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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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   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.





                           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.





   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.





   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.





   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.





   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





   [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./





   [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./





   [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.





   [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./





   [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./





   [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./





   [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.





   [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./





   [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./





   [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./





   [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.





   [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. * /When Mary talked to her boyfriend on the telephone,  her
little brother listened in./

   [listen to reason] {v. phr.} To listen to and  think  about  advice
that you are given. * /Joe  was  stubborn  and  would  not  listen  to
reason./ * /It will save you a lot of trouble if you will just  listen
to reason./

   [litterbug] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person who  leaves  garbage
in a public place, such as a park  or  beach  or  a  street;  one  who
litters. * /Don't be a litterbug; keep the city clean!/

   [little] See: A LITTLE, A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS  A  DANGEROUS  THING,
GREAT OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW, LITTLE FROG IN A  BIG  POND,  MAKE
LITTLE OF, NOT A LITTLE, QUITE A LITTLE or QUITE A LITTLE  BIT,  THINK
LITTLE OF, TWIST AROUND ONE'S LITTLE FINGER.

   [little does one think] {v. phr.} To not realize;  not  expect;  be
hardly aware of. * /Little did Ed think that very soon he would be the
father of twin daughters./

   [little folk] or [little people] See: WEE FOLK.

   [little frog in a big pond] or [small frog in a big pond] {n. phr.}
An unimportant person in a large group or organization. * /In a  large
company, even a fairly successful man is likely to feel like a  little
frog in a big pond./ * /When Bill transferred to a larger high school,
he found himself a small frog in a big pond./ Contrast: BIG FROG IN  A
SMALL POND.

   [little pitchers have big  ears]  Little  children  often  overhear
things they are not supposed to hear, or things adults do  not  expect
they would notice. - A proverb. * /Be especially careful not to  swear
in front of little children. Little pitchers have big ears./

   [little theater]  {n.}  A  theater,  usually  with  nonprofessional
actors and actresses, which presents plays more for personal  pleasure
and practice than for profit. * /Little theater groups are  active  in
all parts of the United States./ * /Many famous actors began in little
theaters./

   [lit up like a Christmas tree] {adj. phr.}, {informal} To be drunk.
* /On New Year's Eve Ned was lit up like a Christmas  tree./  Compare:
THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND.

   [live] See: PEOPLE WHO  LIVE  IN  GLASS  HOUSES  SHOULD  NOT  THROW
STONES.

   [live and learn] You learn more new things the longer you live; you
learn by experience. - A proverb. * /"Live and learn," said Mother. "I
never knew that the Indians once had a camp where our  house  is."/  *
/Janet made her new dress from cheap cloth, and when she washed it, it
shrank and was too little. Live and learn./

   [live and let live] To live in the way you prefer  and  let  others
live as they wish without being bothered  by  you.  *  /Father  scolds
Mother because she wears her hair in curlers and Mother scolds  Father
because he smokes a smelly pipe. Grandfather says it's  her  hair  and
his pipe; live and let live./ Compare: GIVE AND TAKE(1),  LET  BYGONES
BE BYGONES, FORGIVE AND FORGET.

   [live down] {v.} To remove (blame, distrust or unfriendly laughter)
by good conduct;  cause  (a  mistake  or  fault)  to  be  forgiven  or
forgotten by not repeating it. * /John's business failure hurt him for
a long time, but in the end he lived it down./ * /Frank was  rather  a
bad boy, but he lived it down as he grew up./  *  /Sandra  called  her
principal the wrong name at the banquet, in front of everyone, and she
thought she would never live it down./

   [live from hand to mouth] {v. phr.} To live  on  little  money  and
spend it as fast as it comes in; live without saving for  the  future;
have just enough. * /Mr. Johnson got very little pay, and  the  family
lived from hand to mouth when he had no job./ *  /These  Indians  live
from hand to mouth on berries, nuts, and roots./

   [live high off the hog] or [eat high on the hog]  See:  EAT  (LIVE)
HIGH ON THE HOG or EAT (LIVE) HIGH OFF THE HOG.

   [live in] or [room in] {v.}, {informal} To live in the  school  you
attend or the place where you work. * /Jack decided to live in  during
his freshman year at college./ * /Many women  advertise  for  mother's
helpers to room in with families and help take care of children./

   [live in a fool's paradise] {v.  phr.}  To  deceive  oneself;  tell
oneself unreal stories. * /His  information  is  based  on  a  lot  of
misunderstanding - the poor guy is living in a fool's paradise./

   [live in an ivory tower] {v. phr.} To be blind to real  life;  live
an unrealistically sheltered existence. * /Professor  Nebelmacher  has
no idea of the cost of living; he lives in an ivory tower./

   [live in the fast lane] {v. phr.}, {informal} To live  a  full  and
very active life pursuing wealth and success. * /They have been living
in the fast lane ever since they arrived in New York City./

   [live it up] {v. phr.}, {informal} To pursue pleasure; enjoy  games
or night life very much; have fun at places of entertainment.  *  /Joe
had had a hard winter in lonesome places; now he was in town living it
up./ * /The western cowboys usually went to town on Saturdays to  live
it up./

   [live off  someone]  {v.  phr.}  To  be  supported  by  someone.  *
/Although Eric is already 40 years old, he has no job and continues to
live off his elderly parents./

   [live off the fat of the land] See: FAT OF THE LAND.

   [live on borrowed time] {v. phr.} To live or last longer  than  was
expected. * /Ever since his operation, Harvey felt he  was  living  on
borrowed time./ * /Mr. Brown was living on  borrowed  time  because  a
year ago the doctors had told him he would only live six months./

   [live out] {v.} 1. To finish (a period of time);  spend.  *  /Smith
lived out the year in the North as he had agreed, but  then  moved  to
the South again./ * /After retiring, John and his wife lived out their
lives in Florida./ 2. To last through; endure to the  end  of.  *  /We
lived out the winter on short ration./ * /He lived out the earthquake,
but his house was destroyed./

   [live out of a suitcase] {v. phr.} To have no  permanent  residence
or a permanent place to hang one's clothes. * /When Jennifer  accepted
her new job, she had no idea that she would have  to  live  out  of  a
suitcase for six months./

   [live up to] {v.} To act according to;  come  up  to;  agree  with;
follow. * /So far as he could, John had always tried to live up to the
example he saw in Lincoln./ * /Bob was a  man  who  lived  up  to  his
promises./ * /The new house didn't live up to expectations./

   [live wire] {n. phr.} 1.  An  electrically  charged  wire,  usually
uninsulated. * /The electrician was severely burned by the live wire./
2. An alert or energetic person. * /To sell the new  merchandise,  our
company needs several salespeople who are live wires./

   [living daylights] See: BEAT THE --- OUT OF, KNOCK THE --- OUT OF.

   [living end] {adj.}, {slang}  Great;  fantastic;  the  ultimate.  *
/That show we saw last night was the living end./

   [load] See: GET A LOAD OF.

   [loaded for bear] {adj. phr.}, {slang} Ready for  action;  prepared
and eager. * /Frank liked the new merchandise and as he set out on his
rounds as a salesman, he felt really loaded for bear./ * /The football
team arrived Friday noon, loaded for bear./

   [load the bases] or [fill the bases] {v. phr.} To get  men  on  all
three bases in baseball. * /The Mets loaded the bases with two singles
and a base on balls./ * /Don hit a home run with the bases loaded./

   [loaf] See: HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN  NONE  or  HALF  A  LOAF  IS
BETTER THAN NO BREAD.

   [loan shark]  {n.  phr.}  A  money  lender  who  charges  excessive
interest. * /Why go to a loan shark when you can borrow from the  bank
at the legal rate?/

   [local yokel] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's  hand  radio  jargon}  City
police officer, as opposed  to  state  police  or  highway  patrol.  *
/There's a local yokel westbound on the move./

   [lock] See: SCALP LOCK.

   [lock, stock, and barrel] {n. phr.} Everything; completely. *  /The
robbers emptied the whole house - lock, stock, and  barrel./  Compare:
HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER.

   [lock the barn door after the horse is stolen] To be careful or try
to make something safe when it is too late. - A proverb. * /After Mary
failed the examination, she said she would study hard after that.  She
wanted to lock the barn door after the horse was stolen./

   [lock up] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be assured of success. *  /How  did
your math test go? - I locked it up, I think./

   [lodge a complaint] {v. phr.} To make a complaint; complain. *  /If
our neighbors don't stop this constant noise, I will have to  lodge  a
complaint with the management./

   [loggerhead] See: AT LOGGERHEADS.

   [loin] See: GIRD UP ONE'S LOINS.

   [lone wolf] {n.} A man who likes to work or live alone. * /The  man
who paints a picture or establishes a business is often a  lone  wolf;
so is the criminal outlaw./ * /Jones is a good pitcher, but  he  is  a
lone wolf./

   [long] See: AT LAST or AT LONG LAST, BEFORE LONG, COME A LONG  WAY,
IN THE LONG RUN, NO LONGER, SO LONG, THE LONG AND THE SHORT.

   [long and short of it] {n. phr.} The essence; the whole story in  a
nutshell. * /The long and short of it is that he is lazy  and  doesn't
really want to find a job./

   [long ball] {n.} A baseball hit far enough to be a home run. * /The
White Sox need a player who can hit the long ball./

   [long face] {n.} A sad look; disappointed  look.  *  /He  told  the
story with a long face./ - Often used  in  the  phrase  "pull  a  long
face". * /Don't pull a long face when I tell you to go to bed./

   [longhair(1)] 1.  {n.},  {slang}  A  male  hippie.  *  /Who's  that
longhair? - It's Joe./ 2. An intellectual who prefers classical  music
to jazz or acid rock. * /Catwallender is a regular longhair; he  never
listens to modern jazz./

   [longhair(2)] {adj.}, {slang} Pertaining to  classical  art  forms,
primarily in dancing and  music.  *  /Cut  out  that  longhair  Mozart
Symphony and put on a decent pop record!/

   [long haul] or [long pull] {n.}, {informal} 1. A long  distance  or
trip. * /It is a long haul to  drive  across  the  country./  Contrast
SHORT HAUL. 2. A long length of time during which  work  continues  or
something is done; a long time of trying. * /A boy crippled  by  polio
may learn to walk again, but it may be a long haul./ - Often  used  in
the phrase "over the long haul". * /Over the long haul,  an  expensive
pair of shoes may save you money./ Contrast: SHORT HAUL.

   [long pull] See: LONG HAUL.
   [long shot] {n.} 1. A bet or other risk taken though not likely  to
succeed. * /The horse was a long shot, but it came in and paid  well./
* /Jones was a long shot for mayor./ * /The business  long  shot  that
succeeds often pays extremely well./ 2. See: BY A LONG SHOT.

   [long-winded] {adj.} Tedious; overlong; given to too much  talking.
* /Everyone was bored by the old man's long-winded stories./

   [look] See: DIRTY LOOK.

   [look after] also [see after] {v.} To  watch  over;  attend  to.  *
/John's mother told him to look after his younger brother./ * /When he
went to Europe, Mr. Jenkins left his son to see after  the  business./
Syn.: TAKE CARE OF(1). Compare: LOOK OUT(3).

   [look a gift horse in the mouth] To  complain  if  a  gift  is  not
perfect. - A proverb. Usually used with a negative. * /John gave Joe a
baseball but Joe complained that the ball was old. His father told him
not to look a gift horse in the mouth./

   [look alive] {v.} Act lively; be quick; wake up and work; be  busy;
hurry. - Often used as a command. *  /"Look  alive  there,"  the  boss
called./

   [look as if butter  wouldn't  melt  in  one's  mouth]  See:  BUTTER
WOULDN'T MELT IN ONE'S MOUTH.

   [look as if one has come out of a bandbox] {v. phr.}, {informal} To
look very clean and fresh; look as if you had just had a bath and  put
on all-new clothing. * /In spite of the long,  hot  train  ride,  Jody
arrived looking as if she had come out of a bandbox./ * /After  a  day
at the rodeo we were all dusty and tired except for Hope,  who  looked
as if she'd come out of a bandbox./

   [look at] {v.} To have a way of thinking or feeling  toward;  think
about something in a certain way. * /Is he a hero or a  villain?  That
depends on how you look at it./ * /Depending on how you looked at  it,
the tea party could be called a pleasure or a bore./

   [look at the world  through  rose-colored  glasses]  or  [see  with
rose-colored  glasses]  {v.  phr.}  To  see  everything  as  good  and
pleasant; not see anything hard or bad. * /When  Jean  graduated  from
high school, she looked at the world through rose-colored glasses./  *
/If you see everything through rose-colored glasses, you will often be
disappointed./

   [look back] {v.} To review the past; think of what has happened.  *
/As John looked back, his life seemed good to him./ *  /Murphy  looked
back on his early struggles as having made him feel especially alive./
* /When Ed applied for a job and asked the school  to  recommend  him,
the principal looked back over his records./

   [look bleak] {v.} To indicate  misfortune;  appear  threatening  or
ruinous. * /As prices dropped lower and lower, things looked bleak for
Henry's company./ * /Many witnesses gave testimony against  Jerry  and
his case looked bleak./ * /The future looked  bleak  when  Father  got
hurt and could not work./

   [look daggers] {v. phr.} To show anger with a look; express hate or
enmity by a look or stare; look fiercely. * /The other  driver  looked
daggers at Morris for turning in before him./ *  /Mary  did  not  dare
talk back to her father, but she looked daggers./

   [look down on] also [look down upon] {v.} To think of (a person  or
thing) as less good or important; feel that (someone) is not  as  good
as you are, or that (something) is not worth having or doing; consider
inferior. * /Mary looked down on her classmates because she was better
dressed than they were./ * /Jack  looked  down  on  Al  for  his  poor
manners./ * /Miss Tracy likes tennis but she looks down on football as
too rough./

   [look down one's nose at] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  think  of  as
worthless; feel scorn for. * /The banker's wife  has  beautiful  china
cups, and she looked down her nose at the plastic cups that Mrs. Brown
used./ * /Harry has never had to work, and he looks down his  nose  at
people in business./ * /Jerry was the athlete who looked down his nose
at the weak student./

   [look for] {v.} 1. To think likely; expect. * /We look for John  to
arrive any day now./ * /The frost killed many oranges, and  housewives
can look for an increase in their price./ * /Bob  wouldn't  go  for  a
ride with the boys because he  was  looking  for  a  phone  call  from
Julie./ 2. To try to find; search for; hunt. *  /Fred  spent  all  day
looking for a job./ * /Mary and Joe  looked  for  the  Smiths  at  the
play./ 3. To do things that cause (your own trouble);  make  (trouble)
for yourself; provoke. * /Joe often gets into  fights  because  he  is
always looking for trouble./ * /If you say the opposite of  everything
that others say, you are looking for a quarrel./

   [look for a needle in a haystack] See: NEEDLE IN A HAY STACK.

   [look forward to] {v.} 1. To expect. * /At breakfast,  John  looked
forward to a difficult day./ 2. To expect with  hope  or  pleasure.  *
/Frank was looking forward to that evening's date./

   [look high and low for] {v. phr.} To look  everywhere;  search  all
over. * /Everyone has been looking high and low for the lost  key  but
no one could find it./

   [look-in] {n.}, {informal} A chance or hope. - Usually used with  a
negative. * /It wasn't much of a look-in, but it was the  only  chance
they let him have./ * /Charlie didn't realize it, but he never  had  a
look-in with Bonnie./

   [look in on] {v.} To go to see; make a short  visit  with;  make  a
call on. * /On his way downtown, Jim looked in on his  aunt./  *  /The
doctor looked in on Mary each day when he went by./

   [look in the eye] or [look in the face] {v. phr.} To  meet  with  a
steady look; to face bravely or without  shame.  *  /Mary  looked  the
gangster in the eye, and he turned away without hurting her./ *  /John
had looked death in the face many times./ * /We often believe a person
who looks us in the eye, but it does not prove he is truthful./  *  /U
promised Harry to write to him while I was on vacation, and if I don't
do it, I won't be able to look him in the eye./

   [look into] {v.} To find  out  the  facts  about;  examine;  study;
inspect. * /The mayor felt he should look into the decrease of  income
from parking meters./ * /Mr.  Jones  said  he  was  looking  into  the
possibility of buying a house./ Compare: GO INTO(4), SEE ABOUT.

   [look like a million dollars] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  look  well
and prosperous; appear healthy and happy and lucky;  look  pretty  and
attractive. * /John came back from Florida driving  a  fine  new  car,
tanned and glowing with health. He looked like a million  dollars./  *
/Dressed in the new formal and in a new hairdo, Betty  looked  like  a
million dollars./ Compare: FEEL LIKE A MILLION.

   [look like the cat that ate the canary] or [look like the cat  that
swallowed the canary] {v. phr.} To seem very self-satisfied;  look  as
if you had just had a great success. * /Peter bet on the poorest horse
in the race and when it won, he looked  like  the  cat  that  ate  the
canary./ * /When she won the prize, she went home looking like the cat
that swallowed the canary./

   [look on] or [look upon] {v.} 1. To regard; consider; think  of.  *
/The stuff had always been looked on as a worthless factory waste./  *
/Until the day Bob made the touchdown, the other boys had looked  upon
him as rather a sissy./ 2. To be an  observer;  watch  without  taking
part. * /Fred had never been able to do more than look on at  athletic
sports./ * /The children played in the park while their mother  looked
on./ Compare: SIT IN.

   [look oneself] {v. phr.} To appear self-possessed and well; look or
seem in full possession of your  abilities  and  in  good  health;  to
appear all right or normal. * /Mary had had a long  illness,  but  now
she looked quite herself again./ * /It had been a big night, and Uncle
John had been drinking freely, but he looked entirely himself after  a
night's sleep./ - Often used in the negative.  *  /What's  wrong  with
Larry? He doesn't look himself./

   [lookout] See: ON THE LOOKOUT.

   [look out] or [watch out] {v.} 1. To take care; be careful;  be  on
guard. - Usually used as a command or warning.  *  /"Look  out!"  John
called, as the car came toward me./ * /"Look out for the  train,"  the
sign at the railroad crossing warns./ 2. To be alert or watchful; keep
watching. * /A collector of antique cars asked Frank to look out for a
1906 gas head lamp./ Compare: EYE OUT, ON THE WATCH. 3. {informal}  To
watch or keep (a person or thing)  and  do  what  is  needed;  provide
protection and care. - Used with "for". * /Lillian looked out for  her
sister's children one afternoon a week./ * /Uncle Fred looked out  for
his brother's orphan son until the boy was through college./  Compare:
LOOK AFTER.

   [look out for] {v. phr.} To watch out  for;  be  on  the  alert.  *
/There were signs along the highway warning drivers to  look  out  for
deer crossing./

   [look over] {v.} To look at and try to learn something about;  look
at every part or piece of or at every one of; examine; inspect; study.
* /I looked hurriedly over the apples in the basket and took one  that
looked good./ * /Mrs. Jones spent the evening looking over the month's
bills and writing checks./ * /When a new  boy  comes  to  school,  the
others usually look him over rather  carefully./  *  /We  looked  over
several kinds of new cars before deciding./ Compare:  ONCE-OVER,  SIZE
UP.

   [look sharp] {v.} To be alert; be  very  attentive;  keep  a  close
watch. * /It pays to look sharp in traffic./ * /The guide told  us  to
look sharp because there were rattlesnakes around./

   [look small] See: FEEL SMALL.

   [look to] {v.} 1. To attend to; get ready  for;  take  care  of.  *
/Plans had been prepared that looked to  every  possibility./  *  /The
president assigned a man to look to our needs./ 2. To go for help  to;
depend on. * /The child looks to his mother to  cure  his  hurts./  3.
See: SEE TO.

   [look to one's laurels] To make sure that your  reputation  is  not
spoiled; protect your good name; keep your record from being beaten by
others. * /Tom won the broad jump, but he had to look to his laurels./
* /Look to your laurels, Joan. Betty says she is going to run  against
you for head cheerleader./

   [look up] {v.} 1. {informal} To improve in future chances;  promise
more success. * /The first year was  tough,  but  business  looked  up
after that./ 2. To search for; hunt for information about; find. * /It
is a good habit to look up new words in a dictionary./ 3. To seek  and
find. * /While he was in Chicago, Henry looked up a friend of  college
days./

   [look upon] See: LOOK ON(1).

   [look up to] {v.} To think of (someone) as a good example to  copy;
honor; respect. * /Mr. Smith had taught for many years,  and  all  the
students looked up to him./ * /Young children look up to  older  ones,
so older children should be good examples./

   [loop] See: KNOCK FOR A LOOP or THROW FOR A LOOP.

   [loose] See: AT LOOSE ENDS, CAST OFF or CAST LOOSE, CUT LOOSE, FAST
AND LOOSE, HAVE A SCREW LOOSE, LET LOOSE or SET LOOSE or  TURN  LOOSE,
ON THE LOOSE.

   [loose ends] {n.} 1. Parts or things that should be finished or put
together. * /Mary's composition had many loose ends./ *  /When  George
came home after a long trip, he started picking up the loose ends./ 2.
See: AT LOOSE ENDS.

   [lord it over] {v. phr.} To act as  the  superior  and  master  of;
dominate; be bossy over; control. * /John learned  early  to  lord  it
over other children./ * /The office manager lorded it over the  clerks
and typists./

   [Lord knows] See: GOD KNOWS.

   [lose] See: HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE.

   [lose face] {v.} To  be  embarrassed  or  shamed  by  an  error  or
failure; lose dignity, influence or reputation; lose  self-respect  or
the confidence of others. * /Many Japanese  soldiers  were  killed  in
World War II because they believed that to give up  or  retreat  would
make them lose face./ * /John's careless work made him lose face  with
his employer./ * /The banker lost face when people found out he bet on
horse races./

   [lose ground] 1. To go backward; retreat. * /The soldiers began  to
lose ground when their leader was killed./ Compare: GIVE GROUND. 2. To
become weaker; get worse; not improve. * /The sick man began  to  lose
ground when his cough grew worse./ * /When the Democrats are in power,
the Republicans lose ground./ Contrast: GAIN GROUND.

   [lose heart] {v. phr.} To feel discouraged because of  failure;  to
lose hope of success. * /The team had won no games and it lost heart./
Contrast: TAKE HEART.

   [lose one's balance] Contrast: KEEP ONE'S BALANCE.

   [lose oneself] {v. phr.} 1. To go  wrong;  miss  your  way;  become
unable to find the right  direction.  *  /Fred  lost  himself  in  the
confusion of downtown Boston streets./ 2. To conceal yourself; hide. *
/The pick-pocket lost himself in the crowd and escaped the police./ 3.
To become deeply interested and forget yourself;  become  absorbed.  *
/Sometimes Harry would lose himself in a book for an  afternoon  at  a
time./ Compare: IN A WORLD OF ONE'S OWN.

   [lose one's grip] {v. phr.} To fail in  control  or  command;  lose
your strength, force, or ability to lead. * /Mr. Jones began  to  lose
his grip: he no longer wanted the hard jobs, and he left decisions  to
others./ * /When a locomotive engineer loses his grip, he is no longer
trusted with express runs./

   [lose one's head (over)] {v. phr.} 1. To panic. * /"Let's not  lose
our heads," the  captain  cried.  "We  have  good  lifeboats  on  this
vessel."/ 2. To become deeply infatuated with someone. *  /Don't  lose
your head over Jane; she is already  married./  Contrast:  KEEP  ONE'S
HEAD.

   [lose one's heart] {v. phr.} To fall in love; begin to love. * /She
lost her heart to the soldier with the broad shoulders  and  the  deep
voice./ * /Bill lost his heart to the puppy the first time he saw it./

   [lose one's marbles] {v. phr.} To go mad; become  crazed.  *  /Stan
must have lost his  marbles;  he  is  hopelessly  pursuing  a  happily
married woman./

   [lose one's shirt] {v. phr.}, {slang} To lose all or most  of  your
money. * /Uncle Joe spent his life savings to  buy  a  store,  but  it
failed, and he lost his shirt./ * /Mr. Matthews lost his shirt betting
on the horses./

   [lose one's temper] {v. phr.} To lose control over one's anger;  to
get angry. * /He lost his temper when he broke the key in  the  lock./
Compare: BLOW A FUSE, FLY OFF THE HANDLE. Contrast: HOLD ONE'S TEMPER.

   [lose one's tongue] {v. phr.}, informal To  be  so  embarrassed  or
surprised that you cannot talk. *  /The  man  would  always  lose  his
tongue when he was introduced to new people./ Compare: CAT  GET  ONE'S
TONGUE.

   [lose out] {v.} To fail to win; miss first place in a contest; lose
to a rival. * /John lost  out  in  the  rivalry  for  Mary's  hand  in
marriage./ * /Fred didn't want to lose out  to  the  other  salesman./
Compare: MISS OUT. Contrast: WIN OUT.

   [loser] See: FINDERS KEEPERS or FINDERS KEEPERS LOSERS WEEPERS.

   [lose sight of] {v. phr.} 1. Not to be able to see any longer. * /I
lost sight of Mary in the crowd./ * /I watched the plane go higher and
higher until I lost sight of it./ Contrast:  CATCH  SIGHT  OF.  2.  To
forget; overlook. * /Johnny was so interested  in  the  game  he  lost
sight of the time./ * /No matter how rich and  famous  he  became,  he
never lost sight of the fact that he had been born in the slums./

   [lose touch] {v. phr.}, {informal} To fail to keep  in  contact  or
communication. - Usually used with  "with".  *  /After  she  moved  to
another town, she lost touch with her childhood friends./ Compare: OUT
OF TOUCH.

   [lose  track]  {v.  phr.}  To  forget  about  something;  not  stay
informed; fail to keep a count or record. *  /What's  the  score  now?
I've lost track./ - Usually used with "of". * /Mary lost track of  her
friends at camp after summer was over./ *  /John  lost  track  of  the
money he spent at the circus./ Compare: OUT OF TOUCH.  Contrast:  KEEP
TRACK.

   [loss] See: AT A LOSS, THROW FOR A LOSS.

   [lost] See: GET LOST, NO LOVE LOST.

   [lost cause] {n. phr.} A movement that has failed and has no chance
to be revived. * /Communism  in  Eastern  Europe  has  become  a  lost
cause./

   [lost upon] adj. Wasted. * /Tim's  generosity  is  completely  lost
upon Sue; he can't expect any gratitude from her./

   [lot] See: A LOT, CAST ONE'S LOT WITH, SAND LOT, THINK A GREAT DEAL
OF or THINK A LOT OF, THROW IN ONE'S LOT WITH or  CAST  IN  ONE'S  LOT
WITH.

   [loud] See: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS, FOR CRYING  OUT  LOUD,
OUT LOUD, THINK ALOUD or THINK OUT LOUD.

   [loud mouth] or [big mouth] {n.}, {slang}  A  noisy,  boastful,  or
foolish talker. * /Fritz is a loud mouth who cannot  be  trusted  with
secrets./ * /When he has had a few drinks, Joe will make empty  boasts
like any other big mouth./

   [loud-mouthed] or [big-mouthed] {adj.},  {slang}  Talking  noisily,
boastfully, or foolishly. * /Fred was  a  loud-mouthed  fellow,  whose
talk no one listened to./ * /If I were you, I would not listen to that
loud-mouthed boy./

   [lounge lizard] {n. phr.} A well-dressed male  fortune  hunter  who
sits around in bars and other public places, and attends  many  social
events to try to pick up wealthy women through smart  conversation.  *
/Harry has the reputation of being a lounge lizard; he is looking  for
a rich wife./

   [louse up] {v.}, {slang} To throw into confusion; make a  mess  of;
spoil; ruin. * /When the man who was considering  John's  house  heard
that the basement was wet, that was enough to louse up  the  sale./  *
/Fred's failure in business not only lost him his business but  loused
him up with his wife./ * /The rain loused up the  picnic./  See:  MESS
UP(2), FUCK UP.

   [love] See: FOR LOVE OR MONEY, IN LOVE, LABOR OF LOVE,  MAKE  LOVE,
NO LOVE LOST, PUPPY LOVE also CALF LOVE.

   [love affair] {n.}  A  friendship  between  lovers;  a  romance  or
courtship. * /The love affair of Bob and Jane went on for  months./  *
/Harry had many love affairs, but he never married./

   [love game] {n.} A game of tennis which is won without the opponent
scoring. * /Britain took a love game on Songster's service./

   [love-in] {n.}, {slang},  {informal}  A  festival  or  occasion  to
celebrate  life,  human  sensuality,  the  beauty  of  nature,   human
sexuality, and universal love; affairs so conceived by some frequently
deteriorate into obscenity and drug using sessions in parody of  their
stated purpose. * /The hippies gathered for a big love-in
in the Halght-Ashbury district of San
Francisco./

   [lovers' lane] {n.} A hidden road or walk where lovers walk or park
in the evening. * /A parked car in a lonely lovers' lane  often  is  a
chance for holdup men./

   [low] See: LAY LOW, LIE LOW.

   [lowbrow] {n.} A person of limited culture;  a  nonintellectual.  *
/Some people claim that only lowbrows read the comics./ Contrast: HIGH
BROW.

   [lowdown] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The inside facts of  a  matter;
the total truth. * /Nixon never gave the American people  the  lowdown
on Watergate./

   [lower the boom] {v. phr.}, {informal} To punish strictly; check or
stop fully. * /The mayor lowered the boom on  outside  jobs  for  city
firemen./ * /Father lowered the boom on  the  girls  for  staying  out
after midnight./ Syn.: CRACK DOWN. * /The police lowered the  boom  on
open gambling./

   [low-key] {adj.} Relaxed and  easygoing.  *  /Surprisingly,  dinner
with the governor was a low-key affair./

   [low season] Contrast: HIGH SEASON.

   [luck] See: DOWN ON ONE'S LUCK, LUCK OUT, PRESS ONE'S LUCK or  PUSH
ONE'S LUCK, IN LUCK, OUT OF LUCK.

   [luck out] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Suddenly to get  lucky
when in fact the odds are against one's succeeding. * /I  was  sure  I
was going to miss the train as I was three minutes late, but I  lucked
out, the train was  five  minutes  late./  2.  To  be  extraordinarily
fortunate. * /Catwallender really lucked out at Las Vegas last  month;
he came home with $10,000 in cash./ 3. (By sarcastic opposition) to be
extremely unfortunate; to be killed. * /Those poor marines sure lucked
out in Saigon, didn't they?/

   [lucky] See: THANK ONE'S LUCKY STARS.

   [lucky star] {n.} A certain star or planet which, by itself or with
others, is seriously or jokingly thought to bring a person  good  luck
and success in life. * /John was born under a lucky star./ * /Ted  was
unhurt in the car accident, for which he thanked his lucky stars./

   [lump in one's throat] {n. phr.} A feeling (as of grief  or  pride)
so strong that you almost sob. * /John's mother  had  a  lump  in  her
throat at  his  college  graduation./  *  /All  during  her  husband's
funeral, Aunt May had a lump in her throat./ * /The bride's mother had
a lump in her throat./

   [lump sum] {n.} The complete amount; a total agreed upon and to  be
paid at one time. * /The case  was  settled  out  of  court  with  the
plaintiff receiving a lump sum of half a million dollars for damages./

   [lunar module (L.M.)] or [Lem] {n.}, {Space English}  That  portion
of the rocket assemblage  on  a  flight  to  the  Moon  in  which  the
astronauts descend to the Moon's surface. * /Building the L.M. was one
of the most expensive parts of the American space program./

   [lung] See: AT THE TOP OF ONE'S VOICE or AT THE TOP OP ONE'S LUNGS.

   [lurch] See: LEAVE IN THE LURCH.

   [lust for] {v. phr.} To physically yearn for;  hanker  after;  want
something very strongly. * /Ed has been lusting after Meg for  a  very
long time./

   [luxury] See: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY.





   [mackerel] See: HOLY CATS or HOLY MACKEREL.

   [mad about] {adj. phr.} 1. Angry about. * /What is Harriet  so  mad
about?/ 2. Enthusiastic about. * /Dan is mad about pop music./

   [mad as a hatter] or [mad as a March hare] {adj. phr.} Not able  to
think right; crazy. * /Anyone who thinks the moon  is  made  of  green
cheese is mad as a hatter./

   [mad as a hornet] or [mad as hops] or [mad  as  a  wet  hen]  {adj.
phr.}, {informal} In a fighting mood; very angry. *  /When  my  father
sees the dent in his fender, he'll be mad as a hornet./  *  /Bill  was
mad as hops when the fellows went on without him./ * /Mrs. Harris  was
mad as a wet hen when the rabbits ate her tulips./

   [mad as a March hare] See: MAD AS A HATTER.

   [mad as hops] See: MAD AS A HORNET.

   [made of money] {adj. phr.} Very rich; wealthy. * /Mr.  Jones  buys
his children everything they want. He must be made of money./ Compare:
MONEY TO BURN.

   [made-to-measure] or [tailor-made] {adj.} Made to fit a special set
of measurements or needs. * /John has a new made-to-measure  suit./  *
/The club is tailor-made for Jane./ Syn.: MADE TO ORDER.

   [made to order] {adj. phr.} 1. Made specially in the way the  buyer
wants instead of all the same in large amounts;  made  especially  for
the buyer. * /Mr. Black's clothes were all made  to  order./  Compare:
MADE-TO-MEASURE. 2. Just right. * /The weather was made to  order  for
the hike./

   [made up out of whole cloth] See: OUT OF WHOLE CLOTH.

   [magic carpet] {n.} 1. A rug said to be able to transport a  person
through the air to any place he wishes. * /The caliph of Baghdad  flew
on his magic carpet to Arabia./ 2. Any form of transportation that  is
comfortable and easy enough to seem magical.  *  /Flying  the  Concord
from Dallas to London seemed like boarding the magic carpet./  *  /Mr.
Smith's new car drove so smoothly it seemed like a magic carpet./

   [maiden speech] {n. phr.} One's first public speech, usually before
some legislative body. * /It was the new congressman's  maiden  speech
and everyone was listening very keenly./

   [maiden voyage] {n. phr.} The  first  voyage  of  a  boat.  *  /The
Titanic sank on her maiden voyage to America from England./

   [mail order] {n. phr.} A purchase made by mail.  *  /If  you  don't
have a chance to go to a store, you can sometimes make a  purchase  by
mail order./

   [main] See: IN THE MAIN, WITH MIGHT AND MAIN.

   [main drag] {n.}, {colloquial} 1.  The  most  important  street  or
thoroughfare in a town. * /Lincoln Avenue is  the  main  drag  of  our
town./ 2. The street where the dope pushers and the prostitutes are. *
/Wells Street is the main drag of Chicago, actionwise./

   [main squeeze] {n.}, {slang}  1.  The  top  ranking  person  in  an
organization or in a neighborhood; an important person, such as  one's
boss. * /Mr. Bronchard is the main squeeze in this office./ 2. The top
person in charge of an illegal operation, such as drug sales,  etc.  *
/Before we can clean up this part of town, we  must  arrest  the  main
squeeze./ 3. One's  principal  romantic  or  sexual  partner.  *  /The
singer's main squeeze is a member of the band./

   [majority leader] {n.} The leader of the political party  with  the
most votes in a legislative house. * /The majority leader of the House
of Representatives tried to get the members of his  party  to  support
the bill./ Compare: MINORITY LEADER.

   [make] See: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A  DULL  BOY,  HAVE  IT
MADE, MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK, ON THE MAKE.

   [make a beeline for] {v. phr.} To go in a straight line  toward.  *
/The runner made a beeline for first base./ * /When the bell rang  Ted
made a beeline for the door of the classroom./

   [make a big deal about] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  exaggerate  an
insignificant event. * /Jeff said, "I'm sorry I banged into you in the
dark. Don't make a big deal out of it."/

   [make a clean breast of] {v. phr.} To admit (your guilt); tell  all
about (your wrong doing); confess everything. * /The police caught the
hit-and-run driver and he made a clean breast of his crime./ * /Arthur
worried because he cheated on the test, and finally  he  went  to  the
teacher and made a clean breast of it./ Compare: OFF ONE'S CHEST.

   [make a clean sweep of] {v. phr.} 1. Achieve a complete victory.  *
/In 7980 the Reagan Republicans made a  clean  sweep  of  the  western
states./ 2.  To  eliminate  thoroughly  and  completely.  *  /The  new
attorney general is expected to make a clean  sweep  of  all  the  old
administrative personnel./

   [make a clown of] See: MAKE A FOOL OF.

   [make a day of it] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do something all day. *
/When they go to the beach they take a picnic lunch and make a day  of
it./ Compare: MAKE A NIGHT OF.

   [make a dent in] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make less by a very small
amount; reduce slightly. - Usually used in the negative or  with  such
qualifying words  as  "hardly"  or  "barely".  *  /John  shoveled  and
shoveled, but he didn't seem to make a dent in the pile  of  sand./  *
/Mary studied all afternoon and only made a dent in her homework./

   [make a difference] or [make the difference] {v.  phr.}  To  change
the nature of something  or  a  situation;  be  important;  matter.  *
/John's good score on the test made the difference between his passing
or failing the course./ * /It doesn't make a bit of difference if  you
are late to my party. I just want you to come./

   [make a face] {v. phr.}, {informal} To twist  your  face;  make  an
ugly expression on your face (as by sticking out your tongue). *  /The
boy made a face at his teacher when she turned her back./ * /The  sick
boy swallowed the medicine and made a face./

   [make a fast buck] See: FAST BUCK.

   [make a federal case out of] See: MAKE A BIG  DEAL  ABOUT,  MAKE  A
MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL.

   [make a fool of] or (informal) [make a monkey of] {v. phr.} To make
(someone) look foolish. * /The boy made a fool of himself./ *  /Mary's
classmates made a fool of her by telling her the party  was  to  be  a
masquerade./

   [make after] {v. phr.} To chase something; run after  something.  *
/The mouse escaped from the kitchen corner and the cat made after it./

   [make a fuss over] {v. phr.}  1.  To  quarrel  about  something  or
someone. * /I want you  kids  to  stop  fussing  about  who  gets  the
drumstick./ 2. To he excessively concerned about someone or something;
worry. * /Let's not fuss over such an insignificant  problem!/  3.  To
show exaggerated care or preoccupation about a person or an animal.  *
/Aunt Hermione is constantly fussing over her old lapdog./

   [make a go of] {v. phr.} To turn into a  success.  *  /He  is  both
energetic and highly skilled at trading; he is sure to make  a  go  of
any business that holds his interest./

   [make a hit] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be successful; be well-liked;
get along well. * /Mary's new red dress made a hit at  the  party./  *
/Alice was so happy that her boyfriend made a hit with her parents./
Compare: GO OVER(6).

   [make a killing] {v. phr.} To earn or suddenly win a very large sum
of money. * /Herb bought a lot of soybean stock when the price was low
and sold it when the price went  up.  Small  wonder  he  made  a  huge
killing./

   [make a living] {v. phr.} To earn one's livelihood.  *  /If  you're
good at your job, you can make a better living than if you don't  know
what you're doing./ * /It is easier to make a  living  in  the  United
States than in many other countries./

   [make allowance] {v. phr.} To judge results by the circumstances. -
Often used in plural. * /When a small boy is  helping  you,  you  must
make allowances for his age./

   [make a  long  story  short]  {v.  phr.}  To  summarize  a  lengthy
narrative. * /"So, to make a long story short," he  said,  "I  made  a
killing on the stock market."/ Compare: IN A NUTSHELL.

   [make a match] {v. phr.} To bring a man and woman together for  the
purpose of an engagement or marriage. * /Sheila's aunt is  anxious  to
make a match between her and an attractive, wealthy man./

   [make a mess of] See: SCREW UP.

   [make a monkey of] See: MAKE A FOOL OF.

   [make a motion] {v. phr.} To propose in some committee  meeting  or
legislative group that a certain action be  taken.  *  /The  secretary
made a motion that the minutes of the last meeting be accepted./

   [make a mountain out of a molehill] To think a small problem  is  a
big one; try to make something unimportant seem important.  *  /You're
not hurt badly, Johnny. Stop trying  to  make  a  mountain  out  of  a
molehill with crying./ * /Sarah laughed at a  mistake  Betty  made  in
class, and Betty won't speak to her; Betty is making a mountain out of
a molehill./

   [make a move] {v. phr.} 1. To budge; change places. * /"If you make
a move," the masked gangster said, "I'll start shooting."/  2.  To  go
home after dinner or a party. * /"I guess it's time to make  a  move,"
Roy said at the end of the party./

   [make a name for oneself] {v. phr.} To become recognized in a field
of endeavor; become a celebrity. * /Joe has worked so hard at  soybean
trading that he made quite a name for himself as a  trader./  *  /Bill
has made a name for himself both as a pianist and as a composer./

   [make an appearance] See: PUT IN AN APPEARANCE.

   [make an end of] {v. phr.} To make (something) end; put a stop  to;
stop. * /To make an end of  rumors  that  the  house  was  haunted,  a
reporter spent the night there./

   [make an example of] {v. phr.} To punish (someone) publicly to show
what happens when someone does wrong. * /The teacher made  an  example
of the boy who copied from another student  during  a  test./  *  /The
Pilgrims made an example of a thief by putting him in the stocks./

   [make an exhibition of oneself] {v. phr.} To  behave  foolishly  or
embarrassingly in public. * /Stop  drinking  so  much  and  making  an
exhibition of yourself./

   [make a night of it] {v. phr.}, {informal} To spend the whole night
at an activity. * /The dog found the door unlatched and made  a  night
of it./ * /The boys and girls at  the  dance  made  a  night  of  it./
Compare: MAKE A DAY OF IT.

   [make a nuisance of oneself] {v. phr.} To constantly bother others.
* /The screaming  kids  made  a  nuisance  of  themselves  around  the
swimming pool./

   [make a pass at]  {v.  phr.},  {slang},  {informal}  Make  advances
toward a member of the opposite sex (usually man to a woman) with  the
goal of seducing the person. * /We've been dating for four  weeks  but
Joe has never even made a pass at me./

   [make a pig of oneself] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  overindulge;  eat
too much. * /Mary said, "This dessert is so delicious that I am  going
to make a pig of myself and have some more."/

   [make a play for] {v. phr.}, {slang} To try to get the interest  or
liking of; flirt with; attract. * /Bob made a play for the pretty  new
girl./ * /John made a  play  for  the  other  boys'  votes  for  class
president./

   [make a point] {v. phr.} To try hard; make a special effort. - Used
with "of" and a verbal noun. * /He made a point of remembering to  get
his glasses fixed./ * /He made a point of thanking his hostess  before
he left the party./

   [make a practice of] {v. phr.} To make a habit of; do regularly.  *
/Make a practice of being on time for work./

   [make a quick buck] See: FAST BUCK.

   [make a racket] {v. phr.} To cause a lot of noisy disturbance. * /I
wish the kids playing in the street wouldn't make such a racket  while
I'm trying to take a nap./

   [make a scene] {v. phr.} To act hysterically;  attract  unfavorable
attention. * /I didn't want Kate to make a scene in front  of  all  of
those people, so I gave her the money she wanted./

   [make a splash] {v. phr.} To cause a sensation.  *  /The  brilliant
young pianist, barely 14 years old, made quite a splash on the concert
circuit./

   [make a stab at] {v. phr.} To try doing something at random without
sufficient preparation. * /The singer was not familiar with  the  aria
but she decided to make a stab at it anyhow./ Contrast:  STAB  IN  THE
BACK, STAB IN THE DARK.

   [make a stand] {v. phr.} 1. To take a firm position on an issue.  *
/He keeps talking about politics hut he never makes a stand  for  what
he believes in./ 2. To take up a defensive position against the enemy.
* /The retreating troops decided  to  make  a  stand  by  the  river./
Contrast: LAST DITCH, LAST STAND.

   [make a stir] See: MAKE A SCENE.

   [make a touch] {v. phr.} To borrow money; try to  borrow  money.  *
/He is known to make a touch whenever he is hard up for cash./

   [make a virtue of necessity] {v. phr.} Make the best of  things  as
they are; do cheerfully what you do. * /After Mr. Wilson lost all  his
money, he made a virtue of necessity and found a new  and  interesting
life as a teacher./ Compare: MAKE THE BEST OF.

   [make away with]  {v.},  {informal}  Take;  carry  away;  cause  to
disappear.  *  /The  lumberjack  made  away  with  a  great  stack  of
pancakes./ * /Two masked men held up the clerk and made away with  the
payroll./ Compare: MAKE OFF.

   [make-believe] {n.} False; untrue;  created  by  illusion.  *  /The
creatures of Star Wars are all make-believe./

   [make believe] {v.} To act as if something is true while one  knows
it is not; pretend. * /Let's make believe we have a million  dollars./
* /Danny made believe he didn't hear his mother calling./

   [make book] {v. phr.} To serve as a bookmaker taking  bets  on  the
horse races. * /The police were out to prosecute anybody who made book
illegally./

   [make both ends meet] See: MAKE ENDS MEET.

   [make bricks without straw] {v. phr.} To make something without the
wherewithal;  do  something  the  hard  way;  do  a  job  under   hard
conditions. * /John could not go to a library, and writing the  report
was a job of making bricks without straw./ *  /It  was  making  bricks
without straw to put on plays in that old barn./

   [make conversation] {v. phr.} To talk with  someone  just  so  that
there will be talk. * /John made conversation  with  the  stranger  so
that he would not feel left out./ * /Mary didn't really mean what  she
said about Joan. She was only making conversation./

   [make do] {v. phr.} To use a poor substitute when one does not have
the right thing. * /John did not have a hammer, and he had to make  do
with a heavy rock./ * /This motel isn't what we wanted,  but  we  must
make do./ * /Many families manage to make do on very  little  income./
Compare: GET ALONG.

