phr.}, {formal} To be careful what you do. *
/Jane, have a care what you're doing with that valuable glass./ * /The
judge told him to have a care what he said in court./
[have a field day] {v. phr.} To enjoy great success or unlimited
opportunity. * /The visiting basketball team was so weak that our
school had a field day scoring one point after another./
[have a finger in the pie] See: FINGER IN THE PIE.
[have a fit] or [have fits] or [throw a fit] {v. phr.} 1. To have a
sudden illness with stiffness or jerking of the body. * /Our dog had a
fit yesterday./ 2. {informal} To become angry or upset. * /Father will
throw a fit when he sees the dent in the car./ * /Howard will have a
fit when he learns that he lost the election./ * /When John decided to
drop out of college, his parents had fits./
[have a go at] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try, especially after
others have tried. * /Bob asked Dick to let him have a go at shooting
at the target with Dick's rifle./ * /She had a go at archery, but did
not do very well./
[have a good head on one's shoulders] {v. phr.} To be smart;
intelligent; well educated. * /Rob is not the handsomest guy in the
world but the girls appreciate him because he has a good head on his
shoulders./
[have a (good) head for] {v. phr.} To have a special talent in a
certain area. * /Joan has quite a good head for business
administration./
[have a (good) mind to] {v. phr.} To consider doing; intend to with
a high degree of probability. * /I have a good mind to tell my boss
that he doesn't know how to run our enterprise./
[have a hand in] {v. phr.} To have a part in or influence over; to
be partly responsible for. * /Sue's schoolmates respect her and she
has a hand in every important decision made by the Student Council./ *
/Ben had a hand in getting ready the Senior play./ Compare: FINGER IN
THE PIE.
[have a heart] {v. phr.}, {informal} To stop being mean; be kind,
generous, or sympathetic. * /Have a heart, Bob, and lend me two
dollars./ * /Have a heart, Mary, and help me with this lesson./ * /He
didn't know if the teacher would have a heart and pass him./
[have a heart-to-heart talk] {v. phr.} To confide in someone with
great intimacy. * /Jill and her mother had a heart-to-heart talk
before she decided to move in with Andrew./
[have all one's buttons] or [have all one's marbles] {v. phr.},
{slang} To have all your understanding; be reasonable. - Usually used
in the negative or conditionally. * /Mike acts sometimes as if he
didn't have all his buttons./ * /He would not go to town barefooted if
he had all his marbles./
[have a mind of one's own] {v. phr.} To be independent in one's
thinking and judgment. * /Tow has always had a mind of his own so
there is no use trying to convince him how to vote./
[have an affair with] {v. phr.} To have a sexual relationship with
someone, either before marriage or outside of one's marriage. * /Tow
and Jane had a long and complex affair but they never got married./
[have an ear for] {v. phr.} To have a keen perception; have a taste
or a talent for; be sensitive to something. * /I have no ear
whatsoever for foreign languages or music./
[have an ear to the ground] See: EAR TO THE GROUND.
[have an edge on] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To have an advantage
over someone or something else in the course of an evaluative
comparison. * /I can't beat you at tennis, but I have an edge on you
in ping-pong./ 2. To be mildly intoxicated; to have had a few drinks.
* /Joe sure had an edge on when I saw him last night./ Compare: EDGE
ON.
[have an eye for] {v. phr.} To be able to judge correctly of; have
good taste in. * /She has an eye for color and style in clothes./ *
/He has an eye for good English usage./
[have an eye on] or [have one's eye on] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To
look at or think about (something wanted); have a wish for; have as an
aim. * /I bought ice cream, but Jimmy had his eye on some candy./ *
/John has his eye on a scholarship so he can go to college./ Compare:
IN MIND. 2. See: KEEP AN EYE ON(1).
[have an eye out] See: EYE OUT.
[have an eye] to See: EYE TO.
[have an itch for] or [to do] See: BE ITCHING TO.
[have a nodding acquaintance with] See: NODDING ACQUAINTANCE.
[have a price on one's head] See: PRICE ON ONE'S HEAD.
[have a rough idea about] See: ROUGH IDEA.
[have a say in] or [a voice in] {v. phr.} To have the right to
express one's opinion or cast a vote in a pending matter. * /Our boss
is friendly and democratic; he always encourages us to have a say in
what we will do next./
[have a screw loose] {v. phr,}, {slang} To act in a strange way; to
be foolish. * /Now I know he has a screw loose - he stole a police car
this time./ * /He was a smart man but had a screw loose and people
thought him odd./
[have a snowball's chance in hell] {v. phr.} To be condemned to
failure; enjoy a zero chance of success. * /Pessimists used to think
that we had a snowball's chance in hell to put a man on the moon; yet
we did it in July, 1969./
[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./
[have a sweet tooth] {v. phr.} To be excessively fond of dessert
items, such as ice cream, pies, etc. * /Jill has a sweet tooth; she
always orders apple pie after a meal in a restaurant./
[have a time] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To have trouble; have a hard
time. * /Poor Susan had a time trying to get the children to go to
bed./ * /John had a time passing his math course./ 2. To have a good
time; to have fun. - Used with a reflexive pronoun. * /Bob had himself
a time going to every night club in town./ * /Mary had herself a time
dancing at the party./ Syn.: HAVE A BALL.
[have a way with] {v. phr.} To be able to lead, persuade, or
influence. * /Dave has such a way with the campers that they do
everything he tells them to do./ * /Ted will be a good veterinarian,
because he has a way with animals./
[have a word with] {v. phr.} 1. To talk, discuss, or speak briefly
with. * /Robert, I need to have a word with you about tomorrow's
exam./ 2. To engage in a sincere discussion with the purpose of
persuading the other person or let him or her know of one's
dissatisfaction. * /Our boss has been making funny decisions lately; I
think we ought to have a word with him./
[have been around] {v. phr.}, {informal} Have been to many places
and done many things; know people; have experience and be able to take
care of yourself. * /Uncle Willie is an old sailor and has really been
around./ * /Betty likes to go out with Jerry, because he has been
around./ * /It's not easy to fool him; he's been around./ Compare: GET
AROUND, KNOW ONE'S WAY AROUND.
[have dibs on] or [put dibs on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To demand a
share of something or to be in line for the use of an object usable by
more than one person. * /Don't throw your magazine away! I put (my)
dibs on it, remember?/
[have done] {v.}, {formal} To stop; finish. * /When the teacher had
done, she asked for questions from the class./ * /If you have done, I
will explain the matter./
[have done with] {v.} To stop doing or using something. * /When you
have done with that paintbrush, Barbara, I would like to use it. * /I
wish you would have done with your criticisms./
[have eyes only for] {v. phr.} To see or want nothing else but;
give all your attention to; be interested only in. * /Of all the
horses in the show, John had eyes only for the big white one./ * /All
the girls liked Fred, but he had eyes only for Helen./
[have fits] See: HAVE A FIT.
[have got to] {v. phr.} Must; be in great need to do something; be
obliged to. * /I am sorry but we have got to leave, otherwise, we'll
miss the last train./
[have had it] {v. phr.}, {slang} To have experienced or suffered
all you can; to have come to the end of your patience or life. *
/"I've had it," said Lou, "I'm resigning from the job of chairman
right now."/ * /When the doctor examined the man who had been shot, he
said, "He's had it."/
[have hair] {v. phr.}, {slang} To possess courage, fortitude, guts,
sex-appeal. * /I like him, he's got a lot of hair./
[have] or [hold the whip over] {v. phr.} To control; dominate. *
/Eugene has always held the whip over his younger brothers and
sisters./
[have in mind] {v. phr.} To plan; intend; select. * /We don't know
whom our boss has in mind for the new position./
[have in one's hair] See: IN ONE'S HAIR.
[have in the palm of one's hand] {v. phr.} To completely control;
have a project finished, all wrapped up. * /Our boss felt that if he
could calm his critics he would soon have the entire factory in the
palm of his hand./
[have it] {v. phr.} 1. To hear or get news; understand. * /I have
it on the best authority that we will be paid for our work next week./
2. 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./ 3. 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./ 4. 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. 5. To win. * /When the senators vote, the ayes
will have it./ 6. 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."/ 7. {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./ 8. See: AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT.
[have it all over] See: HAVE IT OVER.
[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.
[have it in for] {v. phr.}, {informal} To wish or mean to harm;
have a bitter feeling against. * /George has it in for Bob because Bob
told the teacher that George cheated in the examination./ * /After
John beat Ted in a fight, Ted always had it in for John./
[have it made] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be sure of success; have
everything you need. * /With her fine grades Alice has it made and can
enter any college in the country./ * /The other seniors think Joe has
it made because his father owns a big factory./
[have it out] {v. phr.} To settle a difference by a free discussion
or by a fight. * /Joe called Bob a bad name, so they went back of the
school and had it out. Joe got a bloody nose and Bob got a black eye./
* /The former friends finally decided to have it out in a free
argument and they became friends again./
[have it over] or [have it all over] {v. phr.} To be better than;
be superior to. * /Anne has it all over Jane in looks and charm./ * /A
professional golfer usually has it all over an amateur./ * /A jeep has
it over a regular car on rough mountain trails./ Compare: BEAT ALL
HOLLOW.
[have kittens] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become very much worried or
upset. * /Mrs. Jones was having kittens because if was very late and
Susan wasn't home yet./ Compare: HAVE A FIT.
[have lots (everything) going for one] {v. phr.} To have abilities
or qualities that help in achieving one's goal; assets working in
one's favor. * /The young woman will surely get the job; she has
everything going for her./
[have money to burn] See: MONEY TO BURN.
[have no business] {v. phr.} To have no right or reason. * /Jack
had no business saying those nasty things about Dick./ * /Vern's
mother told him he had no business going swimming that day./
[have none of] {v. phr.} To refuse to approve or allow. * /The
teacher said she would have none of Mike's arguing./ * /When the
fullback refused to obey the captain, the captain said he would have
none of that./
[have nothing on] or [not have anything on] {v. phr.} Not to be any
better than; to have no advantage over. * /Susan is a wonderful
athlete, but when it comes to dancing she has nothing on Mary./ *
/Even though he is older, John has nothing on Peter in school./ *
/Although the Smiths have a Rolls Royce, they have nothing on the
Jones' who have a Cadillac and a Jaguar./ 2. To have no information or
proof that someone broke the law. * /Mr. James was not worried when he
was arrested because he was sure they had nothing on him./ * /Mr.
Brown was an honest politician and they had nothing on him./
[have nothing to do with] {v. phr.} To not be involved with; not
care about. * /Our firm has nothing to do with oil from the Near East;
we are interested in solar energy./
[have no use for] See: NO USE.
[have on] {v.} 1. To be dressed in; wear. * /Mary had on her new
dress./ 2. To have (something) planned; have an appointment; plan to
do. * /Harry has a big weekend on./ * /I'm sorry I can't attend your
party, but I have a meeting on for that night./ 3. See: HAVE NOTHING
ON, HAVE SOMETHING ON.
[have one's ass in a sling] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {vulgar},
{avoidable} To be in an uncomfortable predicament; to be in the
dog-house; to be at a disadvantage. * /Al sure had his ass in a sling
when the boss found out about his juggling the account./
[have one's cake and eat it too] {v. phr.} To enjoy two opposite
advantages. * /You can either spend your money going to Europe or save
it for a down payment on a house, but you can't do both. That would be
having your cake and eating it, too./
[have one's ear] {v. phr.} To have access to someone in power;
receive audiences rather frequently. * /The national security advisor
has the president's ear./
[have one's ears on] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio
jargon} To have one's CB radio in receiving condition. * /Good buddy
in the eighteen wheeler southbound, got your ears on?/
[have oneself] {v. phr.}, {nonstandard} To enjoy. - Sometimes used
in very informal speech to provide emphasis. * /As soon as their
parents left, the boys had themselves some fun./ * /After working hard
all day, John had himself a good night's sleep./
[have one's feet planted firmly in the ground] See: FEET ON THE
GROUND.
[have one's fill] {v. phr.} To be satisfied; be surfeited; be
overindulged. * /Howard says he's had his fill of expensive golf
tournaments in Europe./
[have one's fling] {v. phr.} To have one or more romantic and/or
sexual experiences, usually before marriage. * /Jack has had his fling
and now seems to be ready to get married and settle down./
[have one's hand in the till] See: ROB THE TILL.
[have one's hands full] {v. phr.} To have as much work as you can
do; be very busy. * /The plumber said that he had his hands full and
could not take another job for two weeks./ * /With three small
children to take care of, Susie's mother has her hands full./
[have one's hands tied] See: TIED ONE'S HANDS.
[have one's head in the sand] See: HIDE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND.
[have one's head screwed on backwards] {v. phr.} To lack common
sense; behave in strange and irrational ways. * /Henry seems to have
his head screwed on backwards; he thinks the best time to get a suntan
is when it is raining and to sleep with his shoes on./
[have one's heart in the right place] See: HEART IS IN THE RIGHT
PLACE.
[have one's hide] {v. phr.}, {informal} To punish severely. *
/John's mother said she would have his hide if he was late to school
again./
[have one's nose to the grindstone] See: KEEP ONE'S NOSE TO THE
GRINDSTONE.
[have one's number] See: GET ONE'S NUMBER.
[have one's wings clipped] See: CLIP ONE'S WING.
[have one's wits about one] {v. phr.} To be alert; remain calm; not
panic. * /Sam was the only one who kept his wits about him when the
floodwaters of the Mississippi broke into our yard./
[have one's work cut out] See: CUT OUT(1).
[have on the ball] See: ON THE BALL.
[have qualms about] {v. phr.} To feel uneasy about; hesitate about
something. * /Mike had no qualms in telling Sue that he was no longer
in love with her./
[have rocks in one's head] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be stupid; not
have good judgment. * /When Mr. James quit his good job with the coal
company to begin teaching school, some people thought he had rocks in
his head./
[have second thoughts about] See: SECOND THOUGHT(s).
[have seen better days] See: SEE BETTER DAYS.
[have someone by the balls] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {vulgar},
{avoidable} To have someone at a disadvantage or in one's power. *
/The kidnappers had the company by the balls for six long weeks./
[have something going for one] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To
have ability, talent; good looks, and/or influence in important places
helping one to be successful. * /Well now, Pat Jones, that's another
story - she's got something going for her./
[have something on] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have information or
proof that someone did something wrong. * /Mr. Jones didn't want to
run for office because he knew the opponents had something on him./ *
/Mr. Smith keeps paying blackmail to a man who has something on him./
* /Although Miss Brown is not a good worker, her boss does not fire
her because she has something on him./ Compare: GET THE GOODS ON.
Contrast: HAVE NOTHING ON.
[have something on the ball] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {colloquial} To be
smart, clever; to be skilled and have the necessary know-how. * /You
can trust Syd; he's got a lot on the ball OR he's got something on the
ball./
[have sticky fingers] See: STICKY FINGERS.
[have or take a shot at] See: HAVE GO AT.
[have the best of] or [have the better of] See: GET THE BETTER
OF(2).
[have the better of] or [have the best of] See: GET THE BETTER OF.
[have the cart before the horse] See: CART BEFORE THE HORSE.
[have the constitution of an ox] {v. phr.} To be able to work
extremely hard and to have the stamina to overcome misfortune. *
/Stan, who has lost both of his parents within one year and is
constantly working late, seems to be indestructible, as if he had the
constitution of an ox./
[have the courage of one's convictions] {v. phr.} To be brave
enough to act according to your beliefs. * /Steve showed that he had
the courage of his convictions by refusing to help another student
cheat in the exam./ * /Owen knew that Pete had started the fight, but
he was afraid to say so; he did not have the courage of his
convictions./
[have the goods on] See: GET THE GOODS ON.
[have the guts to do something] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be brave
enough to do something difficult or dangerous. * /Jack wants to marry
Jilt, but he doesn't have the guts to pop the question./
[have the jump on] See: GET THE JUMP ON.
[have the last laugh] or [get the last laugh] {v. phr.} To make
someone seem foolish for having laughed at you. * /Other schools
laughed at us when our little team entered the state championship, but
we had the last laugh when we won it./ Compare: HE LAUGHS BEST WHO
LAUGHS LAST, TURN THE TABLES.
[have the laugh on] {v. phr.} To emerge as the victor. * /We were
trying to fool Paul by setting him up with a blind date who was
reportedly unattractive, but he had the laugh on us when this girl
turned out to be beautiful./
[have the lead] {v. phr.} To occupy the most prominent part in
something. * /Maria has the lead in our school play./
[have the makings of] {v. phr.} To possess the basic ingredients;
have the basic qualities to do something. * /Tom is still young but he
seems to have the makings of an excellent pianist./
[have the right-of-way] {v. phr.} To have priority in proceeding in
traffic on a public highway while other vehicles must yield and wait.
* /"Go ahead," he said. "We have the right-of-way at this
intersection."/
[have the time of one's life] See: TIME OF ONE'S LIFE.
[have the worst of] See: GET THE WORST OF.
[have to] or [have got to] {v.}, {informal} To be obliged or forced
to; need to; must. * /Do you have to go now?/ * /He had to come. His
parents made him./ * /I have got to go to the doctor./ * /I have to go
to Church./
[have to do with] {v. phr.} 1. To be about; be on the subject of or
connected with. * /The book has to do with airplanes./ 2. To know or
be a friend of; work or have business with. - Usually used in negative
sentence. * /Tom said he didn't want to have anything to do with the
new boy./ * /I had nothing to do with the party; I was home that
night./
[have too many irons in the fire] See: TOO MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE.
[have two strikes against one] or [have two strikes on one] {v.
phr.}, {informal} To have things working against you; be hindered in
several ways; be in a difficult situation; be unlikely to succeed. *
/Children from the poorest parts of a city often have two strikes
against them before they enter school./ * /George has two strikes
against him already. Everybody is against what he wants to do./
Compare: BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL. (In baseball, three strikes are out.
If the umpire calls two strikes against the batter, he has only one
strike left and will be out if he gets one more strike.)
[haw] See: HEM AND HAW.
[hay] See: HIT THE HAY.
[haystack] See: NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK.
[haywire] See: GO HAYWIRE.
[hazard] See: AT ALL HAZARDS.
[haze] See: IN A FOG or IN A HAZE.
[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.
[head above water] {n. phr.} out of difficulty; clear of trouble. *
/How are your marks at school? Are you keeping your head above water?/
* /Business at the store is bad. They can't keep their heads above
water./
[head and shoulders] {adv. phr.} 1. By the measure of the head and
shoulders. * /The basketball player is head and shoulders taller than
the other boys./ 2. By far; by a great deal; very much. * /She is head
and shoulders above the rest of the class in singing./ See: FAR AND
AWAY.
[header] See: DOUBLE-HEADER.
[head for] {v. phr.} To go in the direction of. * /We left early in
the morning and headed for Niagara Falls./
[head for the hills] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get far away in a
hurry; run away and hide. - Often used imperatively. * /Head for the
hills. The bandits are coming./ * /He saw the crowd chasing him, so he
headed for the hills./ * /When they saw the mean boy coming, they all
headed for the hills./ Compare: BEAT IT, LIGHT OUT, TAKE TO THE WOODS.
[head-hunting] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. The custom of seeking
out, decapitating, and preserving the heads of enemies as trophies. 2.
A search for qualified individuals to fill certain positions. * /The
president sent a committee to the colleges and universities to do some
head-hunting; we hope he finds some young talent./ 3. A systematic
destruction of opponents, especially in politics. * /Billings was
hired by the party to do some head-hunting among members of the
opposition./
[head in the clouds] See: IN THE CLOUDS.
[head in the sand] See: HIDE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND.
[head off] {v.} 1. To get in front of and stop, turn back, or turn
aside. * /The sheriff said to head the cattle thieves off at the
pass./ 2. To block; stop; prevent. * /He will get into trouble if
someone doesn't head him off./
[head-on] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. With the head or front pointing
at; with the front facing; front end to front end. * /Our car skidded
into a head-on crash with the truck./ * /In the fog the boat ran
head-on into a log./ * /There is a head-on view of the parade from our
house./ Compare: FACE-TO-FACE. Contrast: REAR-END. 2. In a way that is
exactly opposite; against or opposed to in argument. * /If you think a
rule should be changed, a head-on attack against it is best./ * /Tom
did not want to argue head-on what the teacher said, so he said
nothing./
[head out] {v.} 1. To go or point away. * /The ship left port and
headed out to sea./ * /The car was parked beside the house. It was
headed out towards the street./ 2. {informal} Leave; start out. * /I
have a long way to go before dark. I'm going to head out./
[head over heels] also [heels over head] 1a. In a somersault;
upside down; head first. * /It was so dark Bob fell head over heels
into a big hole in the ground./ Compare: UPSIDE DOWN. 1b. In great
confusion or disorder; hastily. * /The children all tried to come in
the door at once, head over heels./ Compare: TOPSY-TURVY. 2.
{informal} Completely; deeply. * /He was head over heels in debt./ *
/She was head over heels in love./
[headshrinker] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A psychoanalyst, also
called a shrink. * /Forrester is falling apart; his family physician
sent him to a head shrinker (to a shrink)./
[head start] {n.} 1. A beginning before someone; lead or advantage
at the beginning. * /The other racers knew they couldn't catch Don if
he got too big a head start./ * /Joe has a head start. He began to
study earlier than we did./ 2. A good beginning. * /Let's get a head
start in painting the house by getting up early./ * /The teacher gave
the class a head start on the exercise by telling them the answers to
the first two problems./ Compare: RUNNING START.
[heads or tails] {n. phr.} The two sides of a coin, especially when
the coin is tossed in the air in order to decide which of two
alternatives are to be followed. * /Tom tossed a quarter in the air
and said, "Tails, I win; heads you win."/
[heads up] {interj.}, {informal} Keep your head up and be careful
or ready. - Used as a warning to prepare for something or clear the
way * /"Heads up!" said the waiter carrying the hot food./ * /Heads
up, boys! A train is coming./ * /Heads up, now! You can do better than
that./ Syn.: LOOK ALIVE, LOOK OUT.
[heads-up] {adj.}, {informal} Wide-awake; alert; watchful;
intelligent. * /You must play hard, heads-up baseball to win this
game./ Compare: ON ONE'S TOES, ON THE BALL.
[head up] {v.}, {informal} 1. To be at the head or front of. * /The
elephants headed up the whole parade./ 2. To be the leader or boss of.
* /Mr. Jones will head up the new business./ * /The class planned a
candy sale, and they elected Mary to head it up./
[health] See: CLEAN HILL OF HEALTH.
[heap] See: STRIKE ALL OF A HEAP.
[heap coals of fire on one's head] {v. phr.}, {literary} To be kind
or helpful to someone who has done wrong to you, so that he is
ashamed. * /Alice heaped coals of fire on Mary's head by inviting her
to a party after Mary had gossiped about her./ * /Jean Valjean stole
the Bishop's silver, but the Bishop heaped coals of fire on his head
by giving the silver to him./
[hear] See: WILL NOT HEAR OF.
[hear a pin drop] {v. phr.} Absolute silence. * /It's so quiet in
the room you could hear a pin drop./
[heart] See: AFTER ONE'S OWN HEART, AT HEART, EAT ONE'S HEART OUT,
BREAK ONE'S HEART, BY HEART, CHANGE OF HEART, CROSS ONE'S HEART, DO
ONE GOOD or DO ONE'S HEART GOOD, FIND IT IN ONE'S HEART, FROM THE
BOTTOM OF ONE'S HEART or WITH ALL ONE'S HEART, FROM THE HEART, GET TO
THE HEART OF, HAVE A HEART, HEAVY HEART, LOSE HEART, LOSE ONE'S HEART,
OPEN HEART, OPEN ONE'S HEART, SEARCH ONE'S HEART, SET ONE'S HEART ON,
TAKE HEART, TAKE TO HEART, TO ONE'S HEART'S CONTENT, WEAR ONE'S HEART
ON ONE'S SLEEVE.
[heartbreaker] {n.} One with numerous admirers of the opposite sex;
one with whom others fall in love readily. * /Tom, who has four girls
in love with him at college, has developed the reputation of being a
heartbreaker./
[heart and soul(1)] {n.} Eager love; strong feeling; great
enthusiasm. Often used with a singular verb. * /When Mr. Pitt plays
the piano, his heart and soul is in it./ * /John plays tennis badly,
but with heart and soul./ * /Mary wanted a puppy with all her heart
and soul./
[heart and soul(2)] {adv.} Wholly and eagerly; with all one's
interest and strength; completely. * /Will you try to make our city a
better place? Then we are with you heart and soul./ * /Mike was heart
and soul against the new rules./ Compare: BODY AND SOUL.
[heart goes out to] {formal} You feel very sorry for; you feel pity
or sympathy for. - Used with a possessive. * /Frank's heart went out
to the poor children playing in the slum street./ * /Our hearts went
out to the young mother whose child had died./
[hear the beat] or [see the beat] {v. phr.}, {dialect} To hear of
or to see someone or something better or surpassing. - Usually used in
negative or interrogative sentences and often followed by "of". * /I
never heard the beat! John swam all the way across the river. Did you
ever hear the beat of it?/ * /The juggler spun a table around on the
tip of his finger. I never saw the beat of that./
[heart in one's mouth] or [heart in one's boots] A feeling of great
fear or nervousness. - Often considered trite. * /Charles got up to
make his first speech with his heart in his mouth./ * /My heart was in
my mouth as I went into the haunted house./ * /When the bear came out
of the woods towards us, our hearts were in our mouths./ Compare: HAIR
STAND ON END.
[heart is in the right place] or [have one's heart in the right
place] To be kind-hearted, sympathetic or well-meaning; have good
intentions. * /All the tramps and stray dogs in the neighborhood knew
that Mrs. Brown's heart was in the right place./ * /Tom looks very
rough but his heart is in the right place./
[heart miss a beat] See: HEART SKIP A BEAT.
[heart of gold] {n. phr.} A kind, generous, or forgiving nature. *
/John has a heart of gold. I never saw him angry at anyone./ * /Mrs.
Brown is a rich woman with a heart of gold./ Compare: GOOD AS GOLD,
HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
[heart of stone] {n. phr.} A. nature without pity. * /Mr. Smith has
a heart of stone. He whipped his horse until it fell down./
[heart-searching] See: SEARCH ONE'S HEART.
[heart set] See: SET ONE'S HEART ON.
[heart sink] To lose hope, courage, or eagerness; be very
disappointed. * /The soldiers' hearts sank when they saw that they
were surrounded by Indians./ * /The children were happy because they
were going to the beach to swim, but their hearts sank when it began
to rain./
[heart skip a beat] or [heart miss a beat] 1. The heart leaves out
or seems to leave out a beat; the heart beats hard or leaps from
excitement or strong feeling. - Often considered trite. * /When Paul
saw the bear standing in front of him, his heart skipped a beat./ 2.
To be startled or excited from surprise, joy. or fright. * /When Linda
was told that she had won, her heart missed a beat./
[heart stand still] {v. phr.} To be very frightened or worried. *
/Johnny's heart stood still when he saw his dog run into the street in
front of a car./ * /Everybody's heart stood still when the President
announced that war was declared./ Compare: HAIR STAND ON END.
[heart-to-heart] {adj.} Speaking freely and seriously about
something private. * /The father decided to have a heart-to-heart talk
with his son about smoking./ * /She waited until they were alone so
she could have a heart-to-heart talk with him./ Compare: MAN-TO-MAN.
[hearty] See: HALE AND HEARTY.
[heat] See: CANNED HEAT.
[heave in sight] {v. phr.} To seem to rise above the horizon at sea
and come into sight; come into view; become visible. - Usually used of
ships. * /A ship hove in sight many miles away on the horizon./
[heaven] See: MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH, WOULD THAT or WOULD HEAVEN.
[heaven knows] or [heaven only knows] See: GOD KNOWS.
[heavenly days!] {interj.}, {informal} Exclamation of amazement and
disbelief with negative coloring. * /Heavenly days! Look what
happened! The dog did it again on the Persian carpet!/ Compare: GOOD
GRIEF!
[heave to] {v.} To bring a ship to a stop; bring a sailing ship to
a standstill by setting the sails in a certain way. * /"Heave to!" the
captain shouted to his crew./ * /We fired a warning shot across the
front of the pirate ship to make her heave to./
[heave up] See: THROW UP.
[heavy] See: HANG HEAVY or HANG HEAVY ON ONE'S HANDS, HOT AND
HEAVY.
[heavy-duty] {adj.} Made for long or hard use; very strong. * /The
lumberman used heavy-duty trucks for hauling logs down the mountains./
* /The workers in the steel mill have heavy-duty gloves for handling
hot steel./ * /Mrs. Carlson bought a heavy-duty cleanser to clean her
greasy oven./
[heavy-footed] {adj.} 1. Slow and clumsy in walking or movement;
awkward in using your feet. * /The fat man tried to dance, but he was
too heavy-footed./ * /Martha is not fat, but she is heavy-footed and
walks noisily./ 2. Awkward in choice and order of words; not smooth
and graceful; clumsy. * /In Mary's compositions, the words seem to
dance, but John's compositions are always heavy-footed./ 3. or
[lead-footed] {informal} Likely to drive an automobile fast. * /Jerry
is a bad driver because he is too heavy-footed./ Compare: STEP ON IT.
[heavy-handed] {adj.} 1. Not skillful or graceful; clumsy. *
/George is heavy-handed and seldom catches the ball./ * /My sister
plays the piano badly; she is too heavy-handed./ * /Tim told a
heavy-handed joke about the principal's baldness that embarrassed
everyone./ 2. Likely to hit or punish hard; harsh or cruel in making
(someone) obey. * /Years ago many fathers were heavy-handed bosses in
their homes./ * /Many American colonists believed that the English tax
collectors were too heavy-handed./ 3. See: HAM-HANDED.
[heavy heart] {n. phr.} A feeling of being weighed down with
sorrow; unhappiness. * /They had very heavy hearts as they went to the
funeral./
[heck] See: RAISE THE DEVIL or RAISE HECK or RAISE HOB or RAISE
NED.
[heck of it] See: DEVIL OF IT.
[hedge about] or [hedge in] 1. To surround with a hedge or barrier;
protect or separate by closing in. * /The house is hedged about with
hushes and trees./ * /The little garden is hedged in to keep the
chickens out./ 2. To keep from getting out or moving freely; keep from
acting freely; block in. * /The boys are hedged in today. They can
only play in the backyard./ * /The king said he could not make new
laws if he was so hedged in by old ones./ Syn.: FENCE IN.
[hedged in] See: FENCED IN.
[heed] See: TAKE HEED.
[heel] See: AT ONE'S HEELS, COOL ONE'S HEELS, DOWN AT-THE-HEEL or
DOWN-AT-HEEL, DRAG ONE'S FEET or DRAG ONE'S HEELS, HEAD OVER HEELS,
KICK UP ONE'S HEELS, ON ONE'S HEELS or ON THE HEELS OF, SET BACK ON
ONE'S HEELS or KNOCK BACK ON ONE'S HEELS, TAKE TO ONE'S HEELS also
SHOW A CLEAN PAIR OF HEELS, TO HEEL, TURN ON ONE'S HEEL, WELL-HEELED.
[heels over head] See: HEAD OVER HEELS.
[he laughs best who laughs last] A person should go ahead with what
he is doing and not worry when others laugh at him. When he succeeds
he will enjoy laughing at them for being wrong more than they enjoyed
laughing at him. - A proverb. * /Everyone laughed at Mary when she was
learning to ski. She kept falling down. Now she is the state champion.
He laughs best who laughs last./ Compare: CHANGE ONE'S TUNE, LAST
LAUGH, LAUGH ON THE OTHER SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH, SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT.
