look daggers at someone
Fig. to give someone a dirty look. Tom must have been mad at Ann from the way he was looking daggers at her. Don't you dare look daggers
viernes, 18 de junio de 2010
jueves, 17 de junio de 2010
card-carrying member 2067
card-carrying member
Fig. an official member of some group, originally, the communist party. Bill is a card-carrying member of the electricians union
Fig. an official member of some group, originally, the communist party. Bill is a card-carrying member of the electricians union
like stealing acorns from a blind pig 2066
like stealing acorns from a blind pig
Rur. very easy. Getting Mary to sign the house over to me was like stealing acorns from a blind pig. Tom: Was it hard to fool so many people? Charlie: Nope. It was like stealing acorns from a blind pig.
the luck of the draw 2065
the luck of the draw
if something is the luck of the draw, it is the result of chance and you have no control over it
Usage notes: A draw is a competition in which you win if the number on your ticket is chosen.You can't choose who you play against. It's just the luck of the draw.
if something is the luck of the draw, it is the result of chance and you have no control over it
Usage notes: A draw is a competition in which you win if the number on your ticket is chosen.You can't choose who you play against. It's just the luck of the draw.
Drink up! 2064
Drink up!
Finish your drink!; Finish that drink, and we'll have another! Okay, drink up! It's closing time. Drink up
talk a blue streak 2063
talk a blue streak
Fig. to talk very much and very rapidly. Billy didn't talk until he was two, and then he started talking a blue streak. I can't understand anything Bob says. He talks a blue streak, and I can't follow his thinking.
Fig. to talk very much and very rapidly. Billy didn't talk until he was two, and then he started talking a blue streak. I can't understand anything Bob says. He talks a blue streak, and I can't follow his thinking.
Bounce ideas 2062
Bounce ideas'
If you bounce ideas off someone, you share your ideas with them to know whether they think they would work.
have a fighting chance 2061
have a fighting chance
to have a reasonable likelihood The Socialist Party has a fighting chance to win control of the French government.
Usage notes: often used in the form not have a fighting chance: If they don't like the way you perform in practice, you don't have a fighting chance of getting into a game
in the aggregate 2060
in the aggregate phrases / idioms
Considered as a whole, as in Our profits in the aggregate have been slightly higher. [Late 1700s]
Considered as a whole, as in Our profits in the aggregate have been slightly higher. [Late 1700s]
Clutch at straws 2059
Clutch at straws
If someone is in serious trouble and tries anything to help them, even though their chances of success are probably nil, they are clutching at straws
If someone is in serious trouble and tries anything to help them, even though their chances of success are probably nil, they are clutching at straws
in the hot seat 2058
Definition:
in a position where you are responsible for important or difficult things
Examples:
He suddenly found himself in the hot seat, facing a hundred angry residents at a protest meeting.
She has been the woman in the hot seat at this company during the last five difficult years
Get a sheepskin 2057
v
Getting a sheepskin (or your sheepskin) means getting a degree or diploma. (Sheepskin refers to the parchment that a degree is printed on- parchment comes from sheepskin.)
now, where was I 2056
now, where was I
I was interrupted, so please help me remember what I was talking about. (The emphasis is on was.) Now, where was I! I think I lost my place. Q: Where was I? A: You had just described the War of 1812.
I was interrupted, so please help me remember what I was talking about. (The emphasis is on was.) Now, where was I! I think I lost my place. Q: Where was I? A: You had just described the War of 1812.
too rich for someone's blood 2055
too rich for someone's blood
1. too expensive for one's budget. This hotel is too rich for my blood. Europe is getting too rich for our blood.
2. too high in fat content for one's diet. This dessert is too rich for my blood. Most ice cream is too rich for my blood.
1. too expensive for one's budget. This hotel is too rich for my blood. Europe is getting too rich for our blood.
2. too high in fat content for one's diet. This dessert is too rich for my blood. Most ice cream is too rich for my blood.
Fish or cut bait 2054
Fish or cut bait.
Fig. Do something or get out of the way. Fish or cut bait, Chuck. There's work to be done here. Decide whether you're going to watch or help. Fish or cut bait.
Fig. Do something or get out of the way. Fish or cut bait, Chuck. There's work to be done here. Decide whether you're going to watch or help. Fish or cut bait.
the new black 2053
the new black
used to say that something is the most popular or fashionable colour or thing at the moment Designers say that brown is the new black
used to say that something is the most popular or fashionable colour or thing at the moment Designers say that brown is the new black
Ninth circle of hell 2052
Ninth circle of hell
In Dante's Inferno, the ninth circle of hell is the centre where the worst punishments are found, so it is used idiomatically for something that couldn't get worse
martes, 1 de junio de 2010
He wears a ten-dollar hat on a five-cent head 2051
He wears a ten-dollar hat on a five-cent head.