   [make ends meet] {v. phr.} To have enough money to pay one's bills;
earn what it costs to live. * /Both husband and wife had  to  work  to
make ends meet./

   [make eyes at] {v. phr.}, {informal} To look at a girl or boy in  a
way that tries to attract him  to  you;  flirt.  *  /The  other  girls
disliked her way of making eyes at their boyfriends instead of finding
one of her own./

   [make faces at] {v. phr.} To grimace; scowl. * /"Stop making  faces
at each other, you children," my aunt said, "and start eating."/

   [make for] {v.} To go toward; start in the  direction  of.  *  /The
children took their ice skates and made for the frozen pond./  *  /The
bee got his load of pollen and made for the hive./

   [make free with] {v.} 1. To take or use (things) without asking.  *
/Bob makes free with his roommate's clothes./ * /A student should  not
make free with his teacher's first name./ 2. To act  toward  (someone)
in a rude or impolite way. * /The girls  don't  like  Ted  because  he
makes free with them./ Compare: TAKE LIBERTIES.

   [make friends] {v. phr.} To become friends; form  a  friendship.  *
/Mrs. Jones invited Bobby to her home to play with Don. She hoped that
they would make friends with each other./ * /You can make friends with
an elephant by giving him peanuts./

   [make fun of] or [poke fun at] {v. phr.}, {informal} To joke about;
laugh at; tease; mock. * /Men like to make fun  of  the  trimmings  on
women's hats./ * /James poked fun at the new pupil because her  speech
was not like the other pupils./

   [make good] {v. phr.} 1. To  do  what  one  promised  to  do;  make
something come true. * /Mr. Smith borrowed some money. He promised  to
pay it back on payday. He made good his promise./ * /Joe made good his
boast to swim across the lake./ * /John's mother promised to take  him
and his friends to the zoo on Saturday. She made  good  her  promise./
Compare: CARRY OUT. 2. To compensate; pay for loss or damage.  *  /The
policeman told the boy's parents that the boy must make good the money
he had stolen or go to jail./ - Often used  in  the  phrase  "make  it
good". * /The radio was broken while it was  being  delivered  so  the
store had to make it good and send us a new radio./ Compare: MAKE  UP.
3. To do good work at one's job; succeed.  *  /Kate  wanted  to  be  a
nurse. She studied and worked hard in school. Then she got  a  job  in
the hospital and made good as a nurse./

   [make good time] {v. phr.} To make unimpeded progress on a journey;
arrive at one's destination sooner than estimated. *  /There  was  not
much traffic on the expressway so we made good time on our way to  the
airport./

   [make haste] {v. phr.} To  move  fast;  hurry.  -  Rarely  used  in
speaking. * /The dog wriggled into one end of the hollow log, and  the
rabbit made haste to get out the other end./ * /Mary saw that she  had
hurt Jane's feelings, and made haste to say she was  sorry./  Compare:
MAKE TRACKS.

   [make haste with] See: HURRY ON WITH.

   [make hay while the sun shines] {v. phr.} To do  something  at  the
right time; not wait too long. * /Dick had a free hour so he made  hay
while the sun shone and got his lesson for  the  next  day./  Compare:
MAKE THE MOST OF.

   [make head or tail of] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  see  the  why  of;
finding a meaning in; understand. - Used in negative, conditional, and
interrogative sentences. * /She could not make head  or  tail  of  the
directions on the dress pattern./ * /Can you make head or tail of  the
letter?/

   [make headway] {v. phr.} To move forward;  make  progress.  *  /The
university is making headway with its campus reorganization project./

   [make it hot] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  bring  punishment;  cause
trouble. * /Dick threatened to make it hot for anyone who  tied  knots
in his pajama legs again./

   [make it snappy] {v. phr.}, {informal} To move  quickly;  be  fast;
hurry. - Usually used as a command. * /"Make it snappy," Mother  said,
"or we'll be late for  the  movie."/  *  /The  man  hurried  into  the
restaurant and told the waitress,  "A  cup  of  coffee,  and  make  it
snappy."/

   [make it with] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. To be accepted  by
a group. * /Joe finally made it with the in crowd  in  Hollywood./  2.
{vulgar} To have sex with (someone). * /I wonder if Joe  has  made  it
with Sue./

   [make light of] {v. phr.} To treat an important  matter  as  if  it
were trivial. * /One ought to know which problems to make light of and
which ones to handle seriously./ Compare: LAUGH  OFF.  Contrast:  MAKE
MUCH OF.

   [make little of] {v. phr.} To make  (something)  seem  unimportant;
belittle. * /Mary made little of Jane's new bicycle  because  she  was
jealous./ *  /Tom  made  little  of  his  saving  the  drowning  boy./
Contrast: MAKE MUCH OF.

   [make love] {v. phr.} 1. To be  warm,  loving,  and  tender  toward
someone of the opposite sex; try to get him or her to love you too.  *
/There was moonlight on the roses and he made love to her in the porch
swing./ 2. To have sexual relations with (someone). * /It  is  rumored
that Alfred makes love to every girl he hires as a secretary./

   [make merry] {v. phr.}, {literary}  To  have  fun,  laugh,  and  be
happy, * /In Aesop's fable the grasshopper made merry  while  the  ant
worked and saved up food./ * /In the Bible story a rich  man  ate  and
drank and made merry./

   [make mincemeat (out) of] {v. phr.} To destroy completely.  *  /The
defense attorney made mincemeat of the prosecution's argument./

   [make much of] {v. phr.} To make something seem of  more  worth  or
importance than it really is; praise. * /Visitors made much of the new
collie./ * /The boy made much of  the  hard  things  of  his  mountain
climb./ Contrast: MAKE LIGHT OF, MAKE LITTLE OF.

   [make neither head nor tail of] {v. phr.} To be  unable  to  figure
something out. * /This puzzle  is  so  complicated  that  I  can  make
neither head nor tail of it./ Compare: HEADS OR TAILS.

   [make no bones] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To have no doubts; not  to
worry about right or wrong; not to be against. - Used with "about".  *
/Bill makes no bones about telling a lie to escape punishment./ * /The
boss made no bones about hiring extra help for the  holidays./  2.  To
make no secret; not keep from talking; admit. - Used with  "about"  or
"of the fact". * /John thinks being poor is no disgrace and  he  makes
no bones of the fact./ * /Mary made no bones about her love of  poetry
even after some of her friends laughed at her./

   [make of] {v. phr.} To interpret; understand. * /What do  you  make
of his sudden decision to go to Africa?/

   [make off] {v.} To go away; run away; leave. * /When the  deer  saw
the hunter it made off at once./ * /A thief stopped  John  on  a  dark
street and made off with his wallet./ Compare: TAKE OFF.

   [make one feel at home] {v. phr.} To be hospitable;  welcome;  make
someone feel at ease. * /They are  very  popular  hosts  because  they
always manage to make their guests feel at home./

   [make one  out  to  be]  {v.  phr.}  To  accuse  someone  of  being
something. * /Don't make me out to be such a grouch; I am really quite
happy-go-lucky./

   [make one's bed and lie in it] To be responsible for what you  have
done and so to have to accept the bad results. * /Billy smoked one  of
his father's cigars and now he is sick. He made his bed, now  let  him
lie in it./ Compare: FACE THE MUSIC(2).

   [make one's blood  boil]  or  [make  the  blood  boil]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} To make someone very angry. * /When someone calls me a liar
it makes my blood boil./ * /It made  Mary's  blood  boil  to  see  the
children make fun of the crippled girl./ Compare: BOILING POINT.

   [make one's blood run cold] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD.

   [make one's ears burn] See: EARS BURN.

   [make oneself at home] {v. phr.} To feel comfortable; act as if you
were in your own home. * /If you get to my house  before  I  do,  help
yourself to a drink and make yourself at home./ * /John was an outdoor
man and could make himself at home in the woods at night./ Compare: AT
EASE, AT HOME(2).

   [make oneself scarce] {v. phr.}, {slang} To leave quickly; go away.
* /The boys made themselves scarce when they saw the principal  coming
to stop their noise./ * /A wise mouse makes himself scarce when a  cat
is nearby./

   [make one's hair stand on end] See: HAIR STAND ON END.

   [make one's head spin] {v. phr.} To be bewildered; be  confused.  *
/It makes my head spin to think about the amount of work I still  have
to do./

   [make one's mark] {v. phr.} To become known to many people; do well
the work you started to do; make a reputation. * /Shakespeare made his
mark as a playwright./

   [make one's mouth water] {v. phr.} 1. To look or smell  very  good;
make you want very much to eat or drink something you see or smell.  *
/The pies in the store window made Dan's mouth water./ * /The  picture
of the ice cream soda made his mouth water./ 2. To be attractive; make
you want to have something very  much.  *  /Judy  collects  folk  song
records, and the records in the store window made  her  mouth  water./
Compare: LICK ONE'S CHOPS.

   [make one's pile] {v. phr.} To make one's fortune. * /The rich  man
made his pile in the stock market./

   [make one's way] {v. phr.} 1. To go forward with difficulty; find a
path for yourself. * /They made their way through the crowd./ 2. To do
many hard things to earn a living; make a life work  for  yourself.  *
/He was anxious to finish school and make his own way in  the  world./
Compare: SHIFT FOR ONESELF.

   [make one tick] {v. phr.} To cause to operate; to motivate.  *  /He
is so secretive that we are unable to figure out what makes him tick./

   [make or break] {v. phr.} To bring  complete  success  or  failure,
victory or defeat. * /Playing the role of Hamlet will  make  or  break
the young actor./

   [make out] {v.}  1.  To  write  the  facts  asked  for  (as  in  an
application blank or a report form); fill out. * /The teacher made out
the report cards and gave them to the students to take home./ *  /Mrs.
Smith gave the clerk in the store some money and the clerk made out  a
receipt./ 2. To see, hear, or understand by trying  hard.  *  /It  was
dark, and we could not make out who was  coming  along  the  road./  *
/They could not make out what the child had drawn. /*  /The  book  had
many hard words and Anne could not make out what the writer meant./  *
/Mr. White does many strange things. No one can make him  out./  Syn.:
FIGURE OUT. 3. {informal} To make  someone  believe;  show;  prove.  *
/Charles and Bob had a fight, and Charles tried to make out  that  Bob
started it./ * /The boy said he did not take the money but the teacher
found the money in the boy's desk and it made him out to be  a  liar./
4. {informal} Do well enough; succeed. * /John's father wanted John to
do well in school and asked the teacher how John was  making  out./  *
/The sick woman could not make out alone in her house, so  her  friend
came and helped her./ 5. To kiss or pet. * /What are Jack and Jill  up
to? - They're making out on the back porch./

   [make over] {v.} 1. To change by law something from  one  owner  to
another owner; change the name on the title (lawful  paper)  from  one
owner to another. * /Mr. Brown made over the title to the car  to  Mr.
Jones./ 2. To make something look different; change the  style  of.  *
/He asked the tailor to make over his pants. The tailor  cut  off  the
cuffs and put a belt across the back./

   [make passes at] See: MAKE A PASS AT.

   [make rounds] {v. phr.} To travel the same  route,  making  several
stops along the way. * /The milkman makes his rounds every morning./ *
/The doctor makes the rounds of the hospital rooms./

   [make sense] {v. phr.} 1. To be something  you  can  understand  or
explain; not be difficult or strange. * /The explanation in the school
book made no sense because the words were hard./ Compare: MAKE HEAD OR
TAIL OF. 2. To seem right to do;  sound  reasonable  or  practical.  *
/Does it make sense to let little children play with matches?/

   [make short work of] {v. phr.} To finish rapidly. * /The  cat  made
short work of the baby rabbit./ * /Tim  was  anxious  to  get  to  the
movies so he made short work of his homework./

   [make sit up] {v. phr.} To shock  to  attention;  surprise;  create
keen interest. * /Her sudden appearance at the party and her amazingly
low-cut dress made us all sit up./

   [make  something  of]  {v.  phr.}  1.  To  make  (something)   seem
important. * /When girls see another girl with a boy, they  often  try
to make something of it./ 2. To start a fight over; use as  an  excuse
to start a quarrel. * /Bob accidentally shoved Bill in  the  corridor,
and Bill made something of it./ * /Ann  didn't  like  what  Mary  said
about her. She tried to make something of what  Mary  said./  Compare:
START SOMETHING.

   [make sport of] See: MAKE FUN OF.

   [make sure] {v. phr.} To see about something yourself; look  at  to
be sure. * /Father makes sure that all the lights are  off  before  he
goes to bed./ * /Mary thought she had time to get to  school  but  she
ran all the way just to make sure./ * /Before you write your report on
the life of Washington you should make sure of your facts./

   [make the best of] {v. phr.} To do something you do not like to  do
and not complain; accept with good humor. * /The girl did not like  to
wash dishes but she made the best of it./ Compare: MAKE  A  VIRTUE  OF
NECESSITY.

   [make the blood boil] See: MAKE ONE'S BLOOD BOIL.

   [make the feathers fly] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To enjoy  working;
be strong and work hard. * /When Mrs. Hale did her spring cleaning she
made the feathers fly./ 2. See: MAKE THE FUR FLY.

   [make the fur fly] or [make the feathers fly] {v. phr.}, {informal}
Say or write mean things about someone or to jump on and fight hard. *
/A man fooled Mr. Black and got his money. Mr. Black will really  make
the fur fly when he finds the man./ * /Mrs. Baker's dog dug  holes  in
her neighbor's garden. The neighbor really made the fur fly  when  she
saw Mrs. Baker./

   [make the grade] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To make good; succeed.  *
/It was clear that Mr. Baker had  made  the  grade  in  the  insurance
business./ * /It takes hard study to make the grade in school./ 2.  To
meet a standard; qualify. * /That whole shipment of  cattle  made  the
grade as prime beef./

   [make the most of] {v. phr.} To do the most you can with;  get  the
most from; use to the greatest advantage. * /She planned  the  weekend
in town to make the most of it./ * /George studied hard. He wanted  to
make the most of his chance to learn./ * /The teacher went out of  the
room for five minutes and some bad boys made the most of it./ *  /Bill
liked Mary; he would do anything for her, and Mary made  the  most  of
it./ Compare: MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES.

   [make the scene] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be present; to arrive  at  a
certain place or event. * /I am too tired to make the scene; let's  go
home./

   [make things hum] See: KEEP THINGS HUMMING.

   [make time] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To be successful in arriving at a
designated place in short or good time. * /We're supposed to be  there
at 6 P.M., and it's only 5:30 - we're making  good  time./  2.  To  be
successful in making sexual advances to someone. * /Joe sure is making
time with Sue, isn't he?/

   [make tongues wag] See: TONGUES TO WAG.

   [make tracks] {v. phr.}, {informal} To go fast; get a speedy start;
hurry. * /Man, it's time we made tracks!/ * /The boys made tracks  for
home when it began to get dark./ Compare: GET GOING, MAKE HASTE.

   [makeup] {n.} (stress on "make") 1. Cosmetics. *  /All  the  actors
and actresses put on a lot of makeup./  2.  Attributive  auxiliary  in
lieu of, or belated. * /The  professor  gave  a  makeup  to  the  sick
students./

   [make up] {v.} (stress on "up") 1. To make  by  putting  things  or
parts together. * /A car is made up of many different  parts./  2.  To
invent; think and say something that is new or not true. * /Jean makes
up stories to  amuse  her  little  brother./  3a.  To  do  or  provide
(something lacking or needed); do or supply (something not done, lost,
or missed); get back; regain; give back; repay. * /I have to  make  up
the test I missed last week./ * /I want to go to bed early to make  up
the sleep I lost last night./ * /We have to drive fast to make up  the
hour we lost in Boston./ * /Vitamin pills make up  what  you  lack  in
your diet./ * /The toy cost a dollar and Ted only had fifty cents,  so
Father made up the difference./ - Often used in the phrase "make it up
to". * /Uncle Fred forgot my birthday present but he made it up to  me
by taking me to the circus./ * /Mrs. Rich spent so much time away from
her children that she tried to make it  up  to  them  by  giving  them
things./ Compare: MAKE GOOD. 3b. To do what is lacking or  needed;  do
or give what should be done or given; get or give back what  has  been
lost, missed, or not done; get or give instead; pay back. - Used  with
"for". * /We made up for lost time by taking an airplane instead of  a
train./ * /Saying you are sorry  won't  make  up  for  the  damage  of
breaking the window./ * /Mary had to make up for the time  she  missed
in school when she was sick, by studying very hard./ * /The  beautiful
view at the top of the mountain makes up for the  hard  climb  to  get
there./ 4. To put on lipstick and face paint powder. * /Clowns  always
make up before a circus show./ * /Tom watched his sister make  up  her
face for her date./ 5. To become friends  again  after  a  quarrel.  *
/Mary and Joan quarreled, but made up after a  while./  Compare:  BURY
THE HATCHET. 6. To try to make friends with someone; to win  favor.  -
Followed by "to". * /The new boy made up to the teacher by  sharpening
her pencils./

   [make up one's mind] {v. phr.} To choose  what  to  do;  decide.  *
/They made up their minds to sell the house./ * /Tom  couldn't  decide
whether he should tell Mother about the broken window or let her  find
it herself./ Contrast: ON THE FENCE.

   [make waves] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  Make  one's  influence  felt;
create a disturbance, a sensation. * /Joe Catwallender  is  the  wrong
man for the job; he is always trying to make waves./

   [make way] {v. phr.} To move  from  in  front  so  someone  can  go
through; stand aside. * /The people made way for the  king./  *  /When
older men retire they make way for younger men to take their places./

   [mama's boy] {n. phr.}, {informal} A boy who depends  too  much  on
his mother; a sissy. * /The other  boys  called  Tommy  a  mama's  boy
because he wouldn't come out to play unless  his  mother  stayed  near
him./

   [man] See: COMPANY MAN, EVERY LAST MAN also EVERY MAN  JACK,  FRONT
MAN, HIRED MAN, LADY'S MAN, NEW MAN, SEPARATE THE MEN FROM  THE  BOYS,
TO A MAN, YES-MAN.

   [man] or [the man] {n.}, {slang} 1. The police; a policeman.  *  /I
am gonna turn you in to the man./ 2. The boss; the  leader;  the  most
important figure in  an  organization  or  outfit.  *  /The  man  will
decide./

   [man-about-town] {n. phr.} A sophisticate; an idler;  a  member  of
cafe society; one who knows where the  best  plays  and  concerts  are
given. * /Ask Mark where to go when you're in New York  City;  he's  a
real man-about-town./

   [manger] See: DOG IN THE MANGER.

   [man in the moon] {n. phr.}  An  imaginary  or  nonexistent  person
(often used to indicate a person of ignorance). * /Stop asking me such
difficult questions about nuclear physics; I know as much about it  as
the man in the moon./

   [man in the street] {n. phr.} The man who is just like  most  other
men; the average man; the ordinary man. * /The newspaper took  a  poll
of the man in the street./ Compare: JOE DOAKES, JOHN Q. PUBLIC.

   [manner] See: ALL MANNER OF, TO THE MANNER BORN.

   [man of few words] {n. phr.} A man who doesn't talk  very  much;  a
man who says only what is needed. * /The principal is  a  man  of  few
words, but the pupils know what he wants./

   [man of his word] {n. phr.} A man who keeps his promises  and  does
the things he agrees to do; a man who can be trusted. * /My uncle is a
man of his word./

   [man of letters] {n. phr.}  A  writer;  an  author;  a  scholar.  *
/Chekhov was not only a practicing physician but also a first-rate man
of letters./

   [man of means] {n. phr.} A rich person. * /He became a man of means
by successfully playing the stock market./

   [man of  parts]  {n.  phr.},  {literary}  A  man  who  has  several
different skills, talents, or qualities. * /The pianist is  a  man  of
parts. He wrote the piece he played, and he also plays the  organ  and
paints well./

   [man-of-war] {n. phr.} 1. A  stinging  jellyfish  in  the  Gulf  of
Mexico. *  /"No  swimming  today,"  the  sign  said,  "as  we  have  a
man-of-war alert."/ 2. A large battleship displaying its national flag
or insignia. * /The shipwreck victims were picked up  by  an  American
man-of-war./ 3. The albatross bird. * /After several days  at  sea  we
noticed some men-of-war majestically sailing through the skies./

   [man-to-man] {adj.} Honest and full  in  the  telling;  not  hiding
anything embarrassing. * /Tom and his father  had  a  man-to-man  talk
about his smoking pot./ Compare: HEART-TO-HEART.

   [many] See: GOOD MANY or GREAT MANY, IN SO MANY WORDS, SO MANY.

   [many a] {adj.} Many (persons or things) -  Used  with  a  singular
noun. * /Many a boy learns to swim before he  can  read./  *  /I  have
spent many a day in his home./

   [many hands make light work] If many people work together,  even  a
hard job becomes easier. - A proverb. * /Come on boys, many hands make
light work. If we work together, we can finish painting the barn./

   [many is me] There are a great number of (persons or things);  many
are the (persons or things). - Used at the  beginning  of  a  sentence
with a singular noun. * /Many is the man I  have  lent  money  to./  *
/Many was the time I ate at that restaurant./ Compare: MANY A.

   [many moons ago] {adv. phr.} A long, long time ago. *  /Many  moons
ago, when I was young, I was able to dance all night./

   [map] See: PUT ON THE MAP.

   [map out] {v. phr.} To arrange; lay out;  plan.  *  /The  candidate
will meet with his campaign manager tomorrow to map out  his  campaign
strategy./

   [marble] See: HAVE ALL ONE'S BUTTONS or HAVE ALL ONE'S MARBLES.

   [March] See: MAD AS A HATTER or MAD AS A MARCH HARE.

   [march] See: STEAL A MARCH ON.

   [mare's nest] {n. phr.} Something that doesn't exist;  a  discovery
that proves to be worthless. * /He claims that  he  has  discovered  a
gasoline substitute but we suspect it will turn out  to  be  a  mare's
nest./

   [marine] See: TELL IT TO THE MARINES.

   [mark] See: MAKE ONE'S MARK, TOE THE LINE or TOE THE  MARK,  UP  TO
THE MARK at UP TO PAR(2), WALK THE CHALK or WALK  THE  CHALK  LINE  or
WALK THE CHALK MARK, WIDE OF THE MARK.

   [markdown] {n.} A reduction in price. * /Joan asked, "Do  you  like
my new sandals? They were markdowns at Marshall Field's."/

   [mark down] {v. phr.} 1. To lower  the  price.  *  /The  department
store marked down their prices on women's sandals./ 2. To give a  poor
grade to a student. * /Peter was marked down for his numerous spelling
errors./ 3. To make a written note of something. * /Here is  my  phone
number; mark it down./

   [marked man] {n. phr.} A man whose behavior has made him the object
of suspicion; a man whose life may be in danger. * /When Dave dared to
criticize the dictator openly, he became a marked man./

   [market] See: FLEA MARKET, IN THE MARKET FOR, ON THE  MARKET,  PLAY
THE MARKET.

   [mark off] {v. phr.} Mark with lines; lay out in sections.  *  /The
field will be marked off in accordance with the special  track  events
that will take place tomorrow./

   [mark one's words] {v. phr.} To pay close  attention  to  what  one
says;  an  emphatic  expression  indicating  prophecy.  *  /"It   will
certainly rain tomorrow," he said. "Mark my words."/

   [mark time] {v. phr.} 1. To  move  the  feet  up  and  down  as  in
marching, but not going forward. * /The officer made the soldiers mark
time as a punishment./ 2. To be idle; waiting for something to happen.
* /The teacher marked time until all the children were ready  for  the
test./ 3. To seem to be working or doing  something,  but  really  not
doing it. * /It was so hot that the workmen just marked time./

   [marry money] {v. phr.} To marry a rich person.  *  /Ellen  married
money when she became Hal's wife./

   [masking tape] {n.} A paper tape that is stuck around the edges  of
a surface being painted to keep the paint off the surface next to  it.
* /The painters put masking tape around the window frames to keep  the
paint off the glass./

   [masse] See: EN MASSE.

   [mast] See: NAIL ONE'S COLORS TO THE MAST.

   [master copy] {n.} 1. A perfect text to which all copies  are  made
to conform; a corrected version used as a standard by printers. * /The
master copy must be right, because if it isn't,  the  mistakes  in  it
will be repeated all through the edition./ 2.  A  stencil  from  which
other copies are made. * /Mr. Brown told his  secretary  to  save  the
master copy so that they could  run  off  more  copies  whenever  they
needed them./ * /The master copy was too light so many of  the  copies
didn't come out clear./

   [master key] {n. phr.} A key that opens a set of different locks. *
/The building janitor has a master key to all  of  the  apartments  in
this building./

   [mastermind] {v.} To create; direct; invent the  central  plan  for
several individuals to follow. *  /Lenin  masterminded  the  Bolshevik
Revolution in Russia./

   [mastermind] {n.} A person who  supplies  the  intelligence  for  a
project and/or undertakes its management. * /Winston Churchill was the
mastermind in the war against Hitler./

   [master of ceremonies] or [M.C.] or  [emcee]  {n.}  The  person  in
charge  of  introducing  the  various  participants  in  a   show   or
entertainment. * /Bob Hope was the M.C. of many memorable shows./

   [mat] See: WELCOME MAT IS OUT.

   [matter] See: FOR THAT MATTER,  LAUGHING  MATTER,  NO  MATTER,  THE
MATTER.

   [matter of course] {n. phr.} Something always done; the usual  way;
habit; rule. * /A was a matter of course for John to  dress  carefully
when he was meeting his wife./ * /Bank officers  ask  questions  as  a
matter of course when someone wants to borrow money./

   [matter of fact] {n. phr.} Something that is really true; something
that can be proved. * /The town records showed that it was a matter of
fact that the two boys were brothers./ * /It is a matter of fact  that
the American war against England was successful./  -  Often  used  for
emphasis in the  phrase  "as  a  matter  of  fact".  *  /I  didn't  go
yesterday, and as a matter of fact, f didn't go  all  week./  *  /Mary
wasn't wearing a blue dress. As a matter of fact,  she  hasn't  got  a
blue dress./ Compare: FOR THAT MATTER, IN FACT.  Contrast:  MATTER  OF
OPINION.

   [matter-of-fact] {adj.} 1. Simply telling or showing the truth; not
explaining or telling more. * /The  newspaper  gave  a  matter-of-fact
account of the murder trial./ 2. Showing little feeling or  excitement
or trouble; seeming not to care much. * /When Mary's father  died  she
acted in a very matter-of-fact way./ * /He was a  very  matter-of-fact
person./

   [matter of opinion] {n. phr.} Something that  may  or  may  not  be
true; something that people do not all agree on. * /Whether or not  he
was a good general is a matter of opinion./ Compare: MATTER OF FACT.

   [matter of  record]  {n.  phr.}  A  fact  or  event  that  is  kept
officially as a legal record. * /If you are convicted of  speeding  it
becomes a matter of record./ * /A  birth  certificate  or  a  marriage
license is a matter of record./

   [may] See: BE THAT AS IT MAY, COME WHAT MAY,  LET  THE  CHIPS  FALL
WHERE THEY MAY.

   [M.C.] or [emcee] {v.} To act as master of ceremonies at a show.  *
/The famous actor emceed the entire television show./

   [me] See: DEAR ME, PICK-ME-UP, SO HELP ME.

   [mean business] {v. phr.}, {informal} To decide strongly to do what
you plan to do; really mean it; be serious. * /The boss said he  would
fire us if we didn't work harder and he means business./ *  /When  she
went to college to study, she meant business./ * /He  just  liked  the
company of the other girls he dated, but this time he  seems  to  mean
business./

   [means] See: BY ALL MEANS, BY MEANS  OF,  BY  NO  MEANS,  WAYS  AND
MEANS.

   [means to an end] {n. phr.}  An  action  leading  to  some  end  or
purpose. * /Money for him was just a means  to  an  end;  actually  he
wanted power./

   [mean well] {v. phr.} To have good intentions.  *  /Fred  generally
means well, but he has a tendency to be tactless./

   [measure] See: BEYOND MEASURE, FOR GOOD  MEASURE,  MADE-TO-MEASURE,
TAKE ONE'S MEASURE or TAKE THE MEASURE OF.

   [measure off] {v. phr.} To mark by measuring. * /She  measured  off
three yards with which to make the new dress./

   [measure up] {v.} To be equal; be of fully high quality; come up. *
/John didn't measure up to the best catchers but he was a good one./ *
/Lois' school work didn't measure up to her ability./ Compare  up:  TO
PAR. Contrast: FALL SHORT.

   [meatball]  {n.},  {slang}  A   dull,   boring,   slow-witted,   or
uninteresting person. * /You'll never get an interesting story out  of
that meatball - stop inviting him./

   [medicine] See: TAKE ONE'S MEDICINE.

   [medium] See: STRIKE A HAPPY MEDIUM.

   [meet] See: MAKE ENDS MEET.

   [meet halfway] See: GO HALFWAY.

   [meeting] See: BEST BIB AND TUCKER or SUNDAY-GO-TO-MEETING CLOTHES.

   [meet one's death] {v. phr.} To die. * /Algernon met his death in a
car accident./

   [meet one's eye] {v. phr.} To be in plain view or come  into  plain
view; appear clearly or obviously. * /When John rounded  the  bend,  a
clear blue lake met his eye./ * /On a first reading  the  plan  looked
good, but there was more to it than met the eye./

   [meet one's match] {v.  phr.}  To  encounter  someone  as  good  as
oneself. * /The champion finally met his match and lost the game./

   [meet one's Waterloo] {v. phr.} To be defeated; lose  an  important
contest. * /After seven straight victories the team met its Waterloo./
* /John fought instead of running, and the bully  met  his  Waterloo./
(After Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo.)

   [meet up with] {v. phr.} To meet by  accident;  come  upon  without
planning or expecting to. * /When he ran around the tree, Bob suddenly
meet up with a large bear./ * /The family would have arrived on  time,
but they met up with a flat tire./

   [meet with] {v.} 1. To meet (someone), usually by accident.  *  /In
the woods he met with two strangers./ Syn.:  COME  UPON.  2.  To  meet
together, usually by plan; join; have  a  meeting  with.  *  /The  two
scouts met with the officers to talk about plans for the march./ 3. To
experience (as  unhappiness);  suffer  (as  bad  luck);  have  (as  an
accident or mishap). * /The farmer met with misfortune; his crops were
destroyed by a storm./ * /The traveler met with  an  accident  on  the
road./

   [melt] See: BUTTER WOULDN'T MELT IN  ONE'S  MOUTH,  MELT  IN  ONE'S
MOUTH.

   [melting pot] {n. phr.} A  country  where  different  nationalities
mingle and mix with the result that, in the  second  generation,  most
people speak the main language of the  country  and  behave  like  the
majority. * /It is no longer considered entirely true that the  United
States is a melting pot; many immigrants speak a second language./

   [melt in one's mouth] {v. phr.} 1. To be so tender as  to  seem  to
need no chewing. * /The chicken was so tender that it melted  in  your
mouth./ 2. To taste very good; be delicious.  *  /Mother's  apple  pie
really melts in your mouth./

   [memory] See: IN MEMORY OF.

   [mend] See: ON THE MEND.

   [mend one's fences] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do something  to  make
people like or  follow  you  again;  strengthen  your  friendships  or
influence. * /The senator  went  home  from  Washington  to  mend  his
fences./ * /John saw that his friends did not like him, so he  decided
to mend his fences./

   [mend one's ways] {v. phr.} To reform; change one's  behavior  from
negative to positive. * /He had better mend his ways or he'll wind  up
in jail./

   [mental telepathy] {n. phr.} The passing of one  person's  thoughts
to another without any discoverable talking  or  carrying  of  signals
between them. * /Mrs. Smith knew the moment her husband's ship sank on
the other  side  of  the  world.  It  seems  like  a  case  of  mental
telepathy./ * /Most or all men who practice mental telepathy on  stage
have  really  trained  themselves  to  detect  tiny  clues  from   the
audience./

   [mention] See: NOT TO MENTION.

   [meow] See: CAT'S MEOW.

   [mercy] See: AT THE MERCY OF.

   [mercy killing] {n. phr.} The  act  of  killing  a  terminally  ill
patient or animal in  order  to  avoid  further  suffering.  *  /Mercy
killing of humans is illegal  in  most  countries,  yet  many  doctors
practice it secretly./

   [merrier] See: MORE THE MERRIER.

   [merry] See: LEAD A MERRY CHASE, MAKE MERRY.

   [message] See: GET THE MESSAGE.

   [mess around] {v.  phr.}  1.  To  engage  in  idle  or  purposeless
activity. * /Come on, you guys, - start doing some  work,  don't  just
mess around all day!/ 2. {vulgar} To be promiscuous; to indulge in sex
with little discrimination as to who the partner is.  *  /Allen  needs
straightening out; he's been messing  around  with  the  whole  female
population of his class./ Compare: FOOL AROUND.

   [mess up] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. To  cause  trouble;  to
spoil something. * /What did you have to mess up my accounts for?/  2.
To cause someone emotional trauma. * /Sue will never get married;  she
got messed up when  she  was  a  teenager./  3.  To  beat  up  someone
physically. * /When Joe came in after the fight with the boys, he  was
all messed up./

   [method in (to) one's madness] {n. phr.} A plan or organization  of
ideas hard to perceive at first, but  that  becomes  noticeable  after
longer and closer examination. * /We thought he was crazy to  threaten
to resign from the university but, when he was offered a tenured  full
professorship, we realized that there had been method in his madness./

   [mickey mouse(1)] {adj.}, {slang} Inferior; second  rate;  chicken;
easy; gimmicky. * /Watch out for Perkins; he's full  of  mickey  mouse
ideas./

   [mickey mouse(2)] {n.} ({derogatory}) A stupid person; a policeman;
a white man (as used by blacks).

   [midair] See: UP IN THE AIR(2) also IN MIDAIR.

   [middle] See: CHANGE HORSES IN THE MIDDLE OF  THE  STREAM,  IN  THE
MIDDLE.

   [middle ground] {n.} A place halfway between the two  sides  of  an
argument; a compromise. * /John wanted to go running. Bill said it was
too hot. Tom took the middle ground and  suggested  a  hike./  *  /The
committee found a middle ground between the two proposals./

   [middleman]  {n.}  A  person  or  small  business  standing  in  an
intermediary position between two parties. * /A retail merchant is the
middleman between the factory and the consumer./

   [middle of the road] {n. phr.} A way of  thinking  which  does  not
favor one idea or thing too much; being halfway between two  different
ideas. * /The teacher did not support the boys or  the  girls  in  the
debate, but stayed in the middle of the road./

   [middle-of-the-road] {adj.} Favoring  action  halfway  between  two
opposite movements or ideas; with ideas halfway between  two  opposite
sides;  seeing  good  on  both  sides.  *  /The  men  who  wrote   the
Constitution followed a middle-of-the-road  plan  on  whether  greater
power belonged to the United States  government  or  to  the  separate
states./ * /Senator Jones favors a middle-of-the-road  policy  in  the
labor-management dispute./

   [midfield stripe] {n.} The line across the  center  of  a  football
field; the 50-yard line. *  /The  visitors  were  able  to  cross  the
midfield stripe once during the whole game./

   [midnight oil] See: BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL.

   [midstream] See: CHANGE HORSES IN  THE  MIDDLE  OF  THE  STREAM  or
CHANGE HORSES IN MIDSTREAM.

   [might] See: WITH MIGHT AND MAIN.

   [mighty] See: HIGH-AND-MIGHTY.

   [mile] See: GIVE ONE AN INCH AND HE WILL TAKE A MILE, JAW  DROP  or
JAW DROP A MILE, MISS BY A MILE, MISS IS AS GOOD AS A MILE.

   [mile markers] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio  jargon}  Small
signs along interstate highways  usually  bearing  a  number.  *  /The
Smokey is located at 131 mile marker./

   [miles away] {adj. phr.} Inattentive; not  concentrating.  *  /When
Betty said, "We have theater tickets for tonight," Ken didn't react as
his mind was miles away./

   [milk] See: CRY OVER SPILLED MILK.

   [mill] See: RUN-OF-THE-MILL, THROUGH THE MILL.

   [mill around] {v.  phr.}  To  move  impatiently  in  no  particular
direction. * /The crowd milled around, waiting for the arrival of  the
president./

   [million] See: FEEL LIKE A MILLION, LOOK LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS.

   [millstone around one's neck] {n. phr.} An  intolerable  burden.  *
/Max said that his old car was a millstone around his neck./  Compare:
MONKEY ON ONE'S BACK.

   [mince words] {v. phr.} To choose words carefully for the  sake  of
politeness or deception. *  /I  like  people  who  speak  frankly  and
truthfully without mincing words./

   [mind] See: CROSS ONE'S MIND or PASS THROUGH  ONE'S  MIND,  GIVE  A
PIECE OF ONE'S MIND, HALF A MIND, IN MIND, IN ONE'S MIND'S  EYE,  MAKE
UP ONE'S MIND, NEVER MIND, ON ONE'S MIND, OUT OF ONE'S HEAD or OUT  OF
ONE'S MIND, PUT IN MIND OF, READ ONE'S MIND.

   [mind like a steel trap] {n. phr.} A very quick  and  understanding
mind, which is quick to catch an idea. * /Henry is not fond of sports,
but he has a mind like a steel trap./ * /A successful lawyer must have
a mind like a steel trap./

   [mind one's own business] {v. phr.} To not interfere in the affairs
of others. * /He finally got tired of her criticism and  told  her  to
mind her own business./

   [mind one's p's and q's] {v. phr.} To be very careful what  you  do
or say; not make mistakes. * /When the principal of the school visited
the class the students all minded their p's and q's./ * /If  you  wish
to succeed you must mind your p's and q's./ (From the  old  U.S.  Navy
when sailors marked on a board in the bar how many Pints and Quarts of
liquor they had taken. It was bad manners to cheat.) Syn.: WATCH ONE'S
STEP.

   [mind-reader] See: READ ONE'S MIND.

   [mind  you]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  I  want  you  to  notice  and
understand. * /Mind you, I am not blaming him./

   [mine] See: BACK TO THE SALT MINES, RUN OF THE MILL or RUN  OF  THE
MINE.

   [mine of information] {n. phr.} A person, a book, etc., that  is  a
valuable source of information. * /A  dictionary  can  be  a  mine  of
information./ * /He is a mine of information on the stock market./

   [minority leader] {n. phr.} The leader of the political party  that
has fewer votes in a legislative house. * /The minority leader of  the
Senate supported the bill./ * /The minority leader  in  the  House  of
Representatives held a caucus./ Compare: MAJORITY LEADER.

   [mint money] See: COIN MONEY.

   [minutes of the meeting] {n. phr.} The notes taken by the recording
secretary; of an official body or an association recording of what was
said and transacted during the given session. * /"Shall we accept  the
minutes of our last meeting as read by the  secretary?"  the  chairman
asked./

   [misfire] {v.} To fail to appeal; fall flat. * /The standup comic's
jokes misfired with the  audience./  Compare:  GO  OVER  LIKE  A  LEAD
BALLOON.

   [miss] See: HEART SKIP A BEAT or HEART MISS A BEAT.

   [miss a trick] {v. phr.} To fail to see, hear, or notice  something
of even the slightest importance. * /He never misses a trick  when  it
comes to the stock market./

   [miss by a mile] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To shoot at something and
be far from hitting it; not hit near. * /Jack's first shot missed  the
target by a mile./ 2. To be very wrong; be  far  from  right.  *  /Lee
tried to guess on the examination, but his answers missed by a  mile./
3. To fail badly; not succeed at all.  *  /John  Brown  wanted  to  be
governor but in the election he missed by a mile./

   [missing link] n. 1.  Something  needed  to  complete  a  group;  a
missing part of a chain of things. * /A 1936  penny  was  the  missing
link in John's collection of pennies./ * /The detective hunted for the
fact that was the missing link in the case./  2.  An  unknown  extinct
animal that was supposed to be a  connection  between  man  and  lower
animals. * /The missing link would be half man and half ape./

   [miss is as good as a mile] It is the same if one fails  or  misses
something by much or by little. - A proverb. * /We thought Tom  had  a
home run but the ball went foul by inches. A miss  is  as  good  as  a
mile./

   [Missouri] See: FROM MISSOURI.

   [miss out] {v.}, {informal} To  fail;  lose  or  not  take  a  good
chance; miss something good. * /Jim's mother told him he missed out on
a chance to go fishing with his father because he came home  late./  *
/You missed out by not coming with us; we had a great time./  Compare:
LOSE OUT.

   [miss the boat] also [miss the bus] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  fail
through slowness; to put something off until too late;  do  the  wrong
thing and lose the chance. *  /Mr.  Brown  missed  the  boat  when  he
decided not to buy the house./ * /In college he didn't study enough so
he missed the boat and failed to pass./ * /Ted could have married Lena
but he put off asking her and missed the boat./

   [miss the point] {v. phr.} To be unable to comprehend  the  essence
of what was meant. * /The student didn't get a passing  grade  on  the
exam because, although he wrote three pages, he  actually  missed  the
point./

   [mistake] See: BY MISTAKE.

   [misty-eyed] or [dewey-eyed] {adj. phr.} 1. Having eyes  damp  with
tears; emotional. * /The teacher was misty-eyed when the  school  gave
her a retirement gift./ 2. Of the kind who cries easily;  sentimental.
* /The movie appealed to dewey-eyed girls./

   [mixed bag] {n. phr.} A varied set of people,  ideas,  objects,  or
circumstances, including both the good and the bad. * /This report  is
a mixed bag of opinions./ * /There was a mixed bag of  people  at  the
press conference./

   [mixed blessing] {n.} Something  good  that  has  bad  features.  *
/John's new bicycle was a mixed blessing. The other boys  were  always
asking John to ride it./

   [mixed up] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Confused  in  mind;  puzzled.  *
/Bob was all mixed up after the accident./  Compare:  BALL  UP(1).  2.
Disordered; disarranged; not neat. * /The  papers  on  his  desk  were
mixed  up./  3.  {informal}  Joined  or  connected  (with  someone  or
something bad). * /Harry was mixed up in a fight after  the  game./  *
/Mary's father told her not to get mixed up  with  the  students  that
always break school rules./

   [mix up] {v.} To confuse; make a mistake about.  *  /Jimmy  doesn't
know colors yet; he mixes up purple with blue./  *  /Even  the  twins'
mother mixes them up./ Compare: MIXED UP.

   [molehill] See: MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL.

   [moment] See: ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT.

   [Monday] See: BLUE MONDAY.

   [money] See: COIN MONEY or MINT MONEY, EASY  MONEY,  FOOL  AND  HIS
MONEY ARE SOON PARTED, FOR LOVE OR MONEY,  IN  THE  CHIPS  or  IN  THE
MONEY, MADE OF MONEY, MARRY MONEY, PUT  ONE'S  MONEY  ON  A  SCRATCHED
HORSE, RUN FOR ONE'S MONEY, SEE THE COLOR  OF  ONE'S  MONEY,  SPENDING
MONEY or POCKET MONEY.

   [money burns a hole in one's pocket] See:  BURN  A  HOLE  IN  ONE'S
POCKET.

   [money is no object] {informal sentence} The price of something  is
irrelevant. * /Please show me your most beautiful mink coat; money  is
no object./

   [money to burn] {n. phr.}, {informal} Very much money, more than is
needed. * /Dick's uncle died and left him money to burn./ * /When  Joe
is twenty-one he will have money to burn./ * /Jean is  looking  for  a
husband with money to burn./ Compare: MADE OF MONEY.

   [monkey] See: GREASE MONKEY, MAKE A FOOL OF or MAKE A MONKEY OF.

   [monkey around] See: FUCK AROUND, HORSE AROUND, MESS AROUND.

   [monkey business]  {n.},  {slang},  {informal}  1.  Any  unethical,
illegitimate, or objectionable activity that is furtive or  deceitful,
e.g., undercover sexual advances, cheating, misuse  of  public  funds,
etc. * /There is a lot of monkey business going on in that firm; you'd
better watch out who you deal with!/  2.  Comical  or  silly  actions;
goofing off. * /Come on boys, let's cut out the  monkey  business  and
get down to work!/

   [monkey on one's back] {n. phr.}, {informal} An unsolved or nagging
problem. * /"My math course  is  a  real  monkey  on  my  back,"  Jack
complained./ Compare: ALBATROSS AROUND ONE'S  NECK,  MILLSTONE  AROUND
ONE'S NECK.

   [monkey wrench] See: THROW A MONKEY WRENCH.

   [monster] See: GREEN-EYED MONSTER.

   [month in, month out] See: DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

   [month of Sundays] {n. phr.}, informal A very long time. - Used for
emphasis after "for" or "in" and usually with a negative  verb.  *  /I
have not had devil's food cake in a month of Sundays./ * /When he  got
her first letter, he felt that he had not heard from her for  a  month
of Sundays./ Syn.: DOG'S AGE.

   [moon] See: ASK FOR THE MOON or CRY FOR THE MOON, DARK OF THE MOON,
FULL OF THE MOON, ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, PROMISE THE MOON.

   [moonshine] {n.} Illegally distilled  alcoholic  beverage  made  at
home, mostly on a farm. * /Grandpa is at it again in the barn,  making
moonshine out of plums./

   [mop the floor with] or [mop up the floor with] or [wipe the  floor
with] or [wipe up the floor with] {v. phr.}, {slang}  To  defeat  very
clearly or quickly; to beat badly. * /The bully threatened to  mop  up
the floor with Billy./ * /Our team wiped the floor with  the  visiting
team./

   [mop up] {v. phr.} To disperse  or  liquidate  isolated  groups  or
detachments of opposing forces. * /Our forces won the basic battle but
there still remain pockets of resistance they must mop up./

   [mop up the floor with] See: MOP THE FLOOR WITH.