[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.
[hell and high water] {n. phr.} Troubles or difficulties of any
kind. * /After John's father died he went through hell and high water,
but he managed to keep the family together./ Compare: COME HELL OR
HIGH WATER.
[hell-on-wheels] {n.}, {slang} A short-tempered, nagging, or crabby
person especially one who makes another unhappy by constantly
criticizing him even when he has done nothing wrong. * /Finnegan
complains that his wife is hell on wheels; he is considering getting a
divorce./
[help] See: CAN HELP, CAN'T HELP BUT or CANNOT BUT, SO HELP ME.
[help oneself] {v. phr.} To take what you want; take rather than
ask or wail to be given. * /Help yourself to another piece of pie./ *
/John helped himself to some candy without asking./
[help out] {v.} 1. 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./ 2. 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./
[helter-skelter] {adv.} 1. At a fast speed, but in confusion. *
/The hatted ball broke Mr. Jones's window, and the boys ran away
helter-skelter./ * /When the bell rang, the pupils ran helter-skelter
out of the door./ 2. In a confusing group; in disorder. * /The movers
piled the furniture helter-skelter in the living room of the new
house./ * /Mary fell down and her books, papers, and lunch landed
helter-skelter over the sidewalk./ Compare: EVERY WHICH WAY.
[he-man] {n.}, {informal} A man who is very strong, brave, and
healthy. * /Larry was a real he-man when he returned from service with
the Marines./
[hem and haw] {v. phr.} 1. To pause or hesitate while speaking,
often with little throat noises. * /The man was a poor lecturer
because he hemmed and hawed too much./ 2. To avoid giving a clear
answer; be evasive in speech. * /The principal asked Bob why he was
late to school, and Bob only hemmed and hawed./ Compare: BEAT AROUND
THE BUSH.
[hem in] or [hem around] or [hem about] {v.} 1. To put something
around, or to be placed around; surround. * /Mountains hemmed the town
in on all sides./ * /As soon as Tom and Bob started to fight, they
were hemmed around by other boys./ 2. See: FENCE IN.
[hen] See: MAD AS A HORNET or MAD AS HOPS or MAD AS A WET HEN.
[hen party] {n. phr.}, {informal} A party to which only women or
girls are invited. * /The sorority gave a hen party for its members./
Contrast: STAG PARTY. See: GO STAG.
[Henry] See: JOHN HANCOCK or JOHN HENRY.
[her] See: GIVE IT THE GUN or GIVE HER THE GUN.
[herd] See: RIDE HERD ON.
[here] See: ALL THERE or ALL HERE, NEITHER HERE NOR THERE, SAME
HERE.
[here and now(1)] {adv. phr.} At this very time and place; right
now; immediately. * /I want my dime back, and I want it here and now./
Compare: THEN AND THERE.
[here and now(2)] {n.} The present time and place; today. * /He
enjoys the pleasures of the here and now and never worries about the
future./ * /"I want my steak here and now!"/
[here and there] {adv. phr.} 1. In one place and then in another. *
/I looked here and there for my pen, but I didn't look everywhere./ *
/Here and there in the yard little yellow flowers had sprung up./ 2.
In various directions. * /We went here and there looking for berries./
Compare: HITHER AND THITHER.
[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./
[here goes nothing] {interj.}, {informal} I am ready to begin, but
this will be a waste of time; this will not be anything great; this
will probably fail. - Used especially before beginning something that
takes skill, luck or courage. * /"Here goes nothing," said Bill at the
beginning of the race./
[hide] See: HAVE ONE'S HIDE, TAN ONE'S HIDE.
[hide one's face] or [hide one's head] {v. phr.} 1. To lower your
head or turn your face away because of shame or embarrassment. * /The
teacher found out that Tom had cheated, and Tom hid his head./ * /When
Bob said how pretty Mary was, she blushed and hid her face./ 2. To
feel embarrassed or ashamed. * /We will beat the other team so badly
that they will hide their heads in shame./
[hide one's head in the sand] or [bury one's head in the sand] or
[have one's head in the sand] To keep from seeing, knowing, or
understanding something dangerous or unpleasant; to refuse to see or
face something. * /If there is a war, you cannot just bury your head
in the sand./
[hide one's light under a bushel] {v. phr.} To be very shy and
modest and not show your abilities or talents; be too modest in
letting others see what you can do. * /When Joan is with her close
friends she has a wonderful sense of humor, but usually she hides her
light under a bushel./ * /Mr. Smith is an expert in many fields, but
most people think he is not very smart because he hides his light
under a bushel./ * /All year long Tommy hid his light under a bushel
and the teacher was surprised to see how much he knew when she read
his exam paper./
[hide or hair] or [hide nor hair] {n. phr.}, {informal} A sign or
trace of someone that is gone or lost; any sign at all of something
missing. Usually used in negative or interrogative sentence. * /Tommy
left the house this morning and I haven't seen hide or hair of him
since./ * /A button fell off my coat and I could find neither hide nor
hair of it./
[hide out] {v. phr.} To go into hiding, as in the case of a
criminal on the run. * /He tried to hide out but the police tracked
him down./
[hideout] {n.} A place where one hides. * /The wanted criminal used
several hideouts but he was captured in the end./
[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.
[high and dry] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Up above the water; beyond
the reach of splashing or waves. * /Mary was afraid she had left her
towel where the tide would reach it, but she found it high and dry./ *
/When the tide went out the boat was high and dry./ 2. Without anyone
to help; alone and with no help. * /When the time came to put up the
decorations, Mary was left high and dry./ * /At first the other boys
helped, but when the work got hard. Bob found himself high and dry./
Compare: LEAVE IN THE LURCH, OUT IN THE COLD.
[high and low] {adv.} Everywhere. * /The police were searching for
the criminal high and low, but they couldn't find him./
[high-and-mighty] {adj.}, {informal} Feeling more important or
superior to someone else; too proud of yourself. * /John wasn't
invited to the party, because he acted too high-and-mighty./ * /Mary
become high-and-mighty when she won the prize, and Joan would not go
around with her any more./ Compare: STUCK-UP.
[high as a kite] {adj.} 1. As excited and happy as one can possibly
be. * /When Eric won the lottery he was high as a kite./ 2.
Intoxicated or under the influence of some drug. * /Jeff has been
drinking again and he is high as a kite./ Compare: THREE SHEETS IN/TO
THE WIND.
[highbrow] {adj.} Very well educated or even over-educated;
belonging to the educated middle class; sophisticated. * /Certain
novels are not for everyone and are considered as highbrow
entertainment./ Contrast: LOW BROW.
[high camp] {n.}, {slang}, {show business} 1. Kitsch, or
pretentious material in bad taste that is still liked by higher class
audiences. * /"The Potsdam Quartet" is a play full of high camp./ 2.
An exaggerated movie or theater scene that loses believability. *
/Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Sledge Hammer are so full of high camp
that no sensible people watch them anymore./ [middle camp] and [low
camp] refer to theatrical kitsch preferred by middle class and low
class audiences, respectively.
[high-class] {adj.} Of the best quality; very good; superior. -
Avoided by many careful speakers. * /When Mr. Brown got a raise in
pay, Mrs. Brown started to look for a high-class apartment./ * /Mrs.
Smith always gets her clothing at high-class shops./ * /Mr. Jones
always gets his office workers from Burns Agency because they have
high-class help./ Compare: FIRST-CLASS.
[higher education] {n.} Schooling after graduation from high
school, especially in a college or university. * /Tom plans to get his
higher education at the state university./
[higher-up] {n.}, {informal} One of the people who has one of the
more important positions in an organization; an important official. *
/The teacher's problem was discussed by the higher-ups./ * /The local
officers of the scout group approved the plan, but the state
higher-ups did not accept it./
[high fashion] or [high style] {n. phr.} The new style in women's
dress set each season by designers in Paris or other fashion centers
and accepted by fashionable women. * /The high styles designed in
Paris are often quickly copied by makers of cheap clothing./
[high gear] {n. phr.}, {informal} Top speed; full activity. *
/Production got into high gear after the vacation./ * /An advertising
campaign for the new toothpaste promptly moved into high gear./
[high-handed] {adj.} Depending on force rather than right; bossy;
dictatorial. * /With high-handed daring, John helped himself to the
best food on the table./ * /Mr. Smith was a high-handed tyrant in his
office./
[high-hat(1)] {adj.}, {slang} Treating others as inferior; acting
above others. /It was an expensive place to eat, and the customers
were likely to be a little high-hat./ /Jones acted high-hat toward
anyone poorer than he./
[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.
[high jinks] {n. phr.}, {informal} Noisy or rough gaiety; wild
play; tricks. * /The sailors were on shore leave, and high jinks were
to be expected./ * /The high school seniors engaged in high jinks
after commencement./
[high off the hog] See: LIVE HIGH OFF THE HOG.
[high on] {adj. phr.} 1. Intoxicated on some drug or alcoholic
drink. * /Rob was severely scolded by the dean for always being high
on marijuana./ 2. Enthusiastic about something. * /Jeff is high on
Beethoven and Brahms./
[high place] {n. phr.} A position of responsibility, honor, and
power. * /Jones had reached a high place in the government at
Washington./
[high seas] {n. phr.} The open ocean, not the waters near the
coast. * /It was a big powerful liner built to sail on the high seas./
* /The ships of every country have the right to sail on the high
seas./
[high season] {n. phr.} The time of year when the largest number of
passengers are travelling; the time when airfare costs more. * /We had
to pay $100 more for our tickets because it was the high season./
Contrast: LOW SEASON.
[high sign] {n. phr.}, {informal} A silent signal of recognition,
greeting, or warning; an open or secret signal between two persons. -
Used with "get" or "give". * /The Joneses saw us across the hotel
dining room and gave us the high sign./ * /John could see that Grace
wanted to tell him something, but he got her attention and frowned.
She got the high sign and waited until the teacher had moved on before
speaking./
[high-sounding] {adj.} Sounding important; said for showing off;
too fancy. * /The politician's speech was full of high-sounding
words./ * /Mr. Brown filled his son with many high-sounding ideas
about life./
[high-strung] {adj.} Nervous; sensitive; tense. * /Gary has been
rather high-strung lately because of too much work at the office./
[high style] See: HIGH FASHION.
[hightail it] {v. phr.}, {slang} To travel fast; move rapidly. *
/After school, Frank would hightail it home./ * /The two men who held
up the bank hightailed it out of town./
[high time] {adj. phr.}, {used predicatively} (stress on "time")
Dire, necessary, and sufficient circumstances prompting action. * /It
is high time we sold the old house; it will fall apart within a year./
[highway] See: DIVIDED HIGHWAY or DUAL HIGHWAY.
[highway robbery] {n. phr.} 1. A hold-up of or theft from a person
committed on an open road or street usually by an armed man. *
/Highway robbery was common in England in Shakespeare's day./ 2. An
extremely high price or charge; a profiteer's excessive charge. * /To
someone from a small town, the prices of meals and theater tickets in
New York often seem to he highway robbery./
[hill] See: GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE
or GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL, HEAD FOR THE
HILLS.
[hilt] See: TO THE HILT or UP TO THE HILT.
[hinge on] or [hinge upon] {v.} To depend on as decisive: be
decided by. * /In a dictatorship, everything hinges on one man./ * /A
tobacco grower's income for the year may hinge on what the weather is
like in a few summer weeks./
[hired man] {n. phr.} A man employed to do jobs every day about a
house or farm. * /The hired man was sick, and a lot of the daily
chores were not done./
[hire out] {v.}, {informal} 1. To accept a job; take employment. *
/Frank hired out as a saxophonist with a dance band./ 2. To rent (as
owner). * /John used to hire out his tractor sometimes when he didn't
need it himself./
[history] See: GO DOWN IN HISTORY or GO DOWN IN THE RECORDS.
[hit] See: HARD-HITTING, MAKE A HIT, SMASH HIT.
[hit and miss] See: HIT OR MISS.
[hit-and-run] {adj.} 1. Of or about an accident after which a
motorist drives away without giving his name and offering help. *
/Judges are stern with hit-and-run drivers./ 2. Striking suddenly and
leaving quickly. * /The bandits often made hit-and-run attacks on
wagon trains./
[hit below the belt] See: BELOW THE BELT.
[hit between the eyes] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make a strong
impression on; surprise greatly. * /Helen hit Joe right between the
eyes the moment he saw her./ * /It was a wonderfully lifelike picture,
and it hit Sol right between the eyes./ * /To learn that his parents
had endured poverty for his sake hit John between the eyes./
[hit bottom] or [touch bottom] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To be at
the very lowest. * /In August there was a big supply of corn and the
price hit bottom./ * /When Johnny failed the exam his spirits hit
bottom./ 2. To live through the worst; not to be able to go any lower.
* /After all their troubles, they thought they had hit bottom and then
something else happened./ * /When they lost all their money they
thought they had touched bottom and things would have to get better./
[hitch one's wagon to a star] {v. phr.} To aim high; follow a great
ambition or purpose, * /In trying to be a famous pianist, Mary had
hitched her wagon to a star./ * /John hitched his wagon to a star and
decided to try to become President./
[hither and thither] or [hither and yon] {adv. phr.}, {literary} In
one direction and then in another. * /Bob wandered hither and thither
looking for a playmate./ Compare: HERE AND THERE.
[hither and yon] See: HITHER AND THITHER.
[hit home] {v. phr.} To go directly to the mark; strike a
vulnerable spot. * /His remark hit home when he referred to those who
do not contribute sufficiently to the college fund drive./
[hit it off] {v. phr.}, {informal} To enjoy one another's company;
be happy and comfortable in each other's presence. * /Tom and Fred hit
it off well with each other./ * /Mary and Jane hit it off from the
first./ Syn.: GET ALONG.
[hit on] or [hit upon] {v.} To happen to meet, find, or reach; to
choose or think by chance, * /John hit on a business that was just
starting to grow rapidly./ * /There seemed to be several explanations
of the crime, but the detectives hit on the right one the first time./
Compare: HAPPEN ON.
[hit on all cylinders] {v. phr.} 1. To run smoothly or at full
power without any missing or skipping. - Said of a motor. * /The
mechanic tuned the car engine until it was hitting on all cylinders./
2. {informal} To think or work well; to use all your ability. * /The
football team was hitting on all cylinders and scored a big victory./
* /Bob began to write his examination, and found himself hitting on
all cylinders./
[hit one's stride] {v. phr.} 1. To walk or run at your best speed;
reach your top speed or game. * /After walking the first mile, Jim was
just hitting his stride./ * /The horse began to hit his stride and
moved ahead of the other horses in the race./ 2. To do your best work;
do the best job you are able to. * /Mary didn't begin to hit her
stride in school until the fifth grade./
[hit-or-miss] also [hit-and-miss] {adj.} Unplanned; uncontrolled;
aimless; careless. * /John did a lot of hit-or-miss reading, some of
it about taxes./ * /Mary packed her bag in hurried, hit-or-miss
fashion./
[hit or miss] also [hit and miss] {adv.} In an unplanned or
uncontrolled way; aimlessly; carelessly. * /George didn't know which
house on the street was Jane's, so he began ringing doorbells hit or
miss./
[hit parade] {n.} 1. A list of songs or tunes arranged in order of
popularity. * /Tom was overjoyed when his new song was named on the
hit parade on the local radio station./ 2. {slang} A list of favorites
in order of popularity. * /Jack is no longer number one on Elsie's hit
parade./
[hitter] See: PINCH HIT, PINCH HITTER, PULL HITTER.
[hit the books] {v. phr.}, {informal} To study your school
assignments, prepare for classes. * /Jack broke away from his friends,
saying, "I've got to hit the books."/
[hit the bull's-eye] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go to the important
part of the matter; reach the main question. * /John hit the
bull's-eye when he said the big question was one of simple honesty./
[hit the ceiling] or [hit the roof] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become
violently angry; go into a rage. * /When Elaine came home at three in
the morning, her father hit the ceiling./ * /Bob hit the roof when Joe
teased him./ Syn.: BLOW A FUSE.
[hit the deck] {v. phr.} To get up from bed, to start working.
(From sailor's language as in "All hands on the deck!") * /OK boys,
it's time to hit the deck!/
[hit the dirt] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {military} To take cover under
gunfire by falling on the ground. * /We hit the dirt the moment we
heard the machine gun fire./
[hit the fan] {v. phr.}, {informal} To become a big public problem
or controversy. * /The whole mess hit the fan when the judge was
arrested for drunken driving for the second time./
[hit the hay] or [hit the sack] {v. phr.}, {slang} To go to bed. *
/The men hit the hay early, in order to be out hunting at dawn./ *
/Louis was so tired that he hit the sack soon after supper./
[hit the high spots] {v. phr.} To consider, mention, or see only
the more important parts of something such as a book, war, or school
course. * /In his lecture, the speaker hit the high spots of his
subject./ * /The first course in general science hits only the high
spots of the physical sciences./ * /The Bakers went to the fair for
one day, and only hit the high spots./
[hit the jackpot] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be very lucky or
successful. * /Mr. Brown invented a new gadget which hit the jackpot./
* /Mrs. Smith hit the jackpot when she got Lula for a maid./
[hit the nail on the head] {v. phr.} To get something exactly
right; speak or act in the most fitting or effective way. * /The
mayor's talk on race relations hit the nail on the head./
[hit the road] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To become a wanderer; to live
an idle life; become a tramp or hobo. * /When Jack's wife left him, he
felt a desire to travel, so he hit the road./ 2. To leave, especially
in a car. * /It is getting late, so I guess we will hit the road for
home./ * /He packed his car and hit the road for California./
[hit the roof] See: HIT THE CEILING.
[hit the sack] See: HIT THE HAY.
[hit the sauce] {v. phr.}, {slang} To drink alcoholic beverages -
especially heavily and habitually. * /When Sue left him, Joe began to
hit the sauce./
[hit the spot] {v. phr.}, {informal} To refresh fully or satisfy
you; bring back your spirits or strength. - Used especially of food or
drink. * /A cup of tea always hits the spot when you are tired./ *
/Mother's apple pie always hits the spot with the boys./
[hit town] {v. phr.} To arrive in town. * /Give me a phone call as
soon as you hit town./
[hit upon] See: HIT ON.
[hob] See: PLAY THE DEVIL WITH or PLAY HOB WITH.
[hoe] See: HARD ROW TO HOE or TOUGH ROW TO HOE.
[hoe one's own row] {v. phr.} To make your way in life by your own
efforts; get along without help. * /David's father died when he was
little, and he has always had to hoe his own row./ Syn.: PADDLE ONE'S
OWN CANOE, STAND ON ONE'S OWN FEET.
[hog] See: EAT (LIVE) HIGH ON THE HOG or EAT (LIVE) HIGH OFF THE
HOG, GO THE WHOLE HOG or GO WHOLE HOG, ROAD HOG.
[hog-tie] {v.}, {informal} 1. To tie (an animal) so it is unable to
move or escape. * /The Cowboy caught a calf and hog-tied it./ 2. To
make someone unable to act freely; limit. * /The welfare worker wanted
to help at once, but rules and regulations hog-tied her, so she could
only report the case./
[hoist with one's own petard] {adj. phr.} Caught in your own trap
or trick. * /Jack carried office gossip to the boss until he was
hoisted by his own petard./ (From Shakespeare; literally, blown up
with one's own bomb.)
[hold] See: GET HOLD OF, LAY HOLD OF, LEAVE HOLDING THE BAG or
LEAVE HOLDING THE SACK.
[hold a brief for] {v. phr.} To argue in support of; defend. -
Usually used with a negative. * /I hold no brief for John, but I do
not think he was responsible for the accident./ * /The lawyer said he
held no brief for thievery, but he considered the man should he given
another chance./
[hold a candle to] also [hold a stick to] {v. phr.} To be fit to be
compared with; be in the same class with. - A trite phrase used in
negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. * /Henry thought
that no modern ball club could hold a candle to those of 50 years
ago./
[hold all the trumps] {v. phr.} To have the best chance of winning;
have all the advantages; have full control. * /Most of the team wants
John for captain and he is the best player. He will he elected captain
because he holds all the trumps./ * /Freddy has a quarter and I have
no money, so he holds all the trumps and can buy whatever he wants
with it./
[hold back] {v.} 1. 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./ 2. To keep someone in place; prevent from acting. * /The
police held back the crowd./
[hold court] {v. phr.} 1. To hold a formal meeting of a royal court
or a court of law. * /Judge Stephens allowed no foolishness when he
held court./ 2. {informal} To act like a king or queen among subjects.
* /Even at sixteen, Judy was holding court for numbers of charmed
boys./
[hold down] {v.} 1. To keep in obedience; keep control of; continue
authority or rule over. * /Kings used to know very well how to hold
down the people./ 2. {informal} To work satisfactorily at. * /John had
held down a tough job for a long time./
[hold everything] See: HOLD IT.
[hold fire] See: HOLD ONE'S FIRE.
[hold forth] {v.} 1. To offer; propose. * /As a candidate, Jones
held forth the promise of a bright future./ 2. To speak in public;
preach. - Usually used with little respect. * /Senator Smith was
holding forth on free trade./
[hold good] {v.} 1. To continue to be good; last. * /The coupon on
the cereal box offered a free toy, but the offer held good only till
the end of the year./ * /Attendance at the basketball games held good
all winter./ 2. To continue; endure: last. * /The demand for new
houses held good all that year./ * /The agreement between the schools
held good for three years./ See: HOLD TRUE.
[hold it] or [hold everything] {v. phr.}, {informal} To stop
something one is doing or getting ready to do. - Usually used as a
command. * /The pilot was starting to take off, when the control tower
ordered "Hold it!"/
[hold off] {v.} 1a. To refuse to let (someone) become friendly. *
/The president's high rank and chilly manner held people off./
Compare: KEEP AT A DISTANCE. 1b. To be rather shy or unfriendly. *
/Perkins was a scholarly man who held off from people./ Compare: KEEP
AT A DISTANCE. 2. To keep away by fighting; oppose by force. * /The
man locked himself in the house and held off the police for an hour./
3. To wait before (doing something); postpone; delay. * /Jack held off
paying for the television set until the dealer fixed it./ * /Mr. Smith
held off from building while interest rates were high./
[hold on] {v.} 1. To keep holding tightly; continue to hold
strongly. * /As Ted was pulling on the rope, it began to slip and Earl
cried, "Hold on, Ted!"/ Syn.: HANG ON. 2. To wait and not hang up a
telephone; keep a phone for later use. * /Mr. Jones asked me to hold
on while he spoke to his secretary./ 3. To keep on with a business or
job in spite of difficulties. * /It was hard to keep the store going
during the depression, but Max held on and at last met with success./
4. {informal} To wait a minute; stop. - Usually used as a command. *
/"Hold on!" John's father said, "I want the car tonight."/
[hold one's breath] {v. phr.} 1. To stop breathing for a moment
when you are excited or nervous. * /The race was so close that
everyone was holding his breath at the finish./ 2. To endure great
nervousness, anxiety, or excitement. * /John held his breath for days
before he got word that the college he chose had accepted him./
[hold one's end up] or [hold up one's end] or [keep one's end up]
or [keep up one's end] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do your share of work;
do your part. * /Mary washed the dishes so fast that Ann, who was
drying them, couldn't keep her end up./ * /Susan kept up her end of
the conversation, but Bill did not talk very much./ * /Bob said he
would lend me his bicycle if I repaired the flat tire, but he didn't
keep up his end of the bargain./
[hold one's fire] or [hold fire] {v. phr.} To keep back arguments
or facts; keep from telling something. * /Tow could have hurt Fred by
telling what he knew, but he held his fire./ * /Mary held fire until
she had enough information to convince the other club members./
[hold one's head up] {v. phr.} To show self-respect; not be
ashamed; be proud. * /When Mr. Murray had paid off his debts, he felt
that he could hold his head up again./
[hold one's horses] {v. phr.}, {informal} To stop; wait; be
patient. - Usually used as a command. May be considered rude. * /"Hold
your horses!" Mr. Jones said to David when David wanted to call the
police./
[hold one's nose to the grindstone] See: KEEP ONE'S NOSE TO THE
GRINDSTONE.
[hold one's own] {v. phr.} To keep your position; avoid losing
ground; keep your advantage, wealth, or condition without loss. * /Mr.
Smith could not build up his business, but he held his own./ * /The
team held its own after the first quarter./ * /Mary had a hard time
after the operation, but soon she was holding her own./
[hold one's peace] {v. phr.}, {formal} To be silent and not speak
against something; be still; keep quiet. * /I did not agree with the
teacher, but held my peace as he was rather angry./ Compare: HOLD
ONE'S TONGUE
[hold one's temper] or [keep one's temper] {v. phr.} To make
yourself be quiet and peaceful; not become angry. * /The meeting will
go smoothly if the president keeps his temper./ * /Dave can't keep his
temper when he drives in heavy traffic./ Contrast: LOSE ONE'S TEMPER,
BLOW ONE'S STACK.
[hold one's tongue] {v. phr.} To be silent; keep still; not talk. -
May be considered rude. * /The teacher told Fred to hold his tongue./
* /If people would hold their tongues from unkind speech, fewer people
would be hurt/
[hold on to] {v. phr.} 1a. or [hold to] To continue to hold or
keep; hold tightly. * /When Jane played horse with her father, she
held on to him tightly./ * /The teacher said that if we believed
something was true and good we should hold on to it./ * /The old man
held on to his job stubbornly and would not retire./ 1b. To stay in
control of. * /Ann was so frightened that she had to hold on to
herself not to scream./ Contrast: LET GO. 2. To continue to sing or
sound. * /The singer held on to the last note of the song for a long
time./
[hold on to your hat] See: HANG ON TO YOUR HAT.
[holdout] {n.} A rebel who refuses to go with the majority. * /Sam
was a lone holdout in town; he refused to sell his old lakefront
cottage to make place for a skyscraper./
[hold out] {v. phr.} 1. To put forward; reach out; extend; offer. *
/Mr. Ryan held out his hand in welcome./ * /The clerk held out a dress
for Martha to try on./ * /The Company held out many fine promises to
Jack in order to get him to work for them./ 2. To keep resisting; not
yield; refuse to give up. * /The city held out for six months under
siege./ Compare: HANG ON, HOLD ON. 3. To refuse to agree or settle
until one's wishes have been agreed to. * /The strikers held out for a
raise of five cents an hour./ 4. {slang} To keep something from;
refuse information or belongings to which someone has a right. * /Mr.
Porters partner held out on him when the big payment came in./ *
/Mother gave Bobby cookies for all the children in the yard, but he
held out on them and ate the cookies himself./ * /John knew that the
family would go to the beach Saturday, but he held out on his
brother./
[hold out an olive branch] See: BURY THE HATCHET.
[holdover] {n.} 1. A successful movie or theater production that
plays longer than originally planned. * /Because of its great
popularity. Star Wars was a holdover in most movie theaters./ 2. A
reservation not used at the lime intended, but used later. * /They
kept my seat at the opera as a holdover because I am a patron./
[hold over] {v.} 1. 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./ 2. To
extend the engagement of; keep longer. * /The theater held over the
feature film for another two weeks./ 3. To delay action on; to
postpone: to defer. * /The directors held over their decision until
they could get more information./
[hold still] {v. phr.} To remain motionless. * /"Hold still," the
dentist said. "This won't hurt you at all."/
[hold the bag] {v. phr.} To be made liable for or victimized. * /We
went out to dinner together but when it was time to pay I was left
holding the bag./
[hold the fort] {v. phr.} 1. To defend a fort successfully; fight
off attackers. * /The little group held the fort for days until help
came./ 2. {informal} To keep a position against opposing forces. *
/Friends of civil liberties held the fort during a long debate./ 3.
{informal} to keep service or operations going * /It was Christmas
Eve, and a few workers held the fort in the office./ * /Mother and
Father went out and told the children to hold the fort./
[hold the line] {v. phr.} To keep a situation or trouble from
getting worse; hold steady; prevent a setback or loss. * /The mayor
held the line on taxes./ * /The company held the line on employment./
[hold the stage] [v. phr.] 1. To continue to be produced and to
attract audiences. * /"Peter Pan" holds the stage year after year at
its annual Christmas showing in London./ 2. To be active in a group;
attract attention. * /We had only an hour to discuss the question and
Mr. Jones held the stage for most of it./ * /Jane likes to hold the
stage at any party or meeting, so she does and says anything./
[hold to] See: HOLD ON TO.
[hold true] or [hold good] {v. phr.} To remain true. * /It has
always held true that man cannot live without laws./ * /Bob is a good
boy and that holds true of Jim./
[holdup] {n.} 1. Robbery. * /John fell victim to a highway holdup./
2. A delay, as on a crowded highway. * /Boy we're late! What's causing
this holdup?/
[hold up] {v.} 1. To raise; lift. * /John held up his hand./ 2. To
support; hear; carry. * /The chair was too weak to hold up Mrs.
Smith./ 3. To show; call attention to; exhibit. * /The teacher held up
excellent models of composition for her class to imitate./ 4. To
check; stop; delay. * /The wreck held up traffic on the railroad's
main line tracks./ 5. {informal} To rob at gunpoint. * /Masked men
held up the bank./ 6. To keep one's courage or spirits up; remain
calm; keep control of oneself. * /The grieving mother held up for her
children's sake./ 7. To remain good; not get worse. * /Sales held up
well./ * /Our team's luck held up and they won the game./ * /The
weather held up and the game was played./ 8. To prove true. * /The
police were doubtful at first, but Tony's story held up./ 9. To delay
action; defer; postpone. Often used with "on". * /The college held up
on plans for the building until more money came in./ * /The President
held up on the news until he was sure of it./
[hold up one's end] See: HOLD ONE'S END UP.
[hold water] {v. phr.} 1. To keep water without leaking. * /That
pail still holds water./ 2. {informal} To prove true; stand testing;
bear examination. - Usually used in negative, interrogative, or
conditional sentences. * /Ernest told the police a story that wouldn't
hold water./
[hold your hat] See: HANG ON TO YOUR HAT.
[hole] See: ACE IN THE HOLE, BURN A HOLE IN ONE'S POCKET, IN A HOLE
or IN A SPOT, IN THE HOLE, OUT OF THE HOLE, SQUARE PEG IN A ROUND
HOLE.
[hole in] See: HOLE UP.
[hole in one] {n. phr.} A shot in golf that is hit from the tee and
goes right into the cup. * /Many golfers play for years before they
get a hole in one./
[hole-in-the-wall] {n. phr.} A small place to live, stay in, or
work in; a small, hidden, or inferior place. * /The jewelry store
occupied a tiny hole-in-the-wall./ * /When Mr. and Mrs. Green were
first married, they lived in a little hole-in-fhe-wall in a cheap
apartment building./ 2. {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}. A
tunnel. * /Let's get through this hole in the wall, then we'll change
seats./
[hole out] {v.} To finish play in golf by hitting the ball into the
cup. * /The other players waited for Palmer to hole out before they
putted./
[hole up] also [hole in] {v.}, {slang} To take refuge or shelter;
put up; lodge. * /After a day's motoring, Harry found a room for rent
and holed up for the night./ * /The thief holed up at an abandoned
farm./ * /"Let's hole in," said Father as we came to a motel that
looked good./
[holiday] See: HALF-HOLIDAY.
[holier-than-thou] {adj.} Acting as if you are better than others
in goodness, character, or reverence for God; acting as if morally
better than other people. * /Most people find holier-than-thou actions
in others hard to accept./ * /After Mr. Howard stopped smoking, he had
a holier-than-thou manner toward his friends who still smoked./
[holistic health] {n.}, {informal}, {semi-technical} The
maintenance of health and the avoidance of disease through such
psychogenic practices and procedures as biofeedback, meditation,
alternative methods of childbirth, and avoidance of drugs. * /The
Murgatroyds are regular holistic health freaks - why, they won't even
take aspirin when they have a headache./
[holler before one is hurt] See: CRY BEFORE ONE IS HURT.