Rur. He is stupid but rich. He got the job because he's the boss's son, not because he's smart. He wears a ten-dollar hat on a five-cent head
Possession is nine-tenths of the law 2050
Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
Prov. If you actually possess something, you have a stronger legal claim to owning it than someone who merely says it belongs to him or her. Dana may say he owns this house, but we actually live in it, and possession is nine-tenths of the law.
seek professional help 2049
seek professional help
Euph. to get psychiatric or psychological treatment. If you are seriously thinking of suicide, now is the time to seek professional help. His friends suggested that he seek professional help
Euph. to get psychiatric or psychological treatment. If you are seriously thinking of suicide, now is the time to seek professional help. His friends suggested that he seek professional help
Seven-year Itch 2048
"That supposed urge for infidelity after seven years of marriage is the meaning we now have for this phrase. It is now often extended to refer to an urge to move on from any situation, and not even limited to those of seven years' duration."Source: The Phrase Finder
corner the market 2047
corner the market
to become so successful at selling or making a particular product that almost no one else sells or makes it They've more or less cornered the fast-food market - they're in every big city in the
to become so successful at selling or making a particular product that almost no one else sells or makes it They've more or less cornered the fast-food market - they're in every big city in the
nine-to-five job 2046
nine-to-five job
a job with normal daytime hours. I wouldn't want a nine-to-five job. I like the freedom I have as my own boss. I used to work nights, but now I have a nine-to-five job.
get off a few good ones 2045
get off a few good ones
Fig. to tell a few good jokes; to land a few good punches; to manage to make a few strong criticisms. The comedian managed to get off a few good ones, but most of his material was old or obscene
Fig. to tell a few good jokes; to land a few good punches; to manage to make a few strong criticisms. The comedian managed to get off a few good ones, but most of his material was old or obscene
hold the key 2044
hold the key
to provide the explanation for something that you could not previously understand Fiennes, who had been looking for the place for twenty years, became convinced that this road held the key
to provide the explanation for something that you could not previously understand Fiennes, who had been looking for the place for twenty years, became convinced that this road held the key
domingo, 30 de mayo de 2010
have what it takes and have got what it takes 2043
have what it takes and have got what it takes
to have the skills, power, intelligence, etc., to do something. I know I've got what it takes. I guess I don't have what it takes to be a composer.
to have the skills, power, intelligence, etc., to do something. I know I've got what it takes. I guess I don't have what it takes to be a composer.
viernes, 28 de mayo de 2010
spatter someone or something up 2042
spatter someone or something up
to get drops of a liquid or bits of something moist onto someone or something. The painter spattered his partner up when he dropped the paint bucket accidentally. The falling paint bucket spattered up the wall
I've seen better heads on nickel beers 2041
I've seen better heads on nickel beers.
Rur. This person is stupid. Jim's good-looking, but I've seen better heads on nickel beers. My students this term aren't what you'd call bright. I've seen better heads on nickel beers
Rur. This person is stupid. Jim's good-looking, but I've seen better heads on nickel beers. My students this term aren't what you'd call bright. I've seen better heads on nickel beers
pork barrel (American informal)2040
pork barrel (American informal)
the action by a government of spending money in an area in order to make themselves more popular with the people there He was critical of these new, expensive job programs as just a form of pork barrel. (American informal
the action by a government of spending money in an area in order to make themselves more popular with the people there He was critical of these new, expensive job programs as just a form of pork barrel. (American informal
Perfidious Albion 2039
Perfidious Albion
Idiom Definitions for 'Perfidious Albion'
England is known to some as perfidious Albion, implying that it is not trustworthy in its dealings with
Idiom Definitions for 'Perfidious Albion'
England is known to some as perfidious Albion, implying that it is not trustworthy in its dealings with
feed one's face 2038
feed one's face
Inf. to put food in one's mouth; to eat (something). You're always feeding your face. You're going to get fat. Stop feeding your face and listen to me
a queer fish (British old-fashioned)2037
a queer fish (British old-fashioned)
a strange person I knew his father and he was a queer fish too.
a strange person I knew his father and he was a queer fish too.
on a silver platter 2036
on a silver platter
without work or effort The Internet provides huge quantities of information on a silver platter, but you don't know if it's accurate or true.
without work or effort The Internet provides huge quantities of information on a silver platter, but you don't know if it's accurate or true.
the whole ball of wax (American informal)2035
the whole ball of wax (American informal)
the whole of something, including everything that is connected with it She started working on the project in '96 and within six months was running the whole ball of wax.
the whole of something, including everything that is connected with it She started working on the project in '96 and within six months was running the whole ball of wax.
set a precedent 2034
set a precedent
to establish a pattern; to set a policy that must be followed in future cases. I'll do what you ask this time, but it doesn't set a precedent. We've already set a precedent in matters such as these.
to establish a pattern; to set a policy that must be followed in future cases. I'll do what you ask this time, but it doesn't set a precedent. We've already set a precedent in matters such as these.