   [more] See: BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW.

   [more often  than  not]  {adv.  phr.}  More  than  half  the  time;
fifty-one or more times out of  a  hundred;  not  quite  usually,  but
fairly regularly. * /Nancy comes over  on  Saturday  more  often  than
not./ * /Ben is a fairly good runner. He wins more often than not./

   [more or less] {adv. phr.} 1. Somewhat; rather; mostly;  fairly.  *
/Earl made some mistakes on the test, but his  answers  were  more  or
less right./ * /Ed is more or less  intelligent./  *  /Betty  believes
more or less in fairies./ Compare: IN A WAY.  2.  About;  nearly;  not
exactly, but almost. * /The new building cost more or  less  what  the
builder figured./ * /It is a mile, more or less, from his home to  the
school./ * /He has wanted to date her more or less since he first  saw
her./ Compare: OR SO.

   [more than] {adv.} Over what you might expect; very. *  /They  were
more than glad to help./ * /He was more than upset by  the  accident./
Contrast: LESS THAN.

   [more than one can chew] See: BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW.

   [more than one could shake a stick at] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Very
many; a great many; more than you can count. * /There were more people
at the game  than  you  could  shake  a  stick  at./  *  /I  had  more
assignments for homework than I could shake a stick at./

   [more the merrier] {n. phr.} The more people who join in  the  fun,
the better it will be. - Used in welcoming more people to join  others
in some pleasant activity. * /Come with us on the boat ride; the  more
the merrier./

   [morning after] {n.}, {slang} The effects  of  drinking  liquor  or
staying up late as felt the next morning; a hangover. *  /One  of  the
troubles of drinking too much liquor is the  morning  after./  *  /Mr.
Smith woke up with a big headache and knew it was the morning after./

   [Moses] See: HOLY CATS or HOLY MOSES.

   [moss] See: ROLLING STONE GATHERS NO MOSS.

   [most] See: AT MOST, MAKE THE MOST OF.

   [mother] See: TIED TO ONE'S MOTHER'S APRON STRINGS.

   [motion] See: GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS.

   [mountain] See: MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL.

   [mouse] See: PLAY CAT AND MOUSE WITH.

   [mouth] See: BORN WITH  A  SILVER  SPOON  IN  ONE'S  MOUTH,  BUTTER
WOULDN'T MELT IN ONE'S MOUTH, BY WORD OF MOUTH, DOWN IN THE  DUMPS  or
DOWN IN THE MOUTH, FOAM AT THE MOUTH, HEART IN ONE'S MOUTH, KEEP ONE'S
MOUTH SHUT, LAUGH ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH, LEAVE A BAD  TASTE
IN ONE'S MOUTH, LIVE FROM HAND TO MOUTH, LOOK  A  GIFT  HORSE  IN  THE
MOUTH, MAKE ONE'S MOUTH WATER, MELT IN ONE'S MOUTH, PUT ONE'S FOOT  IN
IT or PUT ONE'S FOOT IN ONE'S MOUTH, PUT WORDS INTO ONE'S MOUTH, SHOOT
OFF ONE'S MOUTH, STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S  MOUTH,  TAKE  THE  BIT  IN
ONE'S MOUTH, TAKE THE BREAD OUT OF ONE'S MOUTH.

   [mouthful] See: SAY A MOUTHFUL.

   [mouth-watering] {adj.} Smelling or looking very good to eat. * /It
was a mouth-watering meal./

   [move] See: GET A MOVE ON, ON THE MOVE.

   [move a muscle] {v. phr.} To move even a very  little.  -  Used  in
negative sentences and questions and with  "if".  *  /The  deer  stood
without moving a muscle until the hunter was gone./ * /The girls  were
so startled that they did not move a muscle./ * /You're sitting  right
where you were when I left! Have you moved a muscle?/  *  /The  robber
said he would shoot the bank worker if he moved a muscle./

   [move heaven and earth] {v. phr.} To try every way;  do  everything
you can. * /Joe moved heaven and earth  to  be  sent  to  Washington./
Compare: LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED.

   [move  in  on]  {v.  phr.},  {slang},  {colloquial}  To  take  over
something that belongs to another. * /He moved in on my girlfriend and
now we're not talking to each other./

   [movement] See: LABOR MOVEMENT.

   [moving spirit] {n. phr.} The main figure behind a business  or  an
activity; the one who inspires the others. * /Mr. Smith is the  moving
spirit behind our expansion plans./

   [much] See: AS MUCH AS, FOR AS MUCH AS, MAKE MUCH OF, SO  MUCH,  SO
MUCH FOR, THINK A GREAT DEAL OF or THINK MUCH OF.

   [much as] See: AS MUCH AS(1).

   [much less] {conj.} And also not; and even less able or likely  to.
- Used after a negative clause. * /I never even spoke to the man, much
less insulted him./ * /John couldn't even pick up the box,  much  less
carry it upstairs./ * /George can hardly understand  arithmetic,  much
less algebra./ Compare: LET ALONE, NOT TO MENTION.

   [mud] See: NAME IS MUD, STICK-IN-THE-MUD.

   [mud in your eye] {n. phr.}, {informal} A cheering exclamation when
people drink, much like "cheers!" * /Each time John raised  his  glass
he said, "Well, here's mud in your eye!"/

   [mug shot] {n. phr.}  A  police  photograph  showing  the  arrested
person's full face and profile. * /"Go over these mug shots," Sergeant
O'Malley said, "and tell me if you find the person  who  held  up  the
liquor store!"/

   [Muhammad] See: IF THE HILL WON'T COME TO MUHAMMAD,  THEN  MUHAMMAD
MUST COME TO THE HILL.

   [mull over] {v. phr.} To consider; think over. *  /He  mulled  over
the offer for some time, but finally rejected it./

   [mum is the word] You must keep the secret; keep silent; don't tell
anyone. - Often used as an interjection. * /We are planning a surprise
party for John and mum is the word./ * /"Mum is the word!" the  robber
captain told his men./

   [murder] See: SCREAM BLOODY MURDER.

   [muscle] See: MOVE A MUSCLE.

   [muscle-bound] {adj.} Having your muscles large,  hard,  and  tight
from too much exercising; having muscles so  developed  that  you  can
hardly move. * /Bob was big and strong, but he was  muscle-bound,  and
Bill could beat him./ * /An athlete must train properly so as  not  to
become muscle-hound./

   [muscle in on] {v. phr.} To intrude; penetrate; force oneself  into
another's business or territory. * /The eastern Mafia  muscled  in  on
the western Mafia's turf and a shooting war was started./

   [music] See: FACE THE MUSIC.

   [musical chairs] {n. phr.} (Originally the  name  of  a  children's
game.) The transfer of a number of officers in  an  organization  into
different jobs, especially each other's jobs. *  /The  boss  regularly
played musical chairs with department heads to keep them fresh on  the
job./

   [music to one's ears] {n. phr.} Something  one  likes  to  hear.  *
/When the manager phoned to say I got the job,  it  was  music  to  my
ears./

   [mustard] See: CUT THE MUSTARD.

   [muster] See: PASS MUSTER.

   [my God] or [my  goodness]  {interj.}  Used  to  express  surprise,
shock, or dismay. * /My God! What happened to the car?/

   [my lips are sealed] {informal sentence} A promise  that  one  will
not give away a secret. * /"You can tell me  what  happened,  "  Helen
said. "My lips are sealed."/





   [nail] See: HARD AS NAILS, HIT THE NAIL  ON  THE  HEAD,  TOOTH  AND
NAIL.

   [nail down] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  make  certain;  make  sure;
settle. * /Joe had a hard time selling his car, but he finally  nailed
the sale down when he got his friend Sam to give him $300./ * /The New
York Yankees nailed down the American League  Championship  when  they
beat the Red Sox 3 to 0 on September 15./

   [nail one's colors to the mast] {literary}  To  let  everyone  know
what you think is right and refuse to change. * /During  the  election
campaign the candidate nailed his colors to the mast on  the  question
of civil rights./

   [name] See: CALL NAMES, HANDLE TO ONE'S NAME, IN NAME,  TAKE  ONE'S
NAME IN VAIN, TO ONE'S NAME.

   [name calling] See: CALL NAMES.

   [named after] {adj.  phr.}  Given  the  same  name  as  someone.  *
/Archibald was named after his father./

   [name day] {n.} The day of the saint for whom a person is named.  *
/Lawrence's name day is August 10, the feast of St. Lawrence./

   [namedropper]  {n.  phr.}  A  person  who  is   always   mentioning
well-known names. * /Since her move to  Hollywood  she  has  become  a
regular namedropper./

   [name is mud] {informal} (You) are in trouble; a person  is  blamed
or no longer liked. - Used in the possessive.  *  /If  you  tell  your
mother I spilled ink on her rug my name will be  mud./  *  /Your  name
will be mud if you tell the teacher  about  the  bad  thing  we  did./
Compare: IN THE DOG HOUSE.

   [name of the game] {n.}, {informal} The crux of  the  matter;  that
which actually occurs under the disguise of something else. * /Getting
medium income families to support the rest of  society  -  that's  the
name of the game!/

   [narrow down] {v. phr.} To limit within very strict margins. *  /Of
the numerous applicants, the list has been narrowed  down  to  just  a
few./

   [narrow escape] {n. phr.} An escape by a very small margin; a  near
miss. * /If the truck that hit his car  had  been  coming  faster,  it
would have killed him; it was certainly a narrow escape that  he  only
had a broken arm!/

   [narrow-minded] {adj. phr.} Limited in outlook;  resistant  to  new
ideas; bigoted. * /He is generally very  open  about  everything,  but
when it comes to politics, he is terribly narrow-minded./

   [nary a] {informal}  Not  a  single;  not  one;  never  a.  *  /One
afternoon a large dark cloud came in the sky. John  thought  it  would
rain so he took his raincoat - but nary a drop  fell./  *  /John  went
fishing but he caught nary a one./

   [nasty-nice] {adj.} Unkind in  a  polite  way;  disagreeable  while
pretending to be gracious. * /The bus driver has a nasty-nice  way  of
showing his dislike./

   [natural] See: BIG AS LIFE or BIG AS LIFE AND TWICE AS NATURAL.

   [natural-born] {adj.} 1. Being a (citizen) because you were born in
the country. * /Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt came to the  United  States  from
Germany  and  are  naturalized  citizens  but   their   children   are
natural-born  citizens./  2.  Born  with  great  ability   to   become
(something); having great ability (as in a sport or art)  almost  from
the start. * /Joe had never played baseball before trying out for  the
team but he showed that he was a natural-born pitcher  and  he  became
the best in the league./ * /Mozart was  a  natural-born  musician.  He
could play the piano well when he was only six years old./

   [nature] See: SECOND NATURE.

   [naught] See: GO FOR NOTHING also GO FOR NAUGHT.

   [near] See: FAR AND NEAR.

   [near at hand] See: AT HAND.

   [necessity] See: MAKE A VIRTUE OF NECESSITY, OF NECESSITY.

   [neck] See: BREATHE DOWN ONE'S NECK, BREAK ONE'S NECK, CATCH IT  IN
THE NECK or GET IT IN THE NECK, PAIN IN THE  NECK,  SAVE  ONE'S  NECK,
STICK ONE'S NECK OUT.

   [neck and neck] {adj. or adv.}, {informal} Equal or nearly equal in
a race or contest; abreast; tied. * /At the end of the  race  the  two
horses were neck and neck./ * /For months John and Harry seemed to  be
neck and neck in Alice's favor./ Compare: NIP AND TUCK.

   [neck of the woods] {n. phr.},  {informal}  Part  of  the  country;
place; neighborhood; vicinity. * /We visited Illinois  and  Iowa  last
summer; in that neck of the woods the corn really grows tall./  *  /We
were down in your neck of the woods last week./

   [necktie party] {n.}, {slang} A  hanging  by  a  mob;  lynching.  *
/Cattle thieves were stealing the rancher's cattle,  but  the  cowboys
caught them and had a necktie party./ Compare: STRING UP.

   [ned] See: RAISE THE DEVIL.

   [needle] See: ON PINS AND NEEDLES.

   [needle in a haystack] {n. phr.}, {informal} Something that will be
very hard to find. * /"I lost my class ring  somewhere  in  the  front
yard," said June. Jim answered, "Too bad. That will be like finding  a
needle in a haystack."/

   [neither fish nor  fowl]  also  [neither  fish,  flesh,  nor  fowl]
Something or someone that does not belong to a definite group or known
class; a strange person or thing; someone or something odd or hard  to
understand. * /The man is neither fish nor fowl; he votes Democrat  or
Republican according to which will do him  the  most  good./  *  /Mrs.
Harris bought a piece of furniture that was both a table and a  chair.
Mr. Harris said it was neither fish nor fowl./ * /The movie is neither
fish nor fowl; it is a funny love story./

   [neither here nor there] {adj. phr.} Not  important  to  the  thing
being discussed; off the subject; not mattering. *  /Perhaps  you  did
stay up late finishing your homework. That's neither here  nor  there.
You still must come to school on time./ * /The boys all like the coach
but that's neither here nor there; the question is, "Does he know  how
to teach football?"/ Compare: BESIDE THE POINT. Contrast: HAVE  TO  DO
WITH, COME TO THE POINT.

   [neither hide nor hair] See: HIDE OR HAIR.

   [neither rhyme nor reason] {n. phr.} No emotional  or  intellectual
substance. * /As far as I am concerned, his proposal makes  no  sense;
it has neither rhyme nor reason./

   [Nellie] See: NICE NELLY or NICE NELLIE, NERVOUS NELLIE.

   [Nelly] See: NICE NELLY or NICE NELLIE, NERVOUS NELLIE.

   [nerve] See: GET ON ONE'S NERVES, GET UP THE NERVE.

   [nervous breakdown] {n.} A mild or severe attack of mental illness;
a collapse of a person's ability to make decisions and solve  problems
because of overwork, great mental strain, or the  like.  *  /When  the
mother saw her baby run over, she suffered a nervous breakdown./

   [Nervous  Nellie]  {n.},  {informal}  A  timid  person  who   lacks
determination and courage. * /I say we will never win if we don't stop
being Nervous Nellies!/

   [nervous prostration] {n.} An illness of the mind  that  makes  you
feel very tired, worried, and bored, and that often causes  headaches,
upset stomach, and other sickness. * /Aunt Jane said that taking  care
of  us  children  all  day  was  enough  to  give  any  woman  nervous
prostration./

   [nest] See: FEATHER ONE'S NEST, STIR UP A HORNET'S NEST.

   [nest egg] {n.} Savings set aside to be used in the future. * /Herb
says he doesn't have to worry about his old age because he has a  nest
egg in the bank./

   [never] See: BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, IT NEVER RAINS BUT  IT  POURS,
LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME PLACE.

   [never mind] {v. phr.} Don't trouble about it;  don't  worry  about
it; forget it; skip it. - Usually used in  speaking  or  when  writing
dialogue. * /Never  mind  preparing  a  picnic  lunch;  we'll  find  a
lunchstand when we get to the beach./ *  /"What  did  you  say?"  "Oh,
never mind."/ * /"What about money?" "Never mind that. I'll take  care
of it."/

   [never say die] {v. phr.}  Don't  quit;  don't  be  discouraged.  *
/"Never say die!" John said, as he got on his feet and  tried  to  ice
skate again./

   [new] See: TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.

   [new blood] {n.} Something or someone that gives new life or vigor,
fresh energy or power. * /New  blood  was  brought  into  the  company
through appointment of younger men to important positions./

   [new broom sweeps clean] A new  person  makes  many  changes.  -  A
proverb. * /The new superintendent has  changed  many  of  the  school
rules. A new broom sweeps clean./

   [Newcastle] See: CARRY COALS TO NEWCASTLE.

   [new deal] {n.}, {informal} 1. A complete change; a fresh start.  *
/People had been on the job too long; a new deal  was  needed  to  get
things out of the old bad habits./ 2. Another chance. * /The boy asked
for a new deal after he had been punished for fighting in school./

   [newfangled]  {adj.}  Newly  invented  or  contrived;   excessively
complex. * /Dorothy  felt  that  many  newfangled  gadgets  in  Kate's
all-electric kitchen weren't really necessary./

   [new leaf] See: TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.

   [new lease on life] {n. phr.} A new chance  to  live;  an  improved
manner of living. * /After his illness and his retirement,  living  in
Hawaii was a new lease on life./

   [new man] {n.} A person who has become very much  better.  *  /Diet
and exercise made a new man of him./

   [new money] {n. phr.} People  who  have  become  rich  recently.  *
/Since Bobby's father invented a new computer component, Bobby and his
family are new money./ Contrast: OLD MONEY.

   [newshawk] {n.} A newspaper reporter. * /There are always a lot  of
newshawks following the president./

   [next door] {adv.} or  {adj.}  1.  In  or  to  the  next  house  or
apartment. * /He lived next door to me./ * /She telephoned  next  door
to ask about John./ * /The house  next  door  caught  fire./  2.  Very
close. - Used with "to". * /The sick man was next door  to  death./  *
/Printing secrets  about  our  country's  missiles  is  next  door  to
treason./

   [next to(1)] {adv.} Almost; nearly. * /It was next to impossible to
believe that in a month the grass would be green and flowers would  be
blooming./ * /It was next to unthinkable that the boy would steal./

   [next to(2)] {prep.} Just after; second to. * /Next to his  family,
baseball was his greatest love./ * /Next to pizza, Bob liked hamburger
best./

   [next to nothing] {n. phr.} Very little; almost  nothing.  *  /They
gave me next to nothing for my old car when I traded it in for  a  new
one./ * /When he first started to  work,  Mr.  Black  earned  next  to
nothing./

   [nice Nelly(1)] or [nice Nellie] {n.}, {informal} Someone who  acts
too good to be true; a prude; a prig. * /We took him for a nice  Nelly
when he wouldn't fight./

   [nice Nelly(2)] or [nice Nellie] {adj.}, {informal} Too careful not
to say or do anything wrong or improper; too proper; prudish.  *  /Her
nice Nelly behavior made her unpopular at school./

   [Nick] See: FULL OF THE OLD NICK.

   [nick] See: IN THE NICK OF TIME.

   [nigger in the woodpile] {n. phr.},  {slang}  Something  unexpected
that changes a situation; a hidden  factor  or  trick.  -  Racist  and
offensive, but commonly used in the past. * /I knew there had to be  a
nigger in the woodpile, because the man was being much too  generous./
* /When the salesman gave him an extra tire  for  his  bike,  the  boy
suspected a nigger in the woodpile./

   [night] See: FLY-BY-NIGHT, MAKE A NIGHT OF IT.

   [night and day] See: DAY AND NIGHT.

   [nightcap] {n.} A good-night  drink;  a  drink  taken  just  before
bedtime. * /Let's have a nightcap and then go to sleep./ * /Would  you
like to come up to my place for a nightcap?/

   [night letter] {n.} A telegram sent at night at a cheaper rate  and
delivered in the morning. * /I waited until after six o'clock  in  the
evening before sending the telegram home because I can  say  more  for
the same price in a night letter./

   [night life] {n. phr.} Entertainment at night.  *  /People  in  the
city are able to find more night life  than  those  who  live  in  the
country./

   [night owl] {n. phr.} One who sleeps during the day and stays up or
works during the night. * /Tom hardly ever sleeps at night; he prefers
to work by lamp light and has become a regular  night  owl./  Compare:
GRAVEYARD SHIFT.

   [nine] See: CAT HAS NINE LIVES, ON CLOUD NINE.

   [nine-to-five job] {n. phr.} A typical office job that starts at  9
A.M. and ends at 5 P.M. with a one-hour lunch break at 12  noon  or  1
P.M. * /We professors are not too well paid but I could never get used
to a nine-to-five job./

   [ninety] See: GAY NINETIES.

   [nip and tuck] {adj. or  adv.},  {informal}  Evenly  matched;  hard
fought to the finish. * /The game was nip  and  tuck  until  the  last
minute./ * /A was a nip and tuck race right to  the  finish  line./  *
/The two salesmen fought nip and tuck for the contract all  the  way./
Compare: NECK AND NECK.

   [nip in the bud] {v. phr.} To check at the outset; prevent  at  the
start; block or destroy in the beginning. *  /The  police  nipped  the
plot in the bud./ * /The teacher nipped the disorder in the bud./

   [no account(1)] {adj.} Of  no  importance.  *  /The  lowly  clerk's
opinion is of no account in this matter./

   [no account(2)] {n. phr.} A person of low social station.  *  /Fred
was first considered a no account but he soon proved himself to  be  a
person of great ability./

   [nobody] See: IT'S AN ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NOBODY GOOD.

   [nobody home] {slang} 1. Your attention is somewhere else,  not  on
what is being said or done here; you are absent-minded. * /The teacher
asked him a question three times but he still looked out  the  window.
She gave up, saying, "Nobody  home."/  2.  You  are  feeble-minded  or
insane. * /He pointed to the woman, tapped his head, and said, "Nobody
home."/

   [nobody's fool] {n. phr.} A smart person; a person who  knows  what
he is doing; a person  who  can  take  care  of  himself.  *  /In  the
classroom and  on  the  football  field,  Henry  was  nobody's  fool./
Contrast: BORN YESTERDAY.

   [nod] See: LAND OF NOD.

   [nodding acquaintance] {n.} Less than  casual  acquaintance.  *  /I
have  never  spoken  to  the  chancellor;  we  have  only  a   nodding
acquaintance./

   [no deal] or [no dice] or [no go] or [no sale] or [no soap] {slang}
Not agreed to; refused or useless;  without  success  or  result;  no;
certainly not. - Used in the  predicate  or  to  refuse  something.  *
/Billy wanted to let Bob join the team, but I said that it was no deal
because Bob was too young./ * /"Let me  have  a  dollar."  "No  dice!"
answered Joe./ * /I tried to get Mary on the telephone but it  was  no
go./ * /"Let's go to the beach tomorrow." "No sale, I  have  my  music
lesson tomorrow."/ * /I asked Dad for a new  bicycle  but  it  was  no
soap./ Compare: NOTHING DOING, NO USE.

   [no doubt] {adv.} 1. Without doubt; doubtless; surely; certainly. *
/No doubt Susan was the smartest girl in her class./  2.  Probably.  *
/John will no doubt telephone us if he comes to town./

   [no end] {adv.}, {informal} 1. Very much; exceedingly. *  /Jim  was
no end upset because he  couldn't  go  swimming./  2.  Almost  without
stopping; continually. * /The baby cried no end./

   [no end to] or {informal} [no end of] So many, or so much of, as to
seem almost endless; very many or very much. * /There was  no  end  to
the letters pouring into the post office./  *  /Bob  and  Dick  became
close friends and had no end of fun together./

   [no frills] {n. phr.} A firm or product that offers  no  extras;  a
generic product that carries no expensive label. * /We went  on  a  no
frills trip to Europe with few luxuries./

   [noggin] See: USE ONE'S HEAD or USE ONE'S NOGGIN.

   [no go] See: NO DEAL.

   [no good] {adj. phr.} Not satisfactory; not adequate; not approved.
* /"That's no good," I told him when he began to cry./ *  /He  was  no
good at arithmetic./ * /He tried appealing to the man's pride, but  it
did no good./

   [no great shakes] {adj.}, {informal} Mediocre; unimportant. *  /Joe
Wilson is no great shakes./

   [no hard feelings] {n. phr.} A lack of resentment or anger; a state
of peace and forgiveness. * /"No hard feelings," he said. "You  should
feel free to make constructive criticism any time."/

   [no kidding] {n. phr.} Without jokes or teasing; honestly spoken. *
/"You actually  won  the  lottery?"  Dick  asked.  "No  kidding,"  Joe
replied. "I really did."/

   [no longer] {adv.} Not any more; not at the  present  time.  *  /He
could no longer be trusted and they had to let him go./ *  /The  shore
was no longer in sight./

   [no love lost] {n. phr.} Bad feeling; ill will.  *  /Bob  and  Dick
both wanted to be elected captain of the team, and there was  no  love
lost between them./ * /There was no love lost between  the  sales  and
the accounting departments./

   [no matter] 1. Not anything important.  *  /I  wanted  to  see  him
before he left but  it's  no  matter./  2.  It  makes  no  difference;
regardless of. * /She  was  going  to  be  a  singer  no  matter  what
difficulties she met./ * /He had to get the car fixed  no  matter  how
much it cost./ * /No matter what you try to do, it is important to  be
able to speak well./ * /You can't go in no  matter  who  you  are./  *
/Mary wanted to get to school on time, no matter if she  went  without
breakfast./

   [no matter what] {adv. phr.} Under any circumstances. * /We will go
to Europe this summer, no matter what./ * /Charles had decided  to  go
to the football game and he felt he must go no matter what./  Compare:
COME HELL OR HIGH WATER.

   [nonce] See: FOR THE TIME BEING also FOR THE NONCE.

   [none] See: HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NONE, HAVE NONE OF.

   [none too] {adv.} Not very; not at all. * /The doctor arrived  none
too soon as Lucy's fever was alarmingly high./

   [nonsense] See: STUFF AND NONSENSE.

   [nonstarter] {n.} An idea, plan, or project that doesn't work or is
obviously no good. * /His plan to start a  new  private  school  is  a
nonstarter because he is unable to organize anything./

   [noodle] See: USE ONE'S HEAD or USE ONE'S NOODLE.

   [no picnic] {n. phr.} Something arduous;  something  that  requires
great effort to  accomplish.  *  /It  is  no  picnic  to  climb  Mount
Everest./ Contrast: A PIECE OF CAKE, A CINCH, EASY AS APPLE PIE.

   [nor] See: NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL, NEITHER HERE NOR  THERE,  NEITHER
HIDE NOR HAIR.

   [no sale] See: NO DEAL.

   [nose] See: COUNT HEADS or COUNT NOSES, CUT OFF ONE'S NOSE TO SPITE
ONE'S FACE, FOLLOW ONE'S NOSE, GO INTO A TAIL SPIN or GO INTO  A  NOSE
DIVE, HARD-NOSED, KEEP ONE'S  NOSE  CLEAN,  KEEP  ONE'S  NOSE  TO  THE
GRINDSTONE, LEAD BY THE NOSE, LOOK DOWN ONE'S NOSE AT,  ON  THE  NOSE,
PAY THROUGH THE NOSE, PUT ONE'S NOSE OUT OF JOINT,  SEE  BEYOND  ONE'S
NOSE, SKIN OFF ONE'S NOSE, THUMB ONE'S NOSE, TURN UP  ONE'S  NOSE  AT,
UNDER ONE'S NOSE.

   [nose about] or [nose around] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  look  for
something kept private or secret; poke about; explore; inquire; pry. *
/In Grandmother's attic, Sally spent a while nosing about in  the  old
family pictures./ * /The detective was  nosing  around  in  the  crowd
looking for pickpockets./

   [nose down] {v.}, {of an aircraft} To head  down;  bring  down  the
nose of. * /The big airliner began to nose down for a landing./ * /The
pilot nosed the plane down toward the runway./

   [nose in(1)] or  [nose  into(1)]  {informal}  Prying  or  pestering
interest in; unwelcome interest in; impolite curiosity. *  /He  always
had his nose in other people's business./ Contrast: NOSE OUT OF.

   [nose in(2)] or [nose into(2)] {v.} To move in close;  move  slowly
in with the front first. * /The ship nosed into the pier./ * /The  car
nosed into the curb./

   [nose in a book] {n. phr.} Busy interest in reading. - Used with  a
possessive. * /Mother can't get Mary to help  do  the  housework;  she
always has her nose in a book./

   [nose is out of joint] See: PUT ONE'S NOSE OUT OF JOINT.

   [nose out] {v.},  {informal}  1.  To  learn  by  effort  (something
private or secret); uncover. * /The  principal  nosed  out  the  truth
about the stolen examination./ 2. To defeat by a nose length; come  in
a little ahead of in a race or contest. * /The horse  we  liked  nosed
out the second horse in  a  very  close  finish./  *  /The  Democratic
candidate nosed out his rival for Congress by a few hundred votes./

   [nose out of] {informal} Curious attention;  bothering.  -  Usually
used with a possessive and usually used with  "keep".  *  /When  Billy
asked his sister where she was going she told him to keep his nose out
of her business./ Contrast: NOSE IN.

   [nose over] {v.} To turn over on the nose  so  as  to  land  upside
down. * /The airplane made a faulty landing approach and nosed over./

   [nose up] {v.} To head up; incline the forward  end  upwards;  move
up. * /The airplane nosed up through the cloud  bank./  *  /The  pilot
nosed the plane up from the field./

   [no-show] {n.}, {informal} A person who makes a reservation,  e.g.,
at a hotel or at an airline, and then neither claims nor cancels it. *
/The airlines were messed up because of  a  great  number  of  no-show
passengers. /

   [no sooner --- than] As soon as; at once when; immediately when.  *
/No sooner did he signal to turn than the other car turned in front of
him./ * /No sooner were the picnic baskets unpacked than it  began  to
rain./

   [no spring chicken] {n. phr.} A person who is no  longer  young.  *
/Even though she is no spring chicken anymore, men  still  turn  their
heads to look at her./

   [no sweat(1)]  {adj.},  {slang},  {informal}  Easily  accomplished,
uncomplicated. * /That job was no sweat./

   [no sweat(2)] {adv.} Easily. * /We did it no sweat./

   [not a few] See: QUITE A FEW.

   [not a leg to stand on] {n. phr.},  {informal}  No  good  proof  or
excuse; no good evidence or defense to offer. * /The man  with  a  gun
and $300 in his pocket was accused of robbing an oil station.  He  did
not have a leg to stand on./

   [not a little] See: QUITE A LITTLE.

   [not  all  there]  {adj.  phr.}  Not  completely  alert   mentally;
absentminded; not together. * /Bill is a wonderful guy but he is  just
not all there./

   [not at all] See: AT ALL.

   [not bad] or [not so bad] or  [not  half  bad]  {adj.},  {informal}
Pretty good; all right; good enough. * /The party last night  was  not
bad./ * /It was not so bad, as inexpensive vacations go./ * /The  show
was not half bad./

   [not by a long shot] See: BY A LONG SHOT.

   [not by any means] See: BY NO MEANS.

   [notch] See: TIGHTEN ONE'S BELT.

   [note] See: COMPARE NOTES, TAKE NOTE OF.

   [not for all the coffee in Brazil] or  [not  for  all  the  tea  in
China] or [not for anything in the world ] or [not for love or  money]
See: NOT FOR THE WORLD.

   [not for the world] or [not for worlds]  {adv.  phr.}  Not  at  any
price; not for anything. * /I  wouldn't  hurt  his  feelings  for  the
world./ * /Not for worlds would he let his children go hungry./

   [not half bad] See: NOT BAD.

   [not have anything on] See: HAVE NOTHING ON.

   [not have the heart to] {v. phr.} To not be insensitive or cruel. *
/My boss did not have the heart to lay off  two  pregnant  women  when
they most needed their jobs./

   [nothing] See: GO FOR NOTHING, HAVE NOTHING ON, HERE GOES  NOTHING,
IN NO TIME or IN NOTHING FLAT, NOT TO MENTION or TO SAY NOTHING OF.

   [nothing doing] {adv. phr.}, {informal} I will not do it; certainly
not; no indeed; no. * /"Will you lend me a dollar?" "Nothing  doing!"/
* /"Let's go for a boat ride!" "Nothing doing!"/ Compare: NO DEAL.

   [nothing if not] {adv. phr.} Without doubt; certainly. * /With  its
bright furnishings, flowers,  and  sunny  windows,  the  new  hospital
dayroom is nothing if not cheerful./

   [nothing like] See: ANYTHING LIKE.

   [nothing of the kind] {adv. phr.} On the contrary. * /"Did you quit
your job?" he asked. "No, I did nothing of the kind," she answered./

   [nothing short of] {adv. phr.} Absolutely; thoroughly;  completely.
* /Olivier's performance in Hamlet was nothing short of magnificent./

   [nothing succeeds like success] Success in one thing makes  success
in other things easier; people like a successful person. - A  proverb.
* /The girls all like Bob because  he  is  football  captain.  Nothing
succeeds like success./

   [nothing to it] {adj. phr.} Presenting no serious challenge; easily
accomplished. * /Once you learn how to tread water, swimming is really
easy; there is nothing to it./ Compare: EASY AS APPLE PIE, A CINCH,  A
PIECE OF CAKE.

   [nothing to sneeze at] See: SNEEZE AT.

   [notice] See: SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE, TAKE NOTE OF or  TAKE  NOTICE
OF.

   [not in the least] {adv. phr.} Not at all. * /She was  not  in  the
least interested in listening to a long lecture on ethics./

   [notion] See: HALF A MIND also HALF A NOTION, TAKE INTO ONE'S  HEAD
or TAKE A NOTION.

   [not know which way to turn] or [not know which way  to  jump]  {v.
phr} To be puzzled about getting out of a difficulty; not know what to
do to get out of trouble. * /When Jane missed the last bus  home,  she
didn't know which way to turn./ * /After Mr. Brown  died,  Mrs.  Brown
had no money to pay the bills. When the landlord told her to  pay  the
rent or move out, she didn't know which way to jump./

   [not let any grass grow under one's feet] See: LET GRASS GROW UNDER
ONE'S FEET.

   [not one's cup of tea] See: CUP OF TEA.

   [not one's scene] See: CUP OF TEA.

   [not on your life] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Certainly not; not ever;
not for any reason. - Used for emphasis. * /I  wouldn't  drive  a  car
with brakes like that - not on your life./ * /Did he thank me  for  my
advice? Not on your life./

   [not see beyond one's nose] See: SEE BEYOND ONE'S NOSE.

   [not so bad] See: NOT BAD.

   [not so hot] or [not too hot] {adj.  phr.}  Ineffective;  not  very
good. * /His plans to rebuild the house in a hurry  obviously  weren't
so hot./

   [not the only fish in the sea] {n. phr.} One of many; not the  only
one of the kind; not the only one available. * /He said he could  find
other girls - she was not the only fish in the sea./ Compare: NOT  THE
ONLY PEBBLE ON THE BEACH.

   [not the only pebble on the beach] {n. phr.} Not the only person to
be considered; one of many. * /George was acting pretty self-important
and we finally had to tell him that he wasn't the only pebble  on  the
beach./ Compare: NOT THE ONLY FISH IN THE SEA.

   [not the  thing]  {n.  phr.}  Not  the  accepted  form  of  action;
something socially improper. * /It is simply not  the  thing  to  wear
blue jeans to the opera./

   [not to get to first base]  {v.  phr.}  To  fail  to  make  initial
progress; have no success at all. * /I tried various ways to make Mary
interested in me as a potential husband, but I couldn 't even  get  to
first base./

   [not to give one the time of day] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To
dislike someone strongly enough so as to totally ignore  him.  *  /Sue
wouldn't give Helen the time of day./

   [not to give quarter] {v. phr.} 1. To be utterly unwilling to  show
mercy; not to allow a weaker or defeated  party  the  chance  to  save
themselves through escape. *  /The  occupying  foreign  army  gave  no
quarter - they took no  prisoners,  shot  everyone,  and  made  escape
impossible./ 2. To argue so forcefully during a negotiation  or  in  a
court of law as  to  make  any  counter-argument  or  counter-proposal
impossible. * /The District Attorney hammered away  at  the  witnesses
and gave no quarter to the attorney for the defense./

   [not to know one from Adam] {v. phr.} To  not  know  a  person;  be
unable to recognize someone. * /I have no idea who that  guy  is  that
Jane just walked in with; I don't know him from Adam./

   [not to know the  first  thing  about]  {v.  phr.}  To  be  totally
ignorant about a certain issue. * /Al assured us that he  didn't  know
the first thing about Mary's whereabouts./

   [not to know what to make of] {v. phr.} To be unable  to  decipher;
be unable to identify; not know how to decide  what  something  really
is. * /I got a mysterious letter asking me to meet Santa  Claus  at  6
P.M. at the supermarket. Is this a joke? I don't know what to make  of
it./

   [not to know whether one is  coming  or  going]  {v.  phr.}  To  be
completely confused. * /He was so perplexed he didn't know whether  he
was coming or going./ Compare: AT SEA(2).

   [not to lift a finger] {v. phr.}  To  not  help  in  the  slightest
degree.  *  /"My  husband  won't  lift  a  finger  to  help  me,"  she
complained, "although we have 12 people coming for dinner."/

   [not to mention] or [not to  speak  of]  or  [to  say  nothing  of]
Without ever needing to speak of; in addition to; besides. -  Used  to
add something to what you have said or explained. * /Dave is  handsome
and smart not to mention being a good athlete./  *  /They  have  three
fine sons, not to speak of their two lovely daughters./ * /Sally takes
singing and dancing lessons to say  nothing  of  swimming  and  tennis
lessons./ Compare: LET ALONE, TO SPEAK OF.

   [not to speak of] See: NOT TO MENTION.

   [not to touch (something)  with  a  ten-foot  pole]  {v.  phr.}  To
consider something completely undesirable or  uninteresting.  *  /Some
people won't touch spinach with a ten-foot pole./ * /Kids who wouldn't
touch an encyclopedia with a ten-foot pole love  to  find  information
with this computer program./

   [not worth a dime] See: NOT WORTH A TINKER'S DAMN.

   [not worth a hill of beans] See: NOT WORTH A TINKER'S DAMN.

   [not worth a red cent] See: NOT WORTH A TINKER'S DAMN.

   [not worth a tinker's damn] or not [worth  a  tinker's  dam]  {adj.
phr.}, {informal} Not worth anything; valueless. * /As a bricklayer he
was not worth a tinker's damn./ * /I am not familiar with the  subject
so my opinion would not be worth a tinker's dam./

   [no two ways about it] {n. phr.} No other choice; no alternative. *
/The boss said there were no two ways about it; we would all  have  to
work late to finish the job./

   [no use] {n.} 1. No purpose; no object; no gain. * /There's no  use
in crying about your broken bicycle./ * /Bob said, "Let's try  again."
Dick answered, "It's no use."/ 2. Bad opinion; no respect; no  liking.
- Usually used after "have". * /He had no use for dogs after a dog bit
him./ * /Jimmy had no use for arithmetic because it was hard for him./

   [no use crying over spilled milk] or  [no  use  crying  over  spilt
milk] See: CRY OVER SPILLED MILK.

   [now] See: EVERY NOW AND THEN or EVERY NOW AND AGAIN, HERE AND NOW,
JUST NOW.

   [now and then] or [now  and  again]  {adv.  phr.}  Not  often;  not
regularly; occasionally; sometimes. * /Now and then he goes to a  ball
game./ * /The maid broke a dish now and then./ Syn.:  AT  TIMES,  FROM
TIME TO TIME, ONCE IN A WHILE. Compare: EVERY NOW AND  THEN,  OFF  AND
ON.

   [nowhere] See: OUT OF NOWHERE.

   [nowhere near] See: ANYTHING LIKE.

   [now --- now] {coord. adv.} Sometimes... sometimes;  by  turns;  at
one time... then at another. - Often used  with  adjectives  that  are
very different or opposite, especially to show change. * /The  weather
changed every day; it was now hot,  now  cool./  *  /The  band  played
different songs, now fast, now slow; now soft, now loud./ * /Billy ran
so quickly he seemed to be all over the field; he was now here and now
there./

   [no way] {adv.} Not at all; never; under no  circumstances.  *  /Do
you think I will do the house chores alone? No way!/

   [no wonder] also  [small  wonder]  {adj.}  Not  surprising;  to  be
expected. * /It is no wonder that  the  children  love  to  visit  the
farm./ * /The Browns didn't go  to  the  fair.  Small  wonder  -  they
dislike large noisy crowds./

   [now or never] {adv. phr.} Exclusively at the present time. * /Mike
said, "Now that Paul has resigned, there is a perfect place  for  you.
It is now or never!"/

   [now that] {conj.} Since; because;  now.  *  /Now  that  dinner  is
ready, wash your hands./ * /You came early, but now that you're  here,
take off your coat./ Syn.: INASMUCH AS.

   [nth] See: TO THE NTH DEGREE.

   [nuisance] See: PUBLIC NUISANCE.

   [nuke] {v.} To fix any meal in a microwave oven. * /When we are  in
a hurry, we nuke some beef./

   [nuke a tater] {v. phr.} 1. To bake a potato in a microwave oven. *
/"We have no time for standard baked potatoes in the oven," she  said.
"We'll just have to nuke a tater."/

   [null and void] {adj.} Not worth anything; no longer valid. * /Both
the seller and  the  buyer  agreed  to  forget  about  their  previous
contract and to consider it null and void./

   [number] See: A NUMBER, ANY NUMBER, DAYS ARE  NUMBERED,  GET  ONE'S
NUMBER, HOT NUMBER, QUITE A FEW or QUITE A NUMBER.

   [number among] {v. phr.} Consider as one of; consider to be a  part
of. * /I number Al among my best friends./

   [number one(1)] or [Number One(1)] {n. phr.}, {informal}  Yourself;
your own interests; your private or selfish advantage. Usually used in
the phrase "look out for number one". * /He was  well  known  for  his
habit of always looking out for number one./

   [number one(2)]  {adj.  phr.}  1.  Of  first  rank  or  importance;
foremost; principal. * /He is easily America's number one golfer./  2.
Of first grade; of top quality; best. * /That is  number  one  western
steer beef./

   [nurse] See: VISITING NURSE.

   [nurse a drink] {v. phr.}, {informal} To hold a drink in one's hand
at a party, pretending to be drinking it  or  taking  extremely  small
sips only. * /John's been nursing that drink all evening./

   [nurse a grudge] {v. phr.} To keep a feeling  of  envy  or  dislike
toward some person; remember something bad that a person said  or  did
to you, and dislike the person because  of  that.  *  /Torn  nursed  a
grudge against John because John took  his  place  on  the  basketball
team./ * /Mary nursed a grudge against her teacher because she thought
she deserved a better grade in English./

   [nursing home] See: CONVALESCENT HOME.

   [nut] See: HARD NUT TO CRACK or TOUGH NUT TO CRACK.

   [nut case] {n. phr.} A very silly, crazy, or foolish person.  *  /I
am going to be a nut case if I don't go on a vacation pretty soon./

   [nuts about] See: CRAZY ABOUT.

   [nuts and bolts of] {n. phr.} The basic facts or important  details
of something. * /"Ted will he an excellent  trader,"  his  millionaire
grandfather  said,  "once  he  learns  the  nuts  and  bolts  of   the
profession."/

   [nutshell] See: IN A NUTSHELL.

   [nutty as a fruitcake] {adj. phr.}, {slang}  Very  crazy;  entirely
mad. * /He looked all right, as we watched him approach, but  when  he
began to talk, we saw that he was as nutty as a fruitcake./






   [oak] See: GREAT OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW.

   [oars] See: REST ON ONE'S OARS.

   [oath] See: TAKE OATH.

   [oats] See: FEEL ONE'S OATS, SOW ONE'S WILD OATS.

   [obey the call of nature] See: ANSWER THE CALL OF NATURE.

   [occasion] See: ON OCCASION.

   [occupy oneself] {v. phr.} To make oneself  busy  with.  *  /Having
retired  from  business,  he  now  occupies  himself  with  his  stamp
collection./

   [oddball] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} An eccentric  person;  one  who
doesn't act like everyone else. * /John  is  an  oddball  -  he  never
invites anyone./

   [odd jobs] {n. phr.} Work that is not steady or regular in  nature;
small, isolated tasks. * /Dan does odd jobs for his neighbors,  barely
making enough to eat./

   [odds] See: BY ALL ODDS.

   [odds and ends] {n. phr.} Miscellaneous items; remnants.  *  /After
the great annual clearance sale there were only a few  odds  and  ends
left in the store./

   [odds are against] {v. phr.}  The  likelihood  of  success  is  not
probable; the chances of success are poor. * /The odds are against her
getting here before Monday./

   [odds-on] {adj.}, {informal} Almost certain; almost sure; probable.
* /Ed is the odds-on choice for class president, because he  has  good
sense and good humor./

   [of age] {adj. phr.} 1a. Old enough to be allowed to do  or  manage
something. * /Mary will be of  driving  age  on  her  next  birthday./
Contrast: OVER AGE, UNDER AGE. 1b. Old  enough  to  vote;  having  the
privileges of adulthood. * /The age at which one is considered of  age
to vote, or of age to buy alcoholic drinks, or of age to be prosecuted
as an adult, varies within the United  States./  2.  Fully  developed;
mature. * /Education for the foreign born came of age  when  bilingual
education was accepted as  a  necessary  part  of  the  public  school
system./

   [of a piece] {adj. phr.} Of the same kind; in line. - Usually  used
with "with". * /His quitting the job is of a piece with  his  dropping
out of school./

   [of course] {adv. phr.} 1. As you would expect; naturally.  *  /Bob
hit Herman, and Herman hit him back, of  course./  *  /The  rain  came
pouring down, and of course the track meet was canceled./ 2. Without a
doubt; certainly; surely. * /Of course you know that  girl;  she's  in
your class./

   [off a duck's back] See: LIKE WATER OFF A DUCK'S BACK

   [off-again,  on-again]  or  [on-again,  off-again]   {adj.   phr.},
{informal} Not settled; changeable; uncertain. * /John and  Susan  had
an off-again, on-again romance./  *  /I  don't  like  this  off-again,
on-again business. Are we going to have the party or not?/

   [off and on] also [on and off] {adv.} Not regularly;  occasionally;
sometimes. * /Joan wrote to a pen  pal  in  England  off  and  on  for
several years./ * /It rained off and on all  day./  -  Sometimes  used
with hyphens like an adjective. * /A worn-out cord may make a  hearing
aid work in an off-and-on way./ Compare: BY FITS AND STARTS, FROM TIME
TO TIME, NOW AND THEN.