[hollow] See: BEAT ALL HOLLOW also BEAT HOLLOW.
[hollow out] {v.} To cut or dig out or to cut or dig a hole in;
make a cut or cave in; excavate. * /The soldier hollowed out a foxhole
in the ground to lie in./ * /The Indians used to hollow out a log to
make a canoe./ * /Joe's father hollowed out a pumpkin to make a
jack-o-lantern./
[holy cats] or [holy cow] or [holy mackerel] or [holy Moses]
{interj.}, {informal} - Used to express strong feeling (as
astonishment, pleasure, or anger); used in speech or when writing
conversation. * /"Holy cats! That's good pie!" said Dick./ * /"Holy
cow! They can't do that!" Mary said when she saw the boys hurting a
much smaller boy./
[holy terror] {n.}, {informal} A very disobedient or unruly child;
brat. * /All the children are afraid of Johnny because he's a holy
terror./
[home] See: AT HOME, BRING HOME, BRING HOME THE BACON, CHICKENS
COME HOME TO ROOST, CLOSE TO HOME, CONVALESCENT HOME or NURSING HOME
or REST HOME, KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING, MAKE ONESELF AT HOME,
NOBODY HOME, WRITE HOME ABOUT.
[home brew] {n. phr.} A beer or other malt liquor made at home, not
in a brewery. * /Home brew reached its greatest popularity in America
during national prohibition./
[home on] or [home in on] {v.} To move toward a certain place by
following a signal or marker. * /The airplane homed in on the radio
beacon./ * /The ship homed on the lights of New York harbor./
[home plate] {n.} The base in baseball where the batter stands and
that a runner must touch to score. * /The runner slid across home
plate ahead of the tag to score a run./
[home run] {n.} A hit in baseball that allows the batter to run
around all the bases and score a run. * /Frank hit a home run over the
left field wall in the second inning./
[honest broker] {n. phr.} A person hired or appointed to act as an
agent in a legal, business, or political situation where impartial
advice is needed in order to settle a dispute. * /Michael has been
asked to act as an honest broker to settle the argument between the
employees and the management./
[honestly] See: COME BY HONESTLY.
[honest to goodness] or [honest to God] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Really; truly; honestly. - Used to emphasize something said. * /When
we were in Washington, we saw the President, honest to goodness./ *
/"Honest to goodness, Jane, I think you are the messiest girl in the
world," said Mother./
[bonest-to-goodness] or [honest-to-God] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Real; genuine. - Used for emphasis. * /She served him
honest-to-goodness deep dish apple pie./ * /It was the first
honest-to-goodness baseball game he'd seen since going abroad./
[honeymoon is over] The first happy period of friendship and
cooperation between two persons or groups is over. * /A few months
after a new President is elected, the honeymoon is over and Congress
and the President begin to criticize each other./ * /The honeymoon was
soon over for the new foreman and the men under him./
[honky-tonk] {n.} A cheap nightclub or dance hall. * /There were a
number of honky-tonks near the army camp./
[honor] See: DO THE HONORS, IN HONOR OF, ON ONE'S HONOR.
[hook] See: BY HOOK OR BY CROOK, GET THE HOOK at GET THE BOUNCE(2),
GIVE THE HOOK at GIVE THE BOUNCE(2), OFF THE HOOK.
[hooked on] {adj.} 1. Addicted to a substance such as cigarettes,
coffee, tea, drugs, or alcohol. * /Fred is hooked on grass, but Tim is
only hooked on tea./ 2. Enthusiastic or very supportive of something.
* /I am hooked on the local symphony./
[hookey] See: PLAY HOOKEY.
[hook, line and sinker] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Without question or
doubt; completely. * /Johnny was so easily fooled that he fell for
Joe's story, hook, line and sinker./ * /Mary was such a romantic girl
that she swallowed the story Alice told her about her date, hook, line
and sinker./ * /Bobby trusted Jim so he was taken in by his hard-luck
story hook, line and sinker./
[hookup] {n.} A connection, electrical or otherwise, between two
instruments or two individuals. * /Edwin and Hermione are a perfect
couple; they have got the right hookup./
[hook up] {v. phr.} To connect or fit together. * /The company sent
a man to hook up the telephone./ * /They could not use the gas stove
because it had not been hooked up./
[hoop] See: JUMP THROUGH A HOOP.
[hop] See: MAD AS A HORNET Or MAD AS HOPS.
[hop, skip and a jump] See: STONE'S THROW.
[hope] See: CROSS ONE'S HEART or CROSS ONE'S HEART AND HOPE TO DIE,
IN HOPES.
[hope against hope] {v. phr.} To try to hope when things look
black; hold to hope in bad trouble. * /The mother continued to hope
against hope although the plane was hours late./ * /Jane hoped against
hope that Joe would call her./
[hop to it] {v. phr.}, {slang} To get started; start a job; get
going. * /"There's a lot to do today, so let's hop to it," the boss
said./
[hopped up] {adj.}, {slang} 1. Doped with a narcotic drug. *
/Police found Jones hiding in an opium den, among other men all hopped
up with the drug./ 2. Full of eagerness; excited. * /Fred was all
hopped up about going over the ocean./
[horn] See: BLOW ONE'S OWN HORN or TOOT ONE'S OWN HORN, PULL IN
ONE'S HORNS or DRAW IN ONE'S HORNS, TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS.
[hornet] See: MAD AS A HORNET or MAD AS HOPS or MAD AS A WET HEN,
STIR UP A HORNET'S NEST.
[horn in] {v.}, {slang} To come in without invitation or welcome;
interfere. Often used with "on". * /Jack would often horn in on
conversations discussing things he knew nothing about./ * /Lee horned
in on Ray and Annie and wanted to dance with Annie./ Compare: BUTT IN.
[horns of a dilemma] {n. phr.} Two choices possible in a situation
in which neither is wanted. Usually used after "on". * /Joe found
himself on the horns of a dilemma; if he went to work, he'd miss
seeing Mary; if he stayed out, he'd he too broke to take her
anywhere./
[horror] See: THROW UP ONE'S HANDS IN HORROR.
[horse] See: BET ON THE WRONG HORSE, CART BEFORE THE HORSE, CHANGE
HORSES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREAM or CHANGE HORSES IN MIDSTREAM, EAT
LIKE A HORSE, HOLD ONE'S HORSES. IRON HORSE, LOCK THE BARN DOOR AFTER
THE HORSE IS STOLEN, LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH, OFF ONE'S HIGH
HORSE, ON ONE'S HIGH HORSE, PUT ONE'S MONEY ON A SCRATCHED HORSE,
STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH.
[horsefeathers!] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. Not true; I don't believe
what you're saying. * /"Horsefeathers!" Brad cried. "I can't believe a
word of what you said about Jessica."/ 2. Exclamation of disgust. *
/"Horsefeathers!" Fred cried. "We've just missed the bus."/ Compare:
FIDDLESTICKS, BULLSHIT.
[horselaugh] {n. phr.} A loud, sarcastic, and derisive laugh. *
/When the speaker praised politics as one of the oldest and noblest
professions, his audience of college students gave him a horselaugh./
[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./
[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./
[horse opera] {n. phr.} A Western movie in which cowboys and horses
play a major part. * /John Wayne played in many horse operas./
[horseplay] {n.} Rough, practical joking. * /The newlyweds couldn't
get a wink of sleep all night because there was a lot of yelling and
screaming outside of their window - the usual horseplay./
[horse sense] {n.}, {informal} A good understanding about what to
do in life; good judgment; wisdom in making decisions. * /Bill had
never been to college, but he had plenty of horse sense./ * /Some
people are well educated and read many books, but still do not have
much horse sense./
[horse trade] {n.} 1. The sale of a horse or the exchange of two
horses. * /It was a horse trade in which the owner of the worse animal
gave a rifle to make the trade equal./ 2. {informal} A business
agreement or bargain arrived at after hard and skillful discussion. *
/Party leaders went around for months making horse trades to get
support for their candidate./ * /The horse trade finally called for a
new car for the radio station in exchange for several weeks of
advertising for the car dealer./
[hot] See: BLOW HOT AND COLD, MAKE IT HOT.
[hot air] {n.}, {informal} Nonsense, exaggerated talk, wasted words
characterized by emotion rather than intellectual content. * /That was
just a lot of hot air what Joe said./
[hot and bothered] {adj.}, {informal} Excited and worried,
displeased, or puzzled. - A hackneyed phrase. * /Fritz got all hot and
bothered when he failed in the test./ * /Leona was all hot and
bothered when her escort was late in coming for her./ * /Jerry was hot
and bothered about his invention when he couldn't get it to work./ *
/It is a small matter; don't get so hot and bothered./
[hot and heavy] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Strongly; vigorously;
emphatically. * /Fred got it hot and heavy when his wife found out how
much he had lost at cards./ * /The partners had a hot and heavy
argument before deciding to enlarge their store./
[hot dog] {n. phr.}, {informal} A frankfurter or wiener in a roll.
* /The boys stopped on the way home for hot dogs and coffee./
[hot dog] {interj.}, {informal} Hurrah! - A cry used to show
pleasure or enthusiasm. * /"Hot dog!" Frank exclaimed when he
unwrapped a birthday gift of a small record player./
[hot dog roast] See: WIENER ROAST.
[hot number] {n.}, {slang} A person or thing noticed as newer,
better, or more popular than others. * /The boys and girls thought
that song was a hot number./ * /The new car that Bob is driving is a
real hot number./ * /John invented a new can opener that was a hot
number in the stores./
[hot off the press] {adj. phr.} Just appeared in print. * /This is
the latest edition of the Chicago Tribune; it's hot off the press./
[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?/
[hot potato] {n.}, {informal} A question that causes strong
argument and is difficult to settle. * /Many school boards found
segregation a hot potato in the 1960s./
[hot rod] {n.}, {informal} An older automobile changed so that it
can gain speed quickly and go very fast. * /Hot rods are used by young
people especially in drag racing./
[hot seat] {n.}, {slang} 1. The electric chair used to cause death
by electrocution in legal executions. * /Many a man has controlled a
murderous rage when he thought of the hot seat./ 2. {informal} A
position in which you can easily get into trouble. * /A judge in a
beauty contest is on the hot seat. If he chooses one girl, the other
girls will be angry with him./
[hot stuff] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Coffee. *
/Let's stop and get some hot stuff./
[hot under the collar] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Angry. * /Mary gets
hot under the collar if you joke about women drivers./ * /Tom got hot
under the collar when his teacher punished him./
[hot water] {n.} {informal} Trouble. - Used with "in", "into",
"out", "of". * /John's thoughtless remark about religion got John into
a lot of hot water./ * /It was the kind of trouble where it takes a
friend to get you out of hot water./
[hound] See: ROCK HOUND, RUN WITH THE HARE AND HUNT (RIDE) WFTH THE
HOUNDS.
[hour] See: AFTER HOURS, ALL HOURS, COFFEE HOUR, ON THE HOUR, ZERO
HOUR.
[house] See: BOARDING HOUSE REACH, BRING DOWN THE HOUSE, PUN HOUSE,
HASH HOUSE, KEEP HOUSE, ON THE HOUSE, PARISH HOUSE, PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN
GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT THROW STONES, PLAGUE ON BOTH YOUR HOUSES or
PLAGUE O' BOTH YOUR HOUSES, PUT ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER or SET ONE'S
HOUSE TN ORDER.
[housebroken] {adj.} Trained to go outside to relieve themselves
(said of domestic pets, primarily dogs). * /All young puppies must
eventually be housebroken./
[house detective] {n.} A detective employed by a hotel, store, or
other business to watch for any trouble. * /The one-armed man sweeping
the bank floor was really the house detective./
[house of cards] {n. phr.} Something badly put together and easily
knocked down; a poorly founded plan, hope, or action. * /John's
business fell apart like a house of cards./
[house of ill fame] or [of ill repute] {n. phr.} A bordello; a
brothel. * /At the edge of town there is a house of ill repute run by
a Madame who used to be a singer in a bar./
[housetop] See: SHOUT FROM THE HOUSETOPS or SHOUT FROM THE
ROOFTOPS.
[hover over] {v. phr.} 1. To remain close or above. * /The rescue
helicopter was carefully hovering above the stranded rock climbers./
2. To watch over; supervise. * /"Mother!" Phillip cried, "if you don't
stop hovering over me, I'll go bananas!"/
[how] See: AND HOW!
[how about] or [what about] {interrog.} - Used to ask for a
decision, action, opinion, or explanation. 1. Will you have or agree
on? * /How about another piece of pie?/ * /What about a game of
tennis?/ * /How about going to the dance with me Saturday?/ 2. Will
you lend or give me? * /How about five dollars until Friday?/ * /What
about a little help with these dishes?/ 3. What is to be done about? *
/What about the windows? Shall we close them before we go?/ 4. How do
you feel about? What do you think about? What is to be thought or
said? * /What about women in politics?/ * /How about this button on
the front of the typewriter?/
[how about that] or [what about that] {informal} An expression of
surprise, congratulation, or praise. * /When Jack heard of his
brother's promotion, he exclaimed, "How about that!"/ * /Bill won the
scholarship! What about that!/
[how come] {informal} also {nonstandard} [how's come] {interrog.}
How does it happen that? Why? * /How come you are late?/ * /You're
wearing your best clothes today. How come?/ Compare: WHAT FOR.
[how do you do] {formal} How are you? - Usually as a reply to an
introduction; it is in the form of a question but no answer is
expected. * /"Mary, I want you to meet my friend Fred. Fred, this is
my wife, Mary." "How do you do, Mary?" "How do you do, Fred?"/
[how goes it?] {v. phr.}, {interrog.} How are you and your affairs
in general progressing? * /Jim asked Bill, "how goes it with the new
wife and the new apartment?"/
[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./
[how's come] See: HOW COME.
[how so] {interrog.} How is that so? Why is it so? How? Why? * /I
said the party was a failure and she asked. "How so?"/ * /He said his
brother was not a good dancer and I asked him, "How so? "/
[how's that] {informal} What did you say? Will you please repeat
that? * /"I've just been up in a balloon for a day and a half." "How's
that?"/ * /"The courthouse is on fire." "How's that again?"/
[how the land lies] See: LAY OF THE LAND.
[how the wind blows] See: WAY THE WIND BLOWS.
[huddle] See: GO INTO A HUDDLE.
[hue and cry] {n.} 1. An alarm and chase after a supposed
wrongdoer; a pursuit usually by shouting men. * /"Stop, thief," cried
John as he ran. Others joined him, and soon there was a hue and cry./
2. An excited mass protest, alarm, or outcry of any kind. * /The
explosion was so terrible that people at a distance raised a great hue
and cry about an earthquake./
[hug the road] {v. phr.} To stay firmly on the road; ride smoothly
without swinging. * /A heavy car with a low center of gravity will hug
the road./ * /At high speeds a car will not hug the road well./
[huh-uh] or [hum-um] or [uh-uh] {adv.}, {informal} No. - Used only
in speech or to record dialogue. * /Did Mary come? Huh-uh./ * /Is it
raining out? Uh-uh./ Contrast: UH-UH.
[humble] See: EAT HUMBLE PIE.
[hump] See: OVER THE HUMP.
[hundred] See: BY THE DOZEN or BY THE HUNDRED or BY THE THOUSAND.
[hunky-dory] {adj.} OK; satisfactory; fine. * /The landlord asked
about our new apartment and we told him that so far everything was
hunky-dory./
[hunt] See: RUN WITH THE HARE AND HUNT (RIDE) WITH THE HOUNDS.
[hunt and peck] {n. phr.}, {informal} Picking out typewriter keys
by sight, usually with one or two fingers; not memorizing the keys. *
/Many newspaper reporters do their typing by hunt and peck./ - Often
used, with hyphens, as an adjective. * /Mr. Barr taught himself to
type, and he uses the hunt-and-peck system./
[hunt down] {v.} 1. To pursue and capture; look hard for an animal
or person until found and caught. * /The police hunted down the
escaped prisoner./ Compare: TRACK DOWN. 2. To search for (something)
until one finds it. * /Professor Jones hunted down the written
manuscript in the Library of Congress./ Syn.: TRACK DOWN.
[hunting] See: HAPPY HUNTING GROUND.
[hunt up] {v.} To find or locate by search. * /When John was in
Chicago, he hunted up some old friends./ * /The first thing Fred had
to do was to hunt up a hotel room./
[hurry on with] or [make haste with] {v. phr.} To make rapid
progress in an undertaking. * /Sue promised to hurry on with the
report and send it out today./
[hurry up] {v. phr.} To rush (an emphatic form of hurry). * /Hurry
up or we'll miss our plane./
[hurt] See: CRY BEFORE ONE IS HURT or HOLLER BEFORE ONE IS HURT.
[hush-hush] {adj.}, {informal} Kept secret or hidden; kept from
public knowledge; hushed up; concealed. * /The company had a new
automobile engine that it was developing, but kept it a hush-hush
project until they knew it was successful./
[hush up] {v.} 1. To keep news of (something) from getting out;
prevent people from knowing about. * /It isn't always easy to hush up
a scandal./ 2. {informal} To be or make quiet; stop talking, crying,
or making some other noise. - Often used as a command. * /"Hush up,"
Mother said, when we began to repeat ugly gossip./
I
[ice] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD or BLOOD TURNS TO ICE, BREAK THE ICE,
CUT ICE, ON ICE, SKATE ON THIN ICE.
[iceberg] See: COOL AS AN ICEBERG.
[idea] See: THE IDEA, WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA or WHAT'S THE IDEA.
[I declare] {interj.}, {dialect} Well; oh my; truly. - Used for
emphasis. * /I declare, it has been a very warm day!/ * /Mother said,
"I declare, John, you have grown a foot."/
[idiot box] {n.} A television set. * /Phil has been staring at the
idiot box all afternoon./
[if] See: WHAT IF.
[if anything] {adv. phr.} More likely; instead; rather. * /The
weather forecast is not for cooler weather; if anything, it is
expected to be warmer./ * /Joe isn't a bad boy. If anything he's a
pretty good one./ Compare: MATTER OF FACT.
[if it's not one thing it's another] If a certain thing doesn't go
wrong, another most probably will. * /When John lost his keys and his
wallet, and his car wouldn't start, he exclaimed in despair, "If it's
not one thing it's another."/ Compare: ONE DAMN THING AFTER ANOTHER
(ODTAA).
[if need be] {adv. phr.} If the need arises. * /If need be, I can
come early tomorrow and work overtime./
[if only] I wish. * /If only it would stop raining!/ * /If only
Mother could be here./ Syn.: WOULD THAT.
[if the hill will not come to Muhammad, Muhammad will go to the
hill] If one person will not go to the other, then the other must go
to him. - A proverb. * /Grandfather won't come to visit us, so we must
go and visit him. If the hill won't come to Muhammad, then Muhammad
will go to the hill./
[if the shoe fits, wear it] If what is said describes you, you are
meant. - A proverb. * /I won't say who, but some children are always
late. If the shoe fits, Wear it./
[if worst comes to worst] If the worst thing happens that be
imagined; if the worst possible thing happens; if troubles grow worse.
* /If worst comes to worst and Mr. Jones loses the house, he will send
his family to his mother's farm./ * /If worst comes to worst, we shall
close the school for a few days./
[if you can't lick them, join them] If you cannot defeat an
opponent or get him to change his attitude, plans, or ways of doing
things, the best thing to do is to change your ideas, plans, etc. *
/"The small car manufacturers are winning over the big car makers,"
the president of an American car factory said. "If we want to stay in
business, we must do as they do. In other words, if you can't lick
them, join them."/
[I'll bet you my bottom dollar] {interj.}, {informal} An
exaggerated assertion of assurance. * /I'll bet you my bottom dollar
that the Cubs will win this year./
[I'll say] or [I tell you] {interj.}, {informal} I agree with this
completely. - Used for emphasis. * /Did the children all enjoy Aunt
Sally's pecan pie? I'll say!/ * /I'll say this is a good movie!/
[I'll tell you what] or [tell you what] {informal} Here is an idea.
* /The hamburger stand is closed, but I'll tell you what, let's go to
my house and cook some hot dogs./
[ill] See: IT'S AN ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NOBODY GOOD, TAKE ILL.
[ill at ease] {adj. phr.} Not feeling at ease or comfortable;
anxious; worried; unhappy. * /Donald had never been to a big party
before and he was ill at ease./ * /When Joe first went to dancing
school, he was ill at ease, not knowing how to act./ Contrast: AT
EASE(2).
[ill-favored] {adj.} Ugly; unprepossessing. * /Oddly enough, the
father had less trouble in marrying off his ill-favored daughter than
her prettier sister./
[ill-gotten gains] {n. phr.} Goods or money obtained in an illegal
or immoral fashion. * /The jailed criminal had plenty of time to think
about his ill-gotten gains./
[image] See: SPITTING IMAGE or SPIT AND IMAGE.
[impose on] {v.} To try to get more from (a person who is helping
you) than he or she intended to give. * /Don't you think you are
imposing on your neighbor when you use his telephone for half an
hour?/ * /You may swim in the Allens' pool so long as you do not
impose on them by bringing all your friends./ Compare: TAKE ADVANTAGE.
[improve on] or [improve upon] {v.} To make or get one that is
better than (another). * /Dick made good marks the first year, but he
thought he could improve on them./ * /Charles built a new model racer
for the derby race, because he knew he could improve upon his old
one./
[I'm telling you] {informal} It is important to listen to what I am
saying. * /Marian is a smart girl but I'm telling you, she doesn't
always do what she promises./
[in a bad frame of mind] {adv. phr.} In an unhappy mood. * /Make
sure the boss is not in a bad frame of mind when you ask him for a
raise./ Contrast: IN A GOOD FRAME OF MIND.
[in a bad way] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In trouble or likely to have
trouble. * /If you have only those two girls to help you, you are in a
bad way./ * /Jerry has written only one sentence of his term paper
that is due tomorrow, and he knows he is in a bad way./ * /Mrs. Jones
has cancer and is in a bad way./ * /A new supermarket opened across
the street, and the Peters' grocery business was soon in a bad way./
[in a big way] {adv. phr.}, {informal} As fully as possible; with
much ceremony. * /Our family celebrates birthdays in a big way./ *
/John likes to entertain his dates in a big way./
[in a bind] or [in a box] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Likely to have
trouble whether you do one thing or another. * /Sam is in a bind
because if he carries home his aunt's groceries, his teacher will be
angry because he is late, and if he doesn't, his aunt will complain./
Compare: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, HORNS OF A DILEMMA.
[in a breeze] See: WIN IN A WALK or WIN IN A BREEZE.
[in absentia] {adv. phr.}, {formal} When the person is absent. -
Used in graduation exercises when presenting diplomas to an absent
student or during a court case. * /On Commencement Day, Joe was sick
in bed and the college gave him his bachelor's degree in absentia./
(Latin, meaning "in absence.")
[in accordance with] {adv. phr.} In consonance with something;
conforming to something. * /Employees at this firm are expected to
always behave in accordance with the rules./
[in a circle] or [in circles] {adv. phr.} Without any progress;
without getting anywhere; uselessly. * /The committee debated for two
hours, just talking in circles./ * /If you don't have a clear aim, you
can work a long time and still be going in circles./ * /He seemed to
be working hard, but was just running around in circles./
[in addition] {adv. phr.} As something extra; besides. * /We saw a
Mickey Mouse cartoon in addition to the cowboy movie./ * /Aunt Mary
gave us sandwiches for our picnic and a bag of cookies in addition./ *
/He has two cars and in addition a motorboat./
[in advance] or [in advance of] {adv. phr.} 1. In front; ahead (of
the others); first. * /In the parade, the band will march in advance
of the football team./ * /The soldiers rode out of the fort with the
scouts in advance./ 2. Before doing or getting something. * /The motel
man told Mr. Williams he would have to pay in advance./ * /The
paperhanger mixed his paste quite a while in advance so it would have
time to cool./ * /It will be easier to decorate the snack bar if we
cut the streamers in advance of the actual decorating./
[in a family way] or [in the family way] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Going to have a baby. * /Sue and Liz are happy because their mother is
in the family way./ * /The Ferguson children are promising kittens to
everyone because their cat is in a family way./ Compare: WITH CHILD.
[in a fix] {adv. phr.} In trouble. * /Last night Jack wrecked his
car and now he is in a fix./ Compare: IN A JAM, IN A PICKLE.
[in a flash] also [in a trice] {adv. phr.} Very suddenly. * /We
were watching the bird eat the crumbs; then I sneezed, and he was gone
in a flash./ * /Bob was looking over his notes for English class and
in a flash he knew what he would write his paper about./
[in a flutter] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a state of nervous
excitement. * /Whenever Norm and Cathy are near one another, both are
in a flutter; they must be in love./
[in a fog] or [in a haze] {adv. phr.} Mentally confused; not sure
what is happening. * /I didn't vote for Alice because she always seems
to be in a fog./ * /I was so upset that for two days I went around in
a haze, not even answering when people spoke to me./ Contrast: ALL
THERE, HIT ON ALL CYLINDERS.
[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.
[in a hole] or [in a spot] {adj. phr.}, {informal} In an
embarrassing or difficult position; in some trouble. * /When the
restaurant cook left at the beginning of the busy season, it put the
restaurant owner in a hole./ Compare: BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL, IN THE
HOLE.
[in a huff] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Angrily. * /Ellen went off in a
huff because she didn't get elected class president./
[in a jam] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a predicament; in a situation
fraught with difficulty. * /If you continue to disregard the
university instructions on how to take a test, you'll wind up in a jam
with the head of the department./ Compare: IN A PICKLE, IN DEEP SHIT.
[in a jiffy] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Immediately; right away; in a
moment. * /Wait for me; I'll be back in a jiffy./
[in a kind of way] See: IN A WAY(1).
[in a lather] {adj.}, {slang} In great excitement; all worked up;
extremely agitated. * /I couldn't get across to Joe, he was all in a
lather./
[in all] {adv. phr.} 1. All being counted; altogether. * /You have
four apples and I have three bananas, making seven pieces of fruit in
all./ * /In all we did very well./ 2. See: ALL IN ALL(2).
[in and out] {adv. phr.} 1. Coming in and going out often. * /He
was very busy Saturday and was in and out all day./ 2. See: INSIDE
OUT(2).
[in another's place] See: PUT ONESELF IN ANOTHER'S PLACE.
[in a nutshell] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a few words; briefly,
without telling all about it. * /We are in a hurry, so I'll give you
the story in a nutshell./ * /In a nutshell, the car is no bargain./
Compare: IN SHORT.
[in any case] also [in any event] or [at all events] {adv. phr.} 1.
No matter what happens: surely; without fail; certainly; anyhow;
anyway. * /It may rain tomorrow, but we are going home in any case./ *
/I may not go to Europe, but in any event, I will visit you during the
summer./ 2. Regardless of anything else; whatever else may be true;
anyhow; anyway. * /Tom was not handsome and he was not brilliant, but
at all events he worked hard and was loyal to his boss./ * /I don't
know if it is a white house or a brown house. At all events, it is a
big house on Main Street./ Compare: AT ANY RATE, AT LEAST(2).
[in any event] See: IN ANY CASE.
[in a pickle] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a quandary; in a difficult
situation. * /I was certainly in a pickle when my front tire blew
out./
[in a pig's eye] {adv.}, {slang}, [informal] Hardly; unlikely; not
so. * /Would I marry him? In a pig's eye./
[in a pinch] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In an emergency. * /Dave is a
good friend who will always help out in a pinch./
[in arms] {adv. phr.} Having guns and being ready to fight; armed.
* /When our country is at war, we have many men in arms./ Syn.: UP IN
ARMS!
[in a row] See: GET ONE'S DUCKS IN A ROW.
[in arrears] {adv. phr.} Late or behind in payment of money or in
finishing something. - Usually used of a legal debt or formal
obligation. * /Poor Mr. Brown! He is in arrears on his rent./ * /He is
in arrears on the story he promised to write for the magazine./
[in a sense] {adv. phr.} In some ways but not in all; somewhat. *
/Mr. Smith said our school is the best in the state, and in a sense
that is true./ * /In a sense, arithmetic is a language./
[inasmuch as] {conj.} 1. See: INSOFAR AS. 2. also [for as much as]
{formal} Because; for the reason that; since. * /Inasmuch as this is
your team, you have the right to choose your own captain./ * /Inasmuch
as the waves are high, I shall not go out in the boat./
[in a sort of way] See: IN A WAY(1).
[in a spot] See: ON THE SPOT(2).
[in a trice] See: IN A FLASH.
[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./
[in a walk] See: WIN IN A WALK.
[in a way] {adv. phr.} 1. also {informal} [in a kind of way] or
{informal} [in a sort of way] To a certain extent; a little; somewhat.
* /I like Jane in a way, but she is very proud./ Compare: AFTER A
FASHION, MORE OR LESS. 2. In one thing. * /In a way, this book is
easier: it is much shorter./
[in awe of] See: STAND IN AWE OF.
[in a while] See: AFTER A WHILE, EVERY NOW AND THEN or EVERY ONCE
IN A WHILE.
[in a whole skin] See: WITH A WHOLE SKIN.
[in a word] See: IN BRIEF.
[in a world of one's own] or [in a world by oneself] 1. In the
place where you belong; in your own personal surroundings; apart from
other people. * /They are in a little world of their own in their
house on the mountain./ 2a. In deep thought or concentration. * /Mary
is in a world of her own when she is playing the piano./ Compare: LOSE
ONESELF. 2b. {slang} Not caring about or connected with other people
in thoughts or actions. - Usually used sarcastically. * /That boy is
in a world all by himself. He never knows what is happening around
him./
[in a zone] {adv.}, {slang}, {informal} In a daze; in a daydream;
in a state of being unable to concentrate. * /Professor Smith puts
everyone in a zone./
[in back of] See: BACK OF.
[in bad] {adv. phr.}, {substandard} Out of favor; unpopular; in
difficulty; in trouble. * /No, I can't go swimming today. Father told
me to stay home, and I don't want to get in bad./ - Usually used with
"with". * /Mary is in bad with the teacher for cheating on the test./
* /The boy is in bad with the police for breaking windows./ Contrast:
IN GOOD, IN ONE'S FAVOR.
[in bad form] {adv. phr.} Violating social custom or accepted
behavior. * /When Bob went to the opera in blue jeans and without a
tie, his father-in-law told him that it was in bad form./ Contrast: IN
GOOD FORM.
[in behalf of] or [on behalf of] {prep.}, {formal} 1. In place of;
as a representative of; for. * /John accepted the championship award
on behalf of the team./ 2. As a help to; for the good of. * /The
minister worked hard all his life in behalf of the poor./ Compare: IN
ONE'S BEHALF IN ONE'S FAVOR.
[in black and white] See: BLACK AND WHITE.
[in brief] or [in short] or [in a word] {adv. phr.} Briefly; to
give the meaning of what has been said or written in a word or in a
few words; in summary. * /The children could play as long as they
liked, they had no work to do, and nobody scolded them; in short, they
were happy./ * /The speaker didn't know his subject, nor did he speak
well; in brief, he was disappointing./ * /John is smart, polite, and
well-behaved. In a word, he is admirable./
[in cahoots with] See: IN LEAGUE WITH.