Tell the truth and shame the devil 2033
Tell the truth and shame the devil.
Prov. to tell the truth even though you have strong reasons for concealing it. Jill: Have you been using my computer without asking permission? Jane: Uh... no.... Jill: Come on, Jane, tell the truth and shame the devil
Prov. to tell the truth even though you have strong reasons for concealing it. Jill: Have you been using my computer without asking permission? Jane: Uh... no.... Jill: Come on, Jane, tell the truth and shame the devil
lose touch with reality 2032
lose touch with reality
to began to think unrealistically; to become unrealistic. I am so overworked that I am losing touch with reality. The psychotic criminal had lost touch with reality
to began to think unrealistically; to become unrealistic. I am so overworked that I am losing touch with reality. The psychotic criminal had lost touch with reality
make a fast buck and make a quick buck 2031
make a fast buck and make a quick buck
to make money with little effort or in a short time. Tom is always ready to make a fast buck. I made a quick buck selling used cars.
to make money with little effort or in a short time. Tom is always ready to make a fast buck. I made a quick buck selling used cars.
die of throat trouble 2030
die of throat trouble
Sl. to be hanged. (Old.) He died of throat trouble after the posse caught up with him. The cattle rustler died of throat trouble.
Sl. to be hanged. (Old.) He died of throat trouble after the posse caught up with him. The cattle rustler died of throat trouble.
jueves, 27 de mayo de 2010
It takes all kinds (to make a world) 2029
It takes all kinds (to make a world).
Fig. There are many different kinds of people, and you should not condemn them for being different. Jill: Eleanor's trying another fad diet. This week she's sprinkling dried algae on all her food. Jane: It takes all kinds. Child: Mommy, I saw a weird man today. He was walking down the street singing real loud. I wish they'd put weird people like that away. Mother: Now, now, honey, it takes all kinds to make a world.
try something for size (British & Australian) also try something on for size (American & Australian)2028
try something for size (British & Australian) also try something on for size (American & Australian)
to test something or to think about an idea in order to decide whether it works or whether you can use it Try that for size. It's the new software program I've been working on. The government is still trying some ideas on for size before committing itself to action.
to test something or to think about an idea in order to decide whether it works or whether you can use it Try that for size. It's the new software program I've been working on. The government is still trying some ideas on for size before committing itself to action.
miércoles, 26 de mayo de 2010
drown your sorrows 2027
drown your sorrows
to drink a lot of alcohol because you want to stop feeling sad I've got a bottle of whiskey here - shall we stay in and drown our sorrows
to drink a lot of alcohol because you want to stop feeling sad I've got a bottle of whiskey here - shall we stay in and drown our sorrows
hanker after someone or something and hanker for someone or something 2026
hanker after someone or something and hanker for someone or something
Rur. to want someone or something; to long for someone or something. I hanker after a nice
on the sauce 2025
on the sauce
drinking regularly; intoxicated. Poor old Ron is on the sauce again. He is on the sauce most of the time.
drinking regularly; intoxicated. Poor old Ron is on the sauce again. He is on the sauce most of the time.
clean (up) one's plate 2024
clean (up) one's plate
to eat all the food on one's plate. You have to clean up your plate before you can leave the table. Mom said we can't watch TV tonight unless we clean our plates
to eat all the food on one's plate. You have to clean up your plate before you can leave the table. Mom said we can't watch TV tonight unless we clean our plates
that's) fine with me and (that's) fine by me; (that's) okay by me; (that's) okay with me 2023
that's) fine with me and (that's) fine by me; (that's) okay by me; (that's) okay with me
That is agreeable as far as I am concerned. (The expressions with by are colloquial.) Sue: I'm giving away your old coat. Bob: That's fine with me. Sally: Can I take twenty dollars out of your wallet? Fred: That's okay by me—if you can find it, of course
difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer 2022
difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer
Prov. Tasks that are only difficult are done immediately, harder tasks take longer. (Describes a very competent group or person.) The secretary in our office is extremely capable. She has a little sign on her desk that says, "The difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer." In her case, it's not a joke.
come Monday 2021
come Monday
Rur. when Monday comes. (Can be used with other expressions for time, as in come next week, come December, come five o'clock. See the second example.) Joe plays so hard on the weekend that come Monday, he's all worn out. You may think that putting up storm windows is a bother, but come December, you'll be glad you did it.