   [off balance] {adj. phr.} 1. Not in balance; not able to  stand  up
straight and not fall; not able to keep from turning over or  falling;
unsteady. * /Never stand up in a canoe; it will get  off  balance  and
turn over./ * /Paul  was  speeding  along  on  his  bicycle,  when  an
unexpected hole in the road caught him off balance and he fell  over./
2. Not prepared; not ready; unable to  meet  something  unexpected.  *
/Our quarterback kept the other team off  balance  by  changing  often
from line plays to passes and  tricky  end  runs./  *  /The  teacher's
surprise test caught the class off balance, and nearly everyone got  a
poor mark./

   [off base] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Not agreeing with fact; wrong. *
/The idea that touching a toad causes warts is off base./ * /When  Tom
said that the teacher's explanation did not agree with the  book,  the
teacher was embarrassed at being caught off base./

   [offbeat] {adj.}, {informal} Nonconventional;  different  from  the
usual; odd. * /Linguistics used to be an offbeat field,  but  nowadays
every self-respecting university has a linguistics department./

   [off center] {adv. phr.} Not exactly in the middle.  *  /Mary  hung
the picture off center, because it was more interesting that way./

   [off-center] {adj.}, {informal} Different from the  usual  pattern;
not quite like most others; odd. * /Roger's sense of humor was  a  bit
off-center./ Compare: OFF-KEY.

   [off-color] or [off-colored] {adj.} 1. Not of  the  proper  hue  or
shade;  not  matching  a  standard  color  sample.  *  /The  librarian
complained that the painter had used an off-color green on the walls./
2. {informal} Not of the proper kind for polite society; in bad taste;
dirty. * /When Joe finished his off-color story, no one was pleased./

   [off day] {n. phr.} A period when one is not functioning at his  or
her best; a period of weakness. * /The champion was  obviously  having
an off  day;  otherwise  she  would  have  been  able  to  defeat  her
opponent./ Contrast: DAY OFF.

   [off duty] {adj.} Not supposed to be at work; having free time; not
working. * /Sailors like to go sight-seeing, when they are off duty in
a foreign port./ * /It seems that all the taxis in New  York  are  off
duty whenever it rains./ - Often used with hyphens, before a  noun.  *
/The bank robber was captured by an off-duty policeman./ Contrast:  ON
DUTY.

   [off feed] or [off one's feed] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Not  feeling
well; lacking in vitality; droopy; moody. *  /Mary  was  worried;  her
canary was off feed./ * /Jerry seemed to be off his feed; he  did  not
joke and laugh with the others./

   [off (one/he/she/it) goes!] {v. phr.} Said of a person, a  vehicle,
or a memorable thing who/which has started leaving or moving, both  as
a  statement  of  fact  (declarative  assertion)  or  as   a   command
(imperative). * /When the boat hit the water in the  formal  launching
ceremony, they cried out simultaneously, "Off she goes!"/

   [off guard] {adj.} In a careless  attitude;  not  alert  to  coming
danger; not watching. * /In the second that the boxer was  off  guard,
his opponent landed a knockout punch./ * /Timmy s question caught Jean
off guard, and she told him the secret before she knew it./  Contrast:
ON GUARD.

   [offhand] {adj.} 1. Informal; casual; careless. * /Dick found Bob's
offhand manner  inappropriate  for  business./  2.  In  an  improvised
fashion. * /Offhand, I would guess that at least five thousand  people
attended the festival./

   [off in a flash] See: IN A FLASH.

   [off-key] {adj.}, {informal} 1. Not proper; queer. *  /When  George
told jokes at the funeral, everyone thought his action  was  off-key./
2. In a false key. * /John always  sings  off-key./  Compare:  OUT  OF
LINE.

   [off limits] See: OUT OF BOUNDS.

   [off one's back] {adj. phr.} 1. {informal} Stopped  from  bothering
one; removed as an annoyance or pest. * /"Having a kid brother  always
following me is a nuisance," Mary told her mother. "Can't you get  him
off my back?"/ * /The singer was so popular  with  teenagers  that  he
took a secret vacation, to keep them off his back./ Contrast: ON ONE'S
BACK(2). See: GIVE THE SHIRT OFF ONE'S BACK.

   [off one's chest] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Told to  someone  and  so
not bothering you anymore; not  making  you  feel  worried  or  upset,
because you have talked about it. * /After  Dave  told  the  principal
that he had cheated on the test, he was glad because it  was  off  his
chest./ * /Father felt that  Tom  wasn't  helping  enough  around  the
house, so he got it off his chest by giving Tom a list  of  things  to
do./ Compare: MAKE A CLEAN BREAST OF. Contrast: ON ONE'S CHEST.

   [off one's feet] See: KNOCK OFF ONE'S FEET, SWEEP OFF ONE'S FEET.

   [off one's hands] {adv. phr.} No longer in your care or possession.
* /Ginny was glad to have the sick dog taken  off  her  hands  by  the
doctor./ Contrast: ON ONE'S HANDS.

   [off one's head] {adj. phr.} Crazy; mad. * /We had  no  doubt  that
the old man was off his head when we saw him  jumping  into  the  lake
with his winter coat on./

   [off one's high horse] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. Not acting  proud
and scornful; humble and agreeable. * /The girls were so kind to Nancy
after her mother died that she came down off her high horse  and  made
friends with them./ 2. Acting friendly again; not angry and unpleasant
any more; agreeable. * /Sally wouldn't speak to anyone  all  afternoon
because she couldn't go to the movies, but she's off  her  high  horse
now./ Contrast: ON ONE'S HIGH HORSE.

   [off one's nut] See: OFF ONE'S HEAD.

   [off one's rocker] or [off one's trolley] {adj.  phr.},  {informal}
Not thinking correctly; crazy; silly;  foolish.  *  /Tom  is  off  his
rocker if he thinks he can run faster than Bob can./ * /If  you  think
you can learn to figure skate in one lesson, you're off your trolley./
Syn.: OUT OF ONE'S HEAD.

   [off one's trolley] See: OFF ONE'S ROCKER.

   [off season] See: LOW SEASON. Contrast: HIGH SEASON, ON SEASON.

   [offshoot] {n.} A derivative; a side product. * /The  discovery  of
nuclear reactors was ah offshoot of research in quantum physics./

   [off  the  air]  {adj.  phr.}  Not  broadcasting;  observing  radio
silence. * /The talk show is off the air on Wednesdays and Fridays./

   [off the bat] See: RIGHT AWAY or RIGHT OFF THE BAT.

   [off the beam] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. (Of an airplane) Not in the
radio beam that marks the path to follow between airports;  flying  in
the wrong direction. * /A radio signal tells the pilot of an  airplane
when his plane is off the beam./ 2. {slang} Wrong; mistaken.  *  /Maud
was off the beam when she  said  that  the  girls  didn't  like  her./
Contrast: ON THE BEAM.

   [off the beaten track] {adv. phr.} Not well known  or  often  used;
not gone to or seen by many people; unusual. * /The theater is off the
beaten track./ * /We are looking for a vacation spot that is  off  the
beaten track./ Compare: OUT OF THE WAY.

   [off the cuff] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Without preparing  ahead  of
time what you will, say; without preparation. * /Some presidents  like
to speak off the cuff to newspaper  reporters  but  others  prefer  to
think questions over and write their answers./

   [off-the-cuff] {adj.}, {informal} Not prepared  ahead  of  time.  -
Used of a speech or remarks. * /Jack was  made  master  of  ceremonies
because he was a good off-the-cuff speaker./

   [off the ground] See: GET OFF THE GROUND.

   [off the handle] See: FLY OFF THE HANDLE.

   [off the hog] See: LIVE HIGH OFF THE HOG.

   [off the hook] {adv. phr.} Out of trouble; out  of  an  awkward  or
embarrassing situation. * /Thelma found she had made two dates for the
same night; she asked Sally to get her off the hook by going out  with
one of the boys./

   [off  the  record(1)]  {adv.  phr.}  Confidentially.  *  /"Off  the
record," the boss said, "you will get a good raise for next year,  but
you'll have to wait for the official letter."/ Contrast: ON RECORD, GO
ON RECORD, JUST FOR THE RECORD.

   [off the record(2)] {adj.  phr.}  Not  to  be  published  or  told;
secret; confidential. * /The president told the reporters his  remarks
were strictly off the record./ - Sometimes used with  hyphens,  before
the noun. * /The governor was  angry  when  a  newspaper  printed  his
off-the-record comments./

   [off the top of one's  head]  {adv.}  or  {adj.  phr.},  {informal}
Without thinking hard; quickly. * /Vin answered the teacher's question
off the top of his head./ * /When Lorraine was asked  to  recite,  she
talked off the top of her head./

   [off the wagon] {adj. phr.}, {slang} No longer  refusing  to  drink
whiskey or other alcoholic beverages;  drinking  liquor  again,  after
stopping for a while. * /When a heavy drinker  quits  he  must  really
quit. One little drink of whiskey is  enough  to  drive  him  off  the
wagon./ Contrast: ON THE WAGON.

   [off the wall] {adj. phr.} Strange; out of the ordinary; stupid.  *
/He has been making off-the-wall remarks all day;  something  must  he
the matter with him./

   [of it] See: WHAT OF IT.

   [of late] {adv. phr.}, {formal} In the recent past; not long ago; a
short time ago; lately; recently. * /There have  been  too  many  high
school dropouts of late./

   [of necessity] {adv. phr.} Because there is no other  way;  because
it must be; necessarily. * /Being a professional  actor  of  necessity
means working nights and Sundays./

   [of no avail] See: TO NO AVAIL.

   [of old(1)] {adj. phr.} Of ancient times; of long ago.  *  /Knights
of old had to wear armor in battle./

   [of old(2)] {adv. phr.} From earlier experience. * /You  won't  get
any money from Freddie. I know him of old./

   [of oneself] See: GIVE OF ONESELF.

   [of one's life] {adj. phr.} The best or worst; greatest. -  Usually
describing a time or effort. * /At Disneyland, Tommy had the  time  of
his life./ * /His race for the presidency was the political  fight  of
his life./

   [of one's own accord] or [of  one's  own  free  will]  {adv.  phr.}
Without suggestion or help  from  anyone  else;  without  being  told;
voluntarily. * /On her mother's birthday, Betsy did the dishes of  her
own accord./ * /But Johnny hates baths. I can't believe he would  take
one of his own free will./

   [of one's own free will] See: OF ONE'S OWN ACCORD.

   [of service] {adj. phr.} Valuable as  a  source  of  aid;  helpful;
useful. * /When a  visitor  seems  lost  or  confused,  the  courteous
student will ask "May I be of service?"/ * /A good jackknife is  often
of service to a camper./

   [of sorts] or [of a sort] {adj. phr.} Not especially good; not very
good; of common quality. * /Joel was a magician of sorts, and  popular
at parties./

   [often] See: EVERY NOW AND THEN or EVERY SO OFTEN, MORE OFTEN  THAN
NOT.

   [of die devil] See: SPEAK OF THE DEVIL AND HE APPEARS.

   [of the first water] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Of the finest quality;
superior; very good; best. * /The jeweler chose diamonds of the  first
water for the queen's crown./ * /The dance program at  graduation  was
of the first water./ Compare: FIRST-CLASS.

   [of the same mind] {adv. phr.} In agreement; in consonance.  *  /It
is a good thing when father and son are of  the  same  mind  regarding
business and politics./

   [oil] See: POUR OIL ON TROUBLED WATERS.

   [oil the wheels] See: GREASE THE WHEELS.

   [ointment] See: PLY IN THE OINTMENT.

   [old] See: CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK,  COMFORTABLE  AS  AN  OLD  SHOE,
COMMON AS AN OLD SHOE, OF OLD.

   [old as the hills] {adj. phr.} Very old; ancient.  *  /"Why  didn't
you laugh?" she asked. "Because that joke is as old as the hills,"  he
answered./

   [old boy network] {n. phr.} A system whereby men who  went  to  the
same school help each other to get  good  jobs,  regardless  of  their
ability or training. * /Peter got his lucrative job thanks to the  old
boy network rather than because of his qualifications./  Compare:  OLD
COLLEGE TRY.

   [old boy] or [old chap] {n.}, {chiefly  British}  One  of  the  men
educated at the same institution and bound by strong ties  of  loyalty
to each other. * /He got the job because  the  boss  was  another  old
boy./

   [old college try] {n. phr.} An attempt to win a favor from  another
by mentioning the fact that one  had  gone  to  the  same  college  or
university as the party from whom the favor is requested. * /Since  he
needed a job, he decided to use the old college try when he  contacted
Jerry, but it didn't work./ Compare: OLD BOY NETWORK.

   [old country] {n. phr.} Primarily  Europe,  but  also  any  country
other than the United States where one originally came from.  *  /Al's
wife was born in Chicago but Al  himself  is  from  the  old  country,
Ireland./

   [old flame] {n. phr.} An erstwhile lover. * /Did you know that  Meg
was one of Howard's old flames?/

   [old guard] {n. phr.} People whose ideas may be out  of  date,  but
who have been in power for a long time.  *  /There  will  not  be  any
change in policy at the company, as long as the old guard still  works
here./

   [old hand] {n. phr.} An experienced and highly  skilled  expert  at
some particular job. * /Uncle Joe is an  old  hand  at  repairing  car
engines./

   [old hat] {adj.}, {informal} Old-fashioned; not new or different. *
/By now, putting satellites in orbit is old hat to space  scientists./
* /Andrea thought her mother's ideas about dating were old hat./

   [old maid] {n. phr.} A spinster; a woman who has never  married.  *
/Because my old maid aunt is a terrific cook as well as a good-looking
woman, nobody understands why she never married./

   [old money] Contrast: NEW MONEY.

   [Old Nick] See: FULL OF THE OLD NICK.

   [old school tie] See: OLD BOY NETWORK, OLD COLLEGE TRY.

   [old story] {n.}  An  everyday  occurrence;  something  that  often
happens. * /Jane's temper tantrums were an old story./ * /It's an  old
story when a woman divorces her husband for too much drinking./

   [old-timer] {n.} An old person who remembers bygone days,  matters,
and personalities. * /There was an old-timer at the party who told  us
interesting details about World War  II./  Contrast:  OLD  GUARD,  OLD
HAND.

   [old world] {n. phr.} Europe, the continent; a continental  manner.
* /Tom had an  old  world  manner  that  thoroughly  charmed  all  the
ladies./ Compare: OLD COUNTRY.

   [olive branch] {n. phr.} An overture; a symbol of peace.  *  /Tired
of the constant fighting, the majority government  extended  an  olive
branch to the militant minority./

   [on account] {adv. phr.} As part payment of a debt; to  lessen  the
amount owed. * /John paid $10 down and $5 on account  each  month  for
his bicycle./

   [on account of] {prep.} As a result of; because of. *  /The  picnic
was held in the gym  on  account  of  the  rain./  Compare:  ON  ONE'S
ACCOUNT, OF ONE'S OWN ACCORD.

   [on a dime] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a very small space.  *  /Bob
can turn that car on a dime./ * /Tom says his new sports car will stop
on a dime./

   [on-again, off-again] See: OFF-AGAIN, ON-AGAIN.

   [on air] See: WALK ON AIR.

   [on a limb] See: OUT ON A LIMB.

   [on all four] See: HIT ON ALL FOUR.

   [on all fours] {adv. phr.} 1. On all four legs; on hands and knees.
* /Fido sat up to "beg" but dropped down on all fours to eat  the  dog
biscuit Sam gave him./ * /Billy's father got down  on  all  fours  and
gave the baby a ride./ 2. {informal} On a level of  equality;  of  the
same value. * /Wigs may be widely used, but they are still not on  all
fours with beautiful natural hair./

   [on an average] or [on the average]  {adv.  phr.}  In  most  cases;
usually. * /On an average Dan's mother has  to  ask  him  three  times
before he helps with the dishes./ * /On the average, Mr. Blank  trades
in his car for a new one every three years./

   [on and off] See: OFF AND ON.

   [on an even keel] {adv. phr,}, {informal} In a well-ordered way  or
condition; orderly. * /When the football rally seemed almost ready  to
become a riot, the principal stepped to the platform  and  got  things
back on an even keel./

   [on a pedestal] {adv. phr.} Lovingly honored and cared for. * /Mrs.
Raymond's children served her breakfast in bed  on  Mother's  Day  and
later took her out to dinner. She felt on  a  pedestal./  *  /Bill  is
always waiting on his fiancee and bringing her flowers and  candy.  He
has certainly put her on a pedestal./

   [on approval] {adv. phr.} With the understanding that the thing may
be refused. * /Mr. Grey bought his camera on approval./ * /The company
offered to send a package of stamps on approval./

   [on a scratched horse] See: PUT ONE'S MONEY ON A SCRATCHED HORSE.

   [on a shoestring] {adv. phr.} With little money to spend; on a very
low budget. * /The couple was seeing Europe on a shoestring./

   [on a volcano] See: SIT ON A VOLCANO.

   [on behalf of] See: IN BEHALF OP.

   [on board(1)] {prep.} On (a ship). * /Joan was  not  on  board  the
ship when it sailed./

   [on board(2)] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} On a ship. * /The  captain  was
not on board when the S.S. Flandre sailed./ * /A ship was leaving  the
harbor, and we saw the people on board waving./

   [on borrowed time] See: LIVE ON BORROWED TIME.

   [on call] {adj. phr.} 1. Having to be paid on demand. * /Jim didn't
have the money ready even though he knew the bill  was  on  call./  2.
Ready and available. * /This is Dr. Kent's day to be on  call  at  the
hospital./ * /The nurse is on call for emergency cases./

   [once] See: AT ONCE, EVERY NOW AND THEN or EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE.

   [once and for all] {adv. phr.} 1. One time and never again; without
any doubt; surely; certainly; definitely. * /Let me say, for once  and
for all, you may not go to the party Saturday./ * /For  once  and  for
all, I will not go swimming with you./ 2. Permanently. * /Bill and Tom
asked the teacher to settle the argument once and  for  all./  *  /The
general decided that two bombs would destroy the enemy and end the war
once and for all./

   [once bitten, twice shy] See: BURNT CHILD DREADS THE FIRE.

   [once for all] See: ONCE AND FOR ALL.

   [once in a blue moon] {adv. phr.} Very rarely; very seldom;  almost
never. * /Coin collecting is interesting, hut you find a valuable coin
only once in a blue moon./ * /Once in a blue moon someone grows a very
pale marigold, but no truly white marigolds have been raised./

   [once in a while] {adv. phr.} Not often; not regularly;  sometimes;
occasionally. * /We go for a picnic in the park once in  a  while./  *
/Once in a while the puppy would run away, but usually  he  stayed  in
the yard./ Syn.: AT TIMES, FROM TIME TO TIME, NOW AND THEN.

   [once-over] {n.}, {slang} 1. A quick look; a swift  examination  of
someone or something. - Usually used with "give" or "get". * /The  new
boy got the once-over from the rest of the class when he came  in./  *
/Bob gave his paper  the  once-over  before  handing  it  in./  2.  or
[once-over-lightly] A quick or careless job, especially of cleaning or
straightening; work done hastily for now. * /Ann gave her room a quick
once-over-lightty with the broom and dust cloth./  *  /"Just  give  my
hair the once-over," Al said to  the  barber./  Compare:  LICK  AND  A
PROMISE.

   [once upon a time] {adv. phr.} Sometime before  now,  long  ago.  *
/Once upon a time she was thought to be the most talented  actress  in
the country./ - Often used at the beginning of fairy stories. *  /Once
upon a time there lived a king who had an ugly daughter./

   [on cloud nine] {adj. phr.}, {slang} Too happy to think of anything
else; very happy. * /Ada has been on cloud  nine  since  the  magazine
printed the story she wrote./ * /We were on cloud nine when  our  team
won the state championship./ Compare: ON TOP OF  THE  WORLD,  WALK  ON
AIR.

   [on condition that] {conj.} Providing that; if. * /I will lend  you
the money on condition that you pay it back  in  one  month./  *  /She
agreed to act in the  play  on  condition  that  she  could  keep  her
costumes./

   [on deck] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. On a floor of a ship open to the
outdoors. * /The passengers were playing shufflehoard on deck./ * /The
sailors kept busy cleaning and painting on deck./ 2. {informal}  Ready
to do something; present. * /The scout leader told the boys to  be  on
deck at 8:00 Saturday morning for the hike./ * /Dick was at  bat,  and
Bob was on deck./

   [on deposit] {adv. phr.} In a  bank.  *  /I  have  almost  $500  on
deposit in my account./ * /The children save their  pennies  and  each
month place them on deposit./

   [on duty] {adj. phr.} Doing one's job; supervising. * /Two soldiers
are on duty guarding the gates./ * /There is  always  one  teacher  on
duty during study hour./ Contrast: OFF DUTY.

   [one] See: AT ONE, FOR ONE, GO IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE  OTHER,  HANG
ONE ON, HOLE IN ONE, KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE, NUMBER ONE, SIX OF
ONE AND HALF-A-DOZEN OF THE OTHER, SLIP ONE OVER ON, TEN TO  ONE,  TWO
TO ONE, WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE.

   [one and the same] {adj. phr.} The same; identical. * /Erle Stanley
Gardner and A.A. Fair are one and the same person./ * /The spider lily
and the Peruvian Daffodil are one and the same./

   [one-armed bandit] {n.}, {slang} A slot machine, like those used in
Las Vegas and other gambling places. * /Joe was playing the  one-armed
bandit all day - and he lost everything he had./

   [on earth] See: IN THE WORLD.

   [on easy street] {adj. phr.}, {informal}  Having  enough  money  to
live very comfortably; rather rich. * /After years of hard  work,  the
Grants found themselves on easy street./ * /Jim's novel was a  success
and put him on  easy  street./  Compare:  IN  CLOVER,  IN  THE  CHIPS,
WELL-TO-DO.

   [one damn thing after another] or [ODTAA] (pronounced owed-tay) {n.
phr.} If there is one problem, there will be more. * /First I lost  my
wallet, then a kid broke the window, and, lastly, my  car  refused  to
start. It was just one damn thing after another!/ Compare: IF IT'S NOT
ONE THING IT'S ANOTHER.

   [on edge]  {adj.  phr.}  Excited  or  nervous;  impatient.  *  /The
magician kept the children on edge all through his show./ *  /We  were
all on edge as we  listened  to  the  TV  for  news  of  the  election
results./ * /Father was on edge after driving home through  the  heavy
holiday traffic./ See: SET ONE'S TEETH ON EDGE. Contrast: AT EASE(2).

   [one eye on] {informal} Watching or minding  (a  person  or  thing)
while doing something else; part of your attention on.  -  Used  after
"have", "keep", or "with". * /Jane had one eye  on  the  baby  as  she
ironed./ * /Bill kept one eye on  his  books  and  the  other  on  the
clock./ * /Chris tried to study with one eye on the TV set./  Compare:
KEEP AN EYE ON.

   [one foot in the grave] {n. phr.} Near to  death.  *  /The  dog  is
fourteen years old, blind, and feeble. He has one foot in the  grave./
* /Grandfather has never been sick a day in his life, but Mother cares
for him as if he had one foot in the grave./

   [one  for  the  books]  {n,  phr.},  {informal}  Very  unusual;   a
remarkable something. * /The newspaper reporter fumed in a story  that
was one for the books./ * /Their trip through the Rocky Mountains  was
one for the books./

   [one-horse]  {adj.  phr.}  Insignificant;  modest;  provincial.   *
/Arnold's business is a one-horse operation; he  never  had  a  single
employee./

   [one man's meat is another man's  poison]  What  is  good  for  one
person is not necessarily good for  another.  -  A  proverb,  *  /Even
though Jeff likes to swim in ice cold water, his brother Tun hates it.
This is understandable, however, because one's man's meat  is  another
man's poison./ Contrast: WHAT'S SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE IS SAUCE  FOR  THE
GANDER.

   [on end] {adj. phr.} Seemingly endless. - Used with plural nouns of
time. * /Judy spent hours on end writing and rewriting her  essay./  *
/During July and August there was no rain for weeks on end./

   [one-night stand] {n. phr.} 1. A  single  performance  given  by  a
traveling company while on a tour. * /After they went bankrupt in  the
big cities, the traveling jazz quartet played one-night stands in  the
country./ 2. A brief affair or sexual encounter.  *  /"With  AIDS  all
around us?" said Jane. "Nobody is having one-night stands anymore."/

   [one of these days] or [some of these days]  {adv.  phr.}  Someday;
sometime soon. * /One of these days Herbert will be  famous./  *  /I'm
going to do that sewing some of these days./

   [one on the city] {n.}, {slang} A glass of water (which is provided
free of charge, as a free gift from the city). * /What will you  have?
- Oh, just give me one on the city./

   [one's money's worth] {n. phr.} A fair return on one's money  spent
or invested. * /I wouldn't say that the trip was a great bargain,  but
I feel that we got our money's worth./

   [one's own row] See: HOE ONE'S OWN ROW.

   [one-two] {n.} 1. A succession of two punches, the  first  a  short
left, followed by a hard right punch, usually in the jaw. * /Ali  gave
Frazir the one-two./ 2. Any quick or decisive action which  takes  the
opposition by surprise, thereby ensuring victory. * /He  gave  us  the
old one-two and won the game./

   [one up] {adj. phr.} Having an advantage; being one step  ahead,  *
/John graduated from high school; he is one up  on  Bob,  who  dropped
out./ * /The Platters are one up on their neighbors. They own the only
color television set in their neighborhood./

   [one-upmanship] {v.}, {informal} Always keeping  ahead  of  others;
trying to keep an advantage. * /No matter what I do, I find  that  Jim
has already done it better. He's an expert at one-upmanship./ *  /Jack
took the news to the principal while we were still talking  about  it.
He's very quick to practice one-upmanship./ Compare: ONE UP. (The word
one-upmanship was made up by a British humorist,  Stephen  Potter,  on
the pattern of such words as sportsmanship and workmanship.)

   [on faith] {adv. phr.} Without question or proof. * /He said he was
twenty-one years old and the employment agency took him on  faith./  *
/He looked so honest that we accepted his story on faith./

   [on file] {adv. phr.} Placed in a written or  electronic  file;  on
record. * /We are sorry we cannot hire you right now but we will  keep
your application on file./

   [on fire] See: SET THE WORLD ON FIRE.

   [on foot] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. By walking. *  /Sally's  bicycle
broke and she had to return home on foot./ 2. Being  planned.  *  /The
reporter said that a civil rights demonstration was on foot./ * /Plans
have been set on foot for a party for Miss  Jackson,  because  she  is
retiring./

   [on guard] {adj. phr.} Watchful; watching.  *  /The  police  warned
people to he on guard for pickpockets during the  Christmas  rush./  *
/Two men are on guard at the door./ Contrast: OFF GUARD.

   [on hand] {adv. phr.} 1a. Nearby; within reach. * /Always have your
dictionary on hand when you study./ 1b. Here. * /Soon school will  end
and vacation will be on hand./ 2. Present. * /Mr. Blake's secretary is
always on hand when he appears in  public./  3.  In  your  possession;
ready. * /The Girl Scouts have plenty of cookies on hand./ * /Tim  had
no cash on hand to pay for the gas./ Compare: IN STORE.

   [on high cotton] See: ON TOP OF THE  WORLD  also  SITTING  ON  HIGH
COTTON.

   [on hold] {adv. phr.} 1. Left  waiting  while  making  a  telephone
call. * /"Sorry sir," the secretary said, "I'll have  to  put  you  on
hold for a minute."/ 2. Waiting;  temporarily  halted.  *  /"Put  your
marriage plans on hold, son, and wait  until  after  graduation,"  his
father said seriously./

   [on ice] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {slang} 1. The same as won; sure to
be won. * /The score was 20-10 in the last inning, and  our  team  had
the game on ice./ 2. Away for safekeeping or later use; aside. *  /You
will have to put your vacation plans  on  ice  until  your  debts  are
paid./ * /The senator was voted out of office. He is on ice until  the
next election./

   [on in years] See: ALONG IN YEARS.

   [onion] See: KNOW ONE'S WAY AROUND(2).

   [only] See: HAVE EYES ONLY FOR, IF ONLY.

   [on occasion] {adv. phr.} Sometimes; occasionally. * /We go to  New
York on occasion./ * /On occasion we feel like celebrating and have  a
party./ Compare: ONCE IN A WHILE, FROM TIME TO TIME.

   [on one hand] {adv. phr.} Looking at a thing in one of two possible
ways; from one point of view. - Usually used with "on the other hand".
* /John wants to be a printer or a teacher; on one hand, printing pays
better; on the other hand, schools need good teachers./

   [on one's account] {adv. phr.} For your good; because you  want  to
help or  please  someone.  *  /Barry  studied  hard  on  his  mother's
account./ * /I hope you didn't bring tea to  the  picnic  just  on  my
account./ * /The teacher stayed in  school  a  little  late  on  Tom's
account./ Compare: OF ONE'S OWN ACCORD, ON ACCOUNT OF.

   [on one's back] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Making insistent demands of
you; being an annoyance or bother. * /My wife has been on my back  for
weeks to fix the front door screen./ * /I can't get any work done with
the children on my back from morning until night./ * /Jim could  do  a
better job if his boss weren't on his back so  often./  Contrast:  OFF
ONE'S BACK.

   [on one's bad side] or [on  the  bad  side  of  one]  {adj.  phr.},
{informal} Not liked  by  someone;  not  friendly  with  a  person.  *
/Sally's boyfriend got on Father's bad side by keeping Sally  out  too
late after the dance./ Contrast: ON ONE'S GOOD SIDE.

   [on one's behalf] See: ON BEHALF OF.

   [on one's chest] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Hidden in your thoughts or
feelings and bothering you; making you feel worried or upset; that  is
something you want to talk to someone about.  *  /Jane  looks  unhappy
because she has the quarrel with Susan on her chest./ * /"Well, Dave,"
said the coach, "You look sad - what's on your  chest?"/  Compare:  ON
ONE'S MIND. Contrast: OFF ONE'S CHEST,

   [on one's coattails]  {adv.  phr.}  Because  of  another's  merits,
success, or popularity. * /Bob and Jim are best friends. When Jim  was
invited to join a fraternity, Bob rode in on his coattails./  *  /Many
people vote straight for all the  candidates  in  the  same  political
party. Most people voted for President K., so Governor B. rode  in  on
K.'s coattails./

   [on oneself] See: TAKE ON ONESELF.

   [on one's feet] {adv. phr.} 1. Standing or walking; not sitting  or
lying down; up. * /Before the teacher finished  asking  the  question,
George was on his feet ready to answer it./  *  /In  a  busy  gasoline
station, the attendant is on his feet  all  day./  Compare:  TO  ONE'S
FEET. Contrast: OFF ONE'S FEET. 2.  Recovering;  getting  better  from
sickness or trouble. *  /Jack  is  back  on  his  feet  after  a  long
illness./ * /Susan was on her feet soon after the operation./  *  /The
bank loaned the store money to get it  back  on  its  feet  after  the
fire./ 3. See: LAND ON ONE'S FEET, STAND ON ONE'S OWN FEET,  THINK  ON
ONE'S FEET.

   [on one's good behavior] {adv. phr.} Behaving right to make a  good
impression. * /While his father was around the boy  was  on  his  good
behavior, but when the father left the boy soon got into mischief./  *
/The minister is coming to dinner, and Mother wants us to  be  on  our
good behavior./

   [on one's good side] or [on the good  side  of  one]  {adj.  phr.},
{informal} Friendly with someone; liked by a person. *  /John  thought
that he would get a good grade if he got  on  the  good  side  of  the
teacher./ * /Successful  workers  stay  on  the  good  side  of  their
bosses./ Contrast: ON ONE'S BAD SIDE.

   [on  one's  hands]  {adv.}  or  {adj.  phr.}  In   your   care   or
responsibility; that you must do something about. * /Mrs.  Blake  left
her five children with me while she shopped. I could not get  anything
done with the children on my hands./ * /After everyone bought  tickets
to the dance, the club treasurer had over $100 on his hands./  *  /The
electricity went off while Mother was cooking supper, and  she  had  a
problem on her hands./ * /I had time on my hands before the bus  came,
so I bought a newspaper to read./ Contrast: OFF ONE'S HANDS. See:  SIT
ON ONE'S HANDS. Compare: HANG HEAVY or HANG HEAVY ON ONE'S HANDS.

   [on one's head] or [upon one's head] {adv. phr.} On one's  self.  *
/When the school board  fired  the  superintendent  of  schools,  they
brought the anger of the parents upon their heads./ * /Billy had  been
naughty all day, but he really brought his parents' anger down on  his
head by pushing his little sister into a mud puddle./  Compare:  ABOUT
ONE'S EARS.

   [on one's heel] See: TURN ON ONE'S HEEL.

   [on one's high horse] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. Acting as  if  you
are better than others; being very proud and scornful. *  /Martha  was
chairman of the picnic committee, and at the picnic  she  was  on  her
high horse, telling everyone what to do./ * /Mrs. Jones asked to see a
less expensive hat. The salesgirl got up on her high  horse  and  said
the shop did not sell cheap merchandise./ 2. Refusing to  be  friendly
because you are angry; in a bad temper. * /Joe was on his  high  horse
because he felt Mary wasn't giving him  enough  attention./  Contrast:
OFF ONE'S HIGH HORSE.

   [on one's honor] {adj. phr.} Bound by  one's  honesty;  trusted.  *
/The students were not supervised during the examination. They were on
their honor not to cheat./ * /The house father put the boys  on  their
honor not to smoke in the dormitory./

   [on one's knees] {adj. phr.} 1. Pleading; begging very hard. * /The
boys were on their knees for hours  before  their  parents  agreed  to
their camping plans./ * /The Jacksons  won't  contribute  to  the  Red
Cross unless you get on your knees./ 2. In a very weak condition; near
failure. * /When the graduates of the school heard that it was on  its
knees they gave money generously so that it would not close./

   [on one's last legs] {adj. phr.} Failing;  near  the  end.  *  /The
blacksmith's business is on its last legs./ *  /The  dog  is  old  and
sick. He is on his last legs./ Compare: ONE  FOOT  IN  THE  GRAVE,  ON
ONE'S KNEES(2).

   [on one's mind] {adv. phr.} In one's thoughts. * /I'm glad you want
to talk about this. It's been on my mind for weeks./ * /What's on your
mind?/ Compare: IN MIND.

   [on one's nerves] See: GET ON ONE'S NERVES.

   [on one's own] {adj. phr.} With no help from others.  *  /It  is  a
happy day when you're allowed to drive a car on your own./ * /Being on
your own may be a frightening experience./ Compare: GO IT(2).

   [on one's own account] or {informal}  [on  one's  own  hook]  {adv.
phr.} 1. For yourself; as a free agent; independently. *  /After  they
had picked out the class gift,  members  of  the  committee  did  some
shopping on their own account./ 2. See: OF ONE'S OWN ACCORD.

   [on one's own feet] See: STAND ON ONE'S OWN FEET.

   [on one's own hook] See: ON ONE'S OWN ACCOUNT.

   [on one's own time] {adv. phr.} During one's free time; not  during
working or school hours. * /If you want to play football, you'll  have
to do it on your own time./

   [on one's part] or [on the part of one] {adj. phr.}  1.  Of  or  by
you; of someone's. * /When Miss Brown said I was a good student,  that
was pure kindness on her part./ * /The other team blamed their  defeat
on unfairness on the part of the referee./ 2. See: FOR ONE'S PART.

   [on one's shoulders] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In your  care;  as  your
responsibility.  *  /The  success  of  the  program  rests   on   your
shoulders./ * /He acts as if he had the cares  of  the  world  on  his
shoulders./

   [on one's toes] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Alert; ready to act. * /The
successful ball player is always on his toes./ Compare:  HEADS-UP,  ON
THE BALL.

   [on one's uppers] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Very poor. *  /Mr.  White
had been out of work for  several  months  and  was  on  his  uppers./
Compare: DOWN ON ONE'S LUCK.

   [on one's way] See: ON THE WAY.

   [on pain of] also [under pain of] {prep.}, {formal} At the risk of;
under penalty of. * /The workers went on  strike  on  pain  of  losing
their jobs./ * /The rebels had to swear under pain of death  never  to
confess where their comrades were hiding./

   [on paper] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} Judging by  appearances  only  and
not by past performance; in theory; theoretically. *  /On  paper,  the
American colonies should have lost  the  Revolutionary  War./  *  /The
football team lost many games, even though they looked good on paper./

   [on pins and needles] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Worried;  nervous.  *
/Jane's mother was on pins and needles  because  Jane  was  very  late
getting home from school./ * /Many  famous  actors  are  on  pins  and
needles before the curtain opens for a play./

   [on purpose] {adv. phr.} For a reason; because  you  want  to;  not
accidentally. * /Jane did not forget her coat;  she  left  it  in  the
locker on purpose./ * /The clown fell down on purpose./

   [on record] {adj. phr.} 1. An official  or  recorded  statement  or
fact; said for everyone to know. * /We do not  know  when  the  famous
writer was born, but the date of his death is on record./ *  /The  two
candidates went on television to put their ideas on record./ 2.  Known
to have said or done a certain thing. - Usually used with "as". * /The
mayor went on record as opposing a tax raise./ * /The governor  is  on
record as favoring the new highway./ * /That congressman is on  record
as an enemy of waste in government./ Contrast: OFF THE RECORD.

   [on sale] {adj. phr.} Selling for a special low  price.  *  /Tomato
soup that is usually sold for sixty cents a can is  now  on  sale  for
fifty cents./ * /John and Mary couldn't sell all of  the  lemonade  at
twenty cents a cup so they have it on sale for ten cents a cup./

   [on schedule(1)] {adv. phr.} As planned or expected; at  the  right
time. * /The school bus arrived at school on schedule./  *  /The  four
seasons arrive on schedule each year./ Compare: ON TIME.

   [on schedule(2)] {adj. phr.}  Punctual;  as  planned.  *  /The  new
airline  claims  to  have  more  on   schedule   arrivals   than   the
competition./

   [on season] See: HIGH SEASON. Contrast: OFF SEASON.

   [on second thought] See: SECOND THOUGHT.

   [on sight] See: AT SIGHT.

   [on table] See: WAIT AT TABLE or WAIT ON TABLE.

   [on the air] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Broadcasting or being  broadcast
on radio or TV. * /His show is on the air at six o'clock./ * /The ball
game is on the air now./

   [on the alert] {adj. phr.} Alert;  watchful;  careful.  *  /Campers
must be on the alert for poison ivy and poison oak./ *  /Drivers  must
be on the alert for traffic signals./ Compare: ON ONE'S TOES.

   [on the average] See: ON AN AVERAGE.

   [on the back] See: PAT ON THE BACK.

   [on the ball] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. Paying attention and doing
things well. - Used after "is" or "get". * /Ben is really on the  ball
in school./ * /The coach told Jim he must get on the ball or he cannot
stay on the team./ Compare: GET WITH IT, HEADS-UP, KEEP ONE'S  EYE  ON
THE BALL. 2. That is a skill or ability; making you good at things.  -
Used after "have". * /John will succeed in life; he has a lot  on  the
ball./ * /The coach was eager to try out his new  team  and  see  what
they had on the ball./

   [on the bandwagon] {adj. phr.}, {informal} In or  into  the  newest
popular group or activity; in or into something you join just  because
many others are joining it. - Often  used  after  "climb",  "get",  or
"jump". * /When all George's friends decided to vote for Bill,  George
climbed on the bandwagon too./ See: JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON.

   [on the barrelhead] See: CASH ON THE BARRELHEAD.

   [on the beam] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1.  (Of  an  airplane)  In  the
radio beam that marks the path to follow between airports;  flying  in
the right direction. * /A radio signal tells the pilot of an  airplane
when he is flying on the beam./ 2. {slang}  Doing  well;  just  right;
good or correct. * /Kenneth's answer was right on the beam./ Contrast:
OFF THE BEAM.

   [on the bench] 1. Sitting in a law  court  as  a  judge.  *  /Judge
Wyzanski  is  on  the  bench  this  morning./  2.  Sitting  among  the
substitute players. * /The coach had to keep his star  player  on  the
bench with a sprained ankle./ Compare: BENCH WARMER.

   [on the blink] {adj. phr.} Faulty; malfunctioning;  inoperative.  *
/I need to call a competent repairman because my computer  is  on  the
blink again./

   [on the block] {adj. phr.} To be sold;  for  sale.  *  /The  vacant
house was on the block./ * /Young cattle are grown and sent to  market
to be placed on the block./

   [on the brain] {adj. phr.}, {slang} Filling your thoughts; too much
thought about; almost always in mind. * /Mary  Ann  has  boys  on  the
brain./ * /Joe's hobby is ham radio and he has radio on the brain most
of the time./

   [on the brink of] {adv. phr.} Facing a new event  that's  about  to
happen. * /"I am on  the  brink  of  a  new  discovery,"  our  physics
professor proudly announced./

   [on the button] {adv., adj.}, {slang} At the right  place;  at  the
heart of the matter. *  /John's  remark  was  right  on  the  button./
Compare: ON THE DOT.

   [on the cards] See: IN THE CARDS.

   [on the carpet] See: CALL ON THE CARPET.

   [on the cheap] {adv. phr.} Inexpensively; on a tight budget. * /She
buys most of her clothes on the cheap in secondhand stores./

   [on the chin] See: TAKE IT ON THE CHIN.

   [on  the  contrary]  {adv.  phr.}  Exactly  the  opposite;  rather;
instead. * /The principal thought that the children went to  the  zoo;
on the contrary,  they  went  to  the  bakery./  *  /"You  don't  like
football, do you?" "On the contrary, I like it very  much."/  Compare:
TO THE CONTRARY.

   [on the cuff] {adj.} or {adv. phr.},  {informal}  Agreeing  to  pay
later; to be paid for later; on credit. * /Peter lost the  money  that
Mother gave him to buy meat, and the store would not let him have meat
on the cuff./ * /Many people buy  cars  and  television  sets  on  the
cuff./

   [on the dole] {adv. phr.} Drawing unemployment  benefits.  *  /When
Jim lost his job he got on the dole and is still on it./

   [on the dot] also [on the button] {adv. phr.},  {informal}  Exactly
on time; not early and not late. * /Susan arrived at the party at 2:00
P.M. on the dot./ * /Ben's plane arrived on the dot./

   [on the double!] {adv.  phr.}  Hurry  up!  *  /"Let's  go!  On  the
double!" the pilot cried, as he started up the  engine  of  the  small
plane./

   [on the eve of] {prep.} Just before (an event). * /On  the  eve  of
the election, the president proposed a plan to cut taxes./

   [on the face of it] {adv. phr.} Apparently; as it seems. * /On  the
face of it, Joe's claim that he can swim five miles is true./  *  /His
statement that he is a millionaire is, on the face of it, false./

   [on the fence] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Not able, or  not  wanting  to
choose; in doubt; undecided. - Often used with "sit". * /Jack  sat  on
the fence for a week last spring before he finally  joined  the  track
team instead of the baseball team./ * /Mrs. Jones has decided to  vote
for the Democrats,  but  Mr.  Jones  is  still  on  the  fence./  See:
FENCE-SITTER or FENCE-SITTING.

   [on the fly(1)] {adv. phr.} 1. While in the air; in flight. *  /The
bird caught a bug on the fly./ *  /Joe  was  called  out  because  the
catcher caught the ball on  the  fly./  2.  {informal}  Between  other
activities; while busy with many things. * /The president was so  busy
that he had to dictate letters on the fly./ * /John is very busy,  and
people who want to talk to him have to catch him on the fly./ Compare:
ON THE GO, ON THE WING(2).

   [on the fly(2)] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Busy; going somewhere in  a
hurry; going about doing things. * /Getting the house  ready  for  the
visitors kept Mother on the fly all day./ * /The  housekeeper  of  our
school is always on the fly./

   [on the go] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Active and busy. *  /Successful
businessmen are on the go most of the time./ * /Healthy, happy  people
are usually on the go./ Compare: ON THE MOVE.

   [on  the  heels  of]  {prep.}  Just  after;  following  (something,
especially an event). - Often used with "hard" for emphasis.  *  /Hard
on the heels of the women's liberation parade, homosexuals declared  a
"gay pride week."/

   [on the hog] See: LIVE HIGH OFF THE HOG or EAT HIGH ON THE HOG.

   [on the hour] {adv. phr.} Each time the hour has zero  minutes  and
zero seconds. * /The uptown bus goes past the school on the  hour./  *
/The woman must take her pill on the hour./

   [on the house] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Paid for by the owner. * /At
the opening of the new hotel, the  champagne  was  on  the  house./  *
/Oscar was the first customer at the diner, so his lunch  was  on  the
house./

   [on the increase] See: ON THE WAX. Contrast: ON  THE  DECREASE,  ON
THE WANE.

   [on the job] {adj. phr.},  {informal}  Working  hard;  not  wasting
time. * /Joe was on the job all of the time that he was  at  work./  *
/The school paper came out on time because the  editors  were  on  the
job./

   [on the knees of the gods] See: IN THE LAP OF THE GODS.

   [on  the  lam]  {adj.}  or  {adv.  phr.},  {slang}  Running   away,
especially from the law; in flight. * /The bank robber was on the  lam
for ten months before the police caught him./ - Sometimes used in  the
phrase "take it on the lam". * /After a big quarrel with  her  father,
the girl took it on the lam./

   [on the level] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Honest and fair; telling the
whole truth. * /Our teacher respects the students who are on the level
with her./ * /Joyce wondered if the fortune-teller was on the level./

   [on the line] See: LAY ON THE LINE or PUT ON THE LINE.

   [on the lips] See: HANG ON THE WORDS OF or HANG ON THE LIPS OF.

   [on the lookout] {adj. phr.} Watching closely. *  /The  little  boy
was on the lookout for his father./ * /Forest rangers  are  always  on
the lookout for forest fires./ * /The doctor is on the lookout  for  a
new secretary./

   [on the loose] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Free to go; not shut  in  or
stopped by anything. * /The zookeeper forgot to close the gate to  the
monkey cage and the monkeys were on the loose./ * /All of the  seniors
were on the loose on "Senior Skip Day."/

   [on the make] {adj.}, {slang} 1. Promiscuous or aggressive in one's
sexual advances. * /I can't stand Murray; he's always on the make./ 2.
Pushing to get ahead in one's career; doing  anything  to  succeed.  *
/The new department head is a young man on the make, who expects to be
company president in ten years./

   [on the map] See: PUT ON THE MAP.

   [on the market] {adj. phr.} For sale. * /In the summer  many  fresh
vegetables are on the market./ * /The Goodwins put their house on  the
market in January, but they did not sell it till August./

   [on the mend] {adj.  phr.}  Healing;  becoming  better.  *  /John's
broken leg is on the mend./ * /Mary's relationship with Joan is on the
mend./

   [on die money] {adv.  phr.}  Exactly  right;  exactly  accurate.  *
/Algernon won the lottery; the numbers he picked  were  right  on  the
money./ Compare: ON THE NOSE.

   [on the move] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. Moving around from place  to
place; in motion. * /It was a very cold day, and the teacher  watching
the playground kept on the move to stay  warm./  *  /It  was  vacation
time, and the highways were full of families on the move./  2.  Moving
forward; going somewhere. * /The candidate  promised  that  if  people
would make him president, he would get the country on the move./

   [on the nose]  {adv.  phr.},  {informal}  Just  right;  exactly.  *
/Stanley hit the ball on the nose./ * /The airplane  pilot  found  the
small landing field on the nose./

   [on the other foot] See: SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT.

   [on the other hand] {adv. phr.} Looking at  the  other  side;  from
another point of view. - Used to introduce an  opposite  or  different
fact or idea. * /Jim wanted to go to the  movies;  his  wife,  on  the
other hand, wanted to stay home and read./ *  /Mr.  Harris  may  still
want a boy to mow his lawn; on the  other  hand,  he  may  have  found
someone to do it./ Compare: ON ONE HAND.

   [on the outs]  {adj.  phr.},  {informal}  Not  friendly;  having  a
quarrel. * /Mary and Sue were on the outs./ * /Being on the outs  with
a classmate is very upsetting./ Syn.: AT ODDS.

   [on the point of] {prep.} Ready to begin; very near to.  -  Usually
used with a verbal noun. * /The coach was on the point  of  giving  up
the game when our team scored two points./ *  /The  baby  was  on  the
point of crying when her mother finally came home./ Compare: ABOUT TO,
AT THE POINT OF.

   [on the Q.T.] {adv. phr.}, {informal}  Secretly;  without  anyone's
knowing. * /George and Paul formed a club on the Q.T./ * /The teachers
got the principal a present strictly on the Q.T./ (from quiet.)

   [on the road] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Traveling; moving  from  one
place to another. * /When we go on vacation, we take a  lunch  to  eat
while on the road./ * /Mr. Smith is on  the  road  for  his  insurance
company./ 2. Changing; going from one condition to  another.  *  /Mary
was very sick for several weeks,  but  now  she  is  on  the  road  to
recovery./ * /Hard study in school put John on the road to success./

   [on the rocks] {adj. phr.} 1. {informal} Wrecked or ruined. *  /Mr.
Jones' business and marriage were both on  the  rocks./  2.  With  ice
only. * /At the restaurant, Sally ordered orange juice on the rocks./

   [on the ropes] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1.  Against  the  ropes  of  a
boxing ring and almost not able to stand up. * /The fighter was on the
ropes and could hardly lift his gloves./ 2. Almost defeated; helpless;
near failure. * /The new supermarket took most of  the  business  from
Mr. Thomas's grocery, and the little store was soon on the ropes./

   [on the run] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In a hurry; hurrying. * /Jane
called "Help!" and Tom came on the run./ * /Modern mothers are usually
on the run./ 2. Going away from a fight;  in  retreat;  retreating.  *
/The enemy soldiers were on the run./

   [on the safe side] {adv. phr.}  Provided  for  against  a  possible
emergency; well prepared. * /"Please double-check  these  proofs,  Mr.
Brown," the printer said, "just to be on the safe side."/

   [on the shelf] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal}  Laid  aside;  not
useful anymore. * /When a girl grows up, she puts childish  habits  on
the shelf./ * /Mr. Myron's company  put  him  on  the  shelf  when  he
reached the age of 65./

   [on the side] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1.  In  addition  to  a  main
thing, amount or quantity; extra.  *  /He  ordered  a  hamburger  with
onions and French fries on the side./ * /His job at the  hospital  did
not pay much, so he found another on the side./ * /The cowboys in  the
rodeo competed for prize money and also made bets on the side./ 2.  or
[on the --- side]  Tending  toward;  rather.  *  /Grandmother  thought
Jane's new skirt was on the short side./

   [on the sly] {adv. phr.} So that other people won't know; secretly.
* /The boys smoked on the sly./ * /Mary's mother did  not  approve  of
lipstick, but Mary used it on the sly./

   [on the spot] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. or [upon the spot]  At  that
exact time and at the same time or place; without waiting or  leaving.
* /The news of important events is often broadcast on  the  spot  over
television./ * /When Tom ruined an expensive machine, his  boss  fired
him on the spot./ Compare: AT ONCE, IN ONE'S TRACKS, THEN  AND  THERE.
2.  {informal}  also  [in  a  spot]   In   trouble,   difficulty,   or
embarrassment. * /Mr. Jones is on the spot because he cannot pay  back
the money he borrowed./ * /Bill is on the spot; he invited  George  to
visit him, but Bill's parents said no./ Compare: BACK TO THE WALL.  3.
{slang} In danger of murder; named or listed for death.  *  /After  he
talked to the police, the gangsters put him on the spot./

   [on the spur of the  moment]  {adv.  phr.}  On  a  sudden  wish  or
decision; suddenly; without thought or preparation. *  /John  had  not
planned to take the trip; he just left on the spur of the  moment./  *
/Mary saw a help-wanted advertisement and applied for the job  on  the
spur of the moment./

   [on the stage] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In or into the work  of  being
an actor or actress. * /John's brother is on the stage./ * /Mary  went
on the stage./

   [on the strength of] {prep.} With  faith  or  trust  in;  depending
upon; with the support of. * /On the  strength  of  Jim's  promise  to
guide us, we decided  to  climb  the  mountain./  *  /Bill  started  a
restaurant on the strength of his experience as a cook in the army./

   [on the string] or [on a string] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Under your
influence or control; obedient to every wish.  *  /The  baby  had  his
mother on a string./ * /She was pretty and popular, with two or  three
boys on the string all the time./

   [on the take] {adv. phr.} Bribable; corrupt. * /Officer O'Keefe was
put on three months' probation because it was alleged that he  was  on
the take./

   [on the tip of one's tongue] {adv. phr.} About  to  say  something,
such as a name, a telephone number, etc., but unable  to  remember  it
for the moment. * /"His name is on the tip of my  tongue,"  Tom  said.
"It will come to me in a minute."/

   [on the town] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In or into  a  town
to celebrate; having a good time or enjoying the amusements in a town.
* /When the sailors got off their ship they went  out  on  the  town./
Compare: PAINT THE TOWN RED.

   [on the track of] or [on the trail  of]  Hunting  or  looking  for;
trying to find; following. * /The hunter is on the track of a deer./ *
/The lawyer is on the trail of new proof in the case./ * /Jim collects
old stamps; he is on the track of one in Midville this afternoon./

   [on the trail of] See: ON THE TRACK OF.

   [on the trigger] See: QUICK ON THE TRIGGER.

   [on the up and up] {adj.  phr.},  {informal}  Honest;  trustworthy;
sincere. * /We felt that he was honest  and  could  be  trusted.  This
information is on the up and up./ Compare: ON THE LEVEL.

   [on the vine] See: DIE ON THE VINE or WITHER ON THE VINE.

   [on the wagon] {adv. phr.} Participating in  an  alcohol  addiction
program; not touching any alcoholic beverage. * /Jim's doctor and  his
family finally managed to convince him that he was  an  alcoholic  and
should go on the wagon./ Contrast: FALL OFF THE WAGON.

   [on the wane and on the wax] {adv. phr.} Decreasing and increasing.
- Said of the moon. * /The moon is regularly on the wane  and  on  the
wax at regular intervals lasting half a month./

   [on the warpath] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1.  Very  angry.  *  /When
Mother saw the mess in the kitchen she went on the warpath./ *  /Betty
has been on the warpath ever since she found out she was  not  invited
to the party./ 2. Making an attack; fighting. * /The government is  on
the warpath against narcotics./ *  /The  police  are  on  the  warpath
against speeders./

   [on  the  watch]  {adj.  phr.}  Alert;  watchful.  *  /The  customs
inspector was on the watch for diamond smugglers./ * /Mary was on  the
watch for bargains at the auction./ Compare: EYE OUT, LOOK OUT(2).

   [on the way] or [on one's way] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} Coming;  going
toward a place or goal; started. * /Help was on the way./ * /The train
left and Bill was on his way to New York./ * /He is well on the way to
becoming a fine mechanic./

   [on the whole] {adv. phr.} 1. In the most important things; in most
ways. * /On the whole, Billy did very well in  school  this  year./  *
/Everybody agreed that on the whole it was  a  good  show./  Syn.:  IN
ALL(2), FOR THE MOST PART. 2. In most cases; usually. * /On the whole,
men are stronger than women./ * /On the whole, children begin  walking
when they are about one year old./ Syn.: BY AND LARGE, IN GENERAL.

   [on the wing] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In the air; while flying.  *
/The duck flew away, but John shot it on the wing./ 2.  {informal}  In
constant motion; always very busy. * /Susan  was  on  the  wing  doing
things to get ready for her trip./ * /Mr. Jones had  a  busy  schedule
and his secretary had to catch him on the wing to sign  the  letters./
Syn.: ON THE FLY. 3. {informal} Moving  from  one  place  to  another;
traveling; going somewhere. * /Mary's husband is a traveling  salesman
and he's always on the wing./ * /They stayed in France for a week  and
then they were on the wing again./ Syn.: ON THE GO, ON THE MOVE.

   [on the words] See: HANG ON THE WORDS OF.

   [on the wrong foot] See: GET OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT.

   [on the wrong side of the bed] See: GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE
BED.

   [on the wrong track] {adv. phr.} Lost; pursuing the wrong  lead.  *
/Professor MacAlister confessed that his chemical experiments were  on
the wrong track./ Contrast: BARK UP THE WRONG TREE.

   [on time] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. At the time arranged; not  late;
promptly. * /The train left on time./ * /Mary is always on time for an
appointment./  Contrast:  AHEAD  OF  TIME,  BEHIND  TIME.  2.  On  the
installment plan; on credit, paying a little at a time. * /John bought
a car on time./ * /You can buy  things  at  the  department  store  on
time./

   [on top] {adv.} or  {adj.  phr.},  {informal}  In  the  lead;  with
success; with victory. * /The horse that everyone had  expected  would
be on top actually came in third./ * /Although John  had  been  afraid
that he was not prepared for the exam, he came out on top./

   [on top of] {prep}. 1. On the top of; standing or lying on;  on.  *
/When the player on the other team dropped the ball, Bill fell on  top
of it./ * /That high hill has a tower on top  of  it./  2.  {informal}
Very close to. * /The elevator was so crowded that  everybody  was  on
top of each other./ * /I couldn't find my umbrella and then I realized
I was almost on top of it./ 3. {informal} In addition to; along  with.
* /Mrs. Lane had many expenses and on top of everything else, her baby
became ill./ * /Mary worked at the store all day and on  top  of  that
she had to baby-sit with her brother./  4.  {informal}  Managing  very
well; in control of. * /Although his new  job  was  very  complicated,
John was on top of it within a few weeks./  *  /No  matter  what  goes
wrong, Mary always stays on top of it./  5.  Knowing  all  about;  not
falling behind in information about; up-to-date on. * /Mary  stays  on
top of the news by reading newspapers and magazines./ * /When  he  was
in California, Mr. Jones kept on  top  of  things  in  his  office  by
telephoning every day./

   [on top of the world]  or  [sitting  on  top  of  the  world]  also
(Southern) [sitting on high cotton] {adj.  phr.},  {informal}  Feeling
pleased and happy; feeling successful. * /John was on top of the world
when he found out that he got into college./ * /When  Ruth  won  first
prize in the contest, she felt as though she was sitting on top of the
world./ * /The  girls  were  sitting  on  high  cotton  because  their
basketball team had won the trophy./ Compare:  FLYING  HIGH,  WALK  ON
AIR.

   [on trial] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. For testing or trying out for a
time before making a decision. * /I was lucky that I  had  bought  the
machine on trial because I didn't like it and was able to return  it./
* /Mother bought a new dishwasher on  trial  and  was  trying  it  out
before deciding whether to keep it./ 2. In a court being tried  for  a
crime before a judge or jury. * /John White was on trial for  murder./
* /Mary was on trial before the Student Committee for spoiling  school
property./

   [on words] See: PLAY ON WORDS.

   [on your life] See: NOT ON YOUR LIFE.

   [open] See: EYES OPEN, THROW OPEN.

   [open and aboveboard] {adj. phr.} Honest. * /Jacob  felt  that  the
firm he was doing business with wasn't entirely open and aboveboard./

   [open and shut] See: CUT AND DRIED.

   [open arms] See: RECEIVE WITH OPEN ARMS.

   [open-door policy] {n. phr.} A policy that  states  that  newcomers
are welcome to join the company,  firm,  or  country  in  question.  *
/During the nineteenth century the  United  States  had  an  open-door
policy regarding immigration./

   [open fire] {v. phr.} To begin shooting. * /The big warship  turned
its guns toward the enemy ship and opened fire./ * /When the policeman
called to the robber to stop, he turned and suddenly opened fire./

   [openhanded] {adj.} Generous;  liberal.  *  /Although  not  wealthy
himself, Bob was always very openhanded with those who needed help./

   [open heart]  {n.}  1.  No  hiding  of  your  feelings;  frankness;
freedom. * /She spoke with an open heart of her warm feelings for  her
pupils./ * /She told her troubles with an open heart./ Compare:  HEART
ON ONE'S SLEEVE. 2. Kindness; generosity. * /She  contributed  to  the
fund with an  open  heart./  *  /Mr.  Jones  has  an  open  heart  for
underprivileged children./ Compare: OPEN ONE'S HEART.

   [open its doors] {v. phr.} 1. To  allow  someone  or  something  to
enter or join; become open. * /That  college  was  started  for  women
only, but a few years ago it opened its doors to  men./  2.  To  begin
doing business; open.  *  /Proffitts  Department  Store  is  having  a
birthday sale; it first opened its doors fifty years ago this  month./
Contrast: CLOSE ITS DOORS.

   [open letter] {n. phr.} A public message in the form  of  a  letter
addressed to a particular person or to a group. * /There was  an  open
letter to the president  of  the  United  States  in  today's  morning
paper./

   [open market] {n. phr.} Goods or securities available for  purchase
by all. * /The stocks of certain companies are on the open market./

   [open marriage]  {n.  phr.}  An  arrangement  by  mutual  agreement
between husband and  wife  whereby  they  are  both  allowed  to  have
extramarital affairs. * /Chances are  the  open  marriage  arrangement
they had didn't work out too well so they are getting a divorce./

   [open-minded] {adj.} Having no dogmatic or biased views on  matters
of theory, religion, politics, etc. * /Fred is easy to talk  to  about
anything; he is a highly intelligent and open-minded person./

   [open one's eyes] or [open up one's  eyes]  {v.  phr.}  To  make  a
person see or understand the truth; make  a  person  realize;  tell  a
person what is really happening or what really exists. * /Mary  didn't
believe that her cousin could be mean until the cousin  opened  Mary's
eyes by scratching and biting her./ * /John's eyes were opened  up  to
the world of nature when he visited his grandfather's farm./  Compare:
EYES OPEN, WISE UP. - [eye  opener]  {n.}  Something  that  makes  you
understand the truth. * /Pam's  first  visit  to  school  was  a  real
eye-opener./

   [open one's heart]  {v.  phr.}  1.  To  talk  about  your  feelings
honestly; confide in someone. * /After  going  around  worrying,  Mary
opened her heart to her mother./ * /John felt  much  better  after  he
opened his heart to Betty./ 2. To be sympathetic to; give love or help
generously. * /Mrs. Smith opened her heart to the poor little boy./  *
/After the moving speech by the UN official, the people  opened  their
hearts to the poor people of India./ Compare: OPEN HEART,  WEAR  ONE'S
HEART ON ONE'S SLEEVE.

   [open onto] {v. phr.} To have  a  view  of.  *  /Our  apartment  in
Chicago has a set of windows that open onto Lake Michigan./

   [open Pandora's box] See: PANDORA'S BOX.

   [open question] {n. phr.} A debatable issue.  *  /Whether  assisted
suicide is legal and moral or not is still an  open  question,  recent
publicity on the matter notwithstanding./

   [open secret] {n.} Something that is supposed to be  a  secret  but
that everyone knows. * /It is an open secret that Mary  and  John  are
engaged./ * /Who will be  appointed  as  the  next  president  of  the
college is an open secret./

   [open sesame] {n. phr.}, {literary} Immediate means of entrance, or
unobstructed access to something. * /Tom mistakenly believed that  his
wealth would be an open sesame to the world of creative arts./

   [open shop] {n. phr.} A factory or firm that employs both union and
non-union labor. * /The firm refuses to adopt an  open  shop  policy./
Contrast: CLOSED SHOP.

   [open the door] {v. phr.} To allow more action or discussion;  give
a chance. * /Learning to read and write opens the door to a better job
and better living conditions./ * /Raising the tax rates will open  the
door to more  help  for  older  people./  Contrast:  CLOSE  THE  DOOR.
Compare: OPEN ITS DOORS.

   [open the floodgates] {v. phr.} To let loose an outburst  of  human
activity or emotion. * /It would open  the  floodgates  of  anger  and
discontent if the university raised tuition too soon./

   [open up] {v.} 1. To show for the first time; make clear; reveal. *
/The story of Helen Keller's life opened  up  a  whole  new  world  to
Mary./ * /Einstein's theories opened up a whole new area  for  study./
2. To make available; present an opportunity; offer. *  /The  building
of the railroad opened up new lands to the pioneers./ *  /John  opened
up a whole new section of the Scrabble board./  3.  {informal}  To  go
faster. * /When they got out on the highway John opened up  and  drove
at 65 miles per hour./ 4. {informal} To begin to shoot. *  /When  they
got close to the enemy lines, they opened up with all  they  had./  5.
{informal} To begin to talk frankly. * /After John  learned  to  trust
Mr. Jones, he opened up and told him how he felt./ 6. To spread out. *
/After a while the road opened up and they traveled more quickly./  7.
To become available. * /When she got her  college  diploma,  many  new
jobs opened up./

   [open up one's eyes] See: OPEN ONE'S EYES.

   [opinion] See: MATTER OP OPINION.

   [opposite number] {n. phr.} A person occupying the same position as
someone in  a  different  group,  organization,  or  country.  *  /The
opposite number of the President of the United States  in  Germany  is
the Chancellor of the Federal Republic./

   [opposite sex] {n. phr.} The  sex  different  from  the  one  being
discussed or mentioned. * /Fred came out and said he was  gay,  having
never had any interest in the opposite sex./

   [optional origin] {n.}  Stipulation  in  international  commodities
contract whereby the seller may ship from either his  foreign  or  his
domestic resources. * /Be sure to  enter  that  in  the  books  as  an
optional origin order./

   [orbit] See: GO INTO ORBIT.

   [order] See: APPLE-PIE-ORDER, CALL TO ORDER, IN ORDER, IN ORDER TO,
IN SHORT ORDER, JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED, MADE TO  ORDER,  OUT  OF
ORDER, PUT ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER or SET ONE'S  HOUSE  IN  ORDER,  SHORT
ORDER COOK, TO ORDER, WALKING PAPERS or WALKING ORDERS.

   [order about] or  [around]  {v.  phr.}  To  dictate  arrogantly  to
someone; domineer. * /Dan orders his younger colleagues  around  in  a
most unpleasant way./

   [ordinary] See: OUT OF THE ORDINARY.

   [or other] {adv.} - Used to emphasize indefinite words  or  phrases
beginning  with  "some"  (as  "someone",   "something",   "somewhere",
"somehow", "sometime"). * /Somehow or other, Linda managed to  get  to
the show on time./ *  /I'll  think  of  something  or  other  for  the
program./ * /She found a beautiful cup and saucer somewhere or other./
* /I'll get around to cleaning  the  closets  sometime  or  other./  *
/Someone or other will take the letters to the post office./

   [or so] {adv.} About; or a little more. * /Mr. Brown will  be  back
in a day or so./ * /The book cost $5 or so./ * /There will  be  twenty
or so people at the party./ Compare: MORE OR LESS.

   [other] See: EACH OTHER, EVERY OTHER, GRASS IS  ALWAYS  GREENER  ON
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE or GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER  ON  THE  OTHER
SIDE OF THE HILL, GO IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER, LAUGH ON THE  WRONG
SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH or LAUGH ON THE OTHER SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH, ON  THE
OTHER HAND, OR  OTHER,  SHOE  ON  THE  OTHER  FOOT,  SIX  OF  ONE  AND
HALF-A-DOZEN OF THE OTHER, THIS AND THAT  also  THIS,  THAT,  AND  THE
OTHER, TURN THE OTHER CHEEK.

   [other fish to fry] {n. phr.}, {informal} Other things to do; other
plans. * /They wanted John to be the secretary, but he had other  fish
to fry./ * /Mary was invited to the party but she refused because  she
had other fish to fry./

   [other side of the tracks] See: WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS.

   [out and about] See: UP AND ABOUT.

   [out-and-out] {adj.} Extreme; complete; thorough. * /The  candidate
was an out-and-out conservative./ * /It  was  out-and-out  robbery  to
charge twice the usual price for eggs just because they were  scarce./
Compare: THROUGH AND THROUGH.

   [out at the elbows] {adj. phr.} Poorly or shabbily dressed. *  /Roy
walks around out at the elbows, but it's not because he is  penniless,
but more in imitation of a certain style./

   [out back] {adv. phr.} In one's backyard. * /On the Fourth of  July
they were out back making preparations for their holiday barbecue./

   [outback] {n.} 1. The remote and uncultivated wilderness  areas  of
Australia or New Zealand, with  very  few  inhabitants.  *  /Mike  and
Barbara roughed it in the Australian outback for nearly two years./ 2.
Any remote, sparsely populated region. * /Tom's old ranch in Texas  is
next to an arid outback./

   [out cold] {adv.} or {adj.}, {informal} Unconscious; in a faint.  *
/The ball hit Dick in the head  and  knocked  him  out  cold  for  ten
minutes./ * /They tried to lift Mary when she fell down, but  she  was
out cold./ Syn.: OUT LIKE A LIGHT(2). Compare: PASS OUT.

   [outer space] {n.} What is  outside  of  the  earth's  air.  *  /An
astronaut cannot live without oxygen when he goes into outer space./

   [out for] {prep.} Joining, or planning to  join;  taking  part  in;
competing for a place in. * /John is out for the basketball  team./  *
/Mary is going out for the school newspaper./ Compare: TRY OUT.

   [out from under] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Free from  something  that
worries you; seeing the end; finished. - Usually  used  with  "be"  or
"get". * /Mary had so much to do in the new house she felt  as  though
she would never be out from under./ * /John  had  so  many  debts,  he
couldn't get out from under./

   [out in force] {adv. phr.} Present in very large numbers; en masse.
* /On the Fourth of July the police cars  are  out  in  force  in  the
Chicago area./

   [out in left field] {adj. phr.},  {informal}  Far  from  the  right
answer; wrong;  astray.  *  /Johnny  tried  to  answer  the  teacher's
question but he was way out in left field./ * /Susan  tried  to  guess
what the surprise was but she was way out in left field./ 2.  Speaking
or acting very queerly; crazy. * /The girl next door was always queer,
but after her father died, she was really out in left field and had to
go to a hospital./ Compare: OUT OF ONE'S HEAD.

   [out in the cold] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Alone;  not  included.  *
/All the other children were chosen for parts in the play, but  Johnny
was left out in the cold./ * /Everybody made plans for  Christmas  Day
and Mary found herself out in the cold./ Compare: HIGH AND DRY.

   [out in the open] See: COME OUT IN THE OPEN.

   [out like a light] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. Fast asleep; to sleep
very quickly. * /Tom got so much fresh air and exercise that  he  went
out like a light as soon as he lay down./ * /As  soon  as  the  lights
were turned off, Johnny  was  out  like  a  light./  2.  In  a  faint;
unconscious. * /Johnny was hit by a ball and went out like a light./ *
/After she read that Tom had married another girl Jean was out like  a
light for several minutes./ Compare: OUT COLD.

   [out loud] {adv. phr.}  In  an  ordinary  speaking  voice  and  not
whispering or talking quietly; so everybody can hear;  aloud.  *  /The
teacher read the final grades out loud./ * /Mary spoke out loud so the
people standing nearby would hear./ * /Sometimes I find it helpful  to
think out loud./

   [out of] {prep.} 1a. From the inside to the  outside  of.  *  /John
took the apple out of the bag./ * /Get out of the car!/ * /The teacher
has gone out of town./ 1b. In a place away from. * /No, you can't  see
Mr. Jones; he is out of the office today./ * /Our house is  ten  miles
out of town./ 2. From a particular condition  or  situation;  not  in;
from; in a way changed from being in. * /The drugstore is going out of
business./ * /The sick man is out of danger at last./ * /Bob is  never
out of trouble./ 3. Beyond the range of. * /The plane is out of  sight
now./ * /If you can't swim, don't go out of your depth./  4.  From  (a
source). * /Mother asked Billy who started the fight, but she couldn't
get anything out of him./ * /The teacher gave a test to see  what  the
students got out of the lesson./ * /Mr. Jones made a  fortune  out  of
cotton./ 5. Because of; as a result of. * /Mary scolded  Joan  out  of
jealousy./ * /The cat ran away out of fear of the  dog./  6.  Without;
not having. * /The store is out of coffee./ * /John's father is out of
work./ 7. From (a material). * /The house is built out  of  stone./  *
/His suit is made out of cotton and is cool./ 8. From  among.  *  /The
man picked Joe out of the crowd./ * /Our team won  eight  out  of  ten
games last season./

   [out of a bandbox] See: LOOK AS IF ONE HAS COME OUT OF A BANDBOX.

   [out of account] See: LEAVE OUT OF ACCOUNT.

   [out of a clear sky] or [out of a clear blue sky] See: OUT  OF  THE
BLUE.

   [out of action] {adv. phr.} Useless; crippled; damaged so as to  be
quiescent. * /American bombers put Nazi heavy industry out  of  action
during World War II./ * /When I broke my leg I was out of  action  for
the entire football season./

   [out of all proportion] {adv. phr.} Disproportionate;  lopsided.  *
/The news coverage of the  sensational  celebrity  double  murder  has
grown out of all proportion, obscuring the international news./

   [out of bounds] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Outside  of  the  boundary
lines in a game; not on or inside the playing field. *  /Bill  thought
he had scored a touchdown, but he had stepped out of bounds before  he
reached the goal line./ 2. Outside  of  a  circumscribed  area  for  a
certain kind of work, such as construction or military  site.  *  /The
principal told the students that the new gymnasium being built on  the
school grounds was out of bounds./ * /The captain's cabin  is  out  of
bounds to the passengers on the ship./  Contrast:  WITHIN  BOUNDS.  3.
Outside of safe or proper limits; not doing what is  proper;  breaking
the rules of good behavior. * /John was out of bounds when  he  called
Tom a liar in the meeting./ * /His request for a 25% salary raise  was
totally out of bounds./

   [out of breath] {adj.} or  {adv.  phr.}  Not  breathing  easily  or
regularly; gasping; panting. * /The fat man was out  of  breath  after
climbing the stairs./ * /The mile run left Bill out of breath./

   [out of character] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Not in agreement with a
person's character or personality;  not  in  the  way  that  a  person
usually behaves or is  expected  to  behave;  not  usual;  unsuitable;
uncharacteristic. * /Mary is a nice girl. Her fit of temper was out of
character./ 2. Not in character; unsuitable for a part or character. *
/It isn't always out of character for a young actor  to  play  an  old
man, if he is a good actor./ Contrast: IN CHARACTER.

   [out of circulation] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Not out in the company
of friends, other people, and groups; not active; not joining in  what
others are doing. * /John has  a  job  after  school  and  is  out  of
circulation with his friends./ Contrast: IN CIRCULATION.

   [out of commission] {adj. phr.} 1.  Retired  from  active  military
service; no longer on active duty. * /When  the  war  was  over,  many
warships were placed out of commission./ Contrast:  IN  COMMISSION(1).
2. Not in use or not working; so that it cannot work  or  be  used.  *
/The strike put the airline out of commission for  a  week./  *  /John
will have to walk to the store. His bicycle  is  out  of  commission./
Compare: OUT OF ORDER. Contrast: IN COMMISSION(2).

   [out of condition] See: OUT OF SHAPE or OUT OF CONDITION.

   [out of date] {adj. phr.}  Old  fashioned;  superseded;  no  longer
valid; too old to be used. * /Father's suit is out of date; he needs a
new one./ * /The news magazines in the doctor's office were all out of
date./

   [out of fashion] {adj. phr.} Having passed from vogue; out  of  the
current mode. * /The miniskirt is now out of fashion in most quarters,
but it may very well come back some day./

   [out of gas] {adv. phr.} 1. Out of fuel (said  of  automobiles).  *
/Be sure you don't run out of gas when you go on a long distance  trip
by car./ 2. Rundown; depleted of energy; in poor physical condition. *
/Mary said she had to take a break from her job  as  she  was  running
totally out of gas./

   [out of gear] See: THROW OUT OF GEAR.

   [out of hand] {adv. phr.} 1. Out of control.  *  /Bobby's  birthday
party got out of hand and the children were naughty./ * /Small puppies
often get out of hand./ 2. Suddenly, quickly  without  examination  of
possible truth or merit; without any consideration. - Often used after
"dismiss" or "reject".  *  /The  senator  rejected  out  of  hand  the
critics' call for his resignation./ Compare: OUT OF LINE. Contrast: IN
HAND.

   [out of hot water] See: HOT WATER.

   [out of keeping] {adj. phr.} Not going well together; not agreeing;
not proper. * /Loud talk was out of keeping in the library./ * /It was
out of keeping for the  kind  man  to  kick  the  dog./  Contrast:  IN
KEEPING.

   [out of kilter] {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. Not balanced right;  not
in a straight line or lined up right. * /The  scale  must  be  out  of
kilter because when I weighed myself on it, it  said  300  pounds./  *
/The wheels of my bicycle were out of kilter after it hit  the  tree./
Contrast: IN BALANCE. 2. Needing repair;  not  working  right.  *  /My
watch runs too slowly; it  must  be  out  of  kilter./  Syn.:  OUT  OF
ORDER(2).

   [out of line(1)] {adv. phr.} Not in a straight line;  away  from  a
true line. * /The two edges were out of line and  there  was  a  space
between them./ * /The sergeant ordered the soldier who was out of line
to get properly lined up./

   [out of line(2)] {adj. phr.} Not obeying or agreeing with  what  is
right or usual; doing or being what people do not  expect  or  accept;
outside ordinary or proper limits; not  usual,  right,  or  proper.  *
/Little Mary got out of line and was rude to Aunt Elizabeth./  *  /The
teacher asked Charlie not to tell one of the jokes because it was  out
of line./ * /Mrs. Green thought the repair man's  charge  was  out  of
line./ Compare: OUT OF HAND, OUT OF ORDER. Contrast: IN LINE(2).

   [out of line with] {prep.} Not in agreement with. * /The  price  of
the bicycle was out of line with what Bill could afford./

   [out of luck] {adj. phr.} Being unlucky; having  bad  luck;  having
something bad happen to you. * /Mr. Jones missed his train and was out
of luck in getting to the ball game on time./ * /All of the girls  had
dates so Ben was out of luck./

   [out of mind] See: OUT OF SIGHT, out OF MIND.

   [out of nowhere] {adv.  phr.}  Without  having  been  seen  before;
suddenly and unexpectedly. * /Mr. Jones was driving too  fast  on  the
express highway when a police patrol car appeared out of  nowhere  and
stopped him./ Syn.: OUT OF THE BLUE.

   [out of one's blood] {adv.  phr.}  Separate  from  one's  feelings,
interests, or desires. * /When Tom moved to the city, he couldn't  get
the country out of his blood./ * /Mary is having a  hard  job  getting
summer laziness out of her blood./ Contrast: IN ONE'S BLOOD.

   [out  of  one's  element]  {adv.  phr.}  Outside  of  your  natural
surroundings; where you do not belong or fit in. * /Wild  animals  are
out of their element in cages./ * /Chris is  out  of  his  element  in
singing class./ Compare: OUT OF PLACE, BEYOND ONE'S  DEPTH.  Contrast:
IN ONE'S ELEMENT.

   [out of one's hair] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Rid of as  a  nuisance;
relieved of as an annoyance. * /Harry got the boys out of his hair  so
he could study./ Compare: OUT OF ONE'S WAY. Contrast: IN ONE'S HAIR.

   [out of one's hand] See: EAT OUT OF ONE'S HAND.

   [out of one's head] or [out of one's mind] or [out of one's senses]
also [off one's head] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Acting in a  crazy  way;
especially, wildly crazy. * /The patient was feverish and out  of  his
head and had to be watched./ * /Her friends thought she was out of her
mind to marry that man./ Compare: OFF ONE'S ROCKER. Contrast: COME  TO
ONE'S SENSES.

   [out of one's mind] See: OUT OF ONE'S HEAD.

   [out of one's mouth] See: TAKE THE BREAD OUT OF ONE'S  MOUTH,  TAKE
THE WORDS OUT OF ONE'S MOUTH.

   [out of one's pocket] {adv.  phr.}  Having  sustained  a  financial
loss; poorer by a said amount. * /The show was so  bad  that,  besides
having a lousy time, I was also $35 out of my pocket./

   [out of one's sails] See: TAKE THE WIND OUT OF ONE'S SAILS.

   [out of one's senses] See: OUT OF ONE'S HEAD.

   [out  of  one's  shell]  {adv.  phr.},  {informal}  Out  of   one's
bashfulness or silence; into friendly  conversation.  -  Usually  used
after "come". * /John wouldn't come out of his shell and talk  to  the
boys and girls at the party./ * /The other girls tried  to  draw  Ella
out of her shell, but without success./ Contrast: IN ONE'S SHELL.

   [out of one's skin] See: JUMP OU T OF ONE'S SKIN.

   [out of one's way] See: OUT OF THE WAY(3).

   [out of one's wits] See: SCARE OUT OF ONE'S WITS.

   [out of  (one's)  reach]  {adv.  phr.}  Unreachable;  unattainable;
unobtainable. * /Sam wanted to be a United States senator but he  came
to realize that such a dream was out of his reach./

   [out of order] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In  the  wrong  order;  not
coming after one another in the right way. * /Peter wrote the words of
the sentence out of order./ * /Don't get out of order, children.  Stay
in your places in line./ Contrast: IN ORDER. 2. In poor condition; not
working properly. * /Our television set is out of order./  3.  Against
the rules; not suitable. * /The judge told the people in the courtroom
that they were out of order  because  they  were  so  noisy./  *  /The
children's whispering was out of order in the church./ Compare: OUT OF
LINE, OUT OF PLACE, OUT OF THE WAY, OUT OF TURN, OUT OF COMMISSION(2).
Contrast: IN ORDER.

   [out of place(1)] {adv. phr.} Not in the right or  usual  place  or
position. * /Harry fell and knocked one of his teeth out of place./  *
/The teacher lined up the class and  told  them  not  to  get  out  of
place./ Compare: OUT OF ORDER. Contrast: IN PLACE.

   [out of place(2)] {adj. phr.} In the wrong place or  at  the  wrong
time; not suitable; improper. * /Joan was the only  girl  who  wore  a
formal at the party, and she felt out of place./  *  /It  was  out  of
place for Russell to laugh at the old lady./  Compare:  OUT  OF  ONE'S
ELEMENT, OUT OF ORDER, OUT OF THE WAY. Contrast: IN PLACE.

   [out-of-pocket expenses] {n. phr.} Expenses  one  has  to  pay  for
oneself, not the company that sends one on a given assignment, such as
tips for waiters, cab  drivers,  etc.  *  /Luckily,  my  out-of-pocket
expenses didn't amount to more than $15./

   [out of practice] {adj. phr.} Not in proper condition; unable to do
something well because of lack of practice. * /The basketball team got
out of practice during the Christmas holidays./ Compare: OUT OF SHAPE.
Contrast: IN PRACTICE.

   [out of print] {adj. phr.} No longer obtainable from the  publisher
because the printed copies have been sold out; no  longer  printed.  *
/The book is out of print. An edition of one thousand copies was  sold
and no more copies were printed./ Compare: OUT OF STOCK. Contrast:  IN
PRINT.

   [out of school] See: TELL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL.

   [out of season] {adv. phr.} 1. Not at the right or lawful time  for
hunting or catching. * /The boys were caught fishing out  of  season./
2. Not at the usual time for growing and selling. * /The corn  we  get
out of season is different from the kind we grow here./  Contrast:  IN
SEASON.

   [out of shape] or [out of condition] {adj. phr.}  1.  Not  in  good
condition; not able to perform well. * /Father was out of  shape  when
he took a long hike with the boys, and he was stiff and sore the  next
day./ * /Jack's pitching arm got out of condition during  the  winter,
when he wasn't using it./ Compare: OUT OF PRACTICE. 2.  Not  look  the
same; changed. * /Someone sat on father's new hat and mashed it. It is
now out of shape./ Contrast: IN SHAPE.

   [out of sight] {adv. phr.} 1. Not within one's field of  vision.  *
/The sailboat disappeared out of sight over the horizon./ 2. Extremely
expensive. * /The builder's estimate was so high that it  was  out  of
sight./ 3. Unbelievable; fantastic; incredible (both in  the  positive
and the negative  sense;  an  exaggeration.)  *  /Roxanne  is  such  a
stunning beauty, it's simply out of sight./  *  /Mr.  Gargoyle  is  so
repulsive, it's out of sight./ 4. Unreachable; unrealizable; belonging
to the world of fiction and fantasy. * /Max's dreams about winning the
Senatorial election are really out of
sight; he admits it himself./ Compare: PIPE DREAM.

   [out of sight, out of mind] If one doesn't  see  something  for  an
extended period of time, one tends to forget about it. - A proverb.  *
/After Caroline moved out of town, Ray soon found other women to date.
As the saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind."/

   [out of sorts] {adj. phr.} In an angry or unhappy mood;  in  a  bad
temper; grouchy. * /Mary was  out  of  sorts  and  wouldn't  say  good
morning./ * /Bob was out of sorts because he didn't get a bicycle  for
his birthday./

   [out of step] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Not in  step;  not  matching
strides or keeping pace with  another  or  others.  *  /George  always
marches out of step with the music./ 2. Out of  harmony;  not  keeping
up. - Often followed by "with". * /Just because you  don't  smoke,  it
doesn't mean you are out of step with other boys and girls your  age./
Contrast: IN STEP.

   [out of stock] {adj. phr.} Having none for sale or use;  no  longer
in supply; sold out. * /When Father tried to get tires for an old car,
the man in the store said that size was out of stock and were not sold
anymore./ * /So many children have bought balloons that the  store  is
now out of stock./ Compare: OUT OF PRINT. Contrast: IN STOCK.

   [out of the blue] or [out of a clear sky] or [out of a  clear  blue
sky]  {adv.  phr.},  {informal}  Without  any  warning;  by  surprise;
unexpectedly. * /At the last minute Johnny came out  of  the  blue  to
catch the pass and score a touchdown./ * /The cowboy  thought  he  was
alone but suddenly out of a clear sky there were  bandits  all  around
him./ Syn.: OUT OF NOWHERE. Compare: BOLT FROM THE BLUE.

   [out of the corner of one's eye] {adv. phr.} Without looking  at  a
person or thing directly or openly; secretly; without being noticed. *
/The cat looked at the mouse out of the corner of his  eye./  *  /Mike
watched the boys across the street out of the corner of his eye as  he
mowed the lawn./

   [out of the frying pan into the fire] Out of one trouble into worse
trouble; from something bad to something worse. - A  proverb.  *  /The
movie cowboy was out of the frying pan into the fire. After he escaped
from the robbers, he was captured by Indians./

   [out of the hole] {adv.} or {adj.  phr.},  {informal}  1a.  With  a
score better than zero in a game; especially a card game, to  a  score
above zero. * /It took us a long time to get out of the  hole  in  the
card game./ 1b. Even with an  opponent  after  being  behind;  out  of
trouble in a sport or game. * /The team played very  hard,  but  could
not get out of the hole./ 2. Out of debt; ahead financially. * /It was
a small business, but it was wisely managed, and it kept  out  of  the
hole./ * /The first year was bad, but after that Fred got out  of  the
hole./ Contrast: IN THE HOLE.

   [out  of  the  ordinary]  {adj.  phr.}  Outside  or  beyond  common
experience; unusual; wonderful; extraordinary. * /The parade  will  be
something out of the ordinary because a real king will  be  there./  *
/This juggler was out of the ordinary because he could juggle with his
feet as well as his hands./

   [out of the picture] {adv. phr.} No longer a possibility or in  the
running;  rejected.  *  /Mark  assured  Carol  that  his  ex-wife  was
completely out of the picture./

   [out  of  the  question]  {adj.  phr.}   Not   worth   considering;
unthinkable; impossible. * /It sometimes snows as late as June in  the
mountains, but the summer campers thought that snow  was  out  of  the
question./ * /The boys had no money, so it was out of the question for
them to go to the movies./

   [out of the rain] See: KNOW ENOUGH TO COME IN OUT OF THE RAIN.

   [out of the red] {adv. phr.} Having reached solvency; no longer  in
debt. * /Under the new management, our company finally got out of  the
red./ Contrast: IN THE HOLE, IN THE RED. Compare: IN THE BLACK.

   [out of the running] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Having no chance to win;
not among the real contenders; not among those  to  be  considered.  *
/John had been out of the running since his first date with Mary,  but
he didn't realize it./ * /Jones's horse was put  out  of  the  running
early in the race./ Contrast: IN THE RUNNING.

   [out of the swim] {adj. phr.} Not doing what others are doing;  not
active in business or social affairs. * /Mary had  to  stay  home  and
take care of Mother while she was sick,  and  soon  felt  out  of  the
swim./ * /The toy manufacturer who  is  out  of  the  swim  will  lose
money./ Contrast: IN THE SWIM.

   [out of the way] {adv.  phr.}  1.  Not  where  people  usually  go;
difficult to reach. * /When little Tommy  comes  to  visit  her,  Aunt
Sally puts her lamps and vases out of the  way./  -  Often  used  with
hyphens before a noun. * /Gold was found in an out-of-the-way  village
in the mountains, and soon a good road and  airfield  were  built./  *
/Jack and Fred found an old gun in an  out-of-the-way  corner  of  the
empty house./ Compare: OFF THE BEATEN TRACK. 2. Not what is  usual  or
proper; strange. * /To leave before the guest of honor would be out of
the way./ * /I'm sorry if I said something out of  the  way./  *  /The
night watchman looked around the building, but he saw nothing  out  of
the way./ Compare: OUT OF PLACE. 3. or [out of one's way] Not able  to
stop or bother you. * /Tommy wished the visitors were out of  the  way
so that he could have the candy for himself./ Compare:  OUT  OF  ONE'S
HAIR, PUT OUT OF THE WAY.

   [out of the woods] See: CROW BEFORE ONE IS OUT OF THE WOODS.

   [out of thin air] {adv. phr.} Out of nothing  or  from  nowhere.  *
/The teacher scolded Dick because his story was made out of thin air./
* /On the way home from town, Tom saw a house standing on the lot that
had been empty that morning; it seemed to have appeared  out  of  thin
air./ Compare: INTO THIN AIR.

   [out of this  world]  {adj.  phr.},  {slang}  Wonderfully  good  or
satisfying; terrific; super. * /The dress in the store window was  out
of this world!/ * /Mother was on TV last night. Isn't that out of this
world?/

   [out of touch] {adj. phr.} Not writing or talking with each  other;
not getting news anymore. * /Fred had got out of touch with people  in
his hometown./ * /On his island Robinson Crusoe was out of touch  with
world news./ Compare: LOSE TOUCH, LOSE TRACK. Contrast: IN TOUCH.

   [out of town] {adv. phr.} Having  left  one's  usual  residence  or
place of work on a longer trip. * /"Mr. Smith is  out  of  town  until
Monday," the secretary said. "May I take a message?"/

   [out of tune] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Out of proper musical pitch;
too low or high in sound. * /The band sounded  terrible,  because  the
instruments were out of tune./ 2. Not in agreement;  in  disagreement;
not going well together. - Often used with "with". * /What  Jack  said
was out of tune with how he looked; he  said  he  was  happy,  but  he
looked unhappy./ Compare: OFF-KEY. Contrast: IN TUNE.

   [out of turn] {adv. phr.} 1. Not in regular  order;  at  the  wrong
time. * /John played out of turn./ * /By taking a day off out of turn,
Bob got the schedule mixed up./ 2. Too  hastily  or  wrongly;  at  the
wrong time or place; so as to annoy others. * /Dick loses  friends  by
speaking out of turn./

   [out of wedlock] See: BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK.

   [out of whack] {adj. phr.}, {slang }1. Needing repair; not  working
right. * /Ben was glad the lawn mower got out  of  whack,  because  he
didn't have to mow the  lawn./  Syn.:  OUT  OF  ORDER.  2.  Not  going
together well; not in agreement. * /The things Mr. Black does are  out
of whack with what he says./ * /George's  earnings  and  his  spending
were out of whack./ Compare: OUT OF LINE.

   [out  of  work]  {adv.  phr.}  Having  no   income-producing   job;
unemployed. * /When too many people are out of work, it is a sign that
the economy is in a recession./

   [out on a limb] {adv. phr.} With your beliefs and  opinions  openly
stated; in  a  dangerous  position  that  can't  be  changed.  *  /The
president went out on a limb and supported a  foreign  aid  bill  that
many people were against./ * /Grandfather went out on  a  limb  before
the summer was over and said that the next winter would  be  long  and
cold with many snowstorms./

   [out on bail] {adv. phr.} Released from prison because  a  security
deposit known as "bail" has been put up by an  individual  or  a  bail
bond broker. * /The murder suspect was out on  a  one  million  dollar
bail awaiting trial./

   [out on parole] {adv. phr.} Released from prison  but  still  under
the supervision of the police. * /Although Henry is out on  parole  he
must watch his step very carefully. If he commits another burglary  he
may have to go to jail for a very long time./

   [out on the town] {adv. phr.} Going from one bar or  restaurant  to
the next in order to celebrate an event. * /They all went out  on  the
town to celebrate his promotion to vice president./

   [outside of] {prep.} 1. Not in; outside. * /I  would  not  want  to
meet a lion outside of a zoo./ Contrast: INSIDE OF. 2. Except for; not
including. * /Outside of Johnny, all the boys on the  basketball  team
are over six feet tall./ * /Mrs. Cox had no  jewelry  outside  of  her
wedding ring./ Syn.: APART FROM.

   [out to lunch] {adj.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Gone for  the  midday
meal. 2. Inattentive; daydreaming; inefficient; stupid. * /Neil Bender
is just out to lunch today./

   [overall]  {adj.}  All  inclusive;  comprehensive.  *   /What   our
department  needs  is  an  overall  revamping  of  our   undergraduate
curriculum./

   [over a barrel] also [over the barrel] {adv. phr.},  {informal}  In
the power of your enemies; not able to do anything about what  happens
to you; in a helpless condition; trapped.  *  /Bill  had  Tom  over  a
barrel because Tom owed him money./ * /Ralph has me over a  barrel;  I
need five dollars, and he won't lend it to me unless I let him use  my
bicycle./ Compare: ON THE ROPES.

   [over age] {adj. phr.} Too old; not young enough; above  the  legal
age. * /Grandfather wanted to fight in World War II, but he could  not
because he was over age./ Contrast: UNDER AGE.

   [over and done with] {adj. phr.} Finished; completed; forgotten.  *
/Norm and Meg's affair has been over and done with for a long time./

   [overboard] See: GO OFF THE DEEP END or GO OVERBOARD.

   [overhead] {n.} Expenses incurred in the upkeep of one's plant  and
premises, employees' salaries, etc., which are not due to the cost  of
individual items or products. * /"Our overhead  is  killing  us!"  the
used car lot owner complained. "We have to move to a cheaper place."/

   [overnight] {adj.} 1. From one evening until the  next  morning.  *
/We could drive from Chicago to Detroit in one day, but  it  would  be
more comfortable if we stayed overnight in a  motel./  2.  Rapidly.  *
/When Tom won the lottery he became a rich man overnight./

   [over one's dead body]  {adv.  phr.},  {informal}  Not  having  the
ability to stop something undesirable from taking place. * /"You  will
get married at age sixteen over my dead body!" Jane's father cried./

   [over one's head] {adv.} or  {adj.  phr.}  1.  Not  understandable;
beyond your ability to understand; too hard  or  strange  for  you  to
understand. * /Mary laughed just to be polite, but the joke was really
over her head./ * /The lesson today was hard; it went over  my  head./
Compare: BEYOND ONE'S DEPTH. 2. To a more important person in  charge;
to a higher official. * /When Mary's supervisor  said  no,  Mary  went
over her head to the person in charge of the whole department./ *  /If
Johnny can't get what he wants from his big sister, he goes  over  her
head and asks his mother./ 3. See: HANG OVER ONE'S HEAD.

   [over spilled milk] See: CRY OVER SPILLED MILK.

   [over the coals] See: HAUL OVER THE COALS or RAKE OVER THE COALS.

   [over the hill] {adj.}, {informal}  Past  one's  prime;  unable  to
function as one used to; senile. * /Poor Mr. Jones is sure not like he
used to be; well, he's over the hill./

   [over the hump] {adj. phr.}, {informal}  Past  the  most  difficult
part; past the crisis; out of danger. * /Mary was  failing  math,  but
she is over the hump now./ * /John was very sick after  his  accident,
hut he's over the hump./ * /When Mr. Smith was out of work  it  looked
as if his family would have to go on relief, but  they  got  over  the
hump./

   [over the long haul] See: IN THE LONG RUN. Contrast: OVER THE SHORT
HAUL.

   [over the short haul] See: IN THE SHORT  RUN.  Contrast:  OVER  THE
LONG HAUL.

   [over the top] {adv. phr.} 1. Out of the trenches and  against  the
enemy. * /The plan was to spend the night in the trenches and go  over
the top at dawn./ * /Johnny found that he was braver than  he  thought
he would be when his company went over the top./ 2. Over the  goal.  *
/Our goal was to collect a half million dollars  for  the  new  school
building, but we went over the top./ * /Mary was asked to sell  twenty
tickets, and she went over the top./

   [over the traces] See: KICK OVER THE TRACES.

   [over with(1)] {prep.} At the end of; finished with; through  with.
* /They were over with the meeting by ten  o'clock./  *  /By  Saturday
Mary will be over with the measles./

   [over with(2)] {adj.}, {informal} At an end; finished. * /John knew
his mother would scold him for losing the money, and he wanted to  get
it over with./ * /After the hard test, Jerry said,  "I'm  glad  that's
over with!"/

   [own] See: COME INTO ONE'S OWN, DOSE OF ONE'S  OWN  MEDICINE,  HOLD
ONE'S OWN, IN A WORLD OF ONE'S OWN, KEEP ONE'S OWN COUNSEL,  OF  ONE'S
OWN ACCORD or OF ONE'S OWN FREE WILL, ON ONE'S OWN ACCOUNT or ON ONE'S
OWN HOOK, ON ONE'S OWN TIME, SIGN ONE'S OWN DEATH  WARRANT,  TAKE  THE
LAW INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS, UNDER ONE'S OWN STEAM.

   [own up] {v.}, {informal} To take  the  blame;  admit  your  guilt;
confess. * /When Mr. Jones asked who broke the  window,  Johnny  owned
up./ * /Mary owned up to having  borrowed  her  sister's  sweater./  *
/When Mother saw that someone had broken the vase, Billy owned  up  to
it./ See: COME CLEAN.

   [oyster] See: WORLD IS ONE'S OYSTER.





   [p] See: MIND ONE'S P'S AND Q'S.

   [pace] See: CHANGE OF PACE, KEEP PACE,  PUT  THROUGH  ONE'S  PACES,
SNAIL'S PACE.

   [pace off] See: STEP OFF(2).

   [pace-setter], [pace-setting] See: SET THE PACE.

   [pack a punch] or [pack a wallop] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To be  able
to give a powerful blow; have a dangerous fist. * /He  packed  a  mean
punch./ 2. To have a violent effect; be powerful. * /It was vodka, and
it packed quite a wallop./

   [pack off] {v.}, {informal} To send away; dismiss abruptly. * /When
an Englishman got in trouble long ago, his family would pack  him  off
to Australia or some other distant land./ * /Jane couldn't really  get
started on her homework until she  had  packed  the  children  off  to
school./

   [pack rat] {n.}, {informal} A person  who  cannot  part  with  old,
useless objects; an avid collector of useless things; a junk  hoarder.
* /"Why are there so many things in this room?" John asked. "It is  my
brother's room, and he is a pack rat; he  is  unable  to  throw  stuff
away."/

   [packed (in) like sardines] {adj. phr.}  So  tightly  crowded  that
there is hardly room to turn. * /The trains are so  full  during  rush
hour that we must go to work packed in like sardines./

   [pack  of  lies]  {n.  phr.}  An  unbelievable  story;   unprovable
allegations. * /What Al told us about his new girlfriend  was  nothing
but a pack of lies./

   [pack one's  bag]  {v.  phr.}  To  leave  a  place  out  of  anger,
annoyance, or disagreement. * /"This place is  beginning  to  irritate
me," she said to her friend. "I want to pack my bags and  get  out  of
here."/

   [pack up] {v. phr.} To pack one's suitcase for traveling; prepare a
package. * /Without saying a single word, the unhappy  husband  packed
up and left./

   [paddle] See: UP THE CREEK or UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE.

   [paddle one's own canoe] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  work  without
help; earn your own living; support  yourself.  *  /After  his  father
died, John had to paddle his own canoe./  Syn.:  HOE  ONE'S  OWN  ROW.
Compare: MAKE ONE'S WAY.

   [paddy wagon] {n.}, {informal} A police van used  for  transporting
prisoners to jail or the police  station.  *  /The  police  threw  the
demonstrators into the paddy wagon./

   [pad the bill] {v. phr.} To add false expenses to a  bill;  make  a
bill larger than it really was. * /The salesman padded  the  bill  for
his traveling expenses by exaggerating his food expenses./

   [pain] See: AT PAINS, FEEL NO PAIN, GIVE A PAIN, GROWING PAINS,  ON
PAIN OF, TAKE PAINS.

   [pain in the ass] or [pain in the neck] {n.}, {slang}, {vulgar with
ass} An obnoxious or bothersome person or event. * /Phoebe Hochrichter
is a regular pain in the neck (ass)./

   [paint a gloomy picture] {v.  phr.}  To  describe  something  in  a
gloomy, pessimistic way. * /We are sad because  the  weather  forecast
has painted a gloomy picture for all  of  next  week  when  we  go  on
vacation./

   [paint oneself into a corner] {v. phr.} To get oneself into  a  bad
situation that is difficult  or  impossible  to  get  out  of.  *  /By
promising to both lower  taxes  and  raise  the  defense  budget,  the
president has painted himself into a corner./

   [paint the lily] See: GILD THE LILY.

   [paint the town red] or [paint the town] {v. phr.}, {slang}  To  go
out to drink and have a good time; celebrate wildly;  carouse.  *  /It
was the sailors' first night  ashore;  they  painted  the  town  red./
Compare: ON THE TOWN(2).

   [pair] See: TAKE TO ONE'S HEELS also SHOW A CLEAN PAIR OF HEELS.

   [pair off] {v.} 1. To make a pair of; put two together;  associate;
match. * /Mrs. Smith paired off her guests by age and tastes./  2.  To
belong to a pair; become one of a pair. * /Jane paired off with  Alice
in a tennis doubles match./ 3. To divide or join into pairs. *  /Later
in the day the picnic crowd paired off for walks and boat rides./

   [pair up] {v.} 1. To make a pair of; match. *  /When  she  finished
the mending, she paired up the socks./ 2. To form a  pair;  to  be  or
become one of a pair. * /Not all the socks  would  pair  up./  *  /Joe
paired up with Charlie to work on the lesson./

   [pajamas] See: CAT'S MEOW or CAT'S PAJAMAS.

   [pal] See: PEN PAL.

   [pale] See: BEYOND THE PALE.

   [pale around the gills] See: GREEN AROUND THE GILLS.

   [palm] See: CARRY OFF THE PALM, GREASE ONE'S PALM, ITCHING PALM.

   [palm off] {v.}, {informal} 1.  To  sell  or  give  (something)  by
pretending it is something more valuable; to sell or give by trickery.
* /He palmed off his own painting as a  Rembrandt./  *  /The  salesman
palmed off pine wood floors as oak./ Syn.: FOB OFF, PASS  OFF.  2.  To
deceive (someone) by a trick or lie. * /He palmed  his  creditors  off
with a great show of prosperity./  Syn.:  PUT  OFF.  3.  To  introduce
someone as a person he isn't; present  in  a  false  pretense.  *  /He
palmed the girl off as a real Broadway actress./

   [pan] See: FLASH IN THE PAN, OUT OF THE PRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE.

   [Pandora's box] {n. phr.}, {literary} A thing or problem  that,  if
activated, will give rise to many unmanageable problems.  *  /If  they
insist on having that inquiry, they will open  up  a  Pandora's  box./
Compare: CAN OF WORMS.

   [pan gravy] {n.} Gravy made with meat drippings with seasoning  and
often a little water. * /His wife liked cream gravy, but he  preferred
pan gravy./ * /Pan gravy from country  ham  is  often  called  red-eye
gravy./

   [panic] See: PUSH THE PANIC BUTTON.

   [pan out] {v.}, {informal} To have  a  result,  especially  a  good
result; result favorably; succeed. * /Suppose the class tried to  make
money by selling candy. How would that pan out?/ *  /Edison's  efforts
to invent an electric light  bulb  did  not  pan  out  until  he  used
tungsten wires./

   [pant for] {v. phr.} To desire something  very  deeply.  *  /He  is
panting for his girlfriend, who went out of town to see her family./

   [pants] See: ANTS IN ONE'S PANTS, CATCH ONE WITH ONE'S PANTS  DOWN,
FANCY PANTS, FLY BY THE SEAT OF ONE'S PANTS, GET THE LEAD OUT OF ONE'S
PANTS, KICK IN THE PANTS, WEAR THE TROUSERS or WEAR THE PANTS.

   [paper] See: ON PAPER, WALKING PAPERS.

   [par] See: UP TO PAR.

   [parade] See: HIT PARADE.

   [parade rest] {n.} A position in which soldiers stand  still,  with
feet apart and hands behind their backs. * /The marines were at parade
rest in front of the officials' platform./ Compare: AT EASE(3).

   [parallel bars] {n.} Two horizontal bars the same  distance  apart,
that are a few feet above the  floor  of  a  gymnasium.  *  /The  boys
exercised on the parallel bars in the gym./

   [parcel] See: PART AND PARCEL.

   [parcel out] {v.} To give out in parts or  shares;  divide.  *  /He
parceled out the remaining food to the workers./

   [par for the course] {n. phr.}, {informal} Just what was  expected;
nothing unusual; a typical happening. - Usually refers to things going
wrong. * /Mary is very clumsy so it was par for the  course  when  she
bumped into the table and broke the vase./  *  /When  John  came  late
again, Mary said, "That's par for the  course."/  Compare:  ALL  IN  A
DAY'S WORK, RUNNING TRUE TO FORM.

   [pare down] {v. phr.}  To  limit;  economize;  reduce.  *  /With  a
smaller income per month, the family had to pare down their  household
expenses./

   [parliamentary  law]  {n.}  The  rules  for  legislative  or  other
meetings. * /The club  followed  parliamentary  law  at  the  business
meeting./

   [parrot-fashion] {adv.} Like a parrot;  by  rote  memorization  and
without any understanding. * /The candidate delivered  a  speech  that
was prepared for him and he read it parrot-fashion./

   [part] See: DISCRETION IS THE BETTER PART OF VALOR,  FOOL  AND  HIS
MONEY ARE SOON PARTED, FOR MY PART, FOR ONE'S PART also ON ONE'S PART,
FOR THE MOST PART, IN PART, MAN OF PARTS, TAKE PART.

   [partake of] {v.}, {formal} 1. To take some of; receive a share of;
eat. * /He partook of ordinary country fare as  he  traveled./  2.  To
have the same qualities as; show the characteristics of. * /Her way of
cooking partook of both Italian and American habits./

   [part  and  parcel]  {n.  phr.}  A  necessary  or  important  part;
something necessary to a larger thing. - Usually followed by  "of".  *
/Freedom of speech is part and parcel of the liberty of a free man./

   [part company] {v. phr.} 1. To part with someone; leave each other;
separate. * /The boys parted company as they came from  the  park./  *
/George parted company with the others at his front door./  2.  To  be
different from someone in opinion or  action;  follow  your  own  way;
disagree; differ. * /They parted company  on  where  the  new  highway
should be built./ * /The mayor parted company with the  newspapers  on
raising taxes./

   [partial to] {v. phr.} Having a weakness for; favorable  toward.  *
/He seems to be partial to blondes while his  brother  is  partial  to
redheads./

   [particular] See: IN PARTICULAR.

   [parting of the ways] {n. phr.} 1. The point where a road  or  path
divides; a fork. * /They stood undecided at a  parting  of  the  ways,
where a forest path forked./ 2. A time or place where a choice must be
made; a deciding point. * /He had come to a parting of  the  ways:  he
had to choose the high school  courses  that  would  prepare  him  for
college, or the courses that would prepare him for business./

   [part of the furniture] {n. phr.} In a job or position for so  long
that one is taken entirely for granted, like a part  of  the  physical
surroundings. * /He has been working in the same office  for  so  many
years now that people consider him to be a part of the furniture./

   [part with] {v.} 1. To separate from; leave. * /He parted  with  us
at the end of the trip./ Compare: PART COMPANY. 2. To let go. *  /They
were sorry to part with the old house./ * /He had  to  part  with  his
secretary when she got married./ Compare: GIVE UP.

   [party] See: HEN PARTY, LIFE OF THE PARTY, NECK-TIE PARTY, THROW  A
PARTY.

   [party line] {n. phr.} Ideas, policies, and goals set forth by  the
leadership of a group or organization. * /Dan seldom has  an  original
idea but he keeps faithfully repeating his company's party line./

   [party to] {adj. phr.} Concerned with;  participating  in.  *  /The
prosecution has been trying to show that the defendant was party to  a
fraud./

   [pass] See: BRING TO PASS, COME TO PASS, FORWARD PASS,  JUMP  PASS,
SCREEN PASS.

   [pass  around]  {v.  phr.}  To  circulate  from  one  to   another;
distribute something among a group of people. * /Why doesn't  he  pass
around the appetizers to the guests?/

   [pass away] {v.} 1. To slip by; go by; pass. * /We had so much  fun
that the weekend passed away before we realized it./  *  /Forty  years
had passed away since they had  met./  2.  To  cease  to  exist;  end;
disappear; vanish * /When automobiles became popular, the use  of  the
horse and buggy passed away./ 3. To have your life stop;  die.  *  /He
passed away at eighty./ Syn.: PASS ON(3), PASS OUT(3).

   [pass by] See: PASS OVER.

   [pass by the board] See: GO BY THE BOARD.

   [passed ball] {n.} A pitched baseball missed by the catcher when he
should have been able to catch it. * /The batter singled and  went  to
second on a passed ball./

   [pass for] {v. phr.} To be taken for; be considered as. *  /Charles
speaks Arabic so fluently that he could easily pass for an Arab./

   [passing] See: IN PASSING.

   [pass muster] {v. phr.}, {informal} To pass a test or check-up;  be
good enough. * /After a practice period, Sam found that he was able to
pass muster as a lathe operator./ * /His work was done  carefully,  so
it always passed muster./ Compare: MEASURE UP.

   [pass off] {v.} 1. To sell or give  (something)  by  false  claims;
offer (something fake) as genuine. * /The dishonest builder passed off
a poorly built house by pretending it was well constructed./ Syn.: FOB
OFF, PALM OFF(2). To claim to be someone you are not;  pretend  to  be
someone else. * /He passed himself  off  as  a  doctor  until  someone
checked his record./ 3. To  go  away  gradually;  disappear.  *  /Mrs.
White's morning headache had passed off by that night./ 4. To reach an
end; run its course from beginning to end. *  /The  party  passed  off
well./ Syn.: GO OFF.

   [pass on] {v.} 1. To give an opinion about; judge; settle.  *  /The
college passed on his application and found him  acceptable./  *  /The
committee recommended three people  for  the  job  and  the  president
passed on them./ 2. To give away (something that has been outgrown.) *
/As he grew up, he passed on his  clothes  to  his  younger  brother./
Compare: HAND DOWN. 3. To die. * /Mary was very sorry to hear that her
first grade teacher had passed on./ Syn.: PASS AWAY(3), PASS OUT(3).

   [pass out] {v.}, {informal} 1. To lose consciousness; faint. * /She
went back to work while she was  still  sick,  and  finally  she  just
passed out./ Compare: GIVE OUT(3). 2. or {slang} [pass  out  cold]  To
drop into a drunken stupor; become unconscious from  drink.  *  /After
three drinks, the man passed out./ 3. To die. * /Life  came  and  went
weakly in him for hours after surgery; then he passed out./ Syn.: PASS
AWAY(3), PASS ON(3).

   [pass over] or [pass by] {v.} To give no attention to; not  notice;
ignore, * /I can pass over the disorderliness of the troops, but their
disobedience is serious./ * /In choosing men  to  be  given  a  salary
raise, the foreman passed Mr. Hart by./ * /She was  unattractive,  the
kind of a girl that everybody would pass by./

   [pass the buck] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make another person decide
something or accept a responsibility or give orders instead  of  doing
it yourself; shift or escape responsibility or blame; put the duty  or
blame on someone else. * /Mrs. Brown complained to the  man  who  sold
her the bad meat, but he only passed the buck and told her to see  the
manager./ * /If you break a window, do not pass the buck;  admit  that
you did it./ Compare: LET GEORGE DO IT. - [buck-passer]  {n.  phr.}  A
person who passes the buck. * /Mr. Jones was  a  buck-passer  even  at
home,  and  tried  to  make  his  wife  make  all  the  decisions./  -
[buck-passing] {n.} or {adj.} * /Buck-passing clerks  in  stores  make
customers angry./

   [pass the hat] {v. phr.} To solicit money; take up collections  for
a cause. * /The businessmen's  club  frequently  passes  the  hat  for
contributions toward scholarships./

   [pass the time of day] {v. phr.} To exchange greetings; stop for  a
chat. * /They met at the corner and paused to pass the time of day./

   [pass through one's mind] See: CROSS ONE'S MIND.

   [pass up] {v.} To let (something) go by; refuse. * /Mary passed  up
the dessert because she was on a diet./ * /John was offered a good job
in California, but he passed it up because he didn't  want  to  move./
Compare: TURN DOWN.

   [pass upon] {v. phr.} To express an opinion about; judge. * /George
said he wanted his wife to pass up the new house before he decided  to
buy it./

   [pass with flying colors] See: WITH FLYING COLORS.

   [past master] {n. phr.} An expert. * /Alan wins so often because he
is a past master at chess./

   [past one's peak] {adj. phr.} No longer as  strong,  efficient,  or
able as one once was, usually because of advanced  age  and  decreased
ability. * /He used to be a terrific athlete but we're  afraid  he  is
past his peak./

   [pat] See: PIT-A-PAT, STAND PAT.

   [pat-a-cake] {n.} A clapping game that  keeps  time  to  a  nursery
rhyme. * /Mother played pat-a-cake with the baby./

   [patch up] {v.} 1. To mend a hole or  break;  repair;  fix.  *  /He
patched up a couple of old tires./ *  /The  lovers  patched  up  their
quarrel./ 2. To put together in  a  hurried  or  shaky  way.  *  /They
patched up a hasty peace./

   [pat on the back(1)] {v. phr.} 1. To clap lightly on  the  back  in
support, encouragement, or praise. * /The coach patted the  player  on
the back and said a few encouraging words./ 2. To make your support or
encouragement for (someone) felt; praise. * /After he  won  the  game,
everyone patted him on the back for days./

   [pat on the back(2)] {n. phr.} 1. An encouraging tap of the hand on
someone's back; a show of sympathy or support. * /I gave her a pat  on
the back and told her she had done fine work./ 2. A word or gesture of
praise or other encouragement; applause. * /Pats on the  back  weren't
enough; he wanted hard cash./

   [patrol] See: SHORE PATROL.

   [Paul] See: ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL.

   [pause] See: GIVE PAUSE.

   [pavement] See: POUND THE PAVEMENT.

   [pave the  way]  {v.  phr.}  To  make  preparation;  make  easy.  *
/Aviation paved the way for space travel./ * /A good  education  paves
the way to success./

   [pay] See: DEVIL TO PAY.

   [pay a call] {v. phr.} To visit someone. * /"Come and pay us a call
some time, when you're in town," Sue said to Henry./

   [pay as one goes] {v. phr.} To pay cash; to pay at once;  to  avoid
charging anything bought; to avoid debt entirely  by  paying  cash.  -
Usually used with "you". * /It is best to pay as you go; then you will
not have to worry about paying debts later./

   [pay attention] {v. phr.} To listen to someone; hear and understand
someone alertly. * /"Pay  attention,  children!"  the  teacher  cried,
"Here is your homework for next week!"/

   [pay court to] {v. phr.} To woo; to shower with  attention.  *  /He
had been paying court to her for three long years before he worked  up
the courage to ask her to marry him./

   [pay dirt] {n.}, {slang} 1. The dirt in which much gold is found. *
/The man searched for gold many years before he found  pay  dirt./  2.
{informal} A valuable discovery. - Often used in  the  phrase  "strike
pay dirt". * /When Bill joined the team, the coach struck pay dirt./ *
/Jean looked in many books for facts about her hometown,  and  finally
she struck pay dirt./ Compare: STRIKE IT RICH.

   [pay down] {v. phr.} 1. To give as a deposit on some purchase,  the
rest of which is to be paid in periodic installments. * /"How much can
you pay down on the house, sir?" the realtor asked./ 2. To decrease  a
debt with periodical payments. * /I'd like to pay down the charges  on
my credit cards./ Compare: DOWN PAYMENT.

   [pay for] {v.} To have trouble because of (something you did  wrong
or did not do); be punished or suffer because of. *  /When  Bob  could
not get a good job, he realized he had to pay for  all  the  years  of
fooling around instead of working in school./ * /Mary was very mean to
John because she wanted to make him pay for all the years in which  he
had ignored her./ Compare: MAKE UP(3b), PAY OFF.

   [pay in advance] See: IN ADVANCE.

   [pay lip service to] See: LIP SERVICE.

   [payoff] {n.} Culmination point; climax. * /After  many  months  of
patient labor on your book, the payoff comes when you  see  the  first
printed copy./

   [pay off] {v. phr.} 1. To pay the wages of. * /The  men  were  paid
off just before quitting time, the last day before the holiday./ 2. To
pay and discharge from a job. * /When the building  was  completed  he
paid off the laborers./ 3. To hurt (someone) who  has  done  wrong  to
you; get revenge on. * /When Bob tripped Dick, Dick paid  Bob  off  by
punching him in the nose./ Syn.: PAY BACK. 4. {informal}  To  bring  a
return; make profit. * /At  first  Mr.  Harrison  lost  money  on  his
investments, but  finally  one  paid  off./  5.  {informal}  To  prove
successful, rewarding, or worthwhile. * /Ben's friendship with the old
man who lived beside him paid off  in  pleasant  hours  and  broadened
interests./ * /John studied hard before the examination, and  it  paid
off. He made an A./

   [pay one a left-handed compliment] See: LEFT-HANDED COMPLIMENT.

   [pay one back in his own coin]  {v.  phr.}  To  retaliate.  *  /Jim
refused to help Bob when he needed it most, so Bob decided to pay  him
back in his own coin and told him to go and look for help elsewhere./

   [pay  one's  respect  to]  {v.  phr.}  To  discharge  one's  social
obligations by visiting someone or by calling them  on  the  phone.  *
/The newly  arrived  people  paid  their  respects  to  their  various
neighbors during their first couple of weeks in town./

   [pay one's way] {v. phr.} 1. To pay  in  cash  or  labor  for  your
expenses. * /He paid  his  way  by  acting  as  a  guide./  2.  To  be
profitable; earn as much as  you  cost  someone;  be  valuable  to  an
employer; to yield a return above expenses. * /The bigger  truck  paid
its way from the start./ * /We had to offer our new  manager  a  large
salary, but he was a capable man, and paid his  way./  Compare:  WORTH
ONE'S SALT.

   [pay out] See: PAY OFF.

   [pay the piper] or [pay  the  fiddler]  {v.  phr.}  To  suffer  the
results of being foolish; pay or suffer because of your  foolish  acts
or wasting money. * /Bob had spent all his money and got into debt, so
now he must pay the piper./ * /Fred had a fight, broke a  window,  and
quarreled with his counselor so now he must pay the fiddler./ Compare:
PACE THE MUSIC(2). (From the proverb "He who dances must pay the piper
(or the fiddler).")

   [pay through the nose] {v. phr.}, {informal} To pay at a very  high
rate; pay too much. * /He had wanted experience, but this  job  seemed
like paying through the nose for it./ * /There was a shortage of cars;
if you found one for sale, you had to pay through the nose./

   [pay up] {v.} To pay in full; pay the amount of; pay what is  owed.
* /The monthly installments on the car were paid up./ * /He  pays  his
dues up promptly./ * /He gets behind when he is out of work but always
pays up when he is working again./

   [peace] See: HOLD ONE'S PEACE.

   [pearl] See: CAST PEARLS BEFORE SWINE or CAST ONE'S  PEARLS  BEFORE
SWINE.

   [pebble] See: NOT THE ONLY PEBBLE ON THE BEACH.

   [peck] See: HUNT AND PECK.

   [pecking order] {n.} The way people are ranked in relation to  each
other  (for  honor,  privilege,  or  power);  status   classification;
hierarchy. * /After the president was in office  several  months,  his
staff developed a pecking order./

   [pedestal] See: ON A PEDESTAL.

   [peel] See: KEEP ONE'S EYES PEELED.

   [peel off] {v.} To dive away from a group of airplanes in a  flight
formation; bring one plane down from a group. * /As the  group  neared
the home base, pilot after pilot peeled off for a landing./

   [peeping Tom] {n.} A man or boy who likes sly peeping.  *  /He  was
picked up by the police as a peeping Tom./

   [peg] See: SQUARE PEG IN A ROUND HOLE, TAKE DOWN A PEG.

   [peg away] {v.} To work methodically, industriously, or steadily  *
/Thomson pegged away for years at a shoe repair  business./  *  /Jones
kept pegging away, and finally recognition came./

   [pen] See: POISON-PEN, SLIP OF THE PEN.

   [penalty box] {n.} A  place  where  penalized  hockey  players  are
required to go to wait until the penalty is over. * /Two  players  got
into a fight and were sent to the penalty box for two minutes./

   [penny for one's thoughts] Please tell me  what  you  are  thinking
about; what's your daydream.  *  /"A  penny  for  your  thoughts!"  he
exclaimed./

   [penny pincher], [penny pinching] See: PINCH PENNIES.

   [penny wise and pound foolish] Wise or careful in small things  but
not careful enough in important things. - A proverb.  *  /Mr.  Smith's
fence is rotting and falling down because he wouldn't spend  money  to
paint it. He is penny wise and pound foolish./

   [pen pal] {n.} A friend who is known to someone through an exchange
of letters. * /John's pen pal  writes  him  letters  about  school  in
Alaska./

   [people who live in glass houses should not throw  stones]  Do  not
complain about other people if you  are  as  bad  as  they  are.  -  A
proverb. * /Mary says that Betty is jealous, but Mary is more  jealous
herself. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones./

   [pep talk] {n.}, {informal} A speech that makes people feel good so
they will try harder and not give up. * /The football coach  gave  the
team a pep talk./ * /Mary was worried about her exams, but felt better
after the teacher's pep talk./

   [period of grace] See: GRACE PERIOD.

   [perish the thought] {v. phr.} Let us not even think of it; may  it
never come true. - Used as  an  exclamation.  *  /If  John  fails  the
college entrance exam - perish the thought - he will go back  to  high
school for one more year./ * /Perish the thought that Mary should have
cancer./ Compare: GOD FORBID.

   [perk up] {v.} To get or give back pep, vigor, health,  or  spirit;
become or make more lively; liven up. * /He perked  up  quickly  after
his illness./ * /The rain perked up the flowers wonderfully./

   [person] See: IN PERSON.

   [pet name] {n. phr.}  A  special  or  abbreviated  name  indicating
affection. * /He never calls his wife her real name, "Elizabeth,"  but
only such pet names  as  "honey,"  "honey  bunch,"  "sweetheart,"  and
"sugar."/

   [petard] See: HOIST WITH ONE'S OWN PETARD.

   [Peter] See: ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL.

   [peter out] {v.}, {informal} To fail or die  down  gradually;  grow
less; become exhausted. * /After the factory closed, the  town  pretty
well petered out./ * /The mine once had a rich vein of silver, but  it
petered out./ * /But as he thought of her, his  anger  slowly  petered
out./ Compare: GIVE OUT.

   [photo finish] {n. phr.} A close finish in  a  race  of  people  or
animals, where the camera must decide the actual result, sometimes  by
millimeters. * /The black horse was declared the  winner  in  a  photo
finish./

   [pick] See: BONE TO PICK or CROW TO PICK.

   [pick a bone] See: BONE TO PICK.

   [pick a fight] See: PICK A QUARREL.

   [pick a hole in] or [pick holes in] {v. phr.}, {informal} To find a
mistake in or things wrong with; criticize; blame. * /The witness said
he had been walking in the  moonlight  last  Sunday,  but  the  lawyer
picked a hole in what he said by proving that there was  no  moon  and
that it rained Sunday night./ * /Mary is always picking holes in  what
the other girls do./ Compare: FIND FAULT.

   [pick and choose] {v.} To select with much care; choose in a  fussy
way; take a long time before choosing. * /He was never one to pick and
choose./ * /Some people pick and choose to get something perfect,  and
some just because they can't make up their minds./

   [pick apart] or [pick to pieces] {v. phr.}  To  criticize  harshly;
find things wrong with; find fault with. * /After the dance, the girls
picked Susan apart./ * /They picked the play to pieces./

   [pick a pocket] {v. phr.} To steal by removing from the  pocket  of
another. * /While in the train, somebody picked his  pocket  and  took
the last dollar he had./

   [pick a/the lock] {v. phr.} To burglarize; open illegally;  open  a
lock without the regular key. * /The robber  got  into  the  house  by
picking the lock./

   [pick a quarrel] {v. phr.} To seek the opportunity for a fight or a
quarrel. * /When Charlie has too much to drink, he has a  tendency  to
pick a quarrel with whomever happens to be around./ See: PICK A FIGHT.

   [pick at] {v.} 1. To reach or grasp for  repeatedly.  *  /The  baby
kept picking at the coverlet./ 2. To eat without  appetite;  choose  a
small piece every little while to eat. * /He picked at his  food./  3.
To annoy or bother continually; find fault with. * /They showed  their
displeasure by continually picking at her./ Syn.: PICK ON.

   [pick  holes  in]  {v.  phr.}  To  criticize  or  find  fault  with
something, such as a speech, a statement, a  theory,  etc.  *  /It  is
easier to pick holes in someone else's argument than to  make  a  good
one yourself./

   [pick-me-up] {n. phr.} Something you take when you  feel  tired  or
weak. * /John stopped at a drugstore for a  pick-me-up  after  working
three hours overtime./ * /Mary always carried a bar  of  chocolate  in
her pocketbook for a pick-me-up./

   [pickpocket] {n.} A thief; a petty criminal who steals  things  and
money out of people's pockets on a bus, train, etc.  *  /In  some  big
cities many poor children become pickpockets out of poverty./

   [pick off] {v.} 1. To pull off; remove  with  the  fingers.  *  /He
picked off the burs that had stuck to his overcoat./ 2. To shoot,  one
at a time; knock down one by one. * /The sniper picked off the  slower
soldiers as they came out into the road./ 3. To catch  a  base  runner
off base by throwing the ball quickly to a fielder who tags him out. *
/The pitcher turned around suddenly and threw to the second baseman to
pick the runner off second base./ Compare: OFF BASE. 4. To catch  and,
especially in football, to intercept. * /Alert  defenders  picked  off
three of Jack's passes./

   [pick on] {v.} 1.  {informal}  To  make  a  habit  of  annoying  or
bothering (someone); do or say bad things to (someone). * /Other  boys
picked on him until he decided to fight them./ Syn.: PICK AT(3). 2. To
single out; choose; select. * /He  visited  a  lot  of  colleges,  and
finally picked on Stanford./

   [pick one's teeth] {v. phr.} To clean one's teeth with a toothpick.
* /It is considered poor manners to pick one's teeth in public./

   [pick one's way] {v. phr.} To go ahead carefully  in  difficult  or
unfamiliar places; advance with care.  *  /After  nightfall  we  drove
slowly along, picking our way until we found the right  turn./  *  /He
picked his way across the rough and rocky hillside./

   [pick out] {v.} 1. To choose. * /It took Mary a long time  to  pick
out a dress at the store./ 2. To see  among  others;  recognize;  tell
from others. * /We could pick out different places in  the  city  from
the airplane./ * /We could not pick Bob out in the big  crowd./  Syn.:
MAKE OUT(2). 3. To find by examining or trying; tell  the  meaning.  *
/The box was so dirty we couldn't  pick  out  the  directions  on  the
label./ Compare: FIND OUT.

   [pick over] {v.} To select the best of; look at and  take  what  is
good from; choose from. * /She picked the apples over  and  threw  out
the bad ones./ * /We hurried to the big sale, but  we  were  late  and
everything had already been picked over./

   [pick the brains of] {v. phr.} To get ideas or information about  a
particular subject by asking an expert. * /If you have time, I'd  like
to pick your brains about home computers./

   [pick to pieces] See: PICK APART, PICK HOLES IN.

   [pickup] {n.}, (stress on "pick") 1. A rugged, small truck. * /When
he got into  the  lumber  business,  Max  traded  in  his  comfortable
two-door sedan for  a  pickup./  2.  Scheduled  meeting  in  order  to
transfer merchandise or stolen goods. * /The pickup  goes  down  at  7
A.M. every day by the loading dock./ * /The dope pushers usually  make
their pickup on Rush Street./ 3. A person who is easy to  persuade  to
go home with the suitor. * /Sue is said to be an easy pickup./

   [pick up] {v.} 1. To take up; lift.  *  /During  the  morning  Mrs.
Carter picked up sticks in the yard./ 2. {informal} To pay for someone
else. * /After lunch, in the  restaurant,  Uncle  Bob  picked  up  the
check./ 3. To take on or away; receive; get. * /At the next corner the
bus stopped and picked up three people./  4.  To  get  from  different
places at different times; a little at a  time;  collect.  *  /He  had
picked up rare coins in seaports  all  over  the  world./  5.  To  get
without trying; get accidentally. * /He picked up knowledge  of  radio
just by staying around the radio station./ * /Billy picked up  a  cold
at school./ 6a. To gather together; collect.  *  /When  the  carpenter
finished making the cabinet, he began picking up his  tools./  6b.  To
make neat and tidy; tidy up; put in order. * /Pick up your room before
Mother sees it./ 6c. To gather things together; tidy  a  place  up.  *
/It's almost dinner time, children. Time to pick up and get ready./ 7.
To catch the sound of. * /He picked up Chicago on the  radio./  8.  To
get acquainted with (someone) without an  introduction;  make  friends
with (a person of the other sex). * /Mother told Mary not to walk home
by herself from the party because some stranger might try to pick  her
up./ 9. {informal} To take to the police station or  jail;  arrest.  *
/Police picked the man up for burglary./ 10. To recognize the trail of
a hunted person or  animal;  find.  *  /State  police  picked  up  the
bandit's trail./ * /The dogs picked up the fox's smell./ 11.  To  make
(someone) feel better; refresh. * /A little food will  pick  you  up./
12a. To increase (the speed); make (the speed) faster. * /The  teacher
told her singing class to pick up the tempo./ *  /The  car  picked  up
speed./ 12b. To become faster; become livelier. * /The  speed  of  the
train began to pick up./ * /After the band practiced for a while,  the
music began to pick up./ 13. To start again after interruption; go  on
with. * /The class picked up the story where they had left  it  before
the holiday./ * /They met  after  five  years,  and  picked  up  their
friendship as if there had been no interruption./  14.  {informal}  To
become better; recover; gain. * /She picked up in her  schoolwork./  *
/He picked up gradually after a long illness./ * /His  spirits  picked
up as he came near home./

   [pick up the tab] {v. phr.} To pay the bill in a restaurant; be the
one who underwrites financially what others are doing. * /"I am always
the one who picks up the tab," Charlie  complained  bitterly.  "Others
get away with being freeloaders."/ Compare: FOOT THE BILL.

   [Pidgin  English]  {n.  phr.}  A  jargon  that  consists  of   some
mispronounced English words and some foreign words used  by  Orientals
in talking with Westerners. * /You can conduct a lot  of  business  in
Pidgin English in the Far East./

   [pie] See: EAT HUMBLE PIE, FINGER IN  THE  PIE,  PIE  IN  THE  SKY,
SWEETIE PIE.

   [piece] See: BY THE PIECE, CONVERSATION  PIECE,  GIVE  A  PIECE  OF
ONE'S MIND, GO TO PIECES, OF A PIECE, PIECE OF CAKE, SAY  ONE'S  PIECE
or SPEAK ONE'S PIECE, TO PIECES.

   [piece of cake] {adj.}, {slang} Easy. * /The final exam was a piece
of cake./

   [piece out] {v.} 1. To put together from many different pieces; put
together from odd parts;  patch.  *  /They  pieced  out  a  meal  from
leftovers./ * /He pieced out the machine with  scrap  parts./  *  /The
detective pieced out the story from a stray fact here, a  clue  there,
and a hint somewhere else./ 2. To make larger or longer by adding  one
or more pieces. * /The girl grew so fast that her mother had to  piece
out her dresses./

   [piecework] {n.} Work paid for  in  accordance  with  the  quantity
produced. * /Al prefers working on a piecework basis  to  being  on  a
regular salary because he feels he makes more that way./

   [pie in the sky] {n. phr.}, {informal} An unrealistic wish or hope.
* /Our trip to Hawaii is still only a pie in the sky./  Compare:  PIPE
DREAM.

   [pigeonhole] {v.} 1. To set aside; defer consideration of.  *  /The
plan  was  pigeonholed  until  the  next  committee  meeting./  2.  To
typecast; give a stereotypical characterization to someone. * /It  was
unfair  of  the  committee  to   pigeonhole   him   as   a   left-wing
troublemaker./

   [pigeonhole] {n.} 1. Small compartment  for  internal  mail  in  an
office or a department. * /"You can just put your late  exam  into  my
pigeonhole," said Professor Brown to the concerned student./ 2. One of
the small compartments in a desk or cabinet. * /He keeps his cufflinks
in a pigeonhole in his desk./

   [piggy-back] {adj.} or {adv.}  Sitting  or  being  carried  on  the
shoulders. * /Little John loved to go for a  piggy-back  ride  on  his
father's shoulders./ * /When Mary sprained her ankle, John carried her
piggy-back to the doctor./

   [piggy bank] {n.} A small bank, sometimes in the shape  of  a  pig,
for saving coins. * /John's father gave him a piggy bank./

   [pigheaded] {adj.} Stubborn;  unwilling  to  compromise.  *  /"Stop
being so pigheaded!" she cried. "I, too, can be right sometimes!"/

   [pig in a poke] {n. phr.} An unseen bargain; something accepted  or
bought without looking at it carefully. *  /Buying  land  by  mail  is
buying a pig in a poke: sometimes the  land  turns  out  to  be  under
water./

   [pig out] {v. phr.} 1. To eat a tremendous amount of  food.  *  /"I
always pig out on my birthday," she confessed./  2.  To  peruse;  have
great fun with; indulge in for a longer period of time. * /"Go to  bed
and pig out on a good mystery story," the doctor recommended./

   [pile up] {v. phr.} 1. To grow into a big heap.  *  /He  didn't  go
into his office for three days and his work kept piling up./ 2. To run
aground. * /Boats often pile up on the rocks in the shallow water./ 3.
To crash. * /One car made a sudden stop and the  two  cars  behind  it
piled up./

   [pile-up] {n.} 1. A heap;  a  deposit  of  one  object  on  top  of
another. * /There is a huge pile-up of  junked  cars  in  this  vacant
lot./ 2. A large number of objects in the same place, said of traffic.
* /I was late because of the traffic pile-up on the highway./

   [pill] See: BITTER PILL.

   [pillar of society] {n. phr.} A leading figure who  contributes  to
the support and  the  well-being  of  his/her  society;  a  person  of
irreproachable character. * /Mrs. Brown, the director of our classical
symphony fund, is a true pillar of society./

   [pillar to post] See: FROM PILLAR TO POST.

   [pimple] See: GOOSE BUMPS or GOOSE PIMPLES.

   [pin] See: ON PINS AND NEEDLES.

   [pinch] See: TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT also TAKE WITH  A  PINCH  OF
SALT, WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES.

   [pinch and scrape] {v. phr.} To save as much money as  possible  by
spending as little as possible. * /They are trying to buy their  first
house so they are pinching and scraping every penny they can./

   [pinch-hit] {v.} 1. To substitute for another player at  bat  in  a
baseball game. * /Smith was  sent  in  to  pinch-hit  for  Jones./  2.
{informal} To act for a while, or in an emergency, for another person;
take someone's place for a while. * /I asked him to pinch-hit  for  me
while I was away./ * /The president of the City Council pinch-hits for
the mayor when the mayor is out of  town./  -  [pinch-hitter]  {n.}  *
/Jones was hit by a pitched ball and Smith came in as a pinch-hitter./
*  /When  our  teacher  was  sick,  Mrs.  Harris  was  called   as   a
pinch-hitter./ - [pinch-hitting] {adj.} or {n.} *  /Pinch-hitting  for
another teacher is a hard job./

   [pinch pennies] {v. phr.}, {informal} Not spend a penny  more  than
necessary; be very saving or thrifty. * /When Tom and Mary were saving
money to buy a house, they had to pinch  pennies./  -  [penny-pincher]
{n.}, {informal} A stingy or selfish person; miser.  *  /He  spent  so
little money that he began to get the  name  of  a  penny-pincher./  -
[penny-pinching] {adj.} or {n.}, {informal} * /Bob saved enough  money
by penny-pinching to buy a bicycle./

   [pin curl] {n.} A curl made with a hair clip or bobby pin. *  /Mary
washed her hair and put it up in pin curls./  *  /All  the  girls  had
their hair in pin curls to get ready for the party./

   [pin down] {v.} 1a. To keep (someone) from moving; make stay  in  a
place or position; trap. * /Mr. Jones' leg was pinned down  under  the
car after the accident./ * /The soldier was pinned down  in  the  hole
because rifle  bullets  were  flying  over  his  head./  1b.  To  keep
(someone) from changing what (he) says or means; make (someone)  admit
the truth; make (someone) agree to something. * /Mary didn't like  the
book but I couldn't pin her down to say what  she  didn't  like  about
it./ * /I tried to pin Bob down to fix my  bicycle  tomorrow,  but  he
wouldn't say that he could./ 2. To tell clearly and  exactly;  explain
so that there is no doubt. * /The police tried to pin down  the  blame
for the fire in the school./

   [pine away] {v. phr.} To waste away with grief. * /After George was
sent abroad, his wife pined away for him so much that she became ill./

   [pink] See: IN THE PINK, TICKLE PINK.

   [pink around the gills] See: GREEN AROUND THE GILLS.

   [pin money] {n. phr.} Extra money used for incidentals. * /She  has
a regular full-time job but she earns extra pin money by doing  a  lot
of baby-sitting./

   [pin one's ears back] {v. phr.}, {slang}  1.  To  beat;  defeat.  *
/After winning three games in a row, the Reds had  their  ears  pinned
back by the Blues./ 2. To scold. * /Mrs. Smith pinned Mary's ears back
for not doing her homework./

   [pin one's faith on] {v. phr.} To depend upon; trust. * /We  pinned
our faith on our home basketball team to win  the  state  finals,  and
they did!/

   [pin one's heart on one's sleeve] See: WEAR ONE'S  HEART  ON  ONE'S
SLEEVE.

   [pint-size] {adj.}, {informal} Very small. *  /The  new  pint-size,
portable TV sets have a very clear picture./ * /It was funny to hear a
pint-size voice coming out of a great big man./

   [pinup girl] {v. phr.} An attractive girl whose picture  is  pinned
or tacked to the wall by an admirer. * /Some Hollywood  actresses  are
understandably very popular pinup girls among male soldiers./

   [pipe] See: PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT.

   [pipe down] {v.} 1.  To  call  (sailors)  away  from  work  with  a
whistle. * /He piped the men down after boat  drill./  2.  {slang}  To
stop talking; shut up; be quiet. * /"Oh, pipe  down,"  he  called./  -
Often considered rude.

   [pipe dream] {n.}, {informal} An unrealizable, financially unsound,
wishful way of thinking; an unrealistic plan. * /Joe went through  the
motions of pretending that he wanted to buy that $250,000  house,  but
his wife candidly told the real estate lady that it was  just  a  pipe
dream./ Compare: PIE IN THE SKY.

   [piper] See: PAY THE PIPER.

   [pipe up] {v.}, {informal} To speak up; to be heard. * /Mary is  so
shy, everyone was surprised when she piped up with a complaint at  the
club meeting./ * /Everyone was afraid to talk to  the  police,  but  a
small child piped up./

   [pip-squeak] {n.}, {informal} A small, unimportant  person.  *  /If
the club is really democratic, then every little  pip-squeak  has  the
right to say what he thinks./ * /When the smallest boy was  chosen  to
be the monitor, the class bully  said  he  would  not  obey  a  little
pip-squeak./

   [piss off] {v.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To  bother;  annoy;
irritate. * /You really piss me  off  when  you  talk  like  that./  -
[pissed off] {adj.} * /Why act so pissed off just  because  I  made  a
pass at you?/

   [pit against] {v.} To match against; oppose to; put  in  opposition
to; place in competition or rivalry with. * /The game pits two of  the
best pro football teams in the East against each other./ * /He  pitted
his endurance against the other man's speed./ * /He was pitted against
an opponent just as smart as he was./

   [pit-a-pat] {adv.} With a series of quick pats. * /When John  asked
Mary to marry him, her heart went pit-a-pat./ * /The  little  boy  ran
pit-a-pat down the hall./

   [pitch] See: WILD PITCH.

   [pitch a curve] or [a  curve  ball]  {v.  phr.}  To  catch  someone
unawares; confront someone with an unexpected  event  or  act.  *  /My
professor pitched me a curve ball when he unexpectedly  confronted  me
with a complicated mathematical equation that was way over my head./

   [pitch dark] {adj.} Totally, completely dark.  *  /A  starless  and
moonless night in the country can be pitch dark./

   [pitcher] See: LITTLE  PITCHERS  HAVE  BIG  EARS,  RELIEF  PITCHER,
STARTING PITCHER.

   [pitchfork] See: RAIN CATS AND DOGS or RAIN PITCHFORKS.

   [pitch in] {v.}, {informal} 1. To begin something with much energy;
start work eagerly. * /Pitch in and we will finish the job as soon  as
possible./ 2. To give help  or  money  for  something;  contribute.  *
/Everyone must pitch in and work together./ * /We  all  pitched  in  a
quarter to buy Nancy a present./ Syn.: CHIP IN. Compare: FALL TO.

   [pitch into] {v.}, {informal} 1. To attack with blows or  words.  *
/He pitched into me with his fists./ * /He pitched into  the  idea  of
raising taxes./ Syn.: LAY INTO(1),(2), RIP INTO. 2. To get to work at;
work hard at. * /She pitched into the work and had the  house  cleaned
up by noon./ * /He pitched into  his  homework  right  after  dinner./
Compare: LAY INTO, SAIL INTO.

   [pitch out] {v.} 1. To deliberately throw a pitch  outside  of  the
home plate in baseball so that the batter cannot hit the ball and  the
catcher can make a quick throw. * /The catcher wanted the  pitcher  to
pitch out and see if they could catch the runner stealing./ 2. To toss
the ball easily to a football back. * /The quarterback  faked  to  the
fullback and pitched out to the halfback going wide./

   [pitch woo] {v. phr.}, {slang} To kiss and hug; make love. *  /Mary
and John pitched woo in the movies./ * /While Bob drove, Betty and Jim
sat in the back pitching woo./

   [pity] See: TAKE PITY ON or TAKE PITY UPON.

   [place] See: HEART IN  THE  RIGHT  PLACE,  HIGH  PLACE,  IN  PLACE,
INSTEAD OF or IN PLACE OF, IN  THE  FIRST  PLACE,  JUMPING-OFF  PLACE,
LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME PLACE, OUT OF PLACE, PUT  IN
ONE'S PLACE, PUT ONESELF IN ANOTHER'S PLACE, TAKE PLACE.

   [plague on both your houses] or [plague o' both  your  houses]  Bad
luck to both of you! - Used to show disgust at  those  who  wont  stop
quarreling. * /The bus drivers went on strike because the bus  company
would not raise their pay. After several weeks, the people who  needed
to ride the bus to work said, "A plague on both your houses."/

   [plain Jane] {n. phr.} A common or simple looking  young  woman  or
girl. * /When we were in  school,  Ann  was  a  plain  Jane,  but  she
blossomed out and even won the title of Miss Indiana./

   [plain] or [smooth sailing] {n. phr.} An uncomplicated, unhampered,
or easy course. * /For a graduate of such a famous  university  as  he
was, that assignment was plain sailing./

   [plain white wrapper] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio  jargon}
Unmarked police car. * /There's a plain white  wrapper  at  your  rear
door!/ See: BROWN PAPER BAG.

   [plan] See: LAY AWAY PLAN.

   [plank] See: WALK THE PLANK.

   [plan on] {v.} 1. To have the plan of; have in mind. - Used with  a
verbal noun. * /I plan on going  to  the  movies  after  I  finish  my
homework./ * /Mary was planning on seeing John at the baseball  game./
Syn.: FIGURE ON. 2. To think you will  do  or  have;  be  sure  about;
expect. * /I'm hoping to go away for the weekend, but I'm not planning
on it./ * /We can't order the food for the party  until  we  know  how
many people to plan on./ * /We planned on Mary  for  the  decorations,
but she is sick./

   [plate] See: HOME PLATE.

   [platonic love] {n. phr.} Great  affection  toward  another  person
without sex. * /They are platonic lovers; they do everything  together
except make love./

   [platter] See: HAND SOMETHING TO ONE ON A SILVER PLATTER.

   [play] See: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES  JACK  A  DULL  BOY,  DOUBLE
PLAY, FAIR PLAY, FORCE PLAY, GAME AT WHICH TWO CAN PLAY, MAKE  A  PLAY
FOR, TURN ABOUT IS FAIR PLAY.

   [play along (with)] {v.} Cooperate; make no trouble. * /The  honest
jockey refused to play along with the bookmaker's illegal plan./

   [play a part in] {v. phr.} To be instrumental in; have a  role  in;
be concerned with. *  /Some  First  Ladies  play  a  greater  part  in
political life than others./

   [play around] See: FOOL AROUND.

   [play around with] See: TOY WITH.

   [play a waiting game] {v. phr.}  To  withhold  action  until  one's
chances for success improve. * /Ray would like to be vice president of
the company so he is playing a waiting  game  in  the  hope  that  the
president will soon recognize his abilities./

   [play ball] {v. phr.} 1. To begin play in a ball game. * /When  the
umpire calls "Play ball," the game begins./ 2. {informal} To  join  in
an effort with others; cooperate. * /To get along during  Prohibition,
many men felt that they had to play ball  with  gangsters./  *  /A  is
often good business to play ball with a political machine./

   [play by ear]  {v.  phr.}  1.  To  play  a  musical  instrument  by
remembering the tune, not by reading music. * /Mary does not know  how
to read music. She plays the piano by ear./ * /Joe  doesn't  need  any
music sheets when he plays his guitar; he knows many  songs  well  and
can play them by ear./ 2. {informal} To decide what to do  as  you  go
along; to fit the situation. - Used with "it". * /John decided to play
it by ear when he went for his interview./ * /It was her first job and
she didn't know what to expect, so we had to play it by ear./

   [play cat and mouse with] {v. phr.} To tease or fool  (someone)  by
pretending to let him go free and then catching him  again.  *  /Joe's
uncle had fun playing cat  and  mouse  with  him./  *  /The  policeman
decided to play cat and mouse when he saw the woman steal the dress in
the store./

   [play down] {v.} To give less emphasis to;  make  (something)  seem
less important; divert attention from; draw notice away from.  *  /The
newspaper stories played down the actor's  unattractive  past./  *  /A
salesman's job is to emphasize the good points of his merchandise;  he
must play down any faults it has./

   [played out] {adj. phr.} Tired out; worn out; finished;  exhausted.
* /It had been a hard day, and by night he was played out./ *  /For  a
while, at least, it seemed the interest  in  great  speed  was  played
out./ Compare: ALL IN.

   [play fair] {v. phr.} To do what is right to others; act in a  fair
and truthful way. * /The boys like the  principal  because  he  always
plays fair./ * /Mary would not date any  other  boys  while  Jim,  her
favorite boyfriend, was away; she  said  that  would  not  be  playing
fair./

   [play fast and loose] {v. phr.} To do as you please without  caring
what will happen to other people; act so carelessly or  unfairly  that
people cannot depend on you; be very unreliable. * /He played fast and
loose with the girl's affections./ * /He played fast  and  loose  with
the company's good name./

   [play footsie] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Touch the feet  of
a member of the opposite sex under the table as an act of  flirtation.
* /Have you at least played footsie with her?/ 2.  To  engage  in  any
sort  of  flirtation  or  collaboration,  especially  in  a  political
situation. * /The mayor was suspected  of  playing  footsie  with  the
Syndicate./

   [play for keeps] {v. phr.}  To  take  an  action  of  finality  and
irreversibility. * /"Are you serious about me?" she asked.  "Yes,"  he
replied. "I want to marry you. I play for keeps."/

   [play hard to get] {v. phr.} To act as if one  weren't  interested;
be fickle; be coy. * /"Professor Brown is playing very hard  to  get,"
our dean said, "but I know he will accept our offer and come to  teach
here."/

   [play havoc  with]  or  [raise  havoc  with]  {v.  phr.}  To  cause
destruction; ruin; injure badly. * /The storm played  havoc  with  the
apple orchard./ * /When Ralph was arrested for stealing  the  car,  it
played havoc with his plans for going to college./ * /When  Mr.  White
poisoned  the  cat,  it  played  havoc  with  his  reputation  in  the
neighborhood./

   [play hooky] {v. phr.}, {informal} To stay out of school to play. *
/Carl is failing in school because he has played hooky so  many  times
during the year./

   [play into one's hands] {v.  phr.}  To  be  or  do  something  that
another person can use against you; help an opponent against yourself.
* /In the basketball game, Jerry's foul  played  into  the  opponents'
hands./ * /Mary and Bobby both wanted the  last  piece  of  cake,  but
Bobby played into Mary's hands by trying to grab it./

   [play off] {v.} 1. To match opposing persons, forces, or  interests
so that they balance each other. * /The girl played off  her  admirers
against each other./ * /Britain tried to  play  off  European  nations
against each other so that she would have a balance of power./  2.  To
finish the playing of (an interrupted contest.) * /The  visitors  came
back the next Saturday to play off the game stopped by  rain./  3.  To
settle (a tie score) between contestants  by  more  play.  /When  each
player had won two matches, the championship was  decided  by  playing
off the tie./

   [play on] or [play upon] {v.} 1. To cause an effect on;  influence.
* /A heavy diet of television drama played on  his  feelings./  2.  To
work upon for a planned effect; excite to a desired action by  cunning
plans; manage. * /The makeup salesman played on the  woman's  wish  to
look beautiful./  *  /In  some  places,  leaders  play  upon  people's
superstitious fears./ * /He played on the man's ambition and  love  of
honor./

   [play one false] {v. phr.}, {literary} To act disloyally toward  (a
person); betray; cheat; deceive. * /Good faith  was  not  in  him:  he
played anyone false who trusted him./ *  /His  hopes  had  played  him
false./

   [play one for] {v.}, {informal} To treat (someone) as;  act  toward
(someone) as; handle (someone) as; handle as. * /He played the man for
a sucker./

   [play one's cards right] or [play  one's  cards  well]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} To use abilities and opportunities so as to be  successful;
act cleverly; make the best use of  your  place  or  skills.  *  /That
millionaire started with very little but showed a skill in playing his
cards right./ * /People liked Harold, and he played his cards  well  -
and soon he began to get ahead rapidly./

   [play ostrich] {v.  phr.}  To  refuse  to  face  painful  facts  or
unpleasant truths. * /She plays ostrich when it comes to her husband's
drinking problem./

   [play politics] {v. phr.} To make secret agreements  for  your  own
gain; handle different groups for your own advantage. * /In  order  to
get elected, he had to play politics with  both  the  unions  and  the
bosses./ *  /Mary  always  gets  what  she  wants  by  playing  office
politics./

   [play possum] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To pretend to be  asleep.  *
/Johnny seemed to be fully asleep, but his mother  knew  that  he  was
playing possum./ 2. To stay quiet for self-protection; try  to  escape
attention by inactivity. * /The rabbit played possum under the bushes,
hoping the hunter would not see him./ * /Bob played  possum  when  the
teacher looked around./

   [play safe] or [play it safe] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  be  very
careful; accept small gains or none to avoid loss;  avoid  danger  for
the sake of safety. * /He got tired as the game went on, and began  to
play safe./ * /Tom didn't know what the other driver would do,  so  he
played it safe and stopped his own car./

   [play second fiddle] {v. phr.}, {informal} To act a  smaller  part;
follow another's lead; be less noticed. * /His wife had  the  stronger
mind and he played second fiddle to her./ *  /During  the  tournament,
lessons played second fiddle to basketball./

   [play the devil with] or [play hob with] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To
cause confusion in; upset. * /Uncle Bob's unexpected visit played  the
devil with our own plans to travel./ * /Mother's  illness  played  hob
with our party./

   [play the field] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  date  many  different
people; not always have dates with the same person. * /Al had a steady
girlfriend, but John was playing the field./ * /Jim  was  crazy  about
Mary, but she was still playing the field./ Contrast: GO STEADY.

   [play the game] {v. phr.}, {informal} To obey the rules; do  right;
act fairly. * /"That's not playing the game,"  we  told  him  when  he
wanted to desert his wife./ * /"Oh, let's play  the  game,"  he  said,
when his partner suggested a way to keep from  paying  some  of  their
debts./ * /Your parents want you to play the game in life./

   [play the market] {v. phr.} To try  to  make  money  on  the  stock
market by buying and selling stocks, *  /John  lost  all  his  savings
playing the market./ * /Sometimes Mr. Smith makes a lot of money  when
he plays the market, and sometimes he loses./

   [play to the gallery] {v. phr.} To try to get the approval  of  the
audience. * /Whenever John recites in class he seems to be playing  to
the gallery./ * /The lawyer for the defense  was  more  interested  in
playing to the gallery than in winning the case./ Compare: SHOW OFF.

   [play tricks on] {v. phr.} To make another the victim of some trick
or joke. * /Al got angry when his classmates played a trick on him  by
hiding his clothes while he was swimming./

   [play up] {v.} To call attention to; talk more about; emphasize.  *
/The coach played up the possibilities, and kept  our  minds  off  our
weaknesses./ * /The director played up the woman's glamor  to  conceal
her lack of acting ability./

   [play upon] See: PLAY ON.

   [play up to] {v. phr.}. {slang} 1. To try to  gain  the  favor  of,
especially for selfish reasons; act to win the  approval  of;  try  to
please. * /He played up to the boss./ 2. To use (something) to gain an
end; to attend to (a weakness). * /He played  up  to  the  old  lady's
vanity to get her support./

   [play with fire] {v. phr.} To put oneself in danger; to take risks.
* /Leaving your door unlocked in New York City is playing with  fire./
* /The doctor told Mr. Smith that he must watch his diet if he doesn't
want to play with fire./ Compare: SKATE ON THIN ICE.

   [plough] or [plow through] {v. phr.} Pass  through  laboriously.  *
/Saw had to plough through hundreds of pages of  American  history  to
get ready for his test./

   [plow] See: PUT ONE'S HAND TO THE PLOW.

   [plow into] {v.} 1. To attack vigorously. *  /He  plowed  into  his
work and finished it in a few hours./ 2. To crash into with  force.  *
/A truck plowed into my car and smashed the fender./

   [pluck up] {v.} 1. To have  (courage)  by  your  own  effort;  make
yourself have (courage). * /In spite of failure, he plucked  up  heart
to continue./ * /He plucked up courage when he saw a glimmer of hope./
2. To become happier; feel better; cheer up. * /He plucked up when his
wife recovered./

   [pluck up one's courage] See: SCREW UP ONE'S COURAGE.

   [plug away] See: PEG AWAY.

   [plug in] {v. phr.} To connect (an electrical appliance) to a power
wire by putting its plug into a receptacle or hole. * /The  integrated
circuit has multiplied the number of small radios  that  need  not  be
plugged in./

   [plug into] {v.} To connect (an electrical appliance)  to  a  power
wire by inserting its plug into a receptacle or hole. * /He thought he
had left the lamp plugged into the wall, and so was  puzzled  when  it
wouldn't light that night./

   [plume oneself] {v. phr.}, {literary}  To  be  proud  of  yourself;
boast. * /He plumed himself on having the belle of  the  ball  as  his
date./ *  /He  plumed  himself  on  his  successful  planning  in  the
election./ * /She plumed herself on the grace with which she sat on  a
horse./ Compare: PRIDE ONESELF.

   [plunk down] {v.}, {informal} 1.  To  drop  down;  fall.  *  /After
walking a mile we plunked down  on  a  bench  to  rest./  2.  To  drop
something noisily or firmly. * /He plunked the heavy suitcase down  at
the station./ 3. To pay out, primarily an excessive amount * /I had to
plunk down $55 for a concert ticket./

   [please] See: AS YOU PLEASE.

   [pocket] See: BURN A HOLE IN ONE'S POCKET, LINE ONE'S POCKETS.

   [pocket money] See: SPENDING MONEY.

   [pocket one's pride] See: SWALLOW ONE'S PRIDE.

   [point] See: AT SWORDS' POINTS, AT THE POINT OF, BESIDE THE  POINT,
BOILING POINT, CASE IN POINT, COME TO THE POINT, EXTRA POINT,  MAKE  A
POINT, ON THE POINT OF, SORE SPOT or SORE POINT, STRETCH  A  POINT  or
STRAIN A POINT, TALKING POINT.

   [point-blank] {adv.} Straightforwardly; bluntly; directly.  *  /Sue
refused point-blank to discuss marriage with Sam./

   [point of view] {n.} Attitude; opinion. * /From the American  point
of view, Fidel Castro is a bad neighbor to have./

   [point out] {v.} 1. To show by pointing with the finger; point  to;
make clear the location of. * /The guide  pointed  out  the  principal
sights of the city./  2.  To  bring  to  notice;  call  to  attention;
explain. * /The policeman pointed out that the law forbids public sale
of firecrackers./ * /The school secretary pointed out that the closing
date for making applications had passed./

   [point up] {v.} To show clearly;  emphasize.  *  /The  increase  in
crime points up the need for greater police protection./  *  /Johnny's
report card points up his talent for math./

   [poison-pen]  {adj.}  Containing  threats  or  false   accusations;
written in spite or to get revenge,  and  usually  unsigned.  *  /Mrs.
Smith received a poison-pen letter telling her that  her  husband  was
untrue./ * /To get revenge on Mary, Alice wrote a poison-pen letter to
the teacher and signed Mary's name to it./

   [poke] See: PIG IN A POKE, TAKE A PUNCH AT or TAKE A POKE AT.

   [poke around] or [poke about] {v.} 1. To search  about;  look  into
and under things. * /The detective poked around in the  missing  man's
office./ 2. To move slowly or  aimlessly;  do  little  things.  *  /He
didn't feel well, and poked around the house./

   [poke fun at] See: MAKE FUN OF.

   [poles apart] {adj.} Completely different. * /The two brothers were
poles apart in personality./ * / It was hard for the members  to  make
any decisions because their ideas were poles apart./

   [polish off] {v.}, {informal} 1. To defeat easily. *  /The  Dodgers
polished off the Yankees in four straight  games  in  the  1963  World
Series./ 2. To finish completely; finish doing quickly, often in order
to do something else. * /The boys were hungry and polished off  a  big
steak./ * /Mary polished off her homework  early  so  that  she  could
watch TV./

   [polish the apple] {v. phr.}, {slang} To try to make  someone  like
you; to try to win favor by flattery. * /Mary polished  the  apple  at
work because she wanted a day off./ *  /Susan  is  the  teacher's  pet
because she always polishes  the  apple./  -  [apple  polisher]  {n.},
{slang} A person who is nice to the one in charge in order to be liked
or treated better; a person who does favors for a superior. * /Jane is
an apple polisher. She is always helping the teacher  and  talking  to
him./ * /Joe is an apple-polisher. He will do anything for the  boss./
Compare: EAGER BEAVER, YES-MAN.  -  [apple  polishing]  {n.},  {slang}
Trying to win someone's good-will by small acts  currying  favor;  the
behavior of an apple polisher. * /When  John  I  brought  his  teacher
flowers, everyone thought he was apple polishing./

   [politics] See: PLAY POLITICS.

   [pond] See: LITTLE FROG IN A BIG POND.

   [pool] See: CAR POOL.

   [pooped out] {adj.}, {slang} Worn out; exhausted. *  /Everyone  was
pooped out after the hike./ * /The heat made them feel pooped out./

   [poor as a church mouse] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Penniless;  broke;
extremely poor. * /The newly arrived boat people were poor  as  church
mice./

   [poor-mouth] {v.} To be constantly complaining about one's poverty;
keep saying how one cannot afford the better things in life. *  /Uncle
Jack indulges in an awful lot of poor-mouthing, but we  know  that  he
has half a million dollars stashed away in a secret savings account./

   [pop] See: EYES POP OUT.

   [pop fly] {n.} A baseball batted high into the air but not very far
from the plate. * /The batter hit a pop fly to the shortstop./

   [pop in] {v. phr.}  To  suddenly  appear  without  announcement.  *
/"Just pop into my office any time you're on campus," Professor  Brown
said./

   [pop one's cork] See: BLOW A FUSE, FLY OFF THE HANDLE,  LOSE  ONE'S
MARBLES, LOSE ONE'S TEMPER.

   [pop the question] {v. phr.}, {slang} To ask someone to marry  you.
* /After the dance he popped the question./ *  /A  man  is  often  too
bashful to pop the question./

   [popup] {v.} 1. or [bob up] To  appear  suddenly  or  unexpectedly;
show up; come out. * /Just when the coach thought  he  had  everything
under control, a new problem bobbed up./ * /After  no  one  had  heard
from him for years, John popped up in town again./ 2. To hit a pop fly
in baseball. * /Jim popped the pitch up./

   [pork] See: SALT PORK.

   [port of call] {n. phr.} 1. Any of the ports  that  a  ship  visits
after the start  of  a  voyage  and  before  the  end;  a  port  where
passengers or cargo may be taken on or put off; an in-between port.  *
/Savannah is a port of call for many Atlantic coasting vessels./ 2.  A
place you visit regularly or often; a stop included on your usual  way
of going. * /It was an obscure little  restaurant  which  I  had  made
something of a port of call./ * /His home had become one of my regular
ports of call in Boston./

   [port of entry] {n. phr.} 1. A port where things brought  into  the
country to sell may pass through customs. * /Other ports of entry have
been taking business from New York./ 2. A  port  where  a  citizen  of
another country may legally enter a country; a  port  having  passport
and immigration facilities. * /Airports have joined seaports as  ports
of entry for the visiting foreigner./

   [position] See: SCORING POSITION.

   [possessed of] {adj. phr.},  {formal}  In  possession  of;  having;
owning. * /He was possessed of great wealth./ * /He was  possessed  of
great self-confidence./

   [possum] See: PLAY POSSUM.

   [post] See: PROM PILLAR TO POST.

   [pot] See: GO TO POT.

   [potato] See: HOT POTATO.

   [potboiler] {n.} A book, play, or  film  written  for  the  primary
purpose of earning money for the author. * /"Reading a cheap potboiler
helps me go to sleep," the professor wryly remarked./

   [pot  call  the  kettle  black]  {informal}  The  person   who   is
criticizing someone else is as guilty as the person  he  accuses;  the
charge is as true of the person who makes it as of the one he makes it
against. * /When the commissioner accused the road builder of bribery,
the contractor said the pot was calling the  kettle  black./  *  /Bill
said John was cheating at a game but John replied  that  the  pot  was
calling the kettle black./

   [potluck] See: TAKE POTLUCK.

   [potluck supper] See: COVERED-DISH SUPPER.

   [potshot] {n.} A direct shot at an  easy,  stationary  target  from
behind a  protected  position  or  camouflage;  criticism.  *  /Modern
journalists like to take potshots  at  the  president  of  the  United
States./

   [pound] See: PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH.

   [pound away at] {v. phr.}  1.  To  attack;  criticize.  *  /In  his
campaign  speeches  the  candidate   kept   pounding   away   at   the
administration's foreign policy./ 2. To work  industriously.  *  /Mike
was pounding away at the foundation of his new house with shovels  and
pickaxes./

   [pound  of  flesh]  {n.  phr.},  {literary}  The  maximum   payment
authorized by law. *  /He  had  hoped  that  Peter  would  be  lenient
regarding the interest they had agreed on, but Peter demanded his full
pound of flesh./

   [pound out] {v. phr.} 1. To play a piece of music very loudly on  a
percussion instrument. * /The boy was pounding out the tune "Mary  had
a little lamb" on the marimba./ 2. To flatten something with a hammer.
* /The bodyshop uses special hammers to pound out the indentations  in
the bodies of cars./ 3. To produce a piece of writing on a  typewriter
in haste and without much care. * /She hurriedly pounded out a  letter
of recommendation for the foreign graduate student./

   [pound the pavement] {v. phr.}, {informal} To walk up and down  the
streets; tramp about. * /John pounded the pavement looking for a job./
* /Mary and Bill pounded the pavement to find an apartment./

   [pour] See: IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS.

   [pour cold water on] See: THROW COLD WATER ON.

   [pour it on thick] See: LAY IT ON THICK.

   [pour money  down  the  drain]  {v.  phr.}  To  spend  one's  money
unwisely; to waste one's  funds.  *  /"Stop  supporting  Harry's  drug
habit," Ralph said. "You're just pouring money down the drain."./

   [pour oil on troubled waters] {v. phr.} To  quiet  a  quarrel;  say
something to lessen anger and bring peace. * /The troops were  nearing
a bitter quarrel until the leader poured oil on the troubled waters./

   [pour out] {v.} 1. To tell everything  about;  talk  all  about.  *
/Mary poured out her troubles to her pal./ 2. To  come  out  in  great
quantity; stream out. * /The people poured out of  the  building  when
they heard the fire alarm./

   [powder] See: TAKE A POWDER.

   [powder room] {n.} The ladies' rest room. * /When they got  to  the
restaurant, Mary went to the powder room to wash up./

   [power behind the throne] {n. phr.} The person with the real  power
backing up the more visible partner (usually said about the  wives  of
public figures). * /It is rumored that the First  Lady  it  the  power
behind the throne in the White House./

   [practice] See: IN PRACTICE also INTO PRACTICE, MAKE A PRACTICE OF,
OUT OF PRACTICE.

   [presence of mind] {n. phr.} Effective  and  quick  decision-making
ability in times of crisis. * /When Jimmy fell  into  the  river,  his
father had the presence of mind to dive in after him and save him from
drowning./

   [present] See: AT PRESENT.

   [press box] {n.} The place or room high in a sports stadium that is
for newspaper men and radio and television announcers. * /In  baseball
the official scorer sits in the press box./

   [press conference] {n. phr.} A meeting with news reporters. *  /The
reporters questioned the president about foreign affairs at the  press
conference./ * /The press conference with the senator was broadcast on
television./

   [press one's luck] or [push one's luck] {v.  phr.}  To  depend  too
much on luck; expect to continue to be lucky. *  /When  John  won  his
first two bets at the race track, he pressed his  luck  and  increased
his bets./ * /If you're lucky at first, don't press your luck./

   [press the flesh] {v.}, {slang} To shake hands with total strangers
by the hundreds, keeping an artificial smile all the way, in order  to
raise  one's  popularity  during  political  elections.  *  /Incumbent
Governor Maxwell was pressing the flesh all day long at six  different
hotels./ Compare: BABY KISSER.

   [pressure group] {n. phr.} An organization  whose  goal  it  is  to
create changes by lobbying for the  benefit  of  its  own  members.  *
/Certain unscrupulous pressure groups stop at nothing to achieve their
selfish aims./

   [pretty] See: SITTING PRETTY.

   [pretty kettle of fish] See: KETTLE OF FISH.

   [pretty penny] {n. phr.} A large amount  of  money.  *  /Their  new
house is so big and modern that we're sure it must have  cost  them  a
pretty penny./

   [prevail upon] or [prevail on] {v.} To bring to an act  or  belief;
cause a change in; persuade. * /He  prevailed  upon  the  musician  to
entertain instead of the absent speaker./ * /He prevailed upon  me  to
believe in his innocence./

   [prey on] or [prey upon] {v.} 1. To habitually kill and eat;  catch
for food. * /Cats prey on mice./ 2. To capture or take  in  spoils  of
war or robbery. * /Pirates preyed on American ships in the years  just
after the Revolutionary War./ 3. To cheat; rob. * /Gangsters preyed on
businesses of many kinds while the sale of liquor was prohibited./  4.
To have a tiring and weakening effect on; weaken. *  /Ill  health  had
preyed on him for years./ * /Business worries preyed on his mind./

   [prey on one's mind] {v. phr.} To afflict; worry.  *  /He  couldn't
sleep because his many debts were preying on his mind./

   [price on one's head]  {n.  phr.}  Reward  offered  to  anyone  who
catches a thief or a murderer. * /The hotel manager learned  that  the
quiet man taken from his room by the police  was  a  murderer  with  a
price on his head./

   [prick] See: KICK AGAINST THE PRICKS.

   [prick up one's ears] {v. phr.}, {informal} To come  to  interested
attention; begin to listen closely; try to hear. * /The woman  pricked
up her ears when she heard them talking about her./

   [pride] See: SWALLOW ONE'S PRIDE.

   [pride must take a pinch] One  must  endure  the  minor  pains  and
hardships one encounters while being  made  pretty.  -  A  proverb.  *
/"Mother," Sue cried, "stop pulling my hair!" "Just  a  moment,  young
lady," the mother answered, while combing her hair.  "Don't  you  know
that pride must take a pinch?"/

   [pride oneself on] {v. phr.} To be proud ot, take satisfaction  in;
be much pleased by. * /She prided herself on her beauty./ * /He prided
himself on his strength and toughness./ Compare: PLUME ONESELF.

   [print] See: FINE PRINT, IN PRINT, OUT OF PRINT.

   [private] See: IN PRIVATE.

   [private  eye]  {n.},  {colloquial}  A  private   investigator;   a
detective. * /Buddy Ebsen played a private eye on "Bamaby Jones."/

   [progress] See: IN PROGRESS.

   [promise] See: AS GOOD AS ONE'S WORD, LICK AND A PROMISE.

   [promise the moon] {v. phr.} To promise something impossible. *  /A
politician who promises the moon during a campaign loses  the  voters'
respect./ * /I can't promise you the moon, but I'll do the best job  I
can./ Compare: ASK FOR THE MOON.

   [proof of the  pudding  is  in  the  eating]  Only  through  actual
experience can the value of something be tested. - A  proverb.  *  /He
was intrigued by the ads about  the  new  high  mileage  sports  cars.
"Drive one, sir," the salesman said. "The proof of the pudding  is  in
the eating."/

   [prune] See: FULL OF BEANS or FULL OF PRUNES.

   [psyched  up]  {adj.},  {informal}  Mentally  alert;  ready  to  do
something. * /The students were all psyched up for their final exams./

   [psych out] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. To find out the  real
motives of (someone). * /Sue sure has got Joe psyched out./ 2.  To  go
berserk; to lose  one's  nerve.  *  /Joe  says  he  doesn't  ride  his
motorcycle on the highway anymore because he's psyched  out./  *  /Jim
psyched out and robbed a liquor store, when he has all  he  needs  and
wants!/

   [Public] See: JOHN Q. PUBLIC.

   [public] See: AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC or WASH  ONE'S  DIRTY
LINEN IN PUBLIC, IN PUBLIC, IN THE PUBLIC EYE.

   [public-address  system]  {n.}  A  set  of  devices  for  making  a
speaker's voice louder so that he can be heard by more people. *  /The
public-address system broke down during the senator's speech./ *  /The
news was announced over the public-address system./

   [public enemy] {n. phr.} A famous criminal. * /Al Capone of Chicago
used to be Public Enemy Number One during prohibition./

   [public speaker] {n.} A person who  speaks  to  the  public.  *  /A
public speaker must appeal to all kinds of people./

   [puffed up] {adj.} Elated; proud; conceited. *  /Just  because  Bob
inherited some money from his father is no reason for him  to  act  so
puffed up./

   [pull] See: LONG HAUL or LONG PULL.

   [pull a fast one] {v.  phr.}  To  gain  the  advantage  over  one's
opponent unfairly; deceive; trick. * /When Smith was told by his  boss
that  he  might  be  fired,  he  called  the  company  president,  his
father-in-law, and pulled a fast one by having his boss demoted./

   [pull a long face] See: LONG FACE.

   [pull date] {n.}, {informal} The date stamped on baked goods, dairy
products, or other perishable foods indicating the last day  on  which
they may be sold before they must be removed from  the  shelves  in  a
retail store. * /This pie is way past the pull  date  -  small  wonder
it's rotten./

   [pull down] {v.}, {informal} 1. To catch (a ball) after a hard run.
* /The outfielder pulled down a long drive to  center  field./  2.  To
earn. * /Mr. Blake pulls down $500 a week./ * /John pulled down  an  A
in algebra by studying hard./ Compare: HAUL DOWN.

   [pull down about one's ears] or [pull down around one's ears]  See:
ABOUT ONE'S EARS.

   [pull in] See: HAUL IN.

   [pull  in  one's  horns]  or  [draw  in  one's  horns]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} 1. To reduce your boasts; calm down from  a  quarrel;  back
down  on  a  promise.  *  /He  said  he  could  beat  any  man   there
single-handed, but he pulled in his horns when Jack came forward./  2.
To cut back from  one's  usual  way  of  living;  reduce  spending  or
activities; save. * /After the business failed, Father had to pull  in
his horns./ * /As one advances in years, it  is  prudent  to  pull  in
one's horns more and more as to physical activity./

   [pull off]  {v.},  {informal}  To  succeed  in  (something  thought
difficult or impossible); do. * /Ben Hogan pulled off  the  impossible
by winning three golf tournaments in one year./ * /The bandits  pulled
off a daring bank robbery./ Compare: PUT ACROSS(2).

   [pull one's chestnuts out of the fire] To do someone else  a  great
favor which they don't really deserve, doing oneself a disfavor in the
process. * /Small countries often have to pull the  chestnuts  out  of
the fire for their more powerful neighbors./

   [pull oneself together]  {v.  phr.}  To  become  calm  after  being
excited or disturbed; recover self-command; control  yourself.  *  /It
had been a  disturbing  moment,  but  he  was  able  to  pull  himself
together./

   [pull oneself up by the bootstraps] or [pull oneself  up  by  one's
own bootstraps] {adv. phr.} To succeed without help; succeed  by  your
own efforts. * /He had to pull himself up by the bootstraps./

   [pull one's leg] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get someone to  accept  a
ridiculous story as true; fool someone  with  a  humorous  account  of
something; trick. * /For a moment, I actually believed that  his  wife
had royal blood. Then I realized he was pulling my  leg./  *  /Western
cowboys loved to pull a stranger's  leg./  Compare:  STRING  ALONG.  -
[leg-pulling] {n.} * /Strangers were  often  fooled  by  the  cowboys'
leg-pulling./

   [pull one's punches] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. Not to hit as hard as
you can. * /Jimmy pulled his punches  and  let  Paul  win  the  boxing
match./ 2. To hide unpleasant facts or make them seem good. -  Usually
used in the negative. * /The mayor spoke bluntly; he didn't  pull  any
punches./ Contrast: STRAIGHT PROM THE SHOULDER.

   [pull one's  teeth]  {v.  phr.}  To  take  power  away  from;  make
powerless. * /The general pulled  the  teeth  of  the  rebel  army  by
blocking its  ammunition  supply  line./  *  /The  student  government
council was so irresponsible that the principal pulled its teeth./

   [pull one's weight] {v. phr.} To do your full  share  of  work;  do
your part. * /In a small shop, it is important that each man pull  his
weight./ * /When Mother was sick in the  hospital,  Father  said  each
child must pull his own weight./ Compare: WORTH ONE'S SALT.

   [pullout] {n.} An  evacuation.  *  /The  pullout  of  the  American
military proceeded on schedule./

   [pull out] {v. phr.} 1. To withdraw; leave unceremoniously. *  /The
defeated army hastily pulled out of the occupied territories./  2.  To
leave (said about trains). * /The train pulled out  of  Grand  Central
Station just as the foreign students  got  there./  3.  To  remove  by
order; evacuate. * /Napoleon pulled his beaten troops out of Russia./

   [pull out of a hat] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get as  if  by  magic;
invent; imagine. * /When the introduction to a  dictionary  tells  you
how many hours went into its making, these figures were not pulled out
of a hat./ * /Let's see you pull an excuse out of your hat./

   [pull over] {v.} To drive to the side of the road and stop. *  /The
policeman told the speeder to pull over./ * /Everyone pulled  over  to
let the ambulance pass./

   [pull rank] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To assert one's superior
position or authority on a person of  lower  rank  as  in  exacting  a
privilege or a favor. * /How come you always get  the  night  duty?  -
Phineas Leman pulled rank on me./

   [pull  something  on  one]  {v.  phr.}  To   perpetrate   something
prejudicial; deceive. * /Larry pulled a very dirty trick on Ann  when,
after going with her for three  years,  he  suddenly  married  another
girl./

   [pull strings] or [pull wires] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  secretly
use influence and power,  especially  with  people  in  charge  or  in
important jobs to do or get something; make use  of  friends  to  gain
your wishes. * /If you want to see the governor,  Mr.  Root  can  pull
strings for you./ * /Jack pulled wires  and  got  us  a  room  at  the
crowded hotel./  -  [wire-puller]  {n.}  *  /Bill  got  a  ticket  for
speeding, but his father  is  a  wire-puller  and  got  it  fixed./  -
[wire-pulling] {n.} * /It took some wire-pulling to get the  mayor  to
come to the party./

   [pull the plug on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To expose (someone's)  secret
activities. * /The citizens' committee pulled the plug on  the  mayor,
and he lost his election./

   [pull the rug out from under] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  withdraw
support unexpectedly from; to spoil the plans of. * /Bill  thought  he
would be elected, but his friends pulled the rug out  from  under  him
and voted for Vin./ * /We were planning a  vacation,  but  the  baby's
illness pulled the rug out from under us./

   [pull the wool over one's  eyes]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  fool
someone into thinking well of you; deceive.  *  /The  businessman  had
pulled  the  wool  over  his  partner's  eyes  about  their  financial
position./ * /Bob tried to pull the wool over his teacher's eyes,  but
she was too smart for him./

   [pull through] {v.} 1. To help  through;  bring  safely  through  a
difficulty or sudden trouble; save. *  /A  generous  loan  showed  the
bank's faith in Father and pulled him through the  business  trouble./
2. To recover from an  illness  or  misfortune;  conquer  a  disaster;
escape death or failure. * /By a near-miracle, he pulled through after
the smashup./

   [pull together] {v.} To join your efforts  with  those  of  others;
work on a task together; cooperate. * /Many men must pull together  if
a large business is to succeed./ * /Tim was a  good  football  captain
because he always got his teammates to pull together./

   [pull up] {v.} 1. To check the forward motion of; halt; stop. * /He
pulled up his horse at the gate./ 2. To tell (someone) to  stop  doing
something; say (someone) is doing wrong and must stop; scold.  *  /Jim
talked rudely to Mother, and Father pulled him up./ * /Ann said in her
report that America was discovered in 1634, and the teacher pulled her
up./ 3. To stop moving forward; halt.  *  /The  car  slowed  down  and
pulled up at the curb./ 4. To come even with; move up beside.  *  /The
other boat pulled up alongside us./

   [pull up one's socks] {v. phr.} To try  to  do  better,  either  in
terms of one's behavior or at a task one is performing. *  /I'll  have
to pull up my socks if I am going to finish my work today./

   [pull up short] {v. phr.} To suddenly stop. * /He pulled  up  short
in his red car at the corner when he saw a pregnant lady crossing./  *
/When Mark saw that he was hurting Jill's feelings, he pulled up short
and started to talk about something entirely different./

   [pull up stakes] {v. phr.}, {informal} To leave the place where you
have been living. * /We are going  to  pull  up  stakes  and  move  to
California./ * /The Jones family pulled up stakes three times  in  two
years./

   [pull wires] See: PULL STRINGS.

   [punch] See: BEAT TO THE PUNCH, PACK A PUNCH, PULL  ONE'S  PUNCHES,
TAKE A PUNCH AT.

   [punch-drunk] {adj.} 1. Dazed or become dulled  in  the  mind  from
being hit in the head. * /He was a  punch-drunk  boxer  who  made  his
living shining shoes./ 2. In a foggy state of mind;  groggy.  *  /Mary
was so thrilled at winning the contest she acted punch-drunk./ * /Mark
was punch-drunk for a few minutes after he fell off his bicycle./

   [puppy love] also [calf love] {n.}, {informal} The  first  love  of
very young people. * /When John and Mary began going  around  together
in junior high school, their parents said it was just puppy love./

   [pure and simple] {adj.} Simply stated; basic. - Follows  the  noun
it modifies and is used for emphasis. * /The problem, pure and simple,
is finding a baby-sitter./  *  /The  question,  pure  and  simple,  is
whether you will support me./ Compare: BOIL DOWN(3).

   [purpose] See: AT CROSS PURPOSES, ON PURPOSE, TO  ALL  INTENTS  AND
PURPOSES.

   [purse] See: LINE ONE'S POCKETS also LINE ONE'S PURSE.

   [purse strings] {n.} Care or control of money.  *  /Dad  holds  the
purse strings in our family./ * /The treasurer refused to  let  go  of
the club's purse strings./

   [push around] {v.}, {informal} To be bossy with;  bully.  *  /Don't
try to push me around!/ * /Paul is always pushing the smaller children
around./

   [push off] or [shove off] {v.} 1. To push  a  boat  away  from  the
shore. * /Before Tom could reach the boat, Jake had  shoved  off./  2.
{slang} To start; leave. * /We were ready to push off at ten  o'clock,
but had to wait for Jill./ * /Jim was planning to stay  at  the  beach
all day, but when the crowds arrived he shoved off./

   [push on] {v. phr.} To press forward; proceed forward  laboriously.
* /The exhausted  mountain  climbers  pushed  on,  despite  the  rough
weather, as the peak was already in sight./

   [push one's luck] See: PRESS ONE'S LUCK.

   [pushover] {n.} 1. Something easy to accomplish or overcome. * /For
Howard steering a boat is a pushover as he was raised  on  a  tropical
island./ 2. A person easily seduced. * /It is rumored that  she  is  a
pushover when she has a bit to drink./

   [push over] {v. phr.} To upset; overthrow. * /She  is  standing  on
her feet very solidly; a little criticism  from  you  certainly  won't
push her over./ * /The wind in Chicago can be so strong that sometimes
I'm afraid I'll get pushed over./

   [push the panic button] {v. phr.},  {slang}  To  become  very  much
frightened; nervous or excited, especially at  a  time  of  danger  or
worry. * /John thought he saw a ghost and pushed the panic button./  *
/Keep cool; don't hit the panic button!/ Syn.: LOSE ONE'S HEAD.

   [push-up] {n.} An exercise to build strong arms and  shoulders,  in
which you lie on your stomach and push your body up on your hands  and
toes. * /At the age of seventy, Grandpa  still  does  twenty  push-ups
every day./ * /The football team does push-ups every day./

   [push up daisies] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be dead and buried. * /I'll
be around when you're pushing up daisies./ * /Don't play with guns  or
you may push up the daisies./

   [put] See: HARD PUT or HARD PUT TO IT, STAY PUT.

   [put about] {v. phr.} - Nautical usage. To  turn  in  the  opposite
direction; turn around. * /When we saw the storm clouds thickening  in
the sky, we put about quickly and raced ashore./

   [put a bee in one's bonnet] See: BEE IN ONE'S BONNET.

   [put a bug in one's ear] or [put a flea in one's ear] See:  BUG  IN
ONE'S EAR.

   [put across] {v.} 1. To explain clearly; make yourself  understood;
communicate. * /He knew how to put his  ideas  across./  Compare:  GET
ACROSS. 2. {informal} To get (something) done successfully;  bring  to
success; make real. * /He put across a big sales campaign./ * /The new
librarian put across a fine new library building./ Syn.: PUT  OVER(2).
Compare: PULL OFF.

   [put all one's eggs in one basket] {v.  phr.}  To  place  all  your
efforts, interests, or hopes in a single person  or  thing.  *  /Going
steady in high school is putting all  your  eggs  in  one  basket  too
soon./ * /To buy stock in a single company is to put all your eggs  in
one basket./ * /He has decided to specialize in lathe  work,  although
he knows it is risky to put all his eggs in one basket./

   [put a new face on] {v. phr.} To alter  the  aspect  of  something;
change. * /Mr. Merry man's announcement of his candidacy for  governor
puts an entirely new face on the political scene in our state./

   [put an end to] or [put a stop to] {v. phr.} 1. To make (something)
end; stop; end. * /The farmer built an electric fence around his field
to put an end to trespassing./ * /The principal said that  running  in
the halls was dangerous, and told the teachers to put a stop  to  it./
2. To destroy or kill. * /The new highway took  most  of  the  traffic
from the old road and put an end to Mr. Hanson's  motel  business./  *
/When the horse broke his leg, the farmer put an end to him./

   [put aside] {v. phr.} 1. To save; put something aside for a special
purpose. * /Peter puts $100 aside every week./ 2. To let  go  of;  put
away. * /The teacher to the students, "Put your books aside and  start
writing your tests!"/

   [put away] {v.} 1. To put in the right place or  out  of  sight.  *
/She put away the towels./ 2. To lay aside; stop thinking about. * /He
put his worries away for the weekend./ 3. {informal} To eat or  drink.
* /He put away a big supper and three cups of coffee./  Compare:  STOW
AWAY. 4. {informal} To put in a mental hospital. * /He had to put  his
wife away when she became mentally ill./ 5. To  put  to  death  for  a
reason; kill. * /He had his dog put away when it became  too  old  and
unhappy./

   [put back the clock] or [turn back the clock] {v. phr.} To go  back
in time; relive the past. * /If I could put back the  clock  I'd  give
more thought to preparing for a career./ * /Richard wishes that he had
lived in frontier days, but he can't turn back the clock./

   [put by] {v.} To save for the future; lay aside. * /He had put by a
good sum during a working lifetime./

   [putdown] {n.} An insult, * /It  was  a  nasty  putdown  when  John
called his sister a fat cow./

   [put down] {v. phr.} 1. To stop by force, crush. * /In 24 hours the
general had entirely put down the rebellion./ 2. To  put  a  stop  to;
check. * /She had patiently put down unkind  talk  by  living  a  good
life./ 3. To write a record of; write down. * /He put down  the  story
while it was fresh in his mind./ 4. To write  a  name  in  a  list  as
agreeing to do something. * /The banker put himself down for $1000./ *
/Sheila put Barbara down for the decorations./ 5. To decide  the  kind
or class of; characterize. * /He put the man down as a bum./ * /He put
it down as a piece of bad luck./ 6. To name as a cause;  attribute.  *
/He put the odd weather down to nuclear explosions./ 7. To dig; drill;
sink. * /He put down a new well./

   [put forth] {v. phr.} To produce; issue; send out. * /In the spring
the apple trees put forth beautiful white blossoms./ *  /The  chairman
of the board put forth an innovative proposal that was  circulated  by
mail./

   [put ideas into one's head] {v. phr.} To  persuade  someone  to  do
something negative; put one up to something. * /Billy would never have
poured glue into his father's shoes if the neighbor's son hadn't  been
putting ideas into his head./

   [put in] {v.} 1. To add to what has been said; say  (something)  in
addition to what others say. * /While the boys were discussing the car
accident, Ben put in that the road was icy./ * /My  father  put  in  a
word for me and I got the job./ 2. To buy and keep in a store to sell.
* /He put in a full stock of drugs./ 3. To spend (time). * /He put  in
many years as a printer./ * /He put in an hour a day reading./  4.  To
plant. * /He put in a row of radishes./ 5. To stop  at  a  port  on  a
journey by water. * /After the fire, the ship put in for repairs./  6.
To apply; ask. - Used with "for". * /When a better job  was  open,  he
put in for it./ * /The sailor put in for  time  to  visit  his  family
before the ship went to sea./

   [put in a word for]  {v.  phr.}  To  speak  in  favor  of  someone;
recommend someone. * /"Don't worry about your  job  application,"  Sam
said to  Tim.  "I'll  put  in  a  word  for  you  with  the  selection
committee."/

   [put in an appearance] also [make an appearance] {v.  phr.}  To  be
present, esp. for a short  time;  visit;  appear.  *  /He  put  in  an
appearance at work, but he was too ill to stay./ * /The president  put
in an appearance at several dances the evening after he was sworn in./

   [put in mind of] {v. phr.}, {nonstandard} To remind of; suggest to;
call up the memory of. * /She puts me in mind of my sister./  *  /That
puts me in mind of a story./

   [put in one's place] {v. phr.}, {informal} To criticize someone for
impolite boldness; remind someone of  low  rank  or  position;  reduce
someone's unsuitable pride; deflate. * /The assistant  was  trying  to
take command when the professor put him in his place by  saying,  "No,
I'm the boss here."/ * /She was a teacher who could put a troublemaker
in his place with just a glance./ Syn.: CUT DOWN TO SIZE.

   [put in one's two cents worth] See: TWO CENTS(2).

   [put in one's way] See: PUT IN THE WAY OF.

   [put in the way of] or [put in one's way] {v. phr.} To  set  before
(someone); give to (someone); show the way to; help toward.  *  /After
Joe graduated, the coach put him in the way of a  good  job./  *  /The
librarian put me in the way of a lot of new material on the subject of
my report./

   [put (it) in black and white] See: BLACK AND WHITE.

   [put (it) in writing] See: BLACK AND WHITE.

   [put it on thick] See: LAY IT ON.

   [put off] {v.} 1. {informal}  To  cause  confusion  in;  embarrass;
displease. * /I was  rather  put  off  by  the  shamelessness  of  his
proposal./ * /The man's slovenliness put me off./ 2. To wait and  have
(something) at a later time; postpone. *  /They  put  off  the  picnic
because of the rain./ 3. To make (someone) wait; turn aside.  *  /When
he asked her to name a day for their wedding,  she  put  him  off./  *
/When the bill collector called, Mrs. Smith managed to put  him  off./
4. To draw away the attention; turn aside; distract. * /Little Jeannie
began to tell the guests some family secrets, but Father was  able  to
put her off./ 5. To move out to sea; leave shore. * /They put  off  in
small boats to meet the coming ship./ Syn.: PUT OUT.

   [put on] {v. phr.} 1. To dress in. * /The boy took off his  clothes
and put on his pajamas./ * /Mother put a coat on  the  baby./  2a.  To
pretend; assume; show. * /Mary isn't really sick; she's  only  putting
on./ * /He put on a smile./ * /The child was putting on airs./ 2b.  To
exaggerate; make too  much  of.  *  /That's  rather  putting  it  on./
Compare: LAY IT ON. 3. To begin  to  have  more  (body  weight);  gain
(weight). * /Mary was thin from sickness, and the doctor said she must
put on ten pounds./ * /Too many sweets and not  enough  exercise  will
make you put on weight./ 4a. To plan and  prepare;  produce;  arrange;
give; stage. * /The senior class put on a dance./ * /The actor put  on
a fine performance./ 4b. To make (an effort). * /The runner put on  an
extra burst of speed and won the race./ 5. To choose to  send;  employ
on a job. * /The school put on extra  men  to  get  the  new  building
ready./

   [put-on] {n.} An act of teasing; the playing of a practical joke on
someone. * /Eric didn't realize that it was a put-on when his  friends
phoned him that he won the lottery./

   [put on airs] {v. phr.} To show  conceit;  act  in  a  superior  or
condescending manner. * /The fact that her  parents  own  a  villa  in
Capri is no reason for Amanda to keep putting on airs./

   [put on an act] {v. phr.} 1. To perform  a  play.  *  /The  seventh
grade put on a lovely act  for  Christmas  for  the  parents./  2.  To
pretend. * /"If you always put on an act," her  father  said,  "people
will never know who you really are."/

   [put on ice] See: ON ICE(2).

   [put one in one's place] See: CUT DOWN TO SIZE.

   [put one in the picture] {v. phr.} To inform  someone  of  all  the
facts about a given situation. * /Once you're back from your  overseas
trip, we'll put you in the picture about recent developments at home./

   [put one on a pedestal]  {v.  phr.}  To  exaggeratedly  worship  or
admire a person. * /Daniel puts Elaine on a pedestal and caters to her
every whim./

   [put one on one's feet] See: ON ONE'S FEET(2).

   [put one out of the way] See: OUT OF THE WAY(3).

   [put one through one's paces] {v. phr.}  To  train  and  discipline
someone; test one's abilities. * /The new recruits were certainly  put
through their paces by the drill sergeant./

   [put one wise] {v. phr.} To bring one up-to-date;  inform  someone;
explain. * /Our old friend David put us wise as to where the best used
cars could be found in Chicago./

   [put one's back to it] {v. phr.} To make a real effort; to  try.  *
/You can finish the job by noon if you put your back to  it./  *  /I'm
sure you can make the football team if you put your back to it./

   [put one's best foot forward] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try to  make
a good impression; try to make a good appearance;  do  one's  best.  *
/During courtship, it is natural to put your  best  foot  forward./  *
/When Ted applied for the job he put his best foot forward./

   [put one's cards on the table] See: LAY ONE'S CARDS ON THE TABLE.

   [put oneself in another's  place]  or  [put  oneself  in  another's
shoes] {v. phr.} To understand another person's feeling imaginatively;
try to know his feelings and reasons with  understanding;  enter  into
his trouble. * /It seemed like a dreadful thing for Bob to do,  but  I
tried to put myself in his place./ * /If you will put yourself in  the
customer's shoes you may realize why the thing isn't selling./

   [put one's finger on] also [lay one's finger on] {v. phr.} To  find
exactly. * /The engineers couldn't put their fingers on the reason for
the rocket's failure to orbit./ * /We called in an electrician  hoping
he could put a finger on the cause of the short circuit./

   [put one's foot down] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  take  a  decided
stand; be stubborn in decision. * /John didn't want  to  practice  his
piano lesson, but his teacher put his foot down./ * /When it  came  to
smoking pot at parties, our parents put their foot down./

   [put one's foot in it] or [put  one's  foot  in  one's  mouth]  {v.
phr.}, {informal} To  speak  carelessly  and  rudely;  hurt  another's
feelings without intending to; make a rude mistake. * /He put his foot
in it with his remark about self-made men because  Jones  was  one  of
them./ * /She put her foot in her  mouth  with  her  joke  about  that
church, not knowing that one of the guests belonged to it./

   [put one's hand on] See: LAY ONE'S HANDS ON(3).

   [put one's hand to] or [set one's hand to] or [turn one's hand  to]
{v. phr.} To start working at; try to do. * /Hal does a  good  job  at
everything mat he turns his hand to./  *  /After  Mr.  Sullivan  found
farming unprofitable,  he  moved  to  town  and  turned  his  hand  to
carpentry./

   [put one's hand to the plow] or [set one's hand to  the  plow]  {v.
phr.} To start doing something of importance; give yourself to  a  big
job. * /We felt that he had put his hand to the plow,  and  we  didn't
like it when he quit./

   [put one's head in the sand] See: HIDE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND.

   [put one's heart on one's sleeve] See: HEART ON ONE'S SLEEVE.

   [put one's money on a scratched horse] {v. phr.}, {informal} To bet
on a certain failure; to gamble without a chance of  winning.  *  /You
bet on the New York Mets to win the World Series? Why put  your  money
on a scratched horse?/ Compare: STACK THE CARDS.

   [put one's nose out of joint] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To make  you
jealous;  leave  you  out  of  favor.  *  /When  Jane  accepted  Tom's
invitation it put Jack's nose out of joint./ 2. To  ruin  your  plans;
cause you disappointment. * /Joe's mother put his nose out of joint by
not letting him go to the movie./

   [put one's house in order] or [set one's house in order] {v.  phr.}
To arrange your affairs in good order. * /Grandfather  knew  he  would
not live long and set his house in order./ * /When Mr. Black died, his
lawyer helped the widow put her house in order./

   [put one's shoulder to the wheel] {v. phr.} To make a great  effort
yourself or with others; try hard; cooperate. * /The effort to  get  a
new high school succeeded because everyone put  his  shoulder  to  the
wheel./ * /The company was failing in business until a new manager put
his shoulder to the wheel./

   [put on one's thinking cap] {v. phr.} To think hard and long  about
some problem or question. * /Miss Stone told  her  pupils  to  put  on
their thinking caps before answering the question./

   [put on paper] See: BLACK AND WHITE.

   [put on the back burner] See: ON ICE.

   [put on the dog] {v. phr.} To behave  ostentatiously  in  terms  of
dress and manner. * /"Stop putting on the dog with me," Sue  cried  at
Roy. "I knew the real you from way hack!"/

   [put on the line] See: LAY ON THE LINE.

   [put on the map] {v. phr.} To make (a place)  well  known.  *  /The
first successful climb of Mount Matterhorn put  Zermatt,  Switzerland,
on the map./ * /Shakespeare put his hometown of  Stratford-on-Avon  on
the map./

   [put  out]  {v.}  1.  To  make  a  flame  or  light  stop  burning;
extinguish; turn off. * /Please put the light out when you  leave  the
room./ * /The firemen put out  the  blaze./  2.  To  prepare  for  the
public;  produce;  make.  *  /For  years  he  had  put  out  a  weekly
newspaper./ * /It is a small restaurant, which puts out  an  excellent
dinner./ 3. To invest or loan money. * /He put out all his spare money
at 4 percent or better./ 4. To make angry; irritate; annoy. * /It puts
the teacher out to be lied to./  *  /Father  was  put  out  when  Jane
spilled  grape  juice  on  his  new  suit./  5.  {informal}  To  cause
inconvenience to; bother.  *  /He  put  himself  out  to  make  things
pleasant for us./ * /Will it put  you  out  if  I  borrow  your  pen?/
Compare: GO OUT OF ONE'S WAY. 6. To retire from play  in  baseball.  *
/The runner was put out at first base./ 7. To go from shore; leave.  *
/A  Coast  Guard  boat  put  out  through  the  waves./  8.  {vulgar},
{avoidable}  Said  of  women  easy  and  ready  to  engage  in  sexual
intercourse. * /It is rumored that Hermione  gets  her  promotions  as
fast as she does because she puts out./

   [put out of action] See: OUT OF ACTION.

   [put out of the way] {v.  phr.}  To  kill.  *  /When  people  spoke
against the dictator, he had them put out of the way./ * /The old  dog
was very sick, and Father had the animal doctor put  him  out  of  the
way./

   [put over] {v.} 1. To wait to a later time; postpone. *  /They  put
over the  meeting  to  the  following  Tuesday./  Syn.:  PUT  OFF.  2.
{informal} To make a success of; complete. * /He put  over  a  complex
and difficult business deal./ Syn.: BRING OFF, PUT ACROSS, SLIP  OVER.
3. {informal} To practice deception; trick; fool. - Used with "on".  *
/George thought he was putting something over on the teacher  when  he
said he was absent the day before because  his  mother  was  sick  and
needed him./ * /Tom really slipped one over on us when he came to  the
Halloween party dressed as a witch./

   [put someone on] {v.} To play a joke on someone by saying or  doing
things that are only pretense; kid. * /When the  voice  on  the  phone
told Mrs. Jones she had won a $10,000 prize, she thought  someone  was
putting her on./

   [put that in your pipe and  smoke  it]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To
understand something told you; accept something as  fact  or  reality;
not try to change it. - Usually used as a command,  normally  only  in
speech, and often considered rude. * /People don't vote against  Santa
Claus, and you might as well put that in your pipe and smoke it./ * /I
am not going to do that and you can put that in your  pipe  and  smoke
it./

   [put the bite on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To  ask  (for  money,  favors,
etc.) * /John put the bite on his friend for several  tickets  to  the
dance./ * /Willie Mays put the bite on the Giants for a large raise./

   [put the cart before the horse] See: CART BEFORE THE HORSE.

   [put their heads together] or [lay their heads together] {v. phr.},
{informal} To plan or consider things together; discuss something as a
group; talk it over. * /They put their heads together and decided on a
gift./ * /We laid our heads together and decided to have a picnic./

   [put through] {v. phr.} 1. To carry out; arrange. * /If Jim can put
through one more financial transaction  like  this  one,  we  will  be
rich./ 2. To connect (said  of  telephone  calls).  *  /The  telephone
operator had to put me through to Zambia as there is no direct dialing
there yet./

   [put through  one's  paces]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  test  the
different abilities and skills of a person or a thing; call for a show
of what one can do. * /He put his new car through its paces./ *  /Many
different problems put the new mayor through his paces  in  the  first
months of his term./

   [put to bed] {v. phr.} 1. To put to rest for the night.  *  /Father
put the three children to bed./ * /The boy seemed ill,  so  the  nurse
put him to bed./ 2. {informal} To complete preparations and  print.  *
/The newspaper was put to bed at 1:15 A.M./ * /The pressroom was  late
in putting the sports section to bed./

   [put  to  it]  {adj.  phr.}  Hard  pressed;  having   trouble;   in
difficulty; puzzled. * /When he lost his job, he was rather put to  it
for a while to provide for his family./ * /The boy was put  to  it  to
answer the teacher's question./

   [put to rights] or [set to rights] {v. phr.}, {informal} To put  in
good order; clean up. * /It took the company a long time  to  put  the
office to rights after the fire./ * /It took Mrs. Smith an hour to set
the room to rights after the party./

   [put to sea] {v. phr.} To start a voyage. * /The captain  said  the
ship would put to sea at six in  the  morning./  *  /In  the  days  of
sailing ships, putting to sea depended on the tides./

   [put to shame] {v. phr.} 1. To  disgrace.  *  /The  cleanliness  of
European cities puts our cities to shame./ * /That  filthy  dump  puts
our town to shame./ 2. To do much better than surpass. * /Einstein put
other physicists to shame when he  proved  his  theory  of  relativity
correct./

   [put to sleep] {v. phr.} 1. To cause to fall asleep. * /Mother used
to put us to sleep by telling us a good-night story and  giving  us  a
kiss./ 2. To kill with an injection (said of animals). * /Dr.  Murphy,
the veterinarian, put our sick, old dog to sleep./

   [put to the sword] {v. phr.}, {literary} To kill (people)  in  war,
especially with a sword. *  /The  Romans  put  their  enemies  to  the
sword./ * /In some wars captives have been put to the sword./

   [put to use] {v. phr.} To use. * /During  the  early  part  of  the
Korean war the cooks and office workers of the U.S. Army were  put  to
use in battle./ * /Henry decided to put his dictionary to use./  *  /I
wish you'd put the lawn mower to use!/

   [put two and two together] {v. phr.} To  make  decisions  based  on
available proofs; reason from the known facts; conclude; decide. * /He
had put two and two together  and  decided  where  they  had  probably
gone./ * /It was just a mater of putting two  and  two  together:  the
facts seemed to permit only one decision./

   [put up]  {v.}  1a.  To  make  and  pack  (especially  a  lunch  or
medicine); get ready; prepare. * /Every morning Mother puts up lunches
for the three children./ * /The druggist put up the medicine that  the
doctor had prescribed./ Compare: MAKE UP(1). 1b. To put food into jars
or cans to save; can. * /Mother is putting up peaches in jars./ 1c. To
store away for later use. * /The farmer put up three tons of  hay  for
the winter./ 2. To put in place; put (something) where it  belongs.  *
/After he unpacked the car, John put it up./ * /After the  hard  ride,
the doctor gave the horse to the stable boy to put up./ *  /After  the
battle, the knight put up his sword./ Syn.: PUT AWAY.  3.  To  suggest
that (someone) be chosen a member, officer, or official. *  /The  club
decided to take in another member, and Bill put up Charles./  -  Often
used with "for". * /The Republicans put Mr. Williams up for mayor./ 4.
To put (hair) a special way; arrange. * /Aunt May puts up her hair  in
curlers every night./ Compare: DO UP(3a). 5. To place on  sale;  offer
for sale. * /She put the house up for sale./ 6a.  To  provide  lodging
for; furnish a room to. * /The visitor was put up in the home  of  Mr.
Wilson./ * /They put Frank up at a good hotel./ 6b.  To  rent  or  get
shelter; take lodging; stay in a place to sleep. * /The  traveler  put
up at a motel./ * /We put up with friends on our trip to  Canada./  7.
To make; engage in. * /He put up a good fight against  his  sickness./
Compare: CARRY ON. 8. To furnish (money) or something needed; pay for.
* /He put up the money to build a hotel./

   [put-up] {adj.} Artificially arranged; plotted; phony;  illegal.  *
/The FBI was sure that  the  bank  robbers  worked  together  with  an
insider and that the whole affair was a put-up job./

   [put up a (brave, good, etc.) flght] {v. phr.} To resist. * /He put
up a good fight but he was bound to lose in the end to the older, more
experienced chess player./

   [put up a (brave] or [good) front] {v. phr.} To  act  courageously,
even though one is actually afraid. * /When Joe was taken in  for  his
open heart surgery, he put up a brave front, although his  hands  were
shaking./

   [put up or shut up] {v. phr.} {informal} 1. To bet  your  money  on
what you say or stop saying it. -  Often  used  as  a  command;  often
considered rude. * /The man from out of town kept  saying  their  team
would beat ours and finally John told him "Put up or shut up."/ 2.  To
prove something or stop saying it. - Often used as  a  command;  often
considered rude. * /George told Al that he could run faster  than  the
school champion and Al told George to put up or shut up./

   [put upon] {v.} To use (someone) unfairly; expect too much from.  -
Used in the passive or in the past participle. * /Martha was put  upon
by the bigger girls./ * /Arthur was a much put-upon person./

   [put up to] {v. phr.}, {informal} To talk to and make do;  persuade
to; get to do. * /Older boys put us up to painting  the  statue  red./
Compare: EGG ON.

   [put up with] {v.} To accept patiently; bear. * /We had to  put  up
with Jim's poor table manners because he refused to  change./  *  /The
mother told her children, "I refuse to put up with  your  tracking  in
mud!"/ Compare: STAND FOR.

   [put wise] {v.}, {slang} To tell (someone) facts that will give him
an advantage over others or make him alert to opportunity or danger. *
/The new boy did not know that Jim was playing a trick on  him,  so  I
put him wise./ - Often used with "to". * /Someone put the police  wise
to the plan of the bank robbers, and when the robbers  went  into  the
bank, the police were waiting to catch them./ Compare: TIP OFF.

   [put words into one's mouth] {v. phr.} To say  without  proof  that
another person has certain feelings or opinions; claim a stand  or  an
idea is another's without asking; speak for another without  right.  *
/When he said "John here is in favor of the idea." I told him  not  to
put words in my mouth./





   [q] See: MIND ONE'S P'S AND Q'S.

   [Q.T.] See: ON THE Q.T.

   [qualms] See: HAVE (NO) QUALMS ABOUT.

   [quantity] See: UNKNOWN QUANTITY.

   [quarterback sneak] {n.} A football play in which  the  quarterback
takes the ball from the center and dives straight ahead in an  attempt
to gain a very short distance. * /Johnson took  the  ball  over  on  a
quarterback sneak for a touchdown./

   [queen] See: HOMECOMING QUEEN.

   [queer fish] {n.} A strange or unusual person who does odd  things.
*  /Uncle  Algernon  dresses  in  heavy  furs  in   the   summer   and
short-sleeved shirts in the winter. No wonder everyone considers him a
queer fish./

   [queer oneself] {v. phr.} To act in such  a  manner  as  to  offend
others and thus one's own chances or position.  *  /Phil  has  queered
himself with many girls by his erratic behavior./

   [quest] See: IN SEARCH OF also IN QUEST OF.

   [question] See: BEG THE QUESTION, BESIDE THE POINT  or  BESIDE  THE
QUESTION, BEYOND QUESTION also WITHOUT QUESTION, CALL IN QUESTION,  IN
QUESTION, INTO QUESTION, OUT OF THE QUESTION, POP THE QUESTION.

   [quick buck] See: FAST BUCK.

   [quick on the draw] See: QUICK ON THE TRIGGER.

   [quick on the trigger] or [trigger  happy]  {adj.  phr.}  Ready  to
shoot without warning; fast with a gun. * /He's a  dangerous  criminal
quick on the trigger./ 2. {informal} Fast at  answering  questions  or
solving problems. * /In class discussions John is always quick on  the
trigger./

   [quick on the uptake] {adj. phr.} Smart; intelligent. * /Eleanor is
very witty and quick on the uptake./

   [quick study] {n. phr.} One who acquires new skills and  habits  in
record time. * /Sue is new at her job but people  have  confidence  in
her because she is a quick study./

   [quit] See: CALL IT QUITS.

   [quite a bit] See: QUITE A LITTLE.

   [quite a few] or [quite a number] also {formal} [not a few] {n.} or
{adj. phr.} Rather a large number; more than a few.  *  /Quite  a  few
went to the game./ * /The basket had quite a few rotten apples in it./
- The phrase "quite a number" is used like an  adjective  only  before
"less", "more". * /Few people saw the play  on  the  first  night  but
quite a number more came on the second night./ - Sometimes  used  like
an adverb. * /We still have quite a few more miles  to  go  before  we
reach New York./ Syn.: GOOD MANY, NOT A FEW. Compare: A FEW, A NUMBER.

   [quite a little] or {informal} [quite a bit] also {formal}  [not  a
little] {n.} or {adj. phr.} Rather a large amount; rather  much;  more
than a little. * /We are not finished; quite a little is left to  do./
* /Cleaning the backyard needed quite a little  work./  -  The  phrase
"quite a bit" is used like an adjective only before "less", "more".  *
/Six inches of snow fell  today,  and  quite  a  bit  more  is  coming
tonight./ - Sometimes used like an adverb. * /Harry was sick  quite  a
little last winter./ Compare: A LITTLE, A LOT, QUITE A PEW.

   [quite a number] See: QUITE A FEW.

   [quite the thing] {n. phr.} The socially proper thing to do. *  /In
polite society it is quite the thing to send a written thank you  note
to one's host or hostess after a dinner party./





   [rabbit] See: JACK-RABBIT START.

   [race] See: DRAG RACE, RAT RACE.

   [race against time] {v. phr.} To be in a great hurry  to  finish  a
given project by a specified deadline.  *  /The  workers  were  racing
against time to finish the campus modernization project./

   [race to stand still] {v. phr.} To be so far behind in  one's  work
that one must exert an effort similar to that needed to win a race  in
order simply not to fall even further behind.  *  /"Could  you  review
this book for us, Professor Brown?" the editor asked.  "Unfortunately,
no," the professor answered. "I'm so behind  in  my  work  that  I  am
racing to stand still."/

   [rack and ruin] {n. phr.} Complete decay; condition of  decline.  *
/The entire house had been so neglected that it had gone to  rack  and
ruin./

   [rack one's brain] {v. phr.} To try your  best  to  think;  make  a
great mental effort; especially: to try to remember something you have
known. * /Bob racked his brain trying to remember where  he  left  the
book./ * /Susan racked her brain trying to guess  whom  the  valentine
came from./ * /John racked his brain during the test trying  to  solve
the problem./

   [radio ham] {n. phr.} Someone  whose  hobby  is  the  operating  of
shortwave radio. * /The code letters C.Q. are used by  radio  hams  to
invite other radio hams to join in the conversation./

   [rag] See: CHEW THE FAT or CHEW THE RAG, GLAD RAGS.

   [rag doll] {n.} A doll made of cloth and filled with soft stuffing.
* /My baby brother won't go to bed without his rag doll./

   [ragged] See: RUN RAGGED.

   [rag trade] {n. phr.} The  clothing  industry.  *  /My  brother  is
working in the rag trade, manufacturing dresses./

   [railroad] {v.} To force through; push through  by  force.  *  /The
bill was railroaded through the state legislature due to the influence
of some very wealthy sponsors./

   [rain] See: IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS, KNOW ENOUGH TO COME IN OUT
OF THE RAIN.

   [rain cats and dogs] or [rain buckets]  or  [rain  pitchforks]  {v.
phr.}, {informal} To rain very hard; come down in torrents. * /In  the
middle of the picnic it started to rain cats and dogs,  and  everybody
got soaked./ * /Terry looked out of the window and said, "It's raining
pitchforks, so we can't go out to play right now."/

   [rain check] {n.} 1. A special free ticket to another game or  show
which will be given in place of one canceled because of rain. *  /When
the drizzle turned into a heavy rain the manager  announced  that  the
baseball game would be replayed the next day. He told the  crowd  that
they would be given rain checks for tomorrow's game as they  went  out
through the gates./ 2. {informal} A promise to repeat an invitation at
a later time. * /Bob said, "I'm sorry you can't come  to  dinner  this
evening, Dave. I'll give you a rain check."/

   [rained out] {adj.} Stopped by rain. * /The ball  game  was  rained
out in the seventh inning./ * /The Friday night rally in  the  stadium
was rained out./

   [rain on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To bring misfortune to  (someone);  to
complain to (someone) about one's bad luck. * /Don't rain on me./

   [rain or shine] {adv. phr.} 1. If the weather is stormy or if it is
fair. * /The parade will start promptly, rain or shine./ 2. No
matter;
if your luck is good or bad.
* /Sam knows he can depend on his
family, rain or shine./

   [rainproof] {adj.} Resistant to rain; something that will not  soak
in water; referring to a material that repels water. * /"I don't  need
an umbrella," she said, "as my coat is rainproof."/

   [rainy day] {n.} A time of need; especially: a time when you really
need money. * /Squirrels gather acorns for a rainy day./ * /Each  week
Mrs. Carlson saved a little money for a rainy day./

   [raise a hand] See: LIFT A FINGER.

   [raise a row] {v. phr.} To cause a disturbance, a fuss, or a scene.
* /He raised quite a row when he noticed that  someone  had  scratched
his brand new car./

   [raise a stink] {v. phr.} To cause a disturbance; complain; protest
strongly. * /Quite a stink was raised in  the  office  when  the  boss
discovered that several employees had left early./

   [raise Cain] {v. phr.}, {slang} To be noisy; cause trouble. * /When
John couldn't go on the basketball trip with the team he raised Cain./
* /The children raised Cain in the living room./ Compare:  KICK  UP  A
FUSS, RAISE THE DEVIL.

   [raise eyebrows] {v. phr.}  To  shock  people;  cause  surprise  or
disapproval. * /The news that the princess was engaged to  a  commoner
raised eyebrows all over the kingdom./

   [raise funds] or [money] {v.  phr.}  To  solicit  donations  for  a
charity or a specific project. * /Our church is trying  to  raise  the
funds for a new organ./

   [raise  hackles]  or  [raise  one's  hackles]  {v.  phr.}  To  make
(someone) upset or annoyed; arouse hostility. * /Attempts to  add  new
ingredients to  the  beer  raised  hackles  among  all  the  old  brew
masters./

   [raise havoc] See: PLAY HAVOC WITH.

   [raise heck] See: RAISE THE DEVIL.

   [raise hob] See: RAISE THE DEVIL.

   [raise one's sights]  {v.  phr.}  To  aim  high;  be  ambitious.  *
/Teenage boys sometimes think  too  much  of  themselves  and  have  a
tendency to raise their sights too high./

   [raise one's voice] {v. phr.} To speak loudly, as if in anger or in
protest. * /"I'm sorry, Mom," Peter said. "I didn't mean to  raise  my
voice."/

   [raise the devil] or [raise heck] or [raise hob] or [raise ned] {v.
phr.}, {informal} To make trouble; start a fight  or  an  argument.  *
/Mr. Black raised heck when he saw the dented fender.  He  blamed  the
other driver./ * /Some teenage  boys  raised  the  devil  in  town  on
Halloween night and damaged a lot of property./  Compare:  KICK  UP  A
FUSS.

   [raise the roof] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To make a lot  of  noise;
be happy and noisy. * /The gang raised the roof with  their  singing./
2. To scold loudly. * /Mother raised the roof when she saw  the  dog's
muddy footprints on her new bedspread./ Compare: KICK UP A FUSS, RAISE
CAIN.

   [rake in] {v. phr.} To realize great  profits;  take  in  money.  *
/Because of the heavy snowfall,  ski  lodge  operators  in  the  Rocky
Mountains have been raking in the dough this winter season./

   [rake off] {v. phr.} To illegally expropriate part of a sum paid. *
/The secretary-treasurer of the association has been caught raking off
some of the membership dues./

   [rake-off] See: KICKBACK.

   [rake over the coals] See: HAUL OVER THE COALS.

   [rake up] {v. phr.} To expose; gather; bring  to  light.  *  /Let's
forget about the past; there's no  need  to  rake  up  all  those  old
memories./

   [ramble on about] {v. phr.}  To  chatter  on  idly  and  without  a
purpose. * /When Ted has too much to drink, he always rambles on about
the good old days./

   [ram down one's throat] See: SHOVE DOWN ONE'S THROAT.

   [random] See: AT RANDOM.

   [rank] See: CLOSE RANKS, PULL RANK.

   [rank and file] {n. phr.} Ordinary people; the  regular  membership
of an organization; the enlisted privates in the Army. * /The  general
usually inspects the rank and file on specific national  holidays./  *
/The secretary of the association sends letters annually to  the  rank
and file./

   [rap] See: TAKE THE RAP.

   [rap one's knuckles] {v. phr.} To scold or punish. * /The principal
rapped our knuckles for cheating on the test./ * /If you talk back  to
Dad, you'll get your knuckles rapped./ * /The club  got  its  knuckles
rapped by the principal  for  hazing  new  members./  *  /Why  rap  my
knuckles? It wasn't my fault./ Compare: DRESSING DOWN, GIVE IT TO(2).

   [rat] See: SMELL A RAT.

   [rate] See: AT ANY RATE, FIRST RATE.

   [rather] See: HAD RATHER.

   [rat on] See: BLOW THE WHISTLE, RAT OUT.

   [rat out] or [rat out on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To desert; to leave at
a critical time. * /Joe ratted out on Sue when she  was  seven  months
pregnant./

   [rat race] {n.}, {slang} A very confusing, crowded,  or  disorderly
rush; a confusing scramble, struggle, or way of living that  does  not
seem to have a purpose. * /The dance last night was a rat race. It was
too noisy and crowded./ * /School can be a rat race if you don't  keep
up with your studies./ * /This job is a rat race. The faster you work,
the faster the boss wants you to work./

   [rate with someone] {v. phr.} To be esteemed highly by  another.  *
/The professor really rates with both the graduate  students  and  the
undergraduates./

   [rattle] See: SABRE RAITLING.

   [rattle off] or [reel off] {v.} To say quickly  without  having  to
stop to think; recite easily and rapidly. * /When Roger was  seven  he
could rattle off the names of all the states in alphabetical order./ *
/Joan memorized the "Gettysburg Address" so well that she  could  reel
it off./ * /We asked the waitress what flavors of ice cream  she  had,
and she rattled them off./

   [rattle one's saber] {v. phr.} To threaten  another  government  or
country without subsequent acts of war. * /It is considered an act  of
demagoguery on the  part  of  politicians  to  rattle  their  sabers./
Compare: YELLOW JOURNALISM.

   [rave about] {v. phr.} To talk very enthusiastically about  someone
or something. * /Hank praised the new  TV  show  very  highly  but  we
didn't think it was anything to rave about./

   [raw] See: IN THE RAW.

   [raw deal] {n. phr.} Unfair treatment; inequity. * /Barry got a raw
deal when he was sent to teach the class on advanced nuclear  physics;
he's an inexperienced graduate student./

   [razzle-dazzle] {n.}, {slang} Fancy display; showing off. * /He  is
such a good player that he doesn't have to add  razzle-dazzle  to  his
game./ * /Do we need all this razzle-dazzle to advertise our fair?/

   [reach] See: BOARDING HOUSE REACH.

   [reach first base] See: GET TO FIRST BASE.

   [reach for the sky] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To put  your  hands  high
above your head or be shot. - Usually used as a command. *  /A  holdup
man walked into a gas station last night and told the attendant "Reach
for the sky!"/ Syn.: HANDS UP. 2. To set  one's  aims  high.  *  /"Why
medical technician?" asked her father. "Reach for the  sky!  Become  a
physician!"/

   [read between the lines] {v. phr.} To understand all of a  writer's
meaning by guessing at what he has  left  unsaid.  *  /Some  kinds  of
poetry  make  you  read  between  the  lines./  *  /A  clever  foreign
correspondent can often avoid censorship by careful  wording,  leaving
his audience to read between the lines./

   [read into] {v. phr.} To attribute extra meaning to;  deduce  from;
consider to be implicit in. * /Just because Fred's letters sounded  so
friendly Mary was wrong to read anything serious into them./

   [read off] {v. phr.} To read in a speaking voice  from  a  list.  *
/The secretary read off the names of  those  present  in  alphabetical
order./

   [read one like a book] {v. phr.}, {informal} To understand  someone
completely; know what he will think or  do  at  any  time.  *  /John's
girlfriend could read him like a book./ Compare: READ ONE'S MIND.

   [read one one's rights] {v. phr.} To give to an arrested person the
legally required statement regarding the rights of such  a  person.  *
/"Read him his rights," Sergeant," the captain said, "and book him for
breaking and entering."/

   [read one's mind] {v. phr.} To know what someone else is  thinking.
* /I have known John so long that  I  can  read  his  mind./  -  [mind
reader] {n.} * /That's exactly what I was going to say. You must be  a
mind reader!/ Compare: READ LIKE A BOOK.

   [read the riot act] {v. phr.} To give someone a strong  warning  or
scolding. * /Three boys were late to class and the  teacher  read  the
riot act to them./

   [read over] {v. phr.} To read hurriedly  in  a  rather  superficial
manner. * /The professor  said  he  had  no  time  to  read  my  essay
thoroughly but that he had read it over and  would  comment  later  in
detail./

   [read up on] {v. phr.} To study carefully  in  preparation  for  an
examination or other special purpose. * /Since Mr. and  Mrs.  Lee  are
going to take their American citizenship exams soon, they must read up
on the Constitution and the three branches of government./

   [ready] See: AT THE READY, ROUGH-AND-READY.

   [ready-made] {adj.} Mass-produced; machine made. * /I  buy  all  my
dresses ready-made because I can't afford to have them made to order./

   [ready money] {n. phr.} Cash on  hand.  *  /Frank  refuses  to  buy
things on credit, but, if he had the ready money, he  would  buy  that
lovely old house./

   [real] See: FOR REAL, IT'S BEEN REAL.

   [rear] See: BRING UP THE REAR.

   [rear end] {n.} 1. The back part (usually of a vehicle) * /The rear
end of our car was smashed when we stopped suddenly and the car behind
us hit us./ - Often used like  an  adjective,  with  a  hyphen.  *  /A
head-on crash is more likely to kill the passengers  than  a  rear-end
crash./ Contrast: HEAD-ON. 2. Rump; backside. * /Bobby's mother was so
annoyed with his teasing that she swatted his rear end./

   [rear its head] {v. phr.} To appear; emerge. *  /After  decades  of
certainty that tuberculosis had been eradicated globally, it  suddenly
reared its ugly head right here in the United States./

   [reason] See: IN REASON, LISTEN TO REASON, RHYME OR  REASON,  STAND
TO REASON, WITHIN REASON.

   [receive with open arms] See: WITH OPEN ARMS.

   [reckon with] {v.} To consider as  one  of  the  things  which  may
change a situation; consider (something) that will make  a  difference
in the results. * /The coach said the opposing pitcher had a fast ball
to be reckoned with./ Syn.: TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.

   [reckon without] {v.} To fail to consider  as  one  of  the  things
which might change a situation; not think about. * /The committee  for
the class picnic party made careful plans for a beach party  but  they
reckoned without a sudden change in the weather./

   [record] See: MATTER OF RECORD, OFF THE RECORD, ON RECORD.

   [red] See: IN THE RED, PAINT THE TOWN RED, SEE RED.

   [redcap] {n.} A porter at an airport or at a  railroad  station.  *
/Mr. Smith works as a redcap at Chicago's O'Hare Airport./

   [red carpet] See: ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET.

   [red cent] {n. phr.} The one-cent coin; a copper coin; very  little
money. * /Poor Oscar is so broke he doesn't have a  red  cent  to  his
name./

   [red eye] {adj. phr.} Bloodshot eyes that  are  strained  from  too
much reading. * /Poor Tim has a red eye; he must  have  been  studying
too late again./

   [red eye] {n. phr.}, {informal} A  night  flight.  *  /The  company
refused to pay for him to take a more expensive daytime flight, so  he
had to come in on the red eye./

   [red-handed] {adj.} In the very act; while committing  a  crime  or
evil action. * /The criminal was caught red-handed  while  holding  up
the neighborhood bank at gunpoint./

   [red herring] {n. phr.}  A  false  scent  laid  down  in  order  to
deceive; a phony or misleading story designed to  cause  confusion.  *
/That story about the president having an affair  was  a  red  herring
created by the opposition in order to discredit him./

   [red-letter day]  {n.  phr.}  A  holiday;  memorable  day  (usually
printed in red on calendars). * /The Fourth of July  is  a  red-letter
day./ * /It was a red-letter day for Felix, when he won the lottery./

   [red-light district] {n. phr.} A  district  of  brothels  or  where
prostitutes hang out. * /Most unwisely, the young  sailor  decided  to
spend his leave on shore by haunting the red-light  districts  of  the
port of call./

   [red tape] {n. phr.} Unnecessary bureaucratic routine; needless but
official delays. * /If you want to  get  anything  accomplished  in  a
hurry, you have to find someone in power who can cut through all  that
red tape./

   [reel off] See: RATTLE OFF.

   [reference] See: IN REFERENCE TO or WITH REFERENCE TO.

   [refine on] or [refine upon] {v.} 1. To  make  better;  improve.  *
/Mary was asked to refine on her first outline to make it clearer  and
more exact./  2.  To  be  better  than;  surpass.  *  /Modern  medical
techniques refine on those of the past./

   [regain one's feet] {v. phr.} To get back up  again  after  falling
down. * /Tom fell while he skied down the hill  but  he  regained  his
feet quickly./ Compare: TO ONE'S FEET.

   [regard] See: IN REFERENCE TO or IN REGARD TO or WITH REGARD TO.

   [regular guy] or  [regular  fellow]  {n.},  {informal}  A  friendly
person who is easy to get along with; a good  sport.  *  /You'll  like
Tom. He's a regular guy./ Syn.: GOOD EGG.

   [rein] See: FREE REIN, GIVE REIN TO or GIVE FREE REIN TO.

   [relation] See: IN RELATION TO or WITH RELATION TO.

   [relative to] 1. On the subject of; about. *  /Relative  to  school
athletics, the principal said the students should not allow  athletics
to interfere with homework./ 2. In comparison with; in proportion  to.
* /Relative to the size of an ant, a blade of grass is as  tall  as  a
tree./

   [repeat oneself] {v. phr.} To say the same thing over again,  often
in the same words; repeat ideas because you forget what  you  said  or
because you  want  to  stress  their  importance.  *  /Grandfather  is
forgetful and often repeats himself when  he  tells  a  story./  *  /A
teacher often has to repeat herself several times  before  her  pupils
remember what she tells them./

   [resign oneself] {v. phr.} To stop arguing; accept something  which
cannot be changed. * /When Jane