[in case] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. In order to be prepared; as a
precaution; if there is need. - Usually used in the phrase "just in
case". * /The bus is usually on time, but start early, just in case./
* /The big dog was tied up, but John carried a stick, just in case./
2. [in case] or [in the event] {conj.} If it happens that; if it
should happen that; if; lest. * /Tom took his skates in case they
found a place to skate./ * /Let me know in case you're not coming./ *
/The night watchman is in the store in case there is ever afire./ *
/Keep the window closed in case it rains./ * /I stayed home in case
you called./ * /In the event that our team wins, there will be a big
celebration./ * /What shall we do in case it snows?/
[in case of] also [in the event of] {prep.} In order to meet the
possibility of; lest there is; if there is; if there should be. *
/Take your umbrellas in case of rain./ * /The wall was built along the
river in case of floods./
[inch] See: BY INCHES, EVERY INCH, GIVE ONE AN INCH AND HE WILL
TAKE A MILE, WITHIN AN ACE OF or WITHIN AN INCH OF, WITHIN AN INCH OF
ONE'S LIFE.
[inch (one's way) along] {v. phr.} To. proceed slowly and with
difficulty. * /When the electricity failed, it took John half an hour
to inch his way along the corridors of the office building./
[in character] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In agreement with a
person's character or personality; in the way that a person usually
behaves or is supposed to behave; as usual; characteristic; typical;
suitable. * /John was very rude at the party, and that was not in
character because he is usually very polite./ * /The way Judy
comforted the little girl was in character. She did it gently and
kindly./ 2. Suitable for the part or the kind of part being acted;
natural to the way a character in a book or play is supposed to act. *
/The fat actor in the movie was in character because the character he
played was supposed to be fat and jolly./ * /It would not have been in
character for Robin Hood to steal from a poor man./ Contrast: OUT OF
CHARACTER.
[in charge] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, 1. In authority or control; in a
position to care for or supervise; responsible. * /If you have any
questions, ask the boss. He's in charge./ 2. Under care or
supervision. * /The sick man was taken in charge by the doctor./ *
/During your visit to the library, you will be in the librarian's
charge./ Compare: TAKE CARE OF.
[in charge of] {prep.} 1. Responsible for; having supervision or
care of. * /Marian is in charge of selling tickets./ * /The girl in
charge of refreshments forgot to order the ice cream for the party./ *
/When our class had a play, the teacher put Harold in charge of the
stage curtain./ 2. or [in the charge of] Under the care or supervision
of. * /Mother puts the baby in the charge of the baby-sitter while she
is out./ * /The money was given in charge of Mr. Jackson for
safekeeping./
[in check] {adv. phr.} In a position where movement or action is
not allowed or stopped; under control; kept quiet or back. * /The boy
was too small to keep the big dog in check, and the dog broke away
from his leash./ * /The soldiers tried to keep the attacking Indians
in check until help came./ * /Mary couldn't hold her feelings in check
any longer and began to cry./
[in circles] See: IN A CIRCLE.
[in circulation] or [into circulation] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Going around and doing things as usual; joining what others are doing,
* /John broke his leg and was out of school for several weeks, but now
he is back in circulation again./ * /Mary's mother punished her by
stopping her from dating for two weeks, but then she got hack into
circulation./ Contrast: OUT OF CIRCULATION.
[inclined to] {adj. phr.} Having a tendency to; positively disposed
toward. * /I am inclined to fall asleep after a heavy meal./
[in clover] or [in the clover] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In
rich comfort; rich or successful; having a pleasant or easy life. *
/They live in clover because their father is rich./ * /When we finish
the hard part we'll be in the clover./ Compare: BED OF ROSES, LIFE OF
RILEY, LIVE HIGH OFF THE HOG, ON EASY STREET.
[in cold blood] {adv. phr.} Without feeling or pity; in a purposely
cruel way; coolly and deliberately. * /The bank robbers planned to
shoot in cold blood anyone who got in their way./ * /The bandits
planned to murder in cold blood all farmers in the village by the
river./
[in command] {adv. phr.} In control of; in charge. * /Helen is in
command of the situation./
[in commission] or [into commission] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. On
duty or ready to be put on duty by a naval or military service; in
active service. * /The old battleship has been in commission for
twenty years./ * /It took many months to build the new bomber, and now
it is ready to be put into commission./ 2. In proper condition; in use
or ready for use; working; running. * /The wheel of my bicycle was
broken, but it is back in commission now./ Compare: IN ORDER(2).
Contrast: OUT OF COMMISSION(2).
[in common] {adv. phr.} Shared together or equally; in use or
ownership by all. * /Mr. and Mrs. Smith own the store in common./ *
/The four boys grew up together and have a lot in common./ * /The
swimming pool is used in common by all the children in the
neighborhood./ Compare: COMMON GROUND.
[in condition] See: IN SHAPE.
[in consequence] {adv. phr.} As a result; therefore; so. * /Jennie
got up late, and in consequence she missed the bus./ * /You studied
hard, and in consequence you passed the test./
[in consequence of] {prep.}, {formal} As a result of. * /In
consequence of the deep snow, school will not open today./ * /In
consequence of his promise to pay for the broken window, Bill was not
punished./ Compare: BECAUSE OF, ON ACCOUNT OF.
[in consideration of] {adv. phr.} 1. 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./ 2. 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.
[in days] or [weeks] or [years to come] {adv. phr.} In the future.
* /In the years to come I will be thinking of my father's advice about
life./
[in deep] {adj. phr.} Seriously mixed up in something, especially
trouble. * /George began borrowing small sums of money to bet on
horses, and before he knew it he was in deep./ Compare: DEEP WATER, UP
TO THE CHIN IN.
[in deep water] See: DEEP WATER.
[in defiance of] {prep.} Acting against; in disobedience to. * /The
girl chewed gum in defiance of the teacher's rule./ * /Bob stayed up
late in defiance of the coach's orders./
[in demand] {adj. phr.} Needed; wanted. * /Men to shovel snow were
in demand after the snow storm./ * /The book about dogs was much in
demand in the library./
[Indian] See: CIGAR-STORE INDIAN.
[Indian giver] {n. phr.} A person who gives one something, but
later asks for it back. - An ethnic slur; avoidable. * /John gave me a
beautiful fountain pen, but a week later, like an Indian giver, he
wanted it back./
[Indian sign] {n.}, {informal} A magic spell that is thought to
bring bad luck; curse; jinx; hoo-doo. - Used with "the", usually after
"have" or "with"; and often used in a joking way. * /Bill is a good
player, but Ted has the Indian sign on him and always beats him./ *
/Father says that he always wins our checker games because he has put
the Indian sign on me, but I think he is joking./ Compare: GET ONE'S
NUMBER.
[Indian summer] {n. phr.} A dry and warm period of time late in the
fall, usually in October. * /After the cold and foggy weather, we had
a brief Indian summer, during which the temperature was up in the high
seventies./
[in dispute] {adj. phr.} Disagreed about; being argued. * /The
penalty ordered by the referee was in dispute by one of the teams./ *
/Everyone in the clans wanted to say something about the subject in
dispute./
[in doubt] {adv. phr.} In the dark; having some question or
uncertainty. * /When in doubt about any of the words you're using,
consult a good dictionary./
[in due course] or [in due season] or [in due time] See: IN GOOD
TIME(2).
[in due season] or [in due time] See: IN GOOD TIME.
[industrial park] {n.} A complex of industrial buildings and/or
businesses usually located far from the center of a city in a setting
especially landscaped to make such buildings look better. * /The
nearest supermarket that sells car tires is at the industrial park
twenty miles from downtown./
[in Dutch] {adj. phr.}, {slang} In trouble. * /George got in Dutch
with his father when he broke a window./ * /John was in Dutch with his
mother because he tore his new jacket./
[in earnest] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} Seriously; in a determined way.
* /The beaver was building his dam in earnest./ * /Bill did his
homework in earnest./ - Often used like a predicate adjective.
Sometimes used with "dead", for emphasis. * /Betty's friends thought
she was joking when she said she wanted to be a doctor, but she was in
dead earnest./
[in effect] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. The same in meaning or result.
* /The teacher gave the same assignment, in effect, that she gave
yesterday./ * /Helping your mother with the dishes is in effect
earning your allowance./ 2. Necessary to obey; being enforced. * /The
coach says that players must be in bed by midnight, and that rule is
in effect tonight./ Syn.: IN FORCE.
[in effigy] See: HANG IN EFFIGY or BURN IN EFFIGY.
[in error] {adv. phr.} Wrong; mistaken. * /You were in error when
you assumed that he would wait for us./
[in evidence] {adj. phr.} Easily seen; noticeable. * /The little
boy's measles were very much in evidence./ * /The tulips were
blooming; spring was in evidence./
[in fact] also [in point of fact] {adv. phr.} Really truthfully. -
Often used for emphasis. * /No one believed it but, in fact, Mary did
get an A on her book report./ * /It was a very hot day; in fact, it
was 100 degrees./ Compare: MATTER OF FACT.
[in favor of] {prep.} On the side of; in agreement with, *
/Everyone in the class voted in favor of the party./ * /Most girls are
in favor of wearing lipstick./ Compare: IN BACK OF(2).
[in fear and trembling] See: FEAR AND TREMBLING.
[in fear of] {adj. phr.} Fearful of; afraid of. * /They live so
close to the border that they are constantly in fear of an enemy
attack./
[in for] {prep.}, {informal} Unable to avoid; sure to get. * /The
naughty puppy was in for a spanking./ * /On Christmas morning we are
in for some surprises./ * /We saw Father looking angrily out of the
broken window, and we knew we were in for it./ Compare: HAVE IT IN
FOR.
[in force] {adj. phr.} 1. To be obeyed. * /New times for eating
meals are now in force./ Syn.: IN EFFECT. 2. In a large group. *
/People went to see the parade in force./ Syn.: EN MASSE.
[in front of] prep. Ahead of; before. * /The rabbit was running in
front of the dog./ * /A big oak tree stood in front of the building./
Contrast: IN BACK OF(1).
[in full swing] {adj. phr.} Actively going on; in full action. *
/The Valentine party was in full swing./ * /All of the children were
planting seeds; the gardening project was in full swing./
[in fun] See: FOR FUN.
[in general(1)] {adv. phr.} Usually; very often. * /In general,
mother makes good cookies./ * /The weather in Florida is warm in
general./ Compare: ON THE WHOLE(2).
[in general(2)] {adj. phr.} Most; with few exceptions. * /Women in
general like to shop for new clothes./ * /Boys in general like active
sports more than girls do./ Contrast: IN PARTICULAR.
[in glass houses] See: PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT
THROW STONES.
[in good] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Well liked; accepted. - Used with
"with". * /The boy washed the blackboards so that he would get in good
with Iris teacher./ * /Although Tom was younger, he was in good with
the older boys./ Compare: ON ONE'S GOOD SIDE. Contrast: IN BAD.
[in good faith] See: GOOD FAITH.
[in good form] Contrast: IN BAD FORM.
[in good season] See: IN GOOD TIME.
[in good stead] See: STAND IN GOOD STEAD.
[in good time] or [in good season] {adv. phr.} 1. A little early;
sooner than necessary. * /The school bus arrived in good time./ * /The
students finished their school work in good time./ * /We reached the
station in good season to catch the 9:15 bus for New York./ 2. or [in
due course] or [in due season] or [in due time] In the usual amount of
time; at the right time; in the end. * /Spring and summer will arrive
in due course./ * /Sally finished her spelling in due course./
[in great measure] {adv. phr.} To a great extent; largely. * /The
Japanese attack on Hawaii was in great measure a contributing factor
to President Roosevelt's decision to enter World War II./ Compare: TO
A LARGE EXTENT.
[in half] {adv. phr.} 1. Into two equal parts. * /The ticket taker
at the football game tore the tickets in half./ * /Mother cut the
apple in half so each child could have an equal share./ Syn.: IN TWO.
2. To half the size before; to one half as big. * /As a punishment,
Father cut Bob's allowance in half./
[in hand] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Under control. * /The principal
was happy to find that the new teacher had her class in hand./ * /The
baby-sitter kept the children well in hand./ * /Mabel was frightened
when the barking dog ran at her, but she soon got herself in hand and
walked on./ Contrast: OUT OF HAND. 2. In your possession; with you. -
Often used in the phrase "cash in hand". * /Tom figured that his cash
in hand with his weekly pay would be enough to buy a car./ Compare: ON
HAND. 3. Being worked on; with you to do. * /We should finish the work
we have in hand before we begin something new./
[in honor of] {prep.} As an honor to; for showing respect or thanks
to. * /We celebrate Mother's Day in honor of our mothers./ * /The city
dedicated a monument in honor of the general./
[in hopes] {adj. phr.} Hopeful; hoping. * /The Mayor was in hopes
of having a good day for the parade./ * /Mother was in hopes that the
cake would be good to eat./
[in horror] See: THROW UP ONE'S HANDS IN HORROR.
[in hot water] See: HOT WATER.
[in] or [into orbit] {adj. phr.} Thrilled; exuberantly happy; in
very high spirits. * /When Carol won the lottery she went right into
orbit./
[in] or [into the clear] {adj. phr.} Free; cleared of all
responsibility and guilt. * /Because of the new evidence found, Sam is
still in the clear, but Harry is still behind bars./
[in] or [into the doldrums] {adj. phr.} Inactive; sluggish;
depressed. * /The news of our factory's going out of business put all
of us in the doldrums./
[in] or [into the limelight] {adj. phr.} In the center of
attention. * /Some people will do almost anything to be able to step
into the limelight./ Compare: IN THE SPOTLIGHT.
[in itself] See: END IN ITSELF.
[injury] See: ADD INSULT TO INJURY.
[in keeping] {adj. phr.} Going well together; agreeing; similar. *
/Mary's hair style was in keeping with the latest fashion./ * /Having
an assembly on Friday morning was in keeping with the school program./
Contrast: OUT OF KEEPING.
[in kind] {adv. phr.} In a similar way; with the same kind of
thing. * /My neighbor pays me in kind for walking her dog./ * /Low
returned Mary's insult in kind./
[in knots] See: TIE IN KNOTS.
[in league with] or {informal} [in cahoots with] {prep.} In secret
agreement or partnership with (someone); working together secretly
with, especially for harm. * /People once believed that some women
were witches in league with the devil./ * /The mayor's enemies spread
a rumor that he was in cahoots with gangsters./
[in left field] See: OUT IN LEFT FIELD.
[in lieu of] See: INSTEAD OF.
[in light of] also [in the light of] {adj. phr.} 1. As a result of
new information; by means of new ideas. * /The teacher changed John's
grade in the light of the extra work in the workbook./ 2. Because of.
* /In light of the muddy field, the football team wore their old
uniforms./ Syn.: IN VIEW OF.
[in line(1)] {adv. phr.} In or into a straight line. * /The boys
stood in line to buy their tickets./ * /Tom set the chairs in line
along the wall./ * /The carpenter put the edges of the boards in
line./
[in line(2)] {adj. phr.} 1. In a position in a series or after
someone else. * /John is in line for the presidency of the club next
year./ * /Mary is fourth in line to be admitted to the sorority./ 2.
Obeying or agreeing with what is right or usual; doing or being what
people expect or accept; within ordinary or proper limits. * /The
coach kept the excited team in line./ * /When the teacher came back
into the room, she quickly brought the class back in line./ * /The
government passed a new law to keep prices in line./ Compare: IN HAND.
Contrast: OUT OF LINE.
[in line with] {prep.} In agreement with. * /Behavior at school
parties must be in line with school rules./ * /In line with the custom
of the school, the students had a holiday between Christmas and New
Year's Day./
[in love] {adj. phr.} Liking very much; loving. * /John is in love
with Helen./ * /Tom and Ellen arc in love./ * /Mary is in love with
her new wristwatch./
[in luck] {adj. phr.} Being lucky; having good luck; finding
something good by chance. * /Bill was in luck when he found the money
on the street./ * /Mary dropped her glasses and they did not break.
She was in luck./
[in memory of] {prep.} As something that makes people remember (a
person or thing); as a reminder of; as a memorial to. * /The building
was named Ford Hall in memory of a man named James Ford./ * /Many
special ceremonies are in memory of famous men./
[in midair] See: UP IN THE AIR(2).
[in mind] {adv. phr.} 1. In the center of your thought; in your
close attention. * /You have to be home by 11 o'clock. Keep that in
mind, Bob./ * /Mary is studying hard with a good grade in mind./ *
/Bear in mind the rules of safety when you swim./ Compare: ON ONE'S
MIND. 2. See: PUT IN MIND OF.
[in mint condition] {adj. phr.} Excellent; as good as new. *
/Grandma seldom uses her car; it is already ten years old, but it is
still in mint condition./
[in my book] See: BY MY BOOK.
[in name] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Having a title, but not really
doing what someone with the title is expected to do. * /The old man is
a doctor in name only. He does not have patients now./ * /He was the
captain of the team in name only./
[in need of] {adj. phr.} Destitute; lacking something. * /The young
girl is so ill that she is seriously in need of medical attention./
[inner city] {n.}, {colloquial} Densely populated neighborhoods in
large metropolitan areas inhabited by low income families usually of
minority backgrounds, such as Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, or African
Americans; characterized by slums and government-owned high rises. *
/Joe comes from the inner city - he may need help with his reading./
[in nothing flat] See: IN NO TIME.
[in no time] or [in nothing flat] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a very
little time; soon; quickly. * /When the entire class worked together
they finished the project in no time./ * /The bus filled with students
in nothing flat./
[in no uncertain terms] See: IN SO MANY WORDS(2).
[in on] {prep.} 1. Joining together for. * /The children collected
money from their classmates and went in on a present for their
teacher./ 2. Told about; having knowledge of. * /Bob was in on the
secret./ * /The other girls wouldn't let Mary in on what they knew./
[in one ear and out the other] See: GO IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE
OTHER.
[in one fell swoop] or [at one fell swoop] {adv. phr.} 1.
{literary} In one attack or accident; in one bad blow. * /The
millionaire lost his money and his friends at one fell swoop./ 2. At
one time; at the same time. * /Three cars drove into the driveway, and
Mrs. Crane's dinner guests all arrived at one fell swoop./
[in one's bad graces] {adj. phr.} Not approved by; not liked by. *
/John was in his mother's bad graces because he spilled his milk on
the tablecloth./ * /Don got in the bad graces of the teacher by
laughing at her hat./ Compare: DOWN ON, IN BAD, OUT OF FAVOR.
Contrast: IN ONE S GOOD GRACES.
[in one's behalf] or [on one's behalf] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1.
For someone else; in your place. * /My husband could not be here
tonight, but I want to thank you on his behalf./ 2. For the good of
another person or group; as a help to someone. * /My teacher went to
the factory and spoke in my behalf when I was looking for a job./
Compare: IN BEHALF OF, ON ONE'S ACCOUNT.
[in one's blood] or [into one's blood] {adv. phr.} Agreeing
perfectly with one's sympathies, feelings, and desires. * /Living in a
warm section of the country gets in your blood./ * /The woods got into
Jim's blood./ Contrast: OUT OF ONE'S BLOOD.
[in one's bones] See: FEEL IN ONE'S BONES.
[in one's boots] See: DIE IN ONE'S BOOTS or DIE WITH ONE'S BOOTS
ON, IN ONE'S SHOES also IN ONE'S BOOTS.
[in one's craw] or [in one's crop] See: STICK IN ONE'S CRAW or
STICK IN ONE'S CROP.
[in one's cups] {adj. phr.}, {literary} Drunk. * /The man was in
his cups and talking very loudly./
[in one's element] {adv. phr.} 1. In one's natural surroundings. *
/The deep-sea fish is in his element in deep ocean water./ 2. Where
you can do your best. * /John is in his element working on the farm./
Compare: AT HOME 2. Contrast: OUT OF ONE'S ELEMENT.
[in one's face] {adv. phr.} 1. Against your face. * /The trick
cigar blew up in the clown's face./ * /A cold wind was in our faces as
we walked to school./ 2. In front of you. * /The maid slammed the door
in the salesman's face./ * /I told the boys that they were wrong, but
they laughed in my face./ Compare: IN THE FACE OF, THROW SOMETHING IN
ONE'S FACE, TO ONE'S FACE, UNDER ONE'S NOSE.
[in one's favor] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In a way that is good for
you. * /Both teams claimed the point, but the referee decided in our
favor./ * /Bob made good grades in high school, and that was in his
favor when he looked for a job./ Compare: COME ONE'S WAY.
[in one's footsteps] See: FOLLOW IN ONE'S FOOTSTEPS.
[in one's glory] {adj. phr.} Pleased and contented with yourself. *
/When John won the race, he was in his glory./ * /Tom is very vain,
and praise puts him in his glory./
[in one's good books] See: IN ONE'S GOOD GRACES.
[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.
[in one's grave] See: TURN IN ONE'S GRAVE or TURN OVER IN ONE'S
GRAVE.
[in one's hair] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Bothering you again and
again; always annoying. * /Johnny got in Father's hair when he was
trying to read the paper by running and shouting./ * /The grown-ups
sent the children out to play so that the children wouldn't be in
their hair while they were talking./ Compare: GIVE A HARD TIME, IN
ONE'S WAY. Contrast: OUT OF ONE'S HAIR.
[in one's hands] See: TAKE ONE'S LIFE IN ONE'S HANDS.
[in one's heart of hearts] {adv. phr.} Deep down where it really
matters; in one's innermost feelings. * /In my heart of hearts, I
think you're the nicest person in the whole world./
[in one's mind's eye] {adv. phr.} In the memory; in the
imagination. * /In his mind's eye he saw again the house he had lived
in when he was a child./ * /In his mind's eye, he could see just what
the vacation was going to be like./
[in one's mouth] See: BUTTER WOULDN'T MELT IN ONE'S MOUTH, MELT IN
ONE'S MOUTH.
[in one's own juice] See: STEW IN ONE'S OWN JUICE.
[in one's right mind] {adj. phr.} Accountable; sane and sober. *
/If you were in your right mind, you wouldn't be saying such stupid
things to our boss./
[in one's shell] or [into one's shell] {adv.} or {adj. phr.},
{informal} In or into bashfulness; into silence; not sociable;
unfriendly. * /After Mary's mother scolded her, she went into her
shell./ * /The teacher tried to get Rose to talk to her, but she
stayed in her shell./ Contrast: OUT OF ONE'S SHELL.
[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.
[in one's sleeve] See: UP ONE'S SLEEVE.
[in one's tracks] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. Just where one is at
the moment; abruptly; immediately. * /The hunter's rifle cracked and
the rabbit dropped in his tracks./ * /Mary stopped dead in her tracks,
turned around, and ran back home./ Syn.: ON THE SPOT(1), THEN AND
THERE. 2. See: FOLLOW IN ONE'S FOOTSTEPS.
[in one's way] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Within reach; likely to be
met; before you. * /The chance to work for a printer was put in my
way./ Compare: PUT IN THE WAY OF. 2. or [in the way] In your path as a
hindrance; placed so as to block the way. * /Fred tried to get to the
door, but the table was in the way./ * /A tree had fallen across the
street and was in Jim's way as he drove./ * /Mary tried to clean the
house, but the baby was always in the way./
[in order] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. See: PUT
ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER or SET ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER.
[in order that] See: SO THAT(1).
[in order to] or [so as to] {conj.} For the purpose of; to. - Used
with an infinitive. * /In order to follow the buffalo, the Indians
often had to move their camps./ * /We picked apples so as to make a
pie./ Compare: SO THAT.
[in part] {adv. phr.} To some extent; partly; not wholly. - Often
used with "large" or "small". * /We planted the garden in pan with
flowers. But in large part we planted vegetables./ * /Tom was only in
small part responsible./
[in particular] {adv. phr.} In a way apart from others; more than
others; particularly; especially. * /The speaker talked about sports
in general and about football In particular./ * /All the boys played
well and Bill in particular./ * /Margaret liked all her classes, but
she liked sewing class in particular./ Contrast: IN GENERAL.
[in passing] {adv. phr.} While talking about that subject; as extra
information; also. * /Our teacher showed us different kinds of flowers
and told us in passing that those flowers came from her garden./ *
/The writer of the story says he grew up in New York and mentions in
passing that his parents came from Italy./ Compare: BY THE WAY.
[in person] also [in the flesh] {adv. phr.} Yourself; personally. *
/A TV actor appeared in person today in school./ * /The governor
cannot march in the parade in person today, but his wife wilt march./
Compare: FACE-TO-FACE(2). Contrast: INSTEAD OF.
[in place(1)] {adv. phr.} 1a. In the right or usual place or
position. * /Nothing is in place after the earthquake. Even trees and
houses are turned over./ * /The picture is not in place on the wall.
It is crooked./ 1b. In one place. * /Our first exercise in gym class
was running in place./ 2. In proper order. * /Stay in place in line,
children./ Compare: IN ORDER. Contrast: OUT OF PLACE.
[in place(2)] {adj. phr.} In the right place or at the right time;
suitable; timely. * /A dog is not in place in a church./ * /Linda
wondered if it would be in place to wish the bride good luck after the
wedding./ Compare: IN ORDER(1). Contrast: OUT OF PLACE.
[in place of] See: INSTEAD OF.
[in plain English] {adv. phr.} Plainly; simply; in clear language.
* /Stop healing around the bush and saying that John "prevaricates";
in plain English he is a liar./
[in poor shape] {adv. phr.} In a bad condition. * /Most of the
streets of Chicago are in poor shape due to the heavy snow and frost
during the winters./
[in practice(1)] also [into practice] {adv. phr.} In actual doing.
* /The idea sounds good but will it work in practice?/ * /It is easy
to say that we will he good. It is harder to put the saying into
practice./
[in practice(2)] {adj. phr.} In proper condition to do something
well through practice. * /A pianist gets his fingers in practice by
playing scales./ * /An ice-skater keeps in practice by skating every
day./ Compare: IN SHAPE. Contrast: OUT OF PRACTICE.
[in print] {adj. phr.} Obtainable in printed form from a printer or
publisher; printed. * /The author has finished writing his book but it
is not yet in print./ * /The story of the students' trip to Washington
appeared in print in the newspaper./ * /It is a very old book and no
longer in print./ Contrast: OUT OF PRINT.
[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.
[in progress] {adj. phr.} Going ahead; being made or done;
happening. * /Plans are in progress to build a new school next year./
* /A dog ran out on the playing field while the game was in progress./
Contrast: IN CHECK.
[in public] {adv. phr.} 1. In a place open to the people; in such a
way that the public may see, hear, or know; not secretly; openly. *
/Two boys down the street are dancing in public for pennies./ *
/Actors are used to appearing in public./ * /The mayor has told his
friends that he is sick but will not admit it in public./ Contrast: IN
PRIVATE. 2. See: AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC or WASH ONE'S DIRTY
LINEN IN PUBLIC.
[in question] {adj. phr.} 1. In doubt; in dispute; being argued
about or examined. * /I know Bill would he a good captain for the
team. That is not in question. But does he want to be captain?/
Contrast: BEYOND QUESTION. 2. Under discussion; being talked or
thought about. * /The girls in question are not in school today./ *
/On the Christmas Day in question, we could not go to Grandmother's
house, as we do every year./
[in quest of] See: IN SEARCH OF.
[in reason] {adv. phr.}, {formal} Following the rules of reasoning;
sensibly; reasonably. * /One cannot in reason doubt that freedom is
better than slavery./
[in reference to] or [with reference to] or [in regard to ] or
[with regard to] {prep.} In connection with; from the standpoint of;
concerning; regarding; about. * /I am writing with reference to your
last letter./ * /He spoke in reference to the Boy Scouts./ * /I spoke
to him with regard to his low marks./ * /In regard to the test
tomorrow, it is postponed./ Compare: IN RELATION TO, IN RESPECT TO.
[in regard to] See: IN REFERENCE TO.
[in relation to] or [with relation to] {prep.} In connection with;
in dealing with; as concerns; in comparison to; respecting; about. *
/Father spoke about school in relation to finding a job when we are
older./ * /What did you say in relation to what happened yesterday?/ *
/With relation to his job, skill is very important./ * /In relation to
Texas, Rhode Island is quite a small state./ Compare: IN REFERENCE TO,
IN RESPECT TO.
[in respect to] or [with respect to] In connection with; related
to, about; on. * /The teacher told stories about Washington and
Lincoln in respect to the importance of being honest./ * /In respect
to your visit with us, we hope you can come before September./ *
/There was no shortage in respect to food./ Compare: AS TO, IN
REFERENCE TO, IN RELATION TO.
[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./
[in reverse] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} In a backward direction;
backward. * /John hit the tree behind him when he put the car in
reverse without looking first./ * /The first of the year Bob did well
in school but then he started moving in reverse./
[in round figures] {adv. phr.} As an estimated number; as a
rounded-off figure containing no decimals or fractions. * /Skip the
cents and just tell me in round figures how much this car repair will
cost./
[in round numbers] See: IN ROUND FIGURES.
[ins and outs] {n. phr.} The special ways of going somewhere or
doing something; the different parts. * /The janitor knows all the ins
and outs of the big school building./ * /Jerry's father is a good life
insurance salesman; he knows all the ins and outs of the business./
[in search of] or {literary} [in quest of] {prep.} Seeking or
looking for; in pursuit of. * /Many men went West in search of gold./
* /The hunter stayed in the woods all day in quest of game./ * /We
looked everywhere in search of our dog./
[in season] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. {literary} At the proper or
best time. * /Fred's father told him that he was not old enough yet
but that he would learn to drive in season./ 2a. At the right or
lawful time for hunting or catching. * /Deer will be in season next
week./ * /In spring we'll go fishing when trout are in season./ 2b. At
the right time or condition for using, eating, or marketing; in a ripe
or eatable condition. * /Christmas trees will be sold at the store in
season./ * /Native tomatoes will be in season soon./ * /Oysters are in
season during the "R" months./ Compare: IN GOOD TIME. Contrast: OUT OF
SEASON.
[in secret] {adv. phr.} In a private or secret way; in a hidden
place. * /The miser buried his gold in secret and no one knows where
it is./ * /The robbers went away in secret after dark./ Compare: IN
PRIVATE.
[in shape] or [in condition] {adj. phr.} In good condition; able to
perform well. * /The football team will he in shape for the first game
of the season./ * /Mary was putting her French in shape for the lest./
Compare: IN PRACTICE. Contrast: OUT OF SHAPE.
[in short] See: IN BRIEF.
[in short order] {adv. phr.} Without delay; quickly. * /Johnny got
ready in short order after his father said that he could come to the
ball game if he was ready in time./
[in short supply] {adj. phr.} Not enough; in too small a quantity
or amount; in less than the amount or number needed. * /The cookies
are in short supply, so don't eat them all up./ * /We have five people
and only four beds, so the beds are in short supply./
[inside] See: STEP INSIDE.
[inside and out] See: INS AND OUTS, INSIDE OUT(2).
[inside of] {prep.} In; within; on or in an inside part of; not
beyond; before the end of. * /There is a broom inside of the closet./
* /There is a label on the inside of the box./ * /Hand your papers in
to me inside of three days./ Contrast: OUTSIDE OF.
[inside out] {adv.} 1. So that the inside is turned outside. *
/Mother turns the stockings inside out when she washes them./ 2. or
[inside and out] also [in and out] In every part; throughout;
completely. * /David knows the parts of his bicycle inside out./ * /We
searched the house inside and out for the kitten./ Compare: BACKWARDS
AND FORWARDS, INS AND OUTS, THROUGH AND THROUGH.
[inside track] {n. phr.} 1. The inside, shortest distance around a
curved racetrack; the place that is closest to the inside fence. * /A
big white horse had the inside track at the start of the race./ 2.
{informal} An advantage due to special connections or information. *
/I would probably get that job if I could get the inside track./
[insofar as ] {conj.} To the extent that; to the point that; as
much as. * /You will learn your lessons only insofar as you are
willing to keep studying them./
[in so many words] {adv. phr.} 1. In those exact words. * /He
hinted that he thought we were foolish but did not say so in so many
words./ 2. or [in no uncertain terms] In an outspoken way; plainly;
directly. * /I told him in so many words that he was crazy./ * /Bob
was very late for their date, and Mary told Bob in no uncertain terms
what she thought of him./ Compare: WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE.
[in someone else's shoes] See: IN ONE'S SHOES.
[insomuch as] See: INASMUCH AS.
[in spite of] {prep. phr.} Against the influence or effect of; in
opposition to; defying the effect of; despite. * /In spite of the bad
storm John delivered his papers on time./ * /In spite of all their
differences, Joan and Ann remain friends./
[instance] See: FOR EXAMPLE or FOR INSTANCE.
[in state] See: LIE IN STATE.
[instead of] or [in place of] also {formal} [in lieu of] {prep.} In
the place of; in substitution for; in preference to; rather than. * /I
wore mittens instead of gloves./ * /The grown-ups had coffee but the
children wanted milk in place of coffee./ * /The boys went fishing
instead of going to school./ * /The Vice-President talked at the
meeting in place of the President, because the President was sick./ *
/The magician appeared on the program in lieu of a singer./ Compare:
IN PERSON.
[in step] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. With the left or right foot
stepping at the same time as another's or to the beat of music; in
matching strides with another person or persons. * /The long line of
soldiers marched all in step: Left, right! Left, right!/ * /Johnny
marched behind the band in step to the music./ 2. In agreement;
abreast. - Often followed by "with". * /Mary wanted to stay in step
with her friends and have a doll too./ Contrast: OUT OF STEP.
[in stitches] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Laughing so hard that the
sides ache; in a fit of laughing hard. * /The comedian was so funny
that he had everyone who was watching him in stitches./
[in stock] {adj. phr.} Having something ready to sell dr use; in
present possession or supply; to be sold. * /The store had no more red
shoes in stock, so Mary chose brown ones instead./ Compare: IN STORE,
ON HAND. Contrast: OUT OF STOCK.
[in store] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. Saved up in case of need; ready
for use or for some purpose. * /If the electricity goes off, we have
candles in store in the closet./ * /The squirrel has plenty of nuts in
store for the winter./ Compare: IN RESERVE, IN STOCK, ON HAND. 2.
Ready to happen; waiting. - Often used in the phrase "hold in store"
or "have in store". * /What does the future hold in store for the boy
who ran away?/ * /There is a surprise in store for Helen when she gets
home./
[in stride] See: TAKE IN STRIDE.
[in substance] {adv. phr.} In important facts; in the main or basic
parts; basically; really. * /In substance the weather report said that
it will be a nice day tomorrow./ * /The two cars are the same in
substance, except one is red and the other is red and white./
[insult] See: ADD INSULT TO INJURY.
[intent] See: TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES.
[in terms of] {prep.} 1. 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./ 2. As to the amount or number of. * /We
swam a great distance. In terms of miles, it was three./
[in that] {conj.} For the reason that; because. * /I like the city,
but I like the country better in that I have more friends in the
country./
[in the air] {adv. phr.} 1. In everyone's thoughts. * /Christmas
was in the air for weeks before./ * /The war filled people's thoughts
every day; it was in the air./ Compare: IN THE WIND. 2. Meeting the
bodily senses; surrounding you so as to be smelled or felt. * /Spring
is in the air./ * /Rain is in the air./ 3. See: LEAVE HANGING, UP IN
THE AIR.
[in the back] See: STAB IN THE BACK.
[in the bag] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Sure to be won or gotten;
certain. * /Jones had the election in the bag after the shameful news
about his opponent came out./ * /We thought we had the game in the
bag./ Compare: SEWED UP.
[in the balance] See: HANG IN THE BALANCE.
[in the bargain] or [into the bargain] {adv. phr.} In addition;
besides; also. * /Frank is a teacher, and an artist into the bargain./
* /The heat failed, and then the roof began to leak in the bargain./
Compare: TO BOOT, FOR GOOD MEASURE.
[in the black] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In a successful or
profitable way; so as to make money. * /The big store was running in
the black./ * /A business must stay in the black to keep on./
Contrast: IN THE RED.
[in the blood] See: RUN IN THE BLOOD or RUN IN THE FAMILY.
[in the bud] See: NIP IN THE BUD.
[in the can] {adj.}, {slang}, {movie jargon} Ready; finished;
completed; about to be duplicated and distributed to exhibitors. * /No
sneak previews until it's all in the can!/ * /Once my book's in the
can, I'll go for a vacation./
[in the cards] also [on the cards] {adj. phr.}, {informal} To be
expected; likely to happen; foreseeable; predictable. * /It was in the
cards for the son to succeed his father as head of the business./ *
/John finally decided that it wasn't in the cards for him to succeed
with that company./
[in the charge of] See: IN CHARGE OF(2).
[in the chips] {slang} or {informal} [in the money] {adj. phr.}
Having plenty of money; prosperous; rich. * /After his rich uncle
died, Richard was in the chips./ * /After years of struggle and
dependence, air transportation is in the money./ Compare: ON EASY
STREET, WELL-TO-DO.
[in the circumstances] See: UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
[in the clear] {adj. phr.} 1. Free of anything that makes moving or
seeing difficult; with nothing to limit action. * /The plane climbed
above the clouds and was flying in the clear./ * /Jack passed the ball
to Tim, who was in the clear and ran for a touchdown./ 2. {informal}
Free of blame or suspicion; not thought to be guilty. * /After John
told the principal that he broke the window, Martin was in the clear./
* /Steve was the last to leave the locker room, and the boys suspected
him of stealing Tom's watch, but the coach found the watch and put
Steve in the clear./ 3. Free of debt; not owing money to anyone. *
/Bob borrowed a thousand dollars from his father to start his
business, but at the end of the first year he was in the clear./ Syn.:
IN THE BLACK.
[in the clouds] {adj. phr.} Far from real life; in dreams; in
fancy; in thought. * /When Alice agreed to marry Jim, Jim went home in
the clouds./ - Often used with "head", "mind", "thoughts". * /Mary is
looking out the window, not at the chalkboard; her head is in the
clouds again./ * /A good teacher should have his head in the clouds
sometimes, but his feet always on the ground./ Contrast: COME BACK TO
EARTH, FEET ON THE GROUND.
[in the clover] See: IN CLOVER.
[in the cold] See: OUT IN THE COLD.
[in the cold light of day] {adv. phr.} After sleeping on it; after
giving it more thought; using common sense and looking at the matter
unemotionally and realistically. * /Lost night my ideas seemed
terrific, but in the cold light of day I realize that they won't
work./
[in the dark] {adj. phr.} 1. In ignorance; without information. *
/John was in the dark about the job he was being sent to./ * /If the
government controls the news, it can keep people in the dark on any
topic it chooses./ * /Mary had a letter from Sue yesterday, but she
was left in the dark about Sue's plans to visit her./ Contrast: IN THE
KNOW. See: WHISTLE IN THE DARK.
[in the doghouse] {adj. phr.}, {slang} In disgrace or disfavor. *
/Our neighbor got in the doghouse with his wife by coming home drunk./
* /Jerry is in the doghouse because he dropped the ball, and the other
team won because of that./ Compare: DOWN ON.
[in the door] See: FOOT IN THE DOOR.
[in the driver's seat] {adv. phr.} In control; having the power to
make decisions. * /Stan is in the driver's seat now that he has been
made our supervisor at the factory./
[in the dumps] See: DOWN IN THE DUMPS.
[in the event] See: IN CASE(1).
[in the event of] See: IN CASE OF.
[in the eye] See: LOOK IN THE EYE.
[in the face] See: BLUE IN THE FACE, LOOK IN THE EYE or LOOK IN THE
FACE, SLAP IN THE FACE, STARE IN THE FACE.
[in the face of] {adv. phr.} 1. 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./ 2. 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. 3. See: FLY IN THE PACE OF.
[in the family] See: RUN IN THE BLOOD or RUN IN THE FAMILY.
[in the first place] {adv. phr.} 1. 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./ 2. See: IN THE PLACE.
[in the flesh] See: IN PERSON.
[in the groove] {adj. phr.}, {slang} Doing something very well;
near perfection; at your best. * /The band was right in the groove
that night./ * /It was an exciting football game; every player was
really in the groove./
[in the hole] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1a. Having a score
lower than zero in a game, especially a card game; to a score below
zero. * /John went three points in the hole on the first hand of the
card game./ 1b. Behind an opponent; in difficulty in a sport or game.
* /We had their pitcher in the hole with the bases full and no one
out./ Compare: ON THE SPOT. 2. In debt; behind financially. * /John
went in the hole with his hot dog stand./ * /It's a lot easier to get
in the hole than to get out again./ Compare: IN A HOLE, IN THE RED.
Contrast: OUT OF THE HOLE.
[in the know] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Knowing about things that
most people do not know about; knowing secrets or understanding a
special subject. * /Tina helped Professor Smith make some of the exam
questions, and she felt important to be in the know./ * /In a print
shop, Mr. Harvey is in the know, but in a kitchen he can't even cook
an egg./ Compare: GET WISE. Contrast: IN THE DARK.
[in the lap of luxury] {adv. phr.} Well supplied with luxuries;
having most things that money can buy. * /Mike grew up in the lap of
luxury./ Compare: ON EASY STREET, WELL-TO-DO.
[in the lap of the gods] also [on the knees of the gods] {adv.
phr.}, {literary} Beyond human control; not to be decided by anyone. *
/Frank had worked hard as a candidate, and as election day came he
felt that the result was in the lap of the gods./ * /The armies were
evenly matched and the result of the battle seemed to be on the knees
of the gods./
[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.
[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./
[in the long run] {adv. phr.} In the end; in the final result. *
/John knew that lie could make a success of the little weekly paper in
the long run./ * /You may make good grades by studying only before
examinations, but you will succeed in the long run only by studying
hard every day./
[in the lurch] See: LEAVE IN THE LURCH.
[in the main] {adv. phr.}, {formal} In most cases; generally;
usually. * /In the main, small boys and dogs are good friends./ * /In
the main, the pupils did well on the test./
[in the market for] {adj. phr.} Wishing to buy; ready to buy. *
/Mr. Jones is in the market for a new car./ * /People are always in
the market for entertainment./
[in the middle] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In between two sides of an
argument; caught between two dangers. * /Mary found herself in the
middle of the quarrel between Joyce and Ethel./ * /John promised Tom
to go fishing, but his father wanted him to help at home. John was in
the middle./
[in the middle of nowhere] {adv. phr.} In a deserted, faraway
place. * /When my car stopped on the highway in the middle of nowhere,
it took forever to get help./
[in the money] See: IN THE CHIPS.
[in the mood (for)] {adj. phr.} 1. Interested in doing something. *
/Sorry, I'm just not in the mood for a heavy dinner tonight./ 2.
Feeling sexy. * /I am sorry, darling, I am just not in the mood
tonight./
[in the mouth] See: LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH.
[in the neck] See: CATCH IT IN THE NECK or GET IT IN THE NECK.
[in the nick of time] {adv. phr.} Just at the right time; barely
soon enough; almost too late. * /The doctor arrived in the nick of
time to save the child from choking to death./ * /Joe saw the other
car in the nick of time./ Compare: IN TIME.
[in the pink] or [in the pink of condition] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
In excellent health; strong and well; in fine shape. * /Mr. Merrick
had aged well; he was one of those old men who always seem in the pink
of condition./ * /After a practice and a rubdown, Joe felt in the
pink./
[in the --- place] {adv. phr.} As the (first or second or third,
etc.) thing in order or importance; first, second, or third, etc. -
Used with "first", "second", "third", and other ordinal numbers. *
/No, you cannot go swimming. In the first place, the water is too
cold; and, in the second place, there is not time enough before
dinner./ * /Stealing is wrong, in the first place, because it hurts
others, and, in the second place, because it hurts you./ Compare: FOR
ONE THING.
[in the prime of life] {adv. phr.} At the peak of one's creative
abilities; during the most productive years. * /Poor John lost his job
due to restructuring when he was in the prime of his life./
[in the public eye] {adj. phr.} Widely known; often seen in public
activity; much in the news. * /The senator's activity kept him in the
public eye./ * /A big league ballplayer is naturally much in the
public eye./
[in the raw] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. In the simplest or most
natural way; with no frills. * /Henry enjoyed going into the woods and
living life in the raw./ 2. {informal} Without any clothing; naked. *
/In the summer the boys slept in the raw./
[in the red] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In an unprofitable
way; so as to lose money. * /A large number of American radio stations
operate in the red./ * /A rich man who has a farm or ranch often runs
it in the red, but makes his money with his factory or business./
Contrast: IN THE BLACK. (From the fact that people who keep business
records usually write in red ink how much money they lose and in black
ink how much money they gain.)
[in the right] {adj. phr.} With moral or legal right or truth on
your side; in agreement with justice, truth, or fact; correct. * /When
the cars collided, John was clearly in the right./ * /In going before
his wife down the stairs, Mr. Franklin was in the right./ * /In many
disputes, it is hard to say who is in the right./ Contrast: IN THE
WRONG.
[in the rough] See: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.
[in the running] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Having a chance to win; not
to be counted out; among those who might win. * /At the beginning of
the last lap of the race, only two horses were still in the running./
* /A month before Joyce married Hal, three of Joyce's boyfriends
seemed to be still in the running./ * /Al was in the running for the
trophy until the last hole of the golf tournament./ Contrast: OUT OF
THE RUNNING.
[in the saddle] adv. or {adj. phr.} In command; in control; in a
position to order or boss others. * /Mr. Park was in the saddle when
he had over half the company's stock./ * /Getting appointed chief
of police put Stevens in the saddle./
[in the same boat] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In the same trouble; in
the same fix; in the same bad situation. * /When the town's one
factory closed and hundreds of people lost their jobs, all the
storekeepers were in the same boat./ * /Dick was disappointed when
Fern refused to marry him, but he knew others were in the same boat./
[in the same breath] {adv. phr.} 1. At the same time; without
waiting. * /John would complain about hard times, and in the same
breath boast of his prize-winning horses./ * /Jane said Bill was
selfish, but in the same breath she said she was sorry to see him
leave./ 2. In the same class; in as high a group. - Usually used in
the negative with "mention", "speak", or "talk". * /Mary is a good
swimmer, but she should not be mentioned in the same breath with
Joan./
[in the same place] See: LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME
PLACE.
[in the sand] See: HIDE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND.
[in the second place] See: IN THE --- PLACE.
[in the short run] {adv. phr.} In the immediate future. * /We are
leasing a car in the short run; later we might buy one./ Contrast: IN
THE LONG RUN.
[in the soup] {adj. phr.}, {slang} In serious trouble; in
confusion; in disorder. * /When his wife overdrew their bank account
without telling him, Mr. Phillips suddenly found himself really in the
soup./ * /The police misunderstood Harry's night errand, and arrested
him, which put him in the soup with the boss./
[in the spotlight] {adv. phr.} In the center of attention, with
everybody watching what one is doing. * /It must be difficult for the
President to be in the spotlight wherever he goes./ Compare: IN THE
LIMELIGHT.
[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.
[in the third place] See: IN THE --- PLACE.
[in the till] See: ROB THE TILL or HAVE ONE'S HAND IN THE TILL.
[in the twinkling of an eye] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.
[in the wake of] {prep.}, {literary} As a result of; right after;
following. * /Many troubles follow in the wake of war./ * /There were
heavy losses of property in the wake of the flood./
[in the way] See: IN ONE'S WAY.
[in the way of] See: PUT IN THE WAY OF.
[in the wind] {adj. phr.} Seeming probable; being planned; soon to
happen. * /Changes in top management of the company had been in the
wind for weeks./ * /Tom's close friends knew that marriage was in the
wind./ Compare: IN THE AIR(1).
[in the works] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In preparation; being planned
or worked on; in progress. * /John was told that the paving of his
street was in the works./ * /It was reported that the playwright had a
new play in the works./ * /The manager told the employees that a raise
in wages was in the works./ Compare: UNDER WAY.
[in the world] or [on earth] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Of all
possible things; ever. - Usually used for emphasis after words that
ask questions, as "who", "why", "what", etc. * /Where in the world did
you find that necktie?/ * /The boys wondered how on earth the mouse
got out of the cage./ * /Betty could not understand what on earth the
teacher meant./
[in the wrong] {adj. phr.} With moral or legal right or truth
against you; against justice, truth, or fact; wrong. * /In attacking a
smaller boy, Jack was plainly in the wrong./ * /Mary was in the wrong
to drink from a finger bowl./ * /Since he had put pennies behind the
fuses, Bill was in the wrong when fire broke out./ Compare: OUT OF THE
WAY. Contrast: IN THE RIGHT.
[in time] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Soon enough. * /We got to
Washington in time for the cherry blossoms./ * /We got to the station
just in time to catch the bus./ * /John liked to get to work in good
time and talk. to the man who worked on his machine before him./ 2. In
the end; after a while; finally. * /Fred and Jim did not like each
other at first, but in time they became friends./ 3. In the right
rhythm; in step. * /The marchers kept in time with the band./ *
/Johnny didn't play his piano piece in time./
[into account] See: TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.
[into a nose dive] See: oo INTO A TAIL SPIN or GO INTO A NOSE DIVE.
[into a tail spin] See: GO INTO A TAIL SPIN.
[into commission] See: IN COMMISSION.
[into effect] {adv. phr.} Into use or operation. * /The new rule
was put into effect at once./ * /The judge ordered the old suspended
penalty into effect./
[into hot water] See: HOT WATER.
[into line] {adv. phr.} 1. Into agreement. * /The department's
spending was brought into line with the budget./ 2. Under control. *
/Independent congressmen were brought into line by warnings that jobs
for their friends would be kept back./ * /The players who had broken
training rules fell into line when the coach warned them that they
would he put off the team./
[into one's blood] See: IN ONE'S BLOOD.
[into one's head] See: BEAT INTO ONE'S HEAD, TAKE INTO ONE'S HEAD.
[into one's own] See: COME INTO ONE'S OWN.
[into one's own hands] See: TAKE THE LAW INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS.
[into one's shell] See: IN ONE'S SHELL.
[into one's shoes] See: STEP INTO ONE'S SHOES.
[into practice] See: IN PRACTICE.
[into question] {adv. phr.} Into doubt or argument. - Usually used
with "call", "bring" or "come". * /This soldier's courage has never
been called into question./ * /If a boy steals, his parents' teaching
comes into question./
[into the bargain] See: IN THE BARGAIN.
[into the fire] See: OUT OP THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE.
[into the ground] See: RUN INTO THE GROUND.
[into the hands of] See: PLAY INTO THE HANDS OF.
[into thin air] {adv. phr.} Without anything left; completely. *
/When Bob returned to the room, he was surprised to find that his
books had vanished into thin air./ Compare: OUT OF THIN AIR.
[in toto] {adv. phr.} As a whole; in its entirety; totally;
altogether. * /The store refused the advertising agency's suggestion
in toto./ * /They bought the newspaper business in toto./ * /The
paving job was accepted in toto./ (Latin, meaning "in the whole.")
[in touch] {adj. phr.} Talking or writing to each other; giving and
getting news. * /John kept in touch with his school friends during the
summer./ * /Police anywhere in the U.S. can get in touch instantly
with any other police department by teletype./ * /The man claimed to
be in touch with people on another planet./ Compare: KEEP TRACK.
Contrast: OUT OF TOUCH.
[in tow] {adj. phr.} 1. Being pulled. * /The tugboat had the large
ocean liner in tow as they came into the harbor./ * /An engine came
with a long string of cars in tow./ 2. Being taken from place to
place; along with someone. * /Janet took the new girl in tow and
showed her where to go./ * /Mrs. Hayes went to the supermarket with
her four little children in tow./
[in trust] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In safe care for another. * /The
money was held by the hank in trust for the widow./ * /At his death
Mr. Brown left a large sum in trust for his son until he was
twenty-five./
[in tune] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. At the proper musical pitch;
high or low enough in sound. * /The piano is in tune./ 2. Going well
together; in agreement; matching; agreeable. - Often used with "with".
* /In his new job, John felt in tune with his surroundings and his
associates./ Contrast: OUT OF TUNE.
[in turn] {adv. phr.} According to a settled order; each following
another. * /Each man in turn got up and spoke./ * /Two teachers
supervised the lunch hour in turn./ * /Two of the three boys tease
their younger brother - John, the biggest, teases Bob, the middle boy;
and Bob in turn teases Tim, the youngest./ Compare: IN ORDER.
[in two] {adv. phr.} Into two parts or pieces; into two divisions.
* /John and Mary pulled on the wishbone until it came in two./ *
/There was only one piece of cake, but we cut it in two./ Syn.: IN
HALF.
[in two shakes of a lamb's tail] {adv.}, {informal} Quickly; in no
time at all. * /I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail./
[in --- up to the] See: UP TO THE --- IN.
[in vain] {adv. phr.} 1. Without effect; without getting the
desired result; without success. * /The drowning man called in vain
for help./ * /To cry over spilled milk is to cry in vain./ Compare: GO
FOR NOTHING, NO USE. 2. See: TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN.
[in view] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In sight; visible. * /We came
around a bend and there was the ocean in view./ 2. As a purpose, hope,
or expectation. * /John had his son's education in view when he began
to save money./ * /The end that we must keep always in view is peace
with justice./ Compare: EYE TO.
[in view of] {prep.} After thinking about; because of. * /Schools
were closed for the day in view of the heavy snowstorm./ * /In view of
rising labor costs, many companies have turned to automation./ Syn.:
IN THE LIGHT OF.
[in virtue of] See: BY VIRTUE OF.
[in wait] See: LIE IN WAIT.
[in with] {prep.} In friendship, favor, or closeness with; in the
trust or liking of. * /We trusted on Byrd's being in with the mayor,
not knowing that the mayor no longer liked him./ * /It took the new
family some time to get in with their neighbors./
[I.O.U.] {adj. phr.} I owe you, abbreviated; a promissory note. *
/I had to borrow some money from John and, in order to remind both of
us, I wrote him an I.O.U. note for $250./
[Irish] See: GET ONE'S DANDER UP or GET ONE'S IRISH UP.
[iron horse] {n.}, {informal} A railroad locomotive; the engine of
a railroad train. * /In its first days, the iron horse frightened many
people as it roared across country scattering sparks./
[iron in the fire] {n. phr.} Something you are doing; one of the
projects with which a person is busy; job, * /John had a number of
irons in the fire, and he managed to keep all of them hot./ - Usually
used in the phrase "too many irons in the fire". * /"Ed has a dozen
things going all the time, but none of them seem to work out." "No
wonder. He has too many irons in the fire."/
[iron out] {v.}, {informal} To discuss and reach an agreement about
(a difference); find a solution for (a problem); remove (a
difficulty). * /The company and its workers ironed out their
differences over hours and pay./ * /The House and Senate ironed out
the differences between their two different tax bills./ Compare: MAKE
UP(5).
[is] See: SUCH AS IT IS, THAT IS.
[island] See: SAFETY ISLAND.
[issue] See: AT ISSUE, TAKE ISSUE.
[is that so] {informal} 1. Oh, indeed? That's interesting. - Used
in simple acceptance or reply. * /"The Republicans have pulled a trick
at city hall." "Is that so?"/ 2. Surely not? - Used in disbelief or
sarcasm. * /"The moon is made of green cheese." "Is that so?"/ * /"I'm
going to take your girlfriend to the dance," said Bob. "Oh, is that
so!" said Dick. "Try it and you'll be sorry."/
[itching palm] {n.}, {slang} A wish for money; greed. * /He was
born with an itching palm./ * /The bellboys in that hotel seem always
to have itching palms./
[I tell you] See: I'LL SAY.
[I tell you what] See: I'LL TELL YOU WHAT.
[item] See: COLLECTOR'S ITEM, CONSUMER ITEMS.
[it figures] {informal sentence} It checks out; it makes sense; it
adds up. * /It figures that Bob got the highest raise at our firm; he
is the most productive salesman./
[it is an ill wind that blows nobody good] No matter how bad a
happening is, someone can usually gain something from it. - A proverb.
* /When Fred got hurt in the game John got a chance to play. It's an
ill wind that blows nobody good./
[it never rains but it pours] One good thing or bad thing is often
followed by others of the same kind. - A proverb, * /John got sick,
then his brothers and sisters all got sick. It never rains but it
pours./
[it's a cinch] {informal sentence} It is very easy. * /"What about
the final exam?" Fred asked. "It was a cinch" Sam answered./ Compare:
PIECE OF CAKE.
[it's a deal] {informal sentence} Consider it done; OK; it is
agreed. * /"How much for this used car?" Bill asked. "Two thousand,"
the man answered. "I'll give $1,500," Bill said. "It's a deal!" the
owner answered as they sealed the transaction./
[it's been ---, it's been real] {informal} Shortened form for "it
has been real nice (being with you)" - used colloquially between very
close friends.
[itself] See: END IN ITSELF.
[it's high time] {informal sentence} It is overdue. * /It is high
time for John Browning to be promoted to full professor; he has
written a great deal but his books went unnoticed./
[Ivy League] {n.} A small group of the older and more famous
eastern U.S. colleges and universities. * /Several Ivy League teams
play each other regularly each year./ * /Harvard, Yale, and Princeton
were the original Ivy League./
J
[Jack] See: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY.
[jack] See: EVERY LAST MAN also EVERY MAN JACK.
[jack of all trades] {n.}, {informal} (Often followed by the words
"master of none.") A person who is knowledgeable in many areas. Can be
used as praise, or as a derogatory remark depending on the context and
the intonation. * /Peter is a jack of all trades; he can survive
anywhere!/ * /"How come Joe did such a sloppy job?" Mary asked. "He's
a jack of all trades," Sally answered./
[jackpot] See: HIT THE JACKPOT.
[jack-rabbit start] {n.}, {informal} A very sudden start from a
still position; a very fast start from a stop. * /Bob made a
jack-rabbit start when the traffic light turned green./
[Jack Robinson] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.
[jack up] {v.} 1. To lift with a jack. * /The man jacked up his car
to fit a flat tire./ 2. {informal} To make (a price) higher; raise. *
/Just before Christmas, some stores jack up their prices./
[jailbait] {n.}, {slang} A girl below the legal age of consent for
sex; one who tempts you to intimacy which is punishable by
imprisonment. * /Stay away from Arabella, she is a jailbait./
[jailbird] {n.}, {informal} A convict; someone who is in jail or
has been recently released from prison. * /Because Harry was a
jailbird, it was understandably hard for him to find a job after being
imprisoned./
[jake flake] {n.}, {slang} A boring person whose company is usually
not wanted. * /Please don't invite Turner, he is a jake flake./
[jar on] {v. phr.} To irritate. * /The constant construction noise
was beginning to jar on the nerves of the members of the meeting./
[jaw] See: GLASS JAW.
[jawbreaker] {n.} 1. A large piece of hard candy or bubblegum. *
/Billy asked his mother for a quarter to buy some jawbreakers and a
chocolate bar./ 2. [informal] A word or name that is hard to
pronounce. * /His name, Nissequogue, is a real jawbreaker./
[jaw drop] or [jaw drop a mile] {informal} Mouth fall wide open
with surprise. - Used with a possessive. * /Tom's jaw dropped a mile
when he won the prize./
[jaws tight] {adj.}, {slang}, {informal} Angry; uptight; tense. *
/Why are you getting your jaws so tight?/
[jazz up] {v.}, {slang} To brighten up; add more noise, movement,
or color; make more lively or exciting. * /The party was very dull
until Pete jazzed it up with his drums./
[Jehu] See: DRIVE LIKE JEHU.
[jerk] or [jerker] See: SODA JERK or SODA JERKER.
[jerry-built] {adj.} 1. Built poorly or carelessly of cheap
materials; easily broken. * /That jerry-built cabin will blow apart in
a strong wind./ 2. Done without careful preparation or thought;
planned too quickly. * /When the regular television program didn't
come on, a jerry-built program was substituted at the last minute./
[Jesus boots] or [Jesus shoes] {n.}, {slang} Men's sandals,
particularly as worn by hippies and very casually dressed people. * /I
dig your Jesus boots, man, they look cool./
[jig's up] See: GAME'S UP.
[jim-dandy] {n.}, {slang} Something wonderful; something very good.
* /Tommy's new boat is really a jim-dandy! I wish I had one like it./
[jink] See: HIGH JINKS.
[job] See: DO A JOB ON, FALL DOWN ON THE JOB, LIE DOWN ON THE JOB,
ON THE JOB.
[Joe Doakes] {n.} A name used informally for the average man. *
/Let us say that Joe Doakes goes to the movies three times a year./
Compare: MAN IN THE STREET, SO-AND-SO.
[John Doe] {n.} A name used for an unknown person, especially in
police and law business. * /The alarm went out for a John Doe who
stole the diamonds from the store./
[John Hancock] or [John Henry] {n.}, {informal} Your signature;
your name in writing. * /The man said, "Put your John Hancock on this
paper."/ * /Joe felt proud when he put his John Henry on his very
first driver's license./
[Johnny-come-lately] {n.} Someone new in a place or group;
newcomer; also: a new person who takes an active part in group affairs
before tlie group has accepted him; upstart. * /Everybody was amazed
when a Johnny-come-lately beat the old favorite in the race./ * /When
it looked as though Mr. Brown had a good chance of winning, many
Johnny-come-latelies began to support him./
[Johnny-on-the-spot] {adj. phr.} At the right place when needed;
present and ready to help; very prompt; on time. * /A good waterboy is
always Johnny-on-the-spot./ * /The firemen were Johnny-on-the-spot and
put out the fire in the house soon after it started./ Compare: ON THE
JOB.
[John Q. Public] {n.} A name used informally for the average
citizen. * /It is John Q. Public's duty to vote at each election./
Compare: JOE DOAKES.
[join forces] or [join hands] {v. phr.} To get together for the
same aim; group together for a purpose; unite. * /The students and the
graduates joined forces to raise money when the gym burned down./ *
/The American soldiers joined hands with the British in the war
against Germany./ Compare: THROW IN ONE'S LOT WITH.
[join hands] See: JOIN FORCES.
[joint] See: CLIP JOINT, PUT ONE'S NOSE OUT OF JOINT.
[joke] See: CRACK A JOKE.
[joking apart] See: JOKING ASIDE.
[joking aside] or [joking apart] {v. phr.}, {informal} No fooling;
without exaggerating: seriously. * /Joking aside, although the
conditions were not very comfortable, we had a wonderful time./ *
/Joking apart, there must have been over a hundred people in the
room./
[Jones] See: KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES.
[jot down] {v. phr.} To quickly commit to writing; make a quick
note of something. * /Let me jot down your address so that I can send
you a postcard from Europe./
[judgment seat] {n.} A place where you are judged; a place where
justice and punishment are given out. * /Mrs. Smith is so bossy, she
always acts as though she is in the judgment seat./
[jug-eared] {adj.} With ears that stick out like the handles of a
jug. * /Tommy was a redheaded, freckle-faced, jug-eared boy./
[juice] See: STEW IN ONE'S OWN JUICE.
[juice dealer] {n.}, {slang} An underworld money lender who charges
exorbitant fees to his clientele and frequently collects payment by
physical force. * /No matter how broke you are, never go to a juice
dealer./
[jump] See: GET THE JUMP ON or HAVE THE JUMP ON, GO JUMP IN THE
LAKE, NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN or NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO JUMP.
[jump all over] See: JUMP ON.
[jump at] {v.} To take or accept quickly and gladly. * /Johnny
jumped at the invitation to go swimming with his brother./ Compare:
TAKE UP(7).
[jump bail] or [skip bail] {v. phr.}, {informal} To run away and
fail to come to trial, and so to give up a certain amount of money
already given to a court of law to hold with the promise that you
would come. * /The robber paid $2000 bail so he wouldn't be put in
jail before his trial, but he jumped bail and escaped to Mexico./ *
/The man skipped bail because he was afraid the court might put him in
jail for a long time./
[jump ball] {n.} The starting of play in basketball by tossing the
ball into the air between two opposing players, each of whom jumps and
tries to hit the ball to a member of his own team. * /Two players held
onto the ball at the same time and the referee called a jump ball./
[jump down one's throat] {v. phr.} To suddenly become very angry at
someone; scold severely or angrily. * /The teacher jumped down Billy's
throat when Billy said he did not do his homework./
[jump from the frying pan into the fire] See: OUT OP THE FRYING PAN
INTO THE FIRE.
[jumping-off place] {n. phr.} 1. A place so far away that it seems
to be the end of the world. * /Columbus' sailors were afraid they
would arrive at the jumping-off place if they sailed farther west./ *
/So you visited Little America? That sounds like the jumping-off
place!/ 2. The starting place of a long, hard trip or of something
difficult or dangerous. * /The jumping-off place for the explorer's
trip through the jungle was a little village./
[jump on] or [jump all over] or [land on] or [land all over] {v.
phr.}, {informal} To scold; criticize; blame. * /Tom's boss jumped all
over Tom because he made a careless mistake./ * /Janice landed on
Robert for dressing carelessly for their date./ * /"I don't know why
Bill is always jumping on me; I just don't understand him," said Bob./
Compare: FIND FAULT, GET ON, LAY OUT(7).
[jump on the bandwagon] or [get on the bandwagon] {v. phr.},
{informal} To join a popular cause or movement. * /At the last
possible moment, the senator jumped on the winning candidate's
bandwagon./
[jump out of one's skin] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be badly
frightened; be very much surprised. * /The lightning struck so close
to Bill that he almost jumped out of his skin./ Compare: HAIR STAND ON
END.
[jump pass] {n.} A pass (as in football or basketball) made by a
player while jumping. * /The Bruins scored when the quarterback tossed
a jump pass to the left end./
[jump the gun] also [beat the gun] {v. phr.} 1. To start before the
starter's gun in a race. * /The runners were called back because one
of them jumped the gun./ 2. {informal} To start before you should;
start before anyone else. * /The new students were not supposed to
come before noon, but one boy jumped the gun and came to school at
eight in the morning./ * /The students planned to say happy birthday
to the principal when the teacher raised her hand, but Sarah jumped
the gun and said it when he came into the room./
[jump the traces] See: KICK OVER THE TRACES.
[jump the track] {v. phr.} 1. To go off rails; go or run the wrong
way. * /The train jumped the track and there was a terrible accident./
* /The pulley of the clothesline jumped the track and Mother's washing
fell down./ 2. {informal} To change from one thought or idea to
another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are
talking about to something different. * /Bob didn't finish his algebra
homework because his mind kept jumping the track to think about the
new girl in class./ Compare: OFF THE TRACK.
[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.
[jump to a conclusion] {v. phr.} To decide too quickly or without
thinking or finding the facts. * /Jerry saw his dog limping on a
bloody leg and jumped to the conclusion that it had been shot./
Contrast: LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.
[junked up] {adj.} or {v. phr.}, {slang}, {drug culture} To be
under the influence of drugs, especially heroine. * /You can't talk to
Billy, he's all junked up./
[just about] {adv.}, {informal} Nearly; almost; practically. *
/Just about everyone in town came to hear the mayor speak./ * /The
dress came down to just about the middle of her knee./ * /Has Mary
finished peeling the potatoes? Just about./
[just for the fun of it] {adv. phr.} Merely as a matter of
amusement. * /"I'll bring a goat to class," Bob said to his
classmates, "just for the fun of it; I want to see what kind of a face
Professor Brown will make."/
[just for the hell of it] See: JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT.
[justice] See: DO JUSTICE TO.
[just in case] {adv. phr.} For an emergency; in order to be
protected. * /"Here are my house keys. Sue," Tom said. "I'll be back
in two weeks, but you should have them, just in case..."/ See: IN
CASE.
[just in time] See: IN TIME.
[just now] {adv. phr.} 1. Just at this moment; at this time. * /Mr.
Johnson isn't here just now. Will you phone back later? 2./ {informal}
A very short time ago; only a moment ago; only a little while ago. *
/"Where could that boy have gone so quickly? He was here just now!"/
Compare: WHILE AGO.
[just so(1)] {adj.} Exact; exactly right. * /Mrs. Robinson likes to
keep her house just so, and she makes the children take off their
shoes when they come in the house./
[just so(2)] {conj.} Provided; if. * /Take as much food as you
want, just so you don't waste any food./ Syn.: AS LONG AS(2).
[just so(3)] {adv. phr.} With great care; very carefully. * /In
order to raise healthy African violets you must treat them just so./
[just the other way] or [the other way around] {adv. phr.} Just the
opposite. * /One would have thought that Goliath would defeat David,
but it was the other way around./
[just the same] See: ALL THE SAME.
[just what the doctor ordered] {n. phr.}, {informal} Exactly what
is needed or wanted. * /"Ah! Just what the doctor ordered!" exclaimed
Joe when Mary brought him a cold soda./
K
[kangaroo court] {n.} A self-appointed group that decides what to
do to someone who is supposed to have done wrong. * /The Chicago mob
held a kangaroo court and shot the gangster who competed with Al
Capone./
[keel] See: ON AN EVEN KEEL.
[keel over] {v.} 1. To turn upside down; tip over; overturn. -
Usually refers to a boat. * /The strong wind made the sailboat keel
over and the passengers fell into the water./ 2. {informal} To fall
over in a faint; taint. * /It was so hot during the assembly program
that two girls who were standing on the stage keeled over./ * /When
the principal told the girl her father died, she keeled right over./
[keen about] or [on] {adj. phr.} Very enthusiastic about someone or
something. * /It is well known that Queen Elizabeth is keen on
horses./
[keep abreast (of) someone] or [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.
[keep a civil tongue in one's head] {v. phr.} To be polite in
speaking. * /He was very angry with his boss, but he kept a civil
tongue in his head./ * /The bus driver began yelling at the woman and
she told him to keep a civil tongue in his head./
[keep a close check on] See: KEEP TAB(S) ON.
[keep after] {v.}, {informal} To speak to (someone) about something
again and again; remind over and over again. * /Some pupils will do
sloppy work unless the teacher keeps after them to write neatly./ *
/Sue's mother had to keep after her to clean her bedroom./
[keep an ear to the ground] See: EAR TO THE GROUND.
[keep an eye on] or [keep one's eye on] or [have one's eye on] {v.
phr.} 1. To watch carefully; not stop paying attention to. * /Keep an
eye on the stove in case the coffee boils./ * /You must keep your eye
on the ball when you play tennis./ * /A good driver keeps his eye on
the road./ * /The teacher had her eye on me because she thought I was
cheating./ * /Billy keeps a jealous eye on his toys./ * /The lion
tamer keeps a sharp eye on the lions when he is in the cage./ Compare:
LOOK OUT, LOOK OVER. 2. To watch and do what is needed for; mind. *
/Mother told Jane to keep an eye on the baby while she was in the
store./ * /Mr. Brown told John to keep an eye on the store while he
was out./ Syn.: TAKE CARE OF(1).
[keep an eye open] or [keep an eye out for] See: KEEP AN EYE ON.
[keep an eye out] See: EYE OUT.
[keep a stiff upper lip] {v. phr.} To be brave; face trouble
bravely. * /He was very much worried about his sick daughter, but he
kept a stiff upper lip./ * /Although he was having some trouble with
the engine, the pilot kept a stiff upper lip and landed the plane
safely./ Compare: KEEP ONE'S CHIN UP.
[keep a straight face] See: STRAIGHT FACE, DEADPAN.
[keep at] {v.} To continue to do; go on with. * /Mary kept at her
homework until she finished it./ Compare: KEEP ON(1), KEEP UP(1b).
[keep away] {v. phr.} To remain at a distance from. * /Her mother
advised Diane to keep away from men offering a ride./
[keep back] {v. phr.} To refrain or be restrained from entering;
remain back. * /The police had a hard time keeping back the crowd when
the astronauts came to town after walking on the moon./
[keep body and soul together] {v. phr.} To keep alive; survive. *
/John was unemployed most of the year and hardly made enough money to
keep body and soul together./ Compare: KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR.
[keep books] {v. phr.} To keep records of money gained and spent;
do the work of a bookkeeper. * /Miss Jones keeps the company's books./
[keep company] {v. phr.} 1. To stay or go along with (someone) so
that he will not be lonely to visit with (someone). * /John kept Andy
company while his parents went to the movies./ * /I'll go shopping
with you just to keep you company./ 2. To go places together as a
couple; date just one person. * /After keeping company for one year,
Mary and John decided to marry./ * /Who is Bill keeping company with
now?/ Compare: GO STEADY.
[keep cool] {v. phr.} Remain calm; remain unexcited. * /The main
thing to remember in an emergency situation is to not lose one's head
and keep cool./
[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.
[keeper] See: FINDERS KEEPERS.
[keep from] {v.}, {informal} To hold yourself back from; stop or
prevent yourself from (doing something). * /Can you keep from
repeating gossip?/ * /Jill can't keep from talking about her trip./ -
Usually used with "can" in the negative. * /You can't keep from liking
Jim./ Compare: CAN HELP.
[keep good time] See: KEEP TIME.
[keep house(1)] {v. phr.} To do the necessary things in a
household; do the cooking and cleaning. * /Since their mother died,
Mary and her brother keep house for their father./
[keep house(2)] also [play house] {v. phr.}, {informal} To live
together without being married. * /Bob and Nancy keep house these
days./
[keeping] See: IN KEEPING, OUT OF KEEPING.
[keep in mind] See: IN MIND.
[keep in touch with] {v. phr.} To remain in communication with;
maintain contact with. * /Don't forget to keep in touch, either by
letter or phone, when you're in Europe!/
[keep late hours] {v. phr.} To go to bed late; habitually stay up
(and work) late. * /"If you always keep such late hours, your health
might suffer," Tom's doctor said./
[keep off] {v. phr.} To refrain from entering; stay away from. *
/"Keep off the grass," the sign in the park indicated./
[keep on] {v.} 1. To go ahead; not stop; continue. * /The neighbors
asked them to stop making noise, but they kept right on./ * /Columbus
kept on until he saw land./ - Often used before a present participle.
* /Relentlessly, the boy kept on asking about the birds and the bees./
* /The boy kept on talking even though the teacher had asked him to
stop./ Syn.: GO ON. Compare: KEEP AT, KEEP UP. 2. To allow to continue
working for you. * /The new owner kept Fred on as gardener./
[keep one at a distance] or [keep one at arm's length] {v. phr.} To
avoid (someone's) company; not become too friendly toward. * /Mr.
Smith is kind to the workers in his store but after work he keeps them
at a distance./ * /Betty likes Bill and is trying to be friendly, but
he keeps her at arm's length./ Compare: KEEP ONE'S DISTANCE, HOLD
OFF(1a).
[keep (one) posted] {v. phr.} To receive current information;
inform oneself. * /My associates phoned me every day and kept me
posted on new developments in our business./
[keep one's balance] {v. phr.} To stay even-tempered; not become
overexcited. * /Mike has the best personality to run our office; he
always keeps his balance./ Contrast: LOSE ONE'S BALANCE.
[keep one's chin up] {v. phr.} To be brave; be determined; face
trouble with courage. * /He didn't think that he would ever get out of
the jungle alive, but he kept his chin up./ Compare: KEEP A STIFF
UPPER LIP.
[keep one's distance] {v. phr.} To be cool toward someone; avoid
being friendly. * /Mary did not like her co-worker, Betty, and kept
her distance from her./ Compare: KEEP ONE AT A DISTANCE.
[keep one's end up] See: HOLD ONE'S END UP.
[keep one's eye on] See: KEEP AN EYE ON.
[keep one's eye on the ball] {v. phr.} 1. To watch the ball at all
times in a sport, usually in order to hit it or get it; not stop
watching the ball. * /Keep your eye on the baseball or you won't be
able to hit it./ 2. {informal} To be watchful and ready; be wide-awake
and ready to win or succeed; be smart. * /Tom is just starting on the
job but if he keeps his eye on the ball, he will be promoted./
Compare: ON THE BALL, KEEP AN EYE ON or KEEP ONE'S EYE ON or HAVE
ONE'S EYE ON.
[keep one's eyes open] See: EYES OPEN.
[keep one's eyes peeled] or [keep one's eyes skinned] {v. phr.},
{informal} To watch carefully; be always looking. * /The bird-watcher
kept his eyes peeled for bluebirds./ * /When the boys walked through
the roads, they kept their eyes skinned for snakes./ Compare: EYES
OPEN(1), EYE OUT.
[keep one's feet] {v. phr.} To keep from falling or slipping down;
keep your balance; remain standing. * /The boy stumbled on the stairs
but was able to keep his feet./ Compare: REGAIN ONE'S FEET.
[keep one's feet on the ground] See: FEET ON THE GROUND.
[keep one's fingers crossed] See: CROSS ONE'S FINGERS(1b).
[keep one's hand in] {v. phr.} To keep in practice; continue to
take part. * /After he retired from teaching, Mr. Brown kept his hand
in by giving a lecture once in a while./ * /Mr. Smith left the
planning of the trip to his wife, but he kept his hand in, too./
Compare: KEEP UP.
[keep one's head] also [keep one's wits about one] {v. phr.} To
stay calm when there is trouble or danger. * /When Tim heard the fire
alarm he kept his head and looked for the nearest exit./ Compare:
COUNT TO TEN. Contrast: LOSE ONE'S HEAD.
[keep one's head above water] {v. phr.} To remain solvent; manage
to stay out of debt. * /Herb's income declined so drastically that he
now has difficulty keeping his head above water./
[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).
[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).
[keep one's nose to the grindstone] or [have one's nose to the
grindstone] or [hold one's nose to the grindstone] {v. phr.},
{informal} To work hard all the time; keep busy with boring or
tiresome work. * /Sarah keeps her nose to the grindstone and saves as
much as possible to start her own business./
[keep one's own counsel] {v. phr.}, {formal} To keep your ideas and
plans to yourself. * /John listened to what everyone had to say in the
discussion, but he kept his own counsel./ * /Although everybody gave
Mrs. O'Connor advice about what to do with her house, she kept her own
counsel./
[keep one's shirt on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To calm down; keep from
losing your temper or getting impatient or excited. * /Bob got very
angry when John accidentally bumped into him, but John told him to
keep his shirt on./ - Usually used as a command; may be considered
impolite. * /John said to Bob, "Keep your shirt on."/ Contrast: GET
ONE'S DANDER UP.
[keep one's temper] See: HOLD ONE'S TEMPER.
[keep one's weather eye open] See: WEATHER EYE.
[keep one's wits about one] See: KEEP ONE'S HEAD.
[keep one's word] {v. phr.} To do what one has promised; fulfill
one's promise. * /Paul kept his word and paid me the $250 that he owed
me right on time./
[keep on the good side of] See: ON ONE'S GOOD SIDE.
[keep open house] {v. phr.} To offer hospitality and entertain
those who come at any given time on a certain day or afternoon. *
/Beth and Charlie have a cottage by the lake where they keep open
house on Saturday afternoons during the summer./
[keep out (of)] {v. phr.} 1. To stay out; remain out of. * /The
sign on the fence said, "Danger! Keep out!"/ 2. To stave off; not
allow in. * /The border patrol near El Paso, Texas, is trying to keep
illegal immigrants out of the United States./
[keep pace] {v. phr.} To go as fast; go at the same rate; not get
behind. * /When they go for a walk, Johnny has to take long steps to
keep pace with his father./ * /When Billy was moved to a more advanced
class, he had to work hard to keep pace./ Compare: KEEP UP(2a).
[keep plugging along] {v. phr.}, {informal} To continue to work
diligently and with great effort, often against hardship. * /Bob was
not particularly talented but he kept plugging along year after year,
and eventually became vice president./
[keeps] See: FOR KEEPS.
[keep step with] {v. phr.} To maintain the same degree of progress
as someone else. * /The United States has no choice but to keep step
with potential enemies in terms of modern defense systems./
[keep tab on] or [keep tabs on] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To keep a
record of. * /The government tries to keep tabs on all the animals in
the park./ 2. To keep a watch on; check. * /The house mother kept tabs
on the girls to be sure they were clean and neat./ Compare: KEEP TRACK
OF.
[keep the ball rolling] {v. phr.}, {informal} To keep up an
activity or action; not allow something that is happening to slow or
stop. * /Clyde kept the ball rolling at the party by dancing with a
lamp shade on his head./ Compare: GET THE BALL ROLLING.
[keep the faith] {v. phr.} To not abandon hope; stay committed to
the cause of democracy and racial equality. * /"Keep the faith, Baby,"
my neighbor said as he raised his fingers to show the "V" for victory
sign./
[keep the home fires burning] {v. phr.} To keep things going as
usual while someone is away; wait at home to welcome someone back. *
/While John was in the army, Mary kept the home fires burning./
[keep the wolf (wolves) from the door] {v. phr.} To avoid hunger,
poverty, and/or creditors. * /"I don't like my job," Mike complained,
"but I must do something to keep the wolves from the door."/ Compare:
KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER.
[keep things humming] {v. phr.} To cause thing to perform smoothly
and efficiently. * /Until Mr. Long joined our computer center, we had
all sorts of problems, but he has corrected them and really keeps
things humming./
[keep time] {v. phr.} 1. To show the right time. * /My watch has
not kept good time since I dropped it./ 2. To keep the beat; keep the
same rhythm; keep in step. * /Many people are surprised at how well
deaf people keep time with the music when they dance./
[keep to oneself] See: TO ONESELF(2).
[keep track] {v. phr.} To know about changes; stay informed or
up-to-date; keep a count or record. * /What day of the week is it? I
can't keep track./ - Usually used with "of". * /Mr. Stevens kept track
of his business by telephone when he was in the hospital./ * /The
farmer has so many chickens, he can hardly keep track of them all./
Compare: IN TOUCH, KEEP UP(3). Contrast: LOSE TRACK.
[keep under one's hat] {v. phr.}, {informal} To keep secret; not
tell. * /Mr. Jones knew who had won the contest, but he kept it under
his hat until it was announced publicly./ - Often used as a command. *
/Keep it under your hat./ Syn.: KEEP TO ONESELF.
[keep up] {v.} 1a. To go on; not stop; continue. * /The rain kept
up for two days and the roads were flooded./ Compare: KEEP ON. 1b. To
go on with (something); continue steadily; never stop. * /Mrs. Smith
told John to keep up the good work./ * /The teacher asked Dick to stop
bothering Mary, but he kept it up./ Compare: KEEP AT. 2a. To go at the
same rate as others. * /John had to work hard to keep up./ * /Billy
was the youngest boy on the hike, but he kept up with the others./
Compare: CATCH UP, KEEP PACE. Contrast: FALL BEHIND, GET BEHIND(1).
2b. To keep (something) at the same level or rate or in good
condition. * /The shortage of tomatoes kept the prices up./ *
/Grandfather was too poor to keep up his house./ 3. To keep informed.
- Usually used with "on" or "with". * /Mary is interested in politics
and always keeps up with the news./ Compare: KEEP TRACK.
[keep up appearances] {v. phr.} To maintain an outward show of
prosperity in spite of financial problems. * /Mr. Smith's widow had a
hard time keeping up appearances after her husband's death./
[keep up one's end] See: HOLD ONE'S END UP.
[keep up with] See: KEEP STEP WITH, KEEP ABREAST OF.
[keep up with the Joneses] {v. phr.} To follow the latest fashion;
try to be equal with your neighbors. * /Mrs. Smith kept buying every
new thing that was advertised, finally Mr. Smith told her to stop
trying to keep up with the Joneses and to start thinking for herself./
[keep watch] {v. phr.} To be vigilant; be alert; guard. * /The
police have asked the neighborhood to keep watch against an escaped
convict./
[keep your fingers crossed] See: CROSS ONE'S FINGERS.
[kettle] See: KETTLE OF FISH, POT CALLS THE KETTLE BLACK.
[kettle of fish] {v. phr.}, {informal} Something to be considered;
how things are; a happening; business. * /I thought he needed money,
but it was another kettle of fish - his car had disappeared./ -
Usually used with "pretty", "fine", "nice", but meaning bad trouble. *
/He had two flat tires and no spare on a country road at night, which
was certainly a pretty kettle of fish./ * /This is a fine kettle of
fish! I forgot my book./ Compare: CUP OP TEA(2).
[key] See: LOW KEY, OFF-KEY.
[keyed up] {adj.}, {informal} Excited; nervous; anxious to do
something. * /Mary was all keyed up about the exam./ * /Mother would
not let Tom read a ghost story at bedtime; she said it would get him
keyed up./
[kick about] See: KICK AROUND(3).
[kick against the pricks] {v. phr.}, {literary} To fight against
rules or authority in a way that just hurts yourself. * /Johnny kicked
against the pricks in his foster home until he learned that he could
trust his new family./
[kick around] {v.}, {informal} 1. To act roughly or badly to; treat
badly; bully. * /John likes to kick around the little boys./ * /Mr.
Jones is always kicking his dog around./ Syn.: PUSH AROUND. 2. To lie
around or in a place; be treated carelessly; be neglected. * /This old
coat has been kicking around the closet for years./ * /The letter
kicked around on my desk for days./ 3. {slang} To talk easily or
carelessly back and forth about; examine in a careless or easy-going
way. * /Bob and I kicked around the idea of going swimming, but it was
hot and we were too lazy./ Compare: TRY OUT, TALK OVER. 4. To move
about often; go from one job or place to another; become experienced.
* /Harry has kicked around all over the world as a merchant seaman./
Compare: HAS BEEN AROUND.
[kick back] {v.}, {slang}, {informal} To pay money illegally for
favorable contract arrangements. * /I will do it if you kick back a
few hundred for my firm./
[kickback] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} Money paid illegally for
favorable treatment. * /He was arrested for making kickback payments./
[kick down] {v. phr.}, {slang} To shift an automobile, jeep, or
truck into lower gear by hand-shifting. * /Joe kicked the jeep down
from third to second, and we slowed down./
[kick in] See: CHIP IN.
[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.
[kick it] {v. phr.}, {slang} To end a bad or unwanted habit such as
drinking, smoking, or drug addiction. * /Farnsworth finally kicked it;
he's in good shape./
[kickoff] {n.} The start of something, like a new venture, a
business, a sports event, or a concert season. * /Beethoven's Ninth
will be the kickoff for this summer season at Ravinia./
[kick off] {v. phr.} 1. To make the kick that begins a football
game. * /John kicked off and the football game started./ 2. {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./ 3. {slang} To die. * /Mr. Jones was almost ninety
years old when he kicked off./ Syn.: KICK THE BUCKET.
[kick oneself] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be sorry or ashamed;
regret. * /When John missed the train, he kicked himself for not
having left earlier./ * /Mary could have kicked herself for letting
the secret out before it was announced officially./
[kick out] or [boot out] {v.}, {informal} To make (someone) go or
leave; get rid of; dismiss. * /The boys made so much noise at the
movie that the manager kicked them out./ * /The chief of police was
booted out of office because he was a crook./ Syn.: THROW OUT(3).
[kick over] {v.} 1. Of a motor: To begin to work. * /He had not
used his car for two months and when he tried to start it, the motor
would not kick over./ 2. {slang} To pay; contribute. * /The gang
forced all the storekeepers on the block to kick over $5 a week./ 3.
{slang} To die. * /Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over this morning./
[kick over the traces] also [jump the traces] {v. phr.} To break
the rules; behave badly. * /When their teacher was absent and they had
a substitute, the children kicked over the traces./ Compare: ACT UP,
CUT UP, LET LOOSE, OUT OF HAND, RAISE CAIN.
[kick the bucket] {v. phr.}, {slang} To die. * /Old Mr. Jones
kicked the bucket just two days before his ninety-fourth birthday./
Compare: KICK OFF(3).
[kick up] {v.}, {informal} To show signs of not working right. *
/John had had too much to eat and his stomach started to kick up./ *
/After working well for a year the air conditioner suddenly started
kicking up./
[kick up a fuss] or [kick up a row] or [raise a row] also [kick up
a dust] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make trouble; make a disturbance. *
/When the teacher gave the class five more hours of homework, the
class kicked up a fuss./ * /When the teacher left the room, two boys
kicked up a row./ Compare: RAISE CAIN, RAISE THE ROOF.
[kick up one's heels] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have a merry time;
celebrate. * /When exams were over the students went to town to kick
up their heels./ * /Mary was usually very quiet but at the farewell
party she kicked up her heels and had a wonderful time./
[kid] See: HANDLE WITH GLOVES or HANDLE WITH KID GLOVES, HANDLE
WITHOUT GLOVES or HANDLE WITHOUT KID GLOVES.
[kiddie car] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A school
bus. * /Watch out for that kiddie car coming up behind you!/
[kill] See: CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT, IN AT THE KILL.
[kill off] {v.} To kill or end completely; destroy. * /The factory
dumped poisonous wastes into the river and killed off the fish./ *
/The president suggested a new law to Congress but many members of
Congress were against the idea and they killed it off./ * /Mother made
Nancy practice her dancing an hour every day; Nancy got tired of
dancing and that killed off her interest./
[kill the goose that laid the golden egg] To spoil something that
is good or something that you have, by being greedy. - A proverb. *
/Mrs. Jones gives you an apple from her tree whenever you go by her
house, but don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg by bothering
her too much./
[kill time] {v. phr.} To cause the time to pass more rapidly; waste
time. * /The plane trip to Hong Kong was long and tiring, but we
managed to kill time by watching several movies./
[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./
[kilter] See: OUT OF KILTER.
[kind] See: IN A WAY also IN A KIND OF WAY, IN KIND.
[kindly] See: TAKE KINDLY TO.
[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./
[kindled spirits] {n. phr.} People who resemble each other in
numerous ways, including their ways of thinking and feeling. * /They
are kindred spirits; they both like to go on long walks in the
forest./
[king's ransom] {n. phr.} 1. An excessively large sum of money
extorted by kidnappers to let someone go free. * /The Smith family had
to pay a kings ransom for the freedom of their seven-year-old son,
Tommy./ 2. An exorbitant fee one is forced to pay. * /The realtors
exacted a king's ransom for that choice lot on the comer./
[kiss someone] or [something goodbye] {v. phr.} To lose or give up
someone or something forever. * /"If you won't marry Jane," Peter said
to Tom, "you might as well kiss her goodbye."/ * /People who bet on a
losing horse at the races might as well kiss their money goodbye./
[kite] See: GO FLY A KITE.
[kitten] See: HAVE KITTENS.
[knee] See: BRING TO ONE'S KNEES, IN THE LAP OF THE GODS also ON
THE KNEES OF THE GODS, ON ONE'S KNEES, UP TO THE CHIN IN or UP TO THE
KNEE IN.
[knee-deep] or [neck-deep] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Very much;
deeply; having a big part in. * /Johnny was knee-deep in trouble./ 2.
Very busy; working hard at. * /We were neck-deep in homework before
the exams./ 3. Getting or having many or much. * /The television
station was knee-deep in phone calls./ Compare: UP TO THE CHIN IN.
[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./
[kneeling bus] {n.}, {informal} A bus equipped with a hydraulic
device to enable it to drop almost to curb level for greater ease of
boarding and leaving vehicle, as a convenience for elderly or
handicapped passengers. * /The man on crutches was pleased to see the
kneeling bus./
[knell] See: DEATH KNELL.
[knit] See: CLOSE-KNIT.
[knitting] See: STICK TO ONE'S KNITTING or TEND TO ONE'S KNITTING.
[knock] See: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS.
[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.
[knock back on one's heels] See: SET BACK ON ONE'S HEELS.
[knock cold] {v. phr.}, {informal} To render unconscious. * /The
blow on the chin knocked Harry cold./
[knock down] {v. phr.} To reduce; lower. * /The realtors said that
if we decided to buy the house, they would knock the price down by
10%./
[knocked out] {adj.}, {slang} Intoxicated; drugged; out of one's
mind. * /Jim sounds so incoherent, he must be knocked out./
[knock for a loop] or [throw for a loop] {v. phr.}, {slang} To
surprise very much. * /When I heard they were moving, I was really
knocked for a loop./ * /The news of their marriage threw me for a
loop./
[knock it off] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. To stop talking
about something considered not appropriate or nonsensical by the
listener. - Used frequently as an imperative. * /Come on, Joe, knock
it off, you're not making any sense at all!/ 2. To cease doing
something; to quit. - Heavily favored in the imperative. * /Come on
boys, knock it off, you're breaking the furniture in my room!/
[knock off] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To burglarize someone. * /They
knocked off the Manning residence./ 2. To murder someone. * /The
gangsters knocked off Herman./
[knock off one's feet] {v. phr.} To surprise (someone) so much that
he does not know what to do. * /Her husband's death knocked Mrs. Jones
off her feet./ * /When Charlie was given the prize, it knocked him off
his feet for a few minutes./ Compare: BOWL OVER(2), SWEEP OFF ONE'S
FEET.
[knock one's block off] {v. phr.}, {slang} To hit someone very
hard; beat someone up. * /Stay out of my yard or I'll knock your block
off./ * /Jim will knock your block off if he catches you riding his
bike./
[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.
[knock on wood] {v. phr.} To knock on something made of wood to
keep from having bad luck. - Many people believe that you will have
bad luck if you talk about good luck or brag about something, unless
you knock on wood; often used in a joking way. * /Charles said, "I
haven't been sick all winter." Grandfather said, "You'd better knock
on wood when you say that."/
[knockout] {n.}, {slang} 1. Strikingly beautiful woman. * /Sue is a
regular knockout./ 2. A straight punch in boxing that causes one's
opponent to fall and lose consciousness. * /The champion won the fight
with a straight knockout./
[knock out] {v. phr.} To make helpless, unworkable, or unusable. *
/The champion knocked out the challenger in the third round./ * /The
soldier knocked out two enemy tanks with his bazooka./
[knock over] {v. phr.} To overturn; upset. * /I accidentally
knocked over the Chinese lamp that fell on size floor and broke./
[knock the living daylights out of] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
To render (someone) unconscious (said in exaggeration). * /The news
almost knocked the living daylights out of me./
[knock the stuffing out of] See: KNOCK THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF.
[knot] See: TIE IN KNOTS, TIE THE KNOT.
[knotty problem] {n. phr.} A very complicated and difficult problem
to solve. * /Doing one's income tax properly can present a knotty
problem./
[know] See: FOR ALL ONE KNOWS, GOD KNOWS or GOODNESS KNOWS or
HEAVEN KNOWS, IN THE KNOW, NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN or NOT KNOW
WHICH WAY TO JUMP.
[know a thing or two about] {v. phr.} To be experienced in; have a
fairly considerable knowledge of. * /Tom has dealt with many foreign
traders; he knows a thing or two about stocks and bonds./
[know enough to come in out of the rain] {v. phr.} To have good
sense; know how to take care of yourself. - Usually used in the
negative. * /Bob does so many foolish things that his mother says he
doesn't know enough to come in out of the rain./ * /Sally may look
stupid, but she knows enough to come in out of the rain./
[know-how] {n.}, {slang} Expertise; ability to devise and
construct. * /The United States had the know-how to beat the Soviet
Union to the moon in 1969./
[know if one is coming or going] or [know whether one is coming or
going] {v. phr.} To feel able to think clearly; know what to do. -
Usually used in the negative or with limiters. * /On Monday, the car
broke down; on Tuesday, Mother broke her arm; on Wednesday, the
children all became ill with the mumps; by Thursday, poor Father
didn't know if he was coming or going./ * /My cousin is so much in
love that she scarcely knows whether she's coming or going./ Compare:
IN A FOG.
[know in one's bones] See: FEEL IN ONE'S BONES.
[know-it-all] {n.} A person who acts as if he knows all about
everything; someone who thinks no one can tell him anything new. *
/After George was elected as class president, he wouldn't take
suggestions from anyone; he became a know-it-all./ - Also used like an
adjective. * /The other students didn't like George's know-it-all
attitude./
[knowledge] See: A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS A DANGEROUS THING, TO THE
BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE.
[know one in high places] {v. phr.} To be connected with people in
power. * /Ted's grandfather was the mayor of Chicago so he knows
people in high places./
[know one is alive] {v. phr.} Not to notice a person. - Used with
negative or limiting words and in questions. * /She was a good-looking
girl but she didn't know I was alive./ Compare: GIVE A HANG.
[know one's own mind] {v. phr.} To no( hesitate or vacillate; be
definite in one's ideas or plans. * /It is impossible to do business
with Fred, because he doesn't know his own mind./
[know one's place] {v. phr.} To be deferential to one's elders or
superiors. * /Ken is a talented teaching assistant, but he has a
tendency to tell the head of the department how to run things.
Somebody ought to teach him to know his place./
[know one's way around] or [know one's way about] {v. phr.} 1. To
understand how things happen in the world; he experienced in the ways
of the world. * /The sailor had been in the wildest ports in the
world. He knew his way around./ Compare: HAVE BEEN AROUND. 2. or
{informal} [know one's onions] or [know one's stuff] To have
experience and skill in an activity. * /Before trying to make any
pottery, it is better to get advice from someone who knows his stuff
in ceramics./ Compare: DRY BEHIND THE EARS.
[know something inside out] {v. phr.} To be extremely well
conversant with something; be an expert in; have thorough knowledge
of. * /Tom knows the stock market inside out./
[know the ropes] See: THE ROPES.
[know the score] See: THE SCORE.
[know what's what] See: KNOW SOMETHING INSIDE OUT.
[know which side one's bread is buttered on] {v. phr.} To know who
can help you and try to please him; know what is for your own gain. *
/Dick was always polite to the boss; he knew which side his bread was
buttered on./
[know which way to turn] See: NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN.
[knuckle] See: BUCKLE DOWN or KNUCKLE DOWN, RAP ONE'S KNUCKLES.
[knuckle down] See: BUCKLE DOWN.
[knuckle under] {v. phr.} To do something because you are forced to
do it. * /Bobby refused to knuckle under to the bully./ Compare: GIVE
IN.
L
[labor movement] {n.} Groups which form, strengthen, and increase
membership in labor unions. * /His father was connected with the labor
movement in the 1920's./
[labor of love] {n. phr.} Something done for personal pleasure and
not pay or profit. * /Building the model railroad was a labor of love
for the retired engineer./
[labor the point] See: BELABOR THE POINT.
[labor under] {v. phr.} To be the victim of; suffer from. * /Ken is
obviously laboring under the delusion that Jennifer will marry him out
of love./
[lace into] or [tie into] {v.}, {informal} To attack physically or
with words; begin to hit or criticize. * /The boxer laced into his
opponent./ * /The critics laced into the new movie./ Syn.: LAY INTO,
RIP INTO. Compare: GIVE IT TO.
[ladies' room] {n. phr.} A public toilet and restroom for women. *
/Can you please tell me where the ladies' room is?/
[lady friend] {n.} 1. A woman friend. * /His aunt stays with a lady
friend in Florida during the winter./ 2. A woman who is the lover of a
man. - Used by people trying to appear more polite, but not often used
by careful speakers. * /The lawyer took his lady friend to dinner./
Syn.: GIRLFRIEND.
[lady-killer] {n.}, {informal} 1. Any man who has strong sex appeal
toward women. * /Joe is a regular lady-killer./ 2. A man who
relentlessly pursues amorous conquests, is successful at it, and then
abandons his heartbroken victims. * /The legendary Don Juan of Spain
is the most famous lady-killer of recorded history./ Compare: LADY'S
MAN.
[lady of the house] {n. phr.} Female owner, or wife of the owner,
of the house; the hostess. * /"Dinner is served," the lady of the
house announced to her guests./
[lady's man] {n.} A man or boy who likes to be with women or girls
very much and is popular with them. * /Charlie is quite a lady's man
now./
[lake] See: GO JUMP IN THE LAKE.
[laid out] {adj.} Arranged. * /Her house is very conveniently laid
out./
[laid up] {adj.} Sick; confined to bed. * /I was laid up for a
couple of weeks with an ear infection./
[lam] See: ON THE LAM.
[lamb] See: GOD TEMPERS THE WIND TO THE SHORN LAMB, IN TWO SHAKES
OF A LAMB'S TAIL.
[lame duck] {n.}, {informal} An elected public official who has
been either defeated in a new election or whose term cannot be
renewed, but who has a short period of time left in office during
which he can still perform certain duties, though with somewhat
diminished powers. * /In the last year of their second terms, American
presidents are lame ducks./
[land] See: FAT OF THE LAND, LAY OF THE LAND also HOW THE LAND
LIES.
[land all over] See: JUMP ON.
[landing ship] {n.} A ship built to land troops and army equipment
on a beach for an invasion. * /The landing ship came near the beach,
doors in the bow opened, and marines ran out./
[land-office business] {n.}, {informal} A great rush of business. *
/It was a hot day, and the drive-ins were doing a land-office business
in ice cream and cold drinks./
[land of nod] {n. phr.} Sleep. * /The little girl went off to the
land of nod./
[land on] See: JUMP ON.
[land on one's feet] also [land on both feet] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To get yourself out of trouble without damage or injury and sometimes
with a gain; be successful no matter what happens. * /No matter what
trouble he gets into, he always seems to land on his feet./ * /Mary
lost her first job because she was always late to work, but she landed
on her feet and soon had a better job./
[landslide] {n.} An overwhelming victory during a political
election. * /Ronald Reagan won the election of 1980 in a landslide./
[lane] See: LOVERS' LANE.
[lap] See: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY, IN THE LAP OF THE GODS.
[lap up] {v.} 1. To eat or drink with the tip of the tongue. * /The
kitten laps up its milk./ 2. {informal} To take in eagerly. * /She
flatters him all the time and he just laps it up./ * /William is
interested in rockets and space, and he laps up all he can read about
them./ Syn.: EAT UP(3).
[lardhead] {n.}, {slang} A stupid or slow-witted person. * /You'll
never convince Donald; he's a lardhead./
[large] See: AT LARGE, BY AND LARGE.
[large as life] See: BIG AS LIFE.
[large-eyed] See: ROUND-EYED.
[large order] {n. phr.} Difficult job; a difficult task to fulfill.
* /It is a large order to educate three children in college at the
same time./ Compare: TALL ORDER.
[lash] See: TONGUE LASHING.
[lash out] {v.} 1. To kick. * /The horse lashed out at the man
behind him./ 2. To try suddenly to hit. * /The woman lashed out at the
crowd with her umbrella./ 3. 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./
[last] See: AT LAST, EVERY LAST MAN, EVERY SINGLE or EVERY LAST,
FIRST AND LAST, HE LAUGHS BEST WHO LAUGHS LAST, HAVE THE LAST LAUGH,
ON ONE'S LAST LEGS, TILL THE LAST GUN IS FIRED or UNTIL THE LAST GUN
IS FIRED.
[last but not least] {adv. phr.} In the last place but not the
least important. * /Billy will bring sandwiches, Alice will bring
cake, Susan will bring cookies, John will bring potato chips, and last
but not least, Sally will bring the lemonade./
[last ditch] {n.} The last place that can be defended; the last
resort. * /They will fight reform to the last ditch./
[last-ditch] {adj.} Made or done as a last chance to keep from
losing or tailing. * /He threw away his cigarettes in a last-ditch
effort to stop smoking./ Compare: BACK TO THE WALL.
[last-ditch effort] See: LAST DITCH.
[last lap] {n. phr.} The final stage. * /Although the trip had been
very interesting, we were glad that we were on the last lap of our
tiring journey./ See: LAST LEG.
[last laugh] See: HAVE THE LAST LAUGH.
[last leg] {n. phr.} 1. Final stages of physical weakness before
dying. * /The poor old man was on his last leg in the nursing home./
2. The final stage of a journey. * /The last leg of our
round-the-world trip was Paris to Chicago./ See: LAST LAP.
[last out] {v.} 1. To be enough until the end of. * /There is
enough food in the house to last out the snowstorm./ * /Our candies
won't last out the night./ 2. To continue to the end of; continue to
live after; live or go through. * /The old man is dying; he won't last
out the night./ * /This car will never last out the winter./ Compare:
HOLD OUT.
[last stand] {n. phr.} See: LAST DITCH.
[last straw] or [straw that breaks the camel's back] {n. phr.} A
small trouble which follows other troubles and makes one lose patience
and be unable to bear them. * /Bill had a bad day in school yesterday.
He lost his knife on the way home, then he fell down, and when he
broke a shoe lace, that was the last straw and he began to cry./ *
/Mary didn't like it when the other girls said she was proud and lazy,
but when they said she told fibs it was the straw that broke the
camel's back and she told the teacher./
[last word] {n.} 1. The last remark in an argument. * /I never win
an argument with her. She always has the last word./ 2. The final say
in deciding something. * /The superintendent has the last word in
ordering new desks./ 3. {informal} The most modern thing. * /Mrs.
Green's stove is the last word in stoves./
[latch on] or [hitch onto] {v.}, {informal} 1. To get hold of;
grasp or grab; catch. * /He looked for something to latch onto and
keep from falling./ * /The football player latched onto a pass./ 2.
{slang} To get into your possession. * /The banker latched onto a
thousand shares of stock./ 3. {slang} To understand. * /The teacher
explained the idea of jet engines until the students latched onto it./
Syn.: CATCH ON. 4. {informal} To keep; to hold. * /The poor woman
latched onto the little money she had left./ 5. {slang} To stay with;
not leave. * /Marie and Dick wanted to go to the movies by themselves,
but Mane's little brother latched onto them./
[latch string] {n.} 1. A string that opens an old-fashioned door by
lifting a small bar. * /The early settlers kept the latch string
outside the door when they were working around the house, but at night
they pulled it to the inside./ 2. {informal} A warm welcome; a
friendly greeting. - Used in such phrases as "the latch string is
out." * /Mary has her latch siring out for everyone who comes./ Syn.:
WELCOME MAT(2).
[late] See: BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, OF LATE.
[lately] See: JOHNNY-COME-LATELY.
[later] See: SOONER OR LATER.
[later on] {adv.} Later; not now. * /Finish your lessons. Later on,
we may have a surprise./ * /Bill couldn't stand on his head when
school started, but later on he learned how./
[lather] See: IN A LATHER.
[laugh] See: HE LAUGHS BEST WHO LAUGHS LAST, HAVE THE LAST LAUGH.
[laugh all the way to the bank] {v. phr.} To have made a
substantial amount of money either by lucky investment or by some
fraudulent deal and rejoice over one's gains. * /If you had done what
I suggested, you, too, could be laughing all the way to the bank./
[laughing matter] {n.} A funny happening; a silly situation. -
Usually used with "no". * /John's failing the test is no laughing
matter!/ * /We were amused when our neighbor's cat had five kittens,
but when our own cat had six kittens it was no laughing matter./
[laugh in one's beard] See: LAUGH UP ONE'S SLEEVE.
[laugh in one's sleeve] See: LAUGH UP ONE'S SLEEVE.
[laugh off] {v.} To dismiss with a laugh as not important or not
serious; not take seriously. * /He had a bad fall while ice skating
but he laughed it off./ * /You can't laugh off a ticket for speeding./
Compare: MAKE LIGHT OF.
[laugh one out of] {v. phr.} To cause another to forget his/her
worries and sorrows by joking. * /Jack was worried about getting
airsick, but his son and daughter laughed him out of it./
[laugh one's head off] {v. phr.}, {informal} To laugh very hard; be
unable to stop laughing. * /Paul's stories are so wildly funny that I
laugh my head off whenever he starts telling one of them./
[laugh on the wrong side of one's mouth] or [laugh on the other
side of one's mouth] or [laugh out of the other side of one's mouth]
{v. phr.}, {informal} To be made sorry; to feel annoyance or
disappointment; cry. * /Paul boasted that he was a good skater, but
after he fell, he laughed out of the other side of his mouth./
[laugh up one's sleeve] or [laugh in one's sleeve] or [laugh in
one's beard] To be amused but not show it; hide your laughter. * /He
was laughing up his sleeve when Joe answered the phone because he knew
the call would he a joke./
[launch window] {n.}, {Space English}, {informal} 1. A period of
time when the line-up of planets, Sun, and Moon are such as to make
favorable conditions for a specific space launch. * /The mission was
canceled until the next launch window which will be exactly six weeks
from today./ 2. A favorable time for starting some kind of ambitious
adventure. * /My next launch window for a European trip isn't until
school is over in June./
[laurel] See: LOOK TO ONE'S LAURELS, REST ON ONE'S LAURELS.
[lavender] See: LAY OUT(7).
[law] See: LAY DOWN THE LAW, PARLIAMENTARY LAW, TAKE THE LAW INTO
ONE'S OWN HANDS.
[law-abiding] {adj.} Obeying or following the law. * /Michael had
been a law-abiding citizen all his life./
[lawful age] See: LEGAL AGE.
[law of averages] {n. phr.} The idea that you can't win all the
time or lose all the time. * /The Celtics have won 10 games in a row
but the law of averages will catch up with them soon./
[law unto oneself] {n. phr.}, {literary} A person who does only
what he wishes; a person who ignores or breaks the law when he doesn't
like it. * /Everybody in Germany feared Hitler because he was a law
unto himself./ * /Mr. Brown told Johnny that he must stop trying to be
a law unto himself./ Compare: TAKE THE LAW INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS.
[lay] See: KILL THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG.
[lay about one] {v. phr.} To hit out in all directions. - Used with
a reflexive object: "her", "him", or "them". * /The bandits surrounded
the sheriff, but he laid about him so hard, with his gun used as a
club, that they stepped back and let him escape./ * /Mrs. Franklin
didn't kill the mouse, but she laid about her so hard with the broom
that she scared it away./
[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.
[lay an egg] {v. phr.}, {slang} To fail to win the interest or
favor of an audience. * /His joke laid an egg./ * /Sometimes he is a
successful speaker, but sometimes he lays an egg./
[lay aside] {v. phr.} 1. To put off until another time; interrupt
an activity. * /The president laid aside politics to turn to foreign
affairs./ 2. To save. * /They tried to lay aside a little money each
week for their vacation./
[lay at one's door] {v. phr.}, {literary} To blame (something) on a
person. * /The failure of the plan was laid at his door./ Compare: LAY
TO(1).
[lay away] {v.} 1. To save. * /She laid a little of her pay away
each week./ 2. To bury (a person). - Used to avoid the word "bury",
which some people think is unpleasant. * /He was laid away in his
favorite spot on the hill./
[lay-away plan] {n.} A plan for buying something that you can't pay
cash for; a plan in which you pay some money down and pay a little
more when you can, and the store holds the article until you have paid
the full price. * /She could not afford to pay for the coat all at
once, so she used the lay-away plan./
[lay bare] {v. phr.} To expose; reveal; divulge. * /During his
testimony the witness laid bare the whole story of his involvement
with the accused./
[lay by] {v.} To save, especially a little at a time. * /The
students laid a little money by every week till they had enough for a
trip to Florida./ * /The farmer laid by some of his best corn to use
the next year for seed./
[lay down] {v.} 1. To let (something) be taken; give up or
surrender (something). * /The general told the troops to lay down
their arms./ * /He was willing to lay down his life for his country./
Compare: GIVE UP. 2. To ask people to follow; tell someone to obey;
make (a rule or principle). * /The committee laid down rules about the
size of tennis courts./ 3. To declare; say positively; say surely;
state. * /She laid it down as always true that "a fool and his money
are soon parted."/ 4. To store or save for future use, especially in a
cellar. * /They laid down several barrels of cider./
[lay down one's arms] {v. phr.} To cease fighting; surrender. *
/The Civil War ended when the Confederate army finally laid down its
arms./
[lay down one's cards] See: LAY ONE'S CARDS ON THE TABLE.
[lay down one's life] {v. phr.} To sacrifice one's life for a cause
or person; suffer martyrdom. * /The early Christians often laid down
their lives for their faith./
[lay down the law] {v. phr.} 1. To give strict orders. * /The
teacher lays down the law about homework every afternoon./ 2. To speak
severely or seriously about a wrongdoing; scold. * /The principal
called in the students and laid down the law to them about skipping
classes./ Compare: TELL ONE WHERE TO GET OFF.
[lay eyes on] or [set eyes on] {v. phr.} To see. * /She knew he was
different as soon as she laid eyes on him./ * /I didn't know the man;
in fact, I had never set eyes on him./
[lay for] {v.}, {informal} To hide and wait for in order to catch
or attack; to lie in wait for. * /The bandits laid for him along the
road./ * /I knew he had the marks for the exam, so I was laying for
him outside his office./
[lay hands on] {v. phr.} 1. 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 HAND ON(2). 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./
[lay hold of] {v. phr.} 1. To take hold of; grasp; grab. * /He laid
hold of the rope and pulled the boat ashore./ 2. To get possession of.
* /He sold every washing machine he could lay hold of./ 3. {Chiefly
British} To understand. * /Some ideas in this science book are hard to
lay hold of./
[lay in] {v.} To store up a supply of; to get and keep for future
use. * /Mrs. Mason heard that the price of sugar might go up, so she
laid in a hundred pounds of it./ * /Before school starts, the
principal will lay in plenty of paper for the students' written work./
Compare: LAY UP.
[lay into] or [light into] {v.}, {informal} 1. To attack
physically; go at vigorously. * /The two fighters laid into each other
as soon as the bell rang./ * /John loves Italian food and he really
laid into the spaghetti./ Syn.: PITCH INTO, SAIL INTO. 2. {slang} To
attack with words. * /The senator laid into the opponents of his
bill./ Syn.: LACE INTO, RIP INTO. Compare: BAWL OUT, TELL OFF.
[lay it on] or [lay it on thick] also [put it on thick] or [spread
it on thick] or [lay it on with a trowel] {v. phr.}, {informal} To
persuade someone by using very much flattery; flatter. * /Bob wanted
to go to the movies. He laid it on thick to his mother./ * /Mary was
caught fibbing. She sure spread it on thick./ Compare: PUT ON(2b).
[lay it on the line] See: LAY ON THE LINE(2).
[lay low] {v.} 1. To knock down; to force into a lying position; to
put out of action. * /Many trees were laid low by the storm./ * /Jane
was laid low by the flu./ 2. To kill. * /The hunters laid low seven
pheasants./ 3. See: LIE LOW.
[layoff] {n.} A systematic or periodical dismissal of employees
from a factory or a firm. * /Due to the poor economy, the car
manufacturer announced a major layoff starting next month./
[lay off] {v. phr.} 1. To mark out the boundaries or limits. * /He
laid off a baseball diamond on the vacant lot./ Compare: LAY OUT(5).
2. To put out of work. * /The company lost the contract for making the
shoes and laid off half its workers./ 3. {slang} To stop bothering;
leave alone. - Usually used in the imperative. * /Lay off me, will
you? I have to study for a test./ 4. {slang} To stop using or taking.
* /His doctor told him to lay off cigarettes./
[lay of the land] also [how the land lies] {n. phr.} 1. The natural
features of a piece of land, such as hills and valleys. * /The style
of house the contractor builds depends partly on the lay of the land./
2. The way something is arranged; the important facts about something;
how things are. * /The banker wanted to check the lay of the land
before buying the stock./ * /Before the new boy will join our club, he
wants to see how the land lies./
[lay on] {v.} 1. To spread on or over a surface; apply. * /He told
us that we should lay on a second coat of paint for better protection
against the weather./ 2. To beat; to strike. * /Little John seized a
staff and began to lay on with great energy./ 3. See: LAY IT ON.
[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./
[lay oneself open to] {v. phr.} To make oneself vulnerable to;
expose oneself. * /If you don't perform your job properly, you will
lay yourself open to criticism./
[lay oneself out] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make an extra hard
effort; try very hard. * /Larry wanted to win a medal for his school,
so he really laid himself out in the race./
[lay one's finger on] See: PUT ONE'S FINGER ON.
[lay one's hands on] or [get one's hands on] {v. phr.} 1. 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. 2. 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). 3. 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./
[lay on the line] or [put on the line] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To
pay or offer to pay. * /The sponsors had to lay nearly a million
dollars on the line to keep the show on TV./ * /The bank is putting
$5,000 on the line as a reward to anyone who catches the robber./
Compare: PUT UP. 2. To say plainly so that there can be no doubt; tell
truthfully, * /I'm going to lay it on the line for you, Paul. You must
work harder if you want to pass./ 3. To take a chance of losing; risk.
* /The champion is laying his title on the line in the fight tonight./
* /Frank decided to lay his job on the line and tell the boss that he
thought he was wrong./
[lay out] {v. phr.} 1. To prepare (a dead body) for burial. * /The
corpse was laid out by the undertaker./ 2. {slang} To knock down flat;
to hit unconscious. * /A stiff right to the jaw laid the boxer out in
the second round./ 3. To plan. * /Come here, Fred, I have a job laid
out for you./ 4. To mark or show where work is to be done. * /The
foreman laid out the job for the new machinist./ 5. 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). 6. {slang} To spend; pay. * /How
much did you have to lay out for your new car?/ 7. 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).
[layout] {n.} General situation; arrangement; plan. * /The layout
of their apartment overlooking Lake Michigan was strikingly unusual./
Compare: LAID OUT.
[layover] {n.} A stopover, usually at an airport or in a hotel due
to interrupted air travel. * /There were several layovers at O'Hare
last month due to bad weather./
[lay over] {v.} 1. To put off until later; delay; postpone. * /We
voted to lay the question over to our next meeting for decision./ 2.
To arrive in one place and wait some time before continuing the
journey. * /We had to lay over in St. Louis for two hours waiting for
a plane to Seattle./
[lay rubber] or [lay a patch] {v. phr.}, {slang} To take off in a
car or a motorcycle so fast that the tires (made of rubber) leave a
mark on the pavement. * /Look at those crazy drag racers; they laid
rubber in front of my house./
[lay the blame at one's door] {v. phr.} To say that another person
or group is responsible for one's own failure. * /The angry coach laid
the blame at the door of the players when our college lost the
basketball game./
[lay the fault at one's door] See: LAY THE BLAME AT ONE'S DOOR.
[lay their heads together] See: PUT THEIR HEADS TOGETHER.
[lay to] {v.} 1. To give the blame or credit to; to name as cause.
* /He was unpopular and when he made money, it was laid to his
dishonesty, but when he lost money, it was laid to his stupidity./
Compare: LAY AT ONE'S DOOR. 2. To hold a ship or boat still against
the wind. * /The pirates decided to lay to that night and go ashore in
the morning./ Compare: LIE TO. 3. To exert oneself; to work hard. *
/He picked up a shovel and laid to with the rest of the gang./
[lay to heart] See: TAKE TO HEART.
[lay to rest] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To put a dead person into a
grave or tomb; bury. * /President Kennedy was laid to rest in
Arlington National Cemetery./ 2. To get rid of; put away permanently;
stop. * /The Scoutmaster's fears that Tom had drowned were laid to
rest when Tom came back and said he had gone for a boat ride./ * /The
rumor that the principal had accepted another job was laid to rest
when he said it wasn't true./
[lay up] {v.} 1. To collect a supply of; save for future, use;
store. * /Bees lay up honey for the winter./ 2. To keep in the house
or in bed because of sickness or injury; disable. * /Jack was laid up
with a twisted knee and couldn't play in the final game./ 3. To take
out of active service; put in a boat dock or a garage. * /Bill had to
lay up his boat when school started./ * /If you lay up a car for the
winter, you should take out the battery./
[lay waste] {v. phr.}, {literary} To cause wide and great damage
to; destroy and leave in ruins; wreck. * /Enemy soldiers laid waste
the land./
[lead] See: ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME, BLIND LEADING THE BLIND.
[lead] See: GET THE LEAD OUT OF ONE'S PANTS.
[lead a dog's life] {v. phr.}, {informal} To live a hard life, work
hard, and be treated unkindly. * /A new college student of long ago
led a dog's life./
[lead a merry chase] {v. phr.} To delay or escape capture by
(someone) skillfully; make (a pursuer) work hard. * /The deer led the
hunter a merry chase./ * /Valerie is leading her boyfriend a merry
chase./
[lead by the nose] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have full control of;
make or persuade (someone) to do anything whatever. * /Many people are
easily influenced and a smart politician can lead them by the nose./ *
/Don't let anyone lead you by the nose; use your own judgment and do
the right thing./
[leader] See: MAJORITY LEADER, MINORITY LEADER.
[lead-footed] See: HEAVY-FOOTED.
[leading light] {n. phr.} A prominent person in a community,
company, or group. * /Alan is the leading light of our discussion
group on music./
[lead off] {v.} To begin; start; open. * /Richardson led off the
inning with a double./ * /We always let Henry lead off./ * /Mr. Jones
led off with the jack of diamonds./ * /When the teacher asked if the
film helped them to understand, Phil led off by saying that he learned
a lot from it./
[lead on] {v. phr.} To encourage you to believe something untrue or
mistaken. * /Tom led us on to believe that he was a world traveler,
but we found out that he had never been outside our state./ * /We were
led on to think that Jeanne and Jim were engaged to be married./
[lead one a merry dance] {v. phr.} To cause someone unusual
discomfort or expense; tire someone by causing one to overdo. * /With
her personal extravagances and constant social activities that cost a
fortune, Carol led her husband a merry dance./
[lead the way] {v. phr.} To go before and show how to go somewhere;
guide. * /The boys need someone to lead the way on their hike./ * /The
men hired an Indian to lead the way to the Pueblo ruins./ * /That
school led the way in finding methods to teach reading./
[lead to] {v. phr.} To result in. * /Such a heavy arms race can
only lead to war./
[leaf] See: TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.
[leaf through] {v. phr.} To scan or glance through a book or other
reading matter. * /I only had time to leaf through the program before
the concert started./
[league] See: IN LEAGUE WITH, IVY LEAGUE.
[leaguer] See: TEXAS LEAGUER.
[leak out] {v. phr.} To become known; escape. * /The famous beauty
queen tried to keep her marriage a secret, but news of it soon leaked
out./
[leak to] {v. phr.} To purposely let a secret be known, as if
conveying it in the strictest confidence. * /The movie star's secret
divorce was leaked to the tabloids by her housekeeper./
[lean on] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To pressure (someone) by
blackmailing, threats, physical violence, or the withholding of some
favor in order to make the person comply with a wish or request. * /I
would gladly do what you ask if you only stopped leaning on me so
hard!/
[lean over backward] See: BEND OVER BACKWARD.
[lean-to] {n.} 1. A shed for tools, such as spades, hoes, etc.,
attached to the wall of a house, * /Joe looked for the garden hose in
the lean-to./ 2. A small cabin in the country. * /They spend their
weekends in their modest lean-to in Wisconsin./
[leap] See: BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS.
[leap year] {n.} Every fourth year during which the month of
February contains 29 rather than 28 days. * /During a leap year one
must wait a day longer for one's February pay check./
[learn] See: LIVE AND LEARN.
[learn by heart] See: BY HEART.
[learn by rote] {v. phr.} To blindly memorize what was taught
without thinking about it. * /If you learn a subject by rote, it will
be difficult to say anything original about it./
[learn one's way around] See: KNOW ONE'S WAY AROUND.
[learn the hard way] See: HARD WAY.
[learn the ropes] See: THE ROPES.
[least] See: AT LEAST, IN THE LEAST, LAST BUT NOT LEAST, LINE OF
LEAST RESISTANCE.
[leatherneck] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A member of the United
States Marine Corps. * /I didn't know your son Joe became a
leatherneck./
[leave] See: SHORE LEAVE, TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT, TAKE LEAVE OF, TAKE
ONE'S LEAVE.
[leave a bad taste in one's mouth] {v. phr.} To feel a bad
impression; make you feel disgusted. * /Seeing a man beat his horse
leaves a bad taste in your mouth./ * /His rudeness to the teacher left
a bad taste in my mouth./
[leave alone] See: LET ALONE.
[leave at the altar] {v. phr.} 1. To decide not to marry someone in
the last minute; jilt. * /Ed left poor Susan at the altar./ 2. To
overlook and skip for promotion; not fulfill deserved expectation. *
/Once again I didn't get my promotion and was left at the altar./
[leave behind] {v. phr.} 1. Abandon. * /Refugees on the run must
sometimes leave old and sick people behind./ 2. To forget; go away
without. * /We had reached our car when we noticed that we had left
our keys behind./
[leave flat] {v. phr.}, {informal} To quit or leave suddenly
without warning when wanted or needed; desert; forsake; abandon. *
/Sam found that being a member of the trail-clearing group was a lot
of hard work, so he left them flat./ * /My car ran out of gas and left
me flat, ten miles from town./ Compare: LEAVE IN THE LURCH, WALK
OUT(2).
[leave hanging] or [leave hanging in the air] {v. phr.} To leave
undecided or unsettled. * /Because the committee could not decide on a
time and place, the matter of the spring dance was left hanging./ *
/Ted's mother didn't know what to do about the broken window, so his
punishment was left hanging in the air until his father came home./
Compare: UP IN THE AIR.
[leave high and dry] See: HIGH AND DRY.
[leave holding the bag] or [leave holding the sack] {v. phr.},
{informal} 1. To cause (someone) not to have something needed; leave
without anything, * /In the rush for seats, Joe was left holding the
bag./ 2. To force (someone) to take the whole responsibility or blame
for something that others should share. * /When the ball hit the
glass, the team scattered and left George holding the bag./ * /After
the party, the other girls on the clean-up committee went away with
their dates, and left Mary holding the bag./
[leave in the lurch] {v. phr.} To desert or leave alone in trouble;
refuse to help or support. * /The town bully caught Eddie, and Tom
left him in the lurch./ * /Bill quit his job, leaving his boss in the
lurch./ Compare: LEAVE FLAT, HIGH AND DRY(2), WALK OUT(2).
[leave it at that] {v. phr.} To avoid further and more acrimonious
disagreement; not argue or discuss any further. * /Our opinion on
health care is obviously different, so let's just leave it at that./
[leave no stone unturned] {v. phr.} To try in every way; miss no
chance; do everything possible. - Usually used in the negative. * /The
police will leave no stone unturned in their search for the bank
robbers./ Compare: ALL OUT, BEND HEAVEN AND EARTH, FINE-TOOTH COMB.
[leave off] {v.} To come or put to an end; stop. * /There is a high
fence where the school yard leaves off and the woods begin./ * /Don
told the boys to leave off teasing his little brother./ * /Marion put
a marker in her book so that she would know where she left off./
Contrast: TAKE UP.
[leave one's mark] {v. phr.} To leave an impression upon; influence
someone. * /Tolstoy never won the Nobel Prize, but he left his mark on
world literature./ See: MAKE ONE'S MARK.
[leave open] {v. phr.} To remain temporarily unsettled; subject to
further discussion. * /Brad said that the question of health insurance
would be left open until some future date./
[leave out] {v. phr.} To skip; omit. * /The printer accidentally
left out two paragraphs from Alan's novel./
[leave out in the cold] See: OUT IN THE COLD.
[leave out of account] {v. phr.} To fail to consider; forget about.
* /The picnic planners left out of account that it might rain./
Contrast: TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.
[leave-taking] See: TAKE ONE'S LEAVE.
[leave the matter open] See: LEAVE OPEN.
[leave well enough alone] See: LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE.
[leave without a leg to stand on] See: LEG TO STAND ON.
[leave word with] {v. phr.} To leave a message. * /Hank left word
with his secretary where he could be reached by phone while he was
away from his office./
[left] See: OUT IN LEFT FIELD, RIGHT AND LEFT.
[left field] {n.} 1. The part of a baseball out-field to the
batter's left. * /Right-handed batters usually hit to left field./
Compare: CENTER FIELD, RIGHT FIELD. 2. See: OUT IN LEFT FIELD. - [left
fielder] {n.} The player in baseball who plays in left field. * /The
scoreboard in the ball park is on the fence behind the left fielder./
[left-handed] {adj.}, {informal} 1. Using the left hand habitually.
2. Crooked; phoney; homosexual. * /Morris is such a left-handed guy./
3. Clumsy; untoward; awkward. * /Grab that hammer and stop acting so
left-handed./
[left-handed compliment] An ambiguous compliment which is
interpretable as an offense. * /I didn't know you could look so
pretty! Is that a wig you're wearing?/
[left-wing] {adj.} That which is or belongs to a group of people in
politics that favors radical change in the direction of socialism or
communism. * /The left-wing faction called for an immediate strike./
[leg] See: ON ONE'S LAST LEGS, PULL ONE'S LEG, SHAKE A LEG, TAIL
BETWEEN ONE'S LEGS.
[legal age] or [lawful age] The age at which a person is allowed to
do a certain thing or is held responsible for an action. * /In most
states the legal age for voting is 27./ * /He could not get a driver's
license because he was not of lawful age./
[leg man] {n.}, {informal} 1. An errand boy; one who performs
messenger services, or the like. * /Joe hired a leg man for the
office./ 2. {slang}, {semi-vulgar}, {avoidable} A man who is
particularly attracted to good looking female legs and pays less
attention to other parts of the female anatomy. * /Herb is a leg man./
[leg-pulling] See: PULL ONE'S LEG.
[Legree] See: SIMON LEGREE.
[leg to stand on] {n. phr.} A firm foundation of facts; facts to
support your claim. - Usually used in the negative. * /Jerry's
answering speech left his opponent without a leg to stand on./ * /Amos
sued for damages, but did not have a leg to stand on./
[leg work] {n.}, {informal} The physical end of a project, such as
the typing of research reports; the physical investigating of a
criminal affair; the carrying of books to and from libraries; etc. *
/Joe, my research assistant, does a lot of leg work for me./
[leisure] See: AT LEISURE or AT ONE'S LEISURE.
[lend a hand] or [give a hand] also [bear a hand] {v. phr.} To give
help; make yourself useful; help. * /The stage manager asked some of
the boys to lend a hand with the scenery./ * /Dick saw a woman with a
flat tire and offered to give her a hand with it./ Compare: LIFT A
FINGER.
[lend an ear to] See: GIVE AN EAR TO.
[lend color to] See: GIVE COLOR TO.
[lend itself to] {v. phr.} To give a chance for or be useful for;
to be possible or right for. * /Bob was sick and did not go to Jane's
party, but his absence lent itself to misunderstanding./ * /The
teacher's paperweight was a heavy piece of metal which sometimes lent
itself to use as a hammer./ * /This poem lends itself to our program
very well./ Compare: LEND ONESELF TO.
[lend oneself to] {v. phr.} To give help or approval to; encourage;
assist. * /Alice wouldn't lend herself to the plot to hide the
teacher's chalk./
[length] See: AT LENGTH, GO TO ANY LENGTH, KEEP AT A DISTANCE or
KEEP AT ARM'S LENGTH.
[less] See: MORE OR LESS, MUCH LESS.
[lesson] See: TEACH A LESSON.
[less than] {adv.} Not; little. * /We were busy and less than
delighted to have company that day./ * /The boys were less than happy
about having a party./ Contrast: MORE THAN.
[less than no time] {n. phr.}, {informal} Very quickly. * /We can
be ready to go in less than no time./ * /It took Sally less than no
time to get dinner ready./
[let] See: LIVE AND LET LIVE.
[let alone] {conj. phr.} 1. 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. 2. [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.
[let be] {v.} To pay no attention to; disregard; forget. * /Let her
be; she has a headache./ Compare: LET ALONE.
[let bygones be bygones] {v. phr.} To let the past be forgotten. *
/After a long, angry quarrel the two boys agreed to let bygones be
bygones and made friends again./ * /We should let bygones be bygones
and try to get along with each other./ Syn.: FORGIVE AND FORGET.
Compare: BURY THE HATCHET, LIVE AND LET LIVE.
[letdown] {n.} A disappointment; a heartbreak. * /It was a major
letdown for John when Mary refused to marry him./
[let down] {v. phr.} 1. To allow to descend; lower. * /Harry let
the chain saw down on a rope and then climbed down himself./ 2. To
relax; stop trying so hard; take it easy. * /The horse let down near
the end of the race and lost./ * /The team let down in the fourth
quarter because they were far ahead./ Compare: LET GO. 3. To fail to
do as well as (someone) expected; disappoint. * /The team felt they
had let the coach down./
[let down easy] {v. phr.} To refuse or say no to (someone) in a
pleasant manner; to tell bad news about a refusal or disappointment in
a kindly way. * /The teacher had to tell George that he had failed his
college examinations, but she tried to let him down easy./ * /The boss
tried to let Jim down easy when he had to tell him he was too young
for the job./
[let down one's hair] See: LET ONE'S HAIR DOWN.
[let drop] {v. phr.} 1. To cease to talk about; set aside; forget.
* /This is such an unpleasant subject that I suggest we let it drop
for a few days./ 2. To disclose; hint. * /He unexpectedly let drop
that he was resigning and joining another firm./
[let fall] See: LET DROP.
[let George do it] {v. phr.}, {informal} To expect someone else to
do the work or take the responsibility. * /Many people expect to let
George do it when they are on a committee./ Compare: PASS THE BUCK.
[let go] {v.} 1a. To stop holding something; loosen your hold;
release. * /The boy grabbed Jack's coat and would not let go./ - Often
used with "of". * /When the child let go of her mother's hand, she
fell down./ Compare: GIVE UP(1a), LET LOOSE. 1b. To weaken and break
under pressure. * /The old water pipe suddenly let go and water poured
out of it./ Syn.: GIVE WAY. Contrast: HOLD ON TO. 2. To pay no
attention to; neglect. * /Robert let his teeth go when he was young
and now he has to go to the dentist often./ * /After she was married,
Jane let herself go and was not pretty anymore. / 3. To allow
something to pass; do nothing about. * /When Charles was tardy, the
teacher scolded him and let it go at that./ * /The children teased
Frank, but he smiled and let it go./ Compare: LET OFF(2), LET RIDE. 4.
To discharge from a job; fire. * /Mr. Wilson got into a quarrel with
his boss and was let go./ 5. To make (something) go out quickly;
shoot; fire. * /The soldiers let go a number of shots./ * /Robin Hood
let go an arrow at the deer./ * /Paul was so angry that he let go a
blow at the boy./ * /The truck driver saw the flat tire and let go a
loud curse./ * /The pitcher let go a fast ball and the batter swung
and missed./ Compare: CUT LOOSE, LET OUT. 6. or [let oneself go]
{informal} To be free in one's actions or talk; relax. * /Judge Brown
let go at the reunion of his old class and had a good time./ * /The
cowboys worked hard all week, but on Saturday night they went to town
and let themselves go./ Syn.: CUT LOOSE, LET LOOSE(3), LET OFF
STEAM(2).
[let go hang] See: GO HANG.
[let go of] {v. phr.} To release one's grasp. * /As soon as Sally
let go of the leash, her dog ran away./
[let go of one's mother's apron strings] See: TIED TO ONE'S
MOTHER'S APRON STRINGS.
[let grass grow under one's feet] {v. phr.} To be idle; be lazy;
waste time. - Used in negative, conditional, and interrogative
sentences. * /The new boy joined the football team, made the honor
roll, and found a girlfriend during the first month of school. He
certainly did not let any grass grow under his feet./
[let it all hang out] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} Not to
disguise anything; to let the truth be known. * /Sue can't deceive
anyone; she just lets it all hang out./
[let it lay] {v. phr.}, {used imperatively}, {slang} Forget it;
leave it alone; do not be concerned or involved. * /Don't get involved
with Max again - just let it lay./
[let it rip] {v. phr.}, {used imperatively}, {slang} Don't be
concerned; pay no attention to what happens. * /Why get involved?
Forget about it and let it rip./ 2. (Imperatively) Do become involved
and make the most of it; get in there and really try to win. * /Come
on man, give it all you've got and let it rip!/
[let know] {v. phr.} To inform. * /Please let us know the time of
your arrival./
[let loose] {v.} 1a. or [set loose] or [turn loose] To set free;
loosen or give up your hold on. * /The farmer opened the gate and let
the bull loose in the pasture./ * /They turned the balloon loose to
let it rise in the air./ 1b. or [turn loose] To give freedom (to
someone) to do something; to allow (someone) to do what he wants. *
/Mother let Jim loose on the apple pie./ * /The children were turned
loose in the toy store to pick the toys they wanted./ 1c. To stop
holding something; loosen your hold. * /Jim caught Ruth's arm and
would not let loose./ Compare: LET GO, LET OUT. 2a. {informal} To let
or make (something) move fast or hard; release. * /The fielder let
loose a long throw to home plate after catching the ball./ 2b.
{informal} To release something held. * /Those dark clouds are going
to let loose any minute./ Syn.: CUT LOOSE, LET GO. 3. {informal} To
speak or act freely; disregard ordinary limits. * /The teacher told
Jim that some day she was going to let loose and tell him what she
thought of him./ * /Mother let loose on her shopping trip today and
bought things for all of us./ Syn.: CUT LOOSE, LET GO.
[let me see] or [let us see] {informal} 1. Let us find out by
trying or performing an action. * /Let me see if you can jump over the
fence./ 2. Give me time to think or remember. * /I can't come today.
Let me see. How about Friday?/ * /Let's see. Where did I put the key?/
[let off] {v.} 1. To discharge (a gun); explode; fire. * /Willie
accidentally let off his father's shotgun and made a hole in the
wall./ Syn.: GO OFF, LET LOOSE(2). 2. To permit to go or escape;
excuse from a penalty, a duty, or a promise. * /Two boys were caught
smoking in school but the principal let them off with a warning./ *
/Mary's mother said that she would let Mary off from drying the supper
dishes./ * /The factory closed for a month in the summer and let the
workers off./ Compare: LET GO. 3. or {informal} [let off the hook] To
miss a chance to defeat or score against, especially in sports or
games. * /We almost scored a touchdown in the first play against Tech
but we let them off the hook by fumbling the ball./ * /The boxer let
his opponent off the hook many times./
[let off steam] or [blow off steam] {v. phr.} 1. To let or make
steam escape; send out steam. * /The janitor let off some steam
because the pressure was too high./ 2. {informal} To get rid of
physical energy or strong feeling through activity; talk or be very
active physically after forced quiet. * /After the long ride on the
bus, the children let off steam with a race to the lake./ * /When the
rain stopped, the boys let off steam with a ball game./ * /Bill's
mother was very angry when he was late in coming home, and let off
steam by walking around and around./ * /Bill had to take his foreman's
rough criticisms all day and he would blow off steam at home by
scolding the children./ Compare: BLOW ONE'S TOP, LET GO(6).
[let off the hook] See: LET OFF(3).
[let on] {v.}, {informal} 1. To tell or admit what you know. -
Usually used in the negative. * /Frank lost a quarter but he didn't
let on to his mother./ 2. To try to make people believe; pretend. *
/The old man likes to let on that he is rich./
[let one have it] {v. phr.} 1a. {slang} To hit hard. * /He drew
back his fist and let the man have it./ * /Give him a kick in the
pants; let him have it!/ Syn.: GIVE IT TO. 1b. {slang} To use a weapon
on; to shoot or knife. * /The guard pulled his gun and let the robber
have it in the leg./ Compare: OPEN UP. 1c. or [let one have it with
both barrels] {slang} To attack with words; scold; criticize. * /Mary
kept talking in class until the teacher became angry and let her have
it./ Syn.: LIGHT INTO(2). 2. {informal} To tell about it. - Used in
the imperative phrase, "let's have it". * /Now, Mary, let's have it
from the beginning./ * /We will take turns reading; John, let's have
it from page one./
[let one in on] {v. phr.} To reveal a secret to; permit someone to
share in. * /If I let you in on something big we're planning, will you
promise not to mention it to anyone?/
[let oneself go] See: LET GO(6).
[let one's hair down] or [let down one's hair] {v. phr.},
{informal} Act freely and naturally; be informal; relax. * /Kings and
queens can seldom let their hair down./ * /After the dance, the
college girls let their hair down and compared dates./ Compare: LET
GO(6).
[let one's left hand know what one's right hand is doing] {v. phr.}
1. To make a show of your kindness or help to others. - Used in the
negative. * /The Bible tells us not to let the left hand know what the
right hand is doing when we give to the poor./ 2. {informal} To let
everyone taking part in something know what each is doing; encourage
cooperation in working. * /Tom told Fred and Bill to meet him in town,
but he forgot to tell them where. Next time he'll let his left hand
know what his right hand is doing./ - Often used in the negative. *
/Our team lost today because the coach and captain did not let the
left hand know what the right was doing, and the players were all
mixed up./
[let out] {v.} 1a. To allow to go out or escape. * /The guard let
the prisoners out of jail to work in the garden./ * /Mother won't let
us out when it rains./ Compare: LET LOOSE. 1b. {informal} To make (a
sound) come out of the mouth; utter. * /A bee stung Charles. He let
out a yell and ran home./ * /Father told Betty to sit still and not
let out a peep during church./ 2. To allow to be known; tell. * /I'll
never tell you another secret if you let this one out./ Compare: LET
THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG. 3. To make larger (as clothing) or looser;
allow to slip out (as a rope). * /Mary's mother had to let out her
dress because Mary is growing so tall./ * /Father hooked a big fish on
his line. He had to let the line out so the fish wouldn't break it./
Compare: PIECE OUT. Contrast: TAKE IN. 4. {informal} To allow to move
at higher speed. * /The rider let out his horse to try to beat the
horse ahead of him./ 5. {informal} To free from blame, responsibility,
or duty. - Often used with "of". * /Last time I let you out of it when
you were late. I'll have to punish you this time./ * /Frank has
shoveled the snow from the sidewalk. That lets me out./ Compare: LET
GO, LET OFF. 6, {informal} To discharge from a job; fire. * /The shop
closed down and all the men were let out./ 7. {informal} To dismiss or
be dismissed. * /The coach let us out from practice at 3 o'clock./ *
/I'll meet you after school lets out./
[let pass] {v. phr.} To disregard; overlook. * /Herb may have
overheard what was said about him, but he decided to let it pass./
[let ride] {v. phr.}, {informal} To allow to go on without change;
accept (a situation or action) for the present. * /The committee could
not decide what to do about Bob's idea, so they let the matter ride
for a month or so./ * /The class was rather noisy but the teacher let
it ride because it was near Christmas./ * /Ruth's paper was not very
good, but the teacher let it ride because she knew Ruth had tried./
Compare: LET GO(3), LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE.
[let's don't] also [don't let's] {substandard} Let's not; let us
not; I suggest that we don't. * /"'Let's go out and play," said Fred.
"Let's don't until the rain stops," said Mary./ * /Don't let's go now.
Let's go tomorrow instead./
[let's have it] See: LET HAVE IT.
[let sleeping dogs lie] Do not make (someone) angry and cause
trouble or danger; do not make trouble if you do not have to. - A
proverb. * /Don't tell Father that you broke the window. Let sleeping
dogs lie./
[let slip] {v. phr.} To unintentionally reveal. * /Ellen let it
slip that she had been a witness to the accident./
[letter] See: CHAIN LETTER, NIGHT LETTER, TO THE LETTER.
[letter-perfect] {adj. phr.} Memorized perfectly; perfect to the
last letter. * /The actor was letter-perfect in his role./
[let the cat out of the bag] {v. phr.}, {informal} To tell about
something that is supposed to be a secret. * /We wanted to surprise
Mary with a birthday gift, but Allen let the cat out of the bag by
asking her what she would like./ - Sometimes used in another form. *
/Well, the cat is out of the bag - everybody knows about their
marriage./ Compare: GIVE AWAY(3), LET OUT(2), SPILL THE BEANS.
[let the chips fall where they may] {v. phr.} To pay no attention
to the displeasure caused others by your actions. * /The senator
decided to vote against the bill and let the chips fall where they
may./ * /The police chief told his men to give tickets to all speeders
and let the chips fall where they may./ Compare: COME WHAT MAY.
[let the grass grow under one's feet] {v. phr.}, {informal} To
waste time; be slow or idle. * /Grandpa spends so much time sitting
and thinking that Grandma accuses him of letting the grass grow under
his feet./
[let up] {v.}, {informal} 1. 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./ 2. 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. 3. To become easier, kinder,
or less strict. - Usually used with "on". * /Let up on Jane. She is
sick./ Syn.: EASE UP. 4. 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./
[let well enough alone] or [leave well enough alone] {v. phr.} To
be satisfied with what is good enough; not try to improve something
because often that might cause more trouble. * /John wanted to make
his kite go higher, but his father told him to let well enough alone
because it was too windy./ * /Ed polished up his car until his friends
warned him to leave well enough alone./ * /Ethel made a lot of changes
in her test paper after she finished. She should have let well enough
alone, because she made several new mistakes./ Compare: LET RIDE.
[level] See: ON THE LEVEL.
[level best] {adj. phr.} One's utmost; one's very best. * /Eric
refused to stay in school although his parents did their level best to
make him finish./
[levelheaded] {adj. phr.} Having good common sense; practical;
reasonable. * /What our office needs is a good, level-headed manager./
[level off] or [level out] {v.} 1. To make flat or level. * /The
steamroller leveled out the gravel roadbed and then the concrete was
poured./ 2. To move on an even level. * /The airplane leveled out at
2,000 feet./ * /After going up for six months, the cost of living
leveled off in September./
[level with] {v. phr.} To tell someone the truth; not engage in
lies and subterfuge. * /"You can level with me," his father said. "Did
you break that window?"/
[liberty] See: TAKE LIBERTIES.
[lick and a promise] {n. phr.}, {informal} A careless, hasty job;
an unsatisfactory piece of work. * /You didn't wash your hands. You
just gave them a lick and a promise./ * /The boys didn't cut the grass
properly. All it got was a lick and a promise./
[lickety-split] also [lickety-cut] {adv.}, {informal} At full
speed; with a rush. * /As soon as school was out the boys ran
lickety-split to the swimming pool./
[lick into shape] {v. phr.} To make perfect; drill; train. * /The
sergeant licked the new volunteer army into shape in three months./
[lick one's boots] {v. phr.} To flatter or act like a slave; do
anything to please another. * /She wanted her boyfriend to lick her
boots all the time./ * /A wise king would not want his friends and
officials to lick his boots./
[lick one's chops] {v. phr.}, {informal} To think about something
pleasant; enjoy the thought of something. * /John is licking his chops
about the steak dinner tonight./ * /Tom is licking his chops about the
lifeguard job he will have at the beach next summer./ * /Our team is
licking its chops because we beat the champions last night./ (From the
fact that some animals lick their mouths when they expect to be fed or
when they see food, and after eating.) Compare: LOOK FORWARD TO, MAKE
ONE'S MOUTH WATER.
[lick the --- out of] See: BEAT THE --- OUT OF.
[lid] See: FLIP ONE'S LID, THE LID.
[lie] See: GIVE THE LIE TO, LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE, MAKE ONE'S BED
AND LIE IN IT.
[lie around] {v. phr.} To be unused; inert. * /This old typewriter
has been lying around ever since Grandpa died./
[lie down on the job] {v. phr.}, {informal} To purposely fail to do
your job; neglect a task; loaf. * /Bill isn't trying to learn his
lessons. He is lying down on the job./ * /If you lie down on your job,
you will lose it./
[lief] See: AS SOON also AS LIEF, HAD AS SOON also HAD AS LIEF.
[lie in state] {v. phr.} Of a dead person: To lie in a place of
honor, usually in an open coffin, and be seen by the public before
burial. * /When the president died, thousands of people saw his body
lying in state./
[lie in wait] {v. phr.} To watch from hiding in order to attack or
surprise someone; to ambush. * /The driver of the stage-coach knew
that the thieves were lying in wait somewhere along the road./
[lie low] or {nonstandard} [lay low] {v.}, {informal} 1. To stay
quietly out of sight; try not to attract attention; hide. * /After
holding up the bank, the robbers lay low for a while./ 2. To keep
secret one's thoughts or plans. * /I think he wants to be elected
president, but he is lying low and not saying anything./
[lie through one's teeth] {v. phr.} To lie uninhibitedly and
unashamedly. * /Everyone in the courtroom could sense that the accused
was lying through his teeth./
[lie to] {v.} Of a ship: To stay in one place facing against the
wind; stop. * /Our ship will lie to outside the harbor until
daylight./ Compare: LAY TO(2).
[lieu] See: INSTEAD OF also IN LIEU OF.
[life] See: BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH, BIG AS LIFE, CAT HAS NINE
LIVES, CHARMED LIFE, COME ALIVE OT COME TO LIFE, FACTS OF LIFE, FOR
DEAR LIFE, FOR THE LIFE OF ONE, LEAD A DOG'S LIFE, NIGHT LIFE, NOT ON
YOUR LIFE OR ONE'S LIFE, TAKE ONE'S LIFE IN ONE'S HANDS, TIME OF ONE'S
LIFE, YOU BET or YOU BET YOUR LIFE, WALK OF LIFE, WITHIN AN INCH OF
ONE'S LIFE.
[life of Riley] {n. phr.}, {informal} A soft easy life; pleasant or
rich way of living. * /He's living the life of Riley. He doesn't have
to work anymore./ Compare: BED OF ROSES, IN CLOVER, LIVE HIGH OFF THE
HOG.
[life of the party] {n. phr.} A person who makes things enjoyable
or interesting for a group of people. * /Bill is the life of the party
at school. He is always making us laugh./
[lift a finger] or [lift a hand] also [raise a hand] {v. phr.} 1.
To do something; do your share; to help. - Usually used in the
negative. * /We all worked hard except Joe. He wouldn't lift a
finger./ * /The king did not lift a hand when his people were hungry./
Compare: LEND A HAND.
[light] See: BRING TO LIGHT, COME TO LIGHT, DASH LIGHT, HIDE ONE'S
LIGHT UNDER A BUSHEL, IN THE LIGHT OF, MAKE LIGHT OF, MANY HANDS MAKE
LIGHT WORK, OUT LIKE A LIGHT, SEE THE LIGHT, TRAVEL LIGHT.
[light-fingered] {adj.} Given to stealing; having a tendency to be
dishonest or a kleptomaniac. * /I always suspected that Freddie might
be lightfingered and my suspicions were confirmed when he was arrested
for shoplifting./
[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.
[light into] See: LAY INTO.
[lightly] See: ONCE OVER LIGHTLY at ONCE OVER(2).
[lightning never strikes twice in the same place] The same accident
does not happen twice; the same person does not have the same luck
again. - A proverb. * /Billy won a pony in the contest last year, but
lightning never strikes twice in the same place./
[light on] also [light upon] {v.} To pick out by sight from among
others; see; notice. * /His eyes lighted on the cookies and he
remembered how hungry he was./ * /Her eyes lighted upon the row of
boxes, and she asked what was in them./
[light out] {v.}, {slang} 1. To run as fast as you can. * /The boy
lit out for home with the bully chasing him./ * /On the next pitch the
runner will light out for second./ 2. To go away in a hurry; leave
suddenly. - Often used with "for". * /Jack won't be in town long. He
wants to light out as soon as he has enough money saved./ * /The
robbers lit out for Mexico./ Syn.: BEAT IT, TAKE OFF(1), HEAD FOR THE
HILLS.
[light up] {v.} Suddenly to look pleased and happy. * /Martha's
face lit up when she saw her old friend./ * /Tom will really light up
when he sees his new bike!/
[like] See: EAT LIKE A BIRD, FEEL LIKE, LOOK LIKE THE CAT THAT ATE
THE CANARY, NOTHING LIKE, THE LIKES OF or THE LIKE.
[like a bird] See: EAT LIKE A BIRD.
[like a book] See: READ ONE LIKE A BOOK.
[like a fish out of water] See: FISH OUT OF WATER.
[like a glove] See: FIT LIKE A GLOVE.
[like a hole in the head] {adv. phr.} Not at all; scarcely;
grudgingly; in an unwelcome manner. * /Joan needs her mother-in-law to
stay with her for a week like a hole in the head./
[like a horse] See: EAT LIKE A HORSE.
[like a light] See: OUT LIKE A LIGHT.
[like a million] See: FEEL LIKE A MILLION.
[like a million dollars] See: LOOK LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS.
[like anything] {adv. phr.} To an extreme degree. * /He swore like
anything when he found out that he hadn't been promoted./
[like a steel trap] See: MIND LIKE A STEEL TRAP.
[like clockwork] See: GO LIKE CLOCKWORK or GO OFF LIKE CLOCKWORK.
[like crazy] See: LIKE MAD.
[like father, like son] A son is usually like his father in the way
he acts. - A proverb. * /Frank's father has been on the city council;
he is now the mayor, and is running for governor. Frank is on the
student council and is likely to he class president. Like father, like
son./ * /Mr. Jones and Tommy are both quiet and shy. Like father, like
son./ Compare: SPITTING IMAGE, FOLLOW IN ONE'S FOOTSTEPS.
[like hell] {adv.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} 1. With great
vigor. * /As soon as they saw the cops, they ran like hell./ 2.
{interj.} Not so; untrue; indicates the speaker's lack of belief in
what he heard. * /Like hell you're gonna bring me my dough!/
[like it is] See: TELL IT LIKE IT IS.
[like looking for a needle in a haystack] See: NEEDLE IN A
HAYSTACK.
[like mad] or [like crazy] {adv.}, {slang}, {informal} With great
enthusiasm and vigor; very fast. * /We had to drive like mad (like
crazy) to get there on time./ See: LIKE HELL(1).
[like two peas in a pod] {adj. phr.} Closely similar; almost
exactly alike. * /The twin sisters Eve and Agnes are like two peas in
a pod./
[like water] {adv. phr.} As something easily poured out or wasted;
freely. - Usually used in the phrase "spend money like water". *
/Sailors on shore leave often spend money like water./ * /During the
World Wars, the United States spent money like water./
[like water off a duck's back] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Without
changing your feelings or opinion; without effect. * /Advice and
correction roll off him like water off a duck's back./ * /Many people
showed him they didn't like what he was doing, but their disapproval
passed off him like water off a duck's back./
[lily] See: GILD THE LILY also PAINT THE LILY.
[limb] See: OUT ON A LIMB.
[line] See: BLOW ONE'S LINES or FLUFF ONE'S LINES, CHOW LINE, DOWN
THE LINE, DRAW A LINE or DRAW THE LINE, DROP A LINE, END OF THE ROAD
or END OF THE LINE, FOUL LINE, GOAL LINE, GOAL LINE STAND, HOLD THE
LINE, HOOK, LINE AND SINKER, IN LINE, IN LINE WITH, INTO LINE, LAY ON
THE LINE or PUT ON THE LINE, ON THE LINE, OUT OF LINE, OUT OF LINE
WITH, READ BETWEEN THE LINES, TOE THE LINE, WALK THE CHALK or WALK THE
CHALK LINE.
[line drive] {n.} A batted baseball that is usually hit hard and
travels in the air not far above the ground. * /The batter hit a line
drive to left field for a single./
[linen] See: AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC or WASH ONE'S DIRTY
LINEN IN PUBLIC.
[line of fire] {n. phr.} The path that something fired or thrown
takes. * /When the bandit and the police began to shoot, John was
almost in their line of fire./ Compare: CROSS FIRE.
[line of least resistance] or [path of least resistance] {n. phr.}
The easiest way; the way that takes least effort. * /In becoming a
doctor like his father John had really just followed the line of least
resistance./ * /Some parents take the path of least resistance with
their children and let them do as they please./
[line of scrimmage] {n. phr.} An imaginary line on a football field
parallel to the goal lines where each play except the kickoff begins.
* /The play was stopped at the line of scrimmage./
[line one's pockets] also [line one's purse] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To get a lot of money unfairly; get rich by being dishonest. * /The
policeman lined his pockets by taking bribes./ * /The inspector lined
his pockets by permitting contractors to use poor building materials./
Compare: FEATHER ONE'S NEST.
[lineup] {n.} 1. An alignment of objects in a straight line. * /A
lineup of Venus and the moon can be a very beautiful sight in the
night sky./ 2. An arrangement of suspects through a one-way mirror so
that the victim or the witness of a crime can identify the wanted
person. * /She picked out her attacker from a police lineup./
[line up] {v. phr.} 1. To take places in a line or formation; stand
side by side or one behind another; form a line or pattern. * /The
boys lined up and took turns diving off the springboard./ * /The
football team lined up in a "T" formation./ 2. To put in line. * /John
lined up the pool balls./ 3. To adjust correctly. * /The garage man
lined up the car's wheels./ 4a. {informal} To make ready for action;
complete a plan or agreement for; arrange. * /Henry's friends lined up
so many votes for him that he won the election./ * /Roger lined up a
summer job before school was out./ * /The superintendent lined up all
the new teachers he needed before he went on vacation./ 4b. {informal}
To become ready for action; come together in preparation or agreement.
* /The football schedule is lining up well; the coach has arranged all
games except one./ * /Larry wanted to go to the seashore for the
family vacation, but the rest of the family lined up against him./
Compare: GANG UP, SHAPE UP, TAKE SIDES.
[lining] See: EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING.
[link] See: MISSING LINK.
[lion's share] {n. phr.} A disproportionate share; the largest
part. * /The manager always gets the lion's share of the company's
profits./
[lip] See: BUTTON ONE'S LIP or ZIP ONE'S LIP, HANG ON THE WORDS OF
or HANG ON THE LIPS OF, KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP, SLIP OF THE TONGUE
also SLIP OF THE LIP.
[lip service] {n.} Support shown by words only and not by actions;
a show of loyalty that is not proven in action. - Usually used with
"pay". * /Bv holding elections, communism pays lip service to
democracy, but it offers only one candidate per office./ * /Some
people pay lip service to education, but don't vote taxes for better
schools./
[liquid assets] {n. phr.} Those belongings that can be easily
converted into cash. * /Herb asked for a loan and the bank manager
told him to bring in proof of all his liquid assets./
[liquor up] {v. phr.}, {slang} To drink an excessive amount of
liquor before engaging in some activity as if comparing oneself to a
car that needs to be filled before a journey. * /Joe always liquors up
before he takes Sue for a dance./
[list] See: SUCKER LIST, WAITING LIST.
[listen in] {v.} 1. To listen to a radio broadcast. * /We found
them listening in to the president's speech./ 2. To listen to the talk
of others, often to talk that is not intended for your ears;
eavesdrop