See also: come, Monday
Rur. when Monday comes. (Can be used with other expressions for time, as in come next week, come December, come five o'clock. See the second example.) Joe plays so hard on the weekend that come Monday, he's all worn out. You may think that putting up storm windows is a bother, but come December, you'll be glad you did it.
See also: come, Monday
Pride goes before a fall 2020
Pride goes before a fall. and Pride goeth before a fall.
Prov. If you are too proud and overconfident, you will make mistakes leading to your defeat. (Biblical.) Sue: I'm the best student in my history class. I'm sure I can pass the exam without studying very hard. Sam: Be careful. Pride goes before a fall, you know.
Prov. If you are too proud and overconfident, you will make mistakes leading to your defeat. (Biblical.) Sue: I'm the best student in my history class. I'm sure I can pass the exam without studying very hard. Sam: Be careful. Pride goes before a fall, you know.
set something to music 2 019
set something to music
to write a piece of music to accompany a set of words. The musician set my lyrics to music. The rock band set the poem to music.
to write a piece of music to accompany a set of words. The musician set my lyrics to music. The rock band set the poem to music.
a poacher turned gamekeeper (British) 2018
a poacher turned gamekeeper (British)
someone whose job seems to involve working against the person who is now doing the job which they did before
Usage notes: A poacher illegally kills and steals animals on someone else's land, and a gamekeeper's job is to stop this from happening.He used to be the the union rep but now he's in management - a case of poacher turned gamekeeper.
someone whose job seems to involve working against the person who is now doing the job which they did before
Usage notes: A poacher illegally kills and steals animals on someone else's land, and a gamekeeper's job is to stop this from happening.He used to be the the union rep but now he's in management - a case of poacher turned gamekeeper.
stop the music and stop the presses 2017
stop the music and stop the presses
Inf. Stop everything!; Hold it! (Presses refers to the printing presses used to print newspapers. This means that there is recent news of such magnitude that the presses must be stopped so a new edition can be printed immediately.) John (entering the room): Stop the music! There's a fire in the kitchen! Mary: Good grief! Let's get out of here! "Stop the presses!" shouted Jane. "I have an announcement
Inf. Stop everything!; Hold it! (Presses refers to the printing presses used to print newspapers. This means that there is recent news of such magnitude that the presses must be stopped so a new edition can be printed immediately.) John (entering the room): Stop the music! There's a fire in the kitchen! Mary: Good grief! Let's get out of here! "Stop the presses!" shouted Jane. "I have an announcement
HAPPY CAMPER 2016
happy camper
n
Informal a happy, satisifed person (esp in the phrase not a happy camper)
n
Informal a happy, satisifed person (esp in the phrase not a happy camper)
Shelf life 2015
Shelf life
If something, such as food, drink or medicine, has a particular shelf life, it must be used or sold before the end of that period of time. "Dairy products have quite a short shelf life."
If something, such as food, drink or medicine, has a particular shelf life, it must be used or sold before the end of that period of time. "Dairy products have quite a short shelf life."
Groan inwardly 2014
Groan inwardly
If you groan inwardly, you feel like expressing despair, disapproval or distress, but you remain silent. "On his return, when Pete saw the pile of files on his desk, he groaned inwardly
earn while you learn 2013
earn while you learnThis expression refers to the possibility of earning a salary while in training."Become an apprentice and get paid while in training. Earn while you learn!"
Put out to pasture To say that someone has been put out to pasture means 2012
Put out to pasture
To say that someone has been put out to pasture means that they have been forced to retire or give up their responsibilities. "He's in good health and feels it's too early to be put out to pasture. "
To say that someone has been put out to pasture means that they have been forced to retire or give up their responsibilities. "He's in good health and feels it's too early to be put out to pasture. "
Your secret is safe with me 2011
Your secret is safe with me.
I will not tell your secret to anyone. Don't worry. I won't tell. Your secret's safe with me. Your secret is safe with me. I will carry it to my grave.
I will not tell your secret to anyone. Don't worry. I won't tell. Your secret's safe with me. Your secret is safe with me. I will carry it to my grave.
martes, 25 de mayo de 2010
gospel truth 2010
gospel truth
Fig. the undeniable truth. The witness swore he was telling the gospel truth. I told my parents the gospel truth about how the vase broke.
Fig. the undeniable truth. The witness swore he was telling the gospel truth. I told my parents the gospel truth about how the vase broke.
throw the book at someone 2009
throw the book at someone
Fig. to charge or convict someone with as many crimes as is possible. I made the police officer angry, so he took me to the station and threw the book at me. The judge threatened to throw the book at me if I didn't stop insulting the police officer
far and away the best 2008
far and away the best
unquestionably the best. This soap is far and away the best I've ever used. Sally is good, but Ann is far and away the best artist in our school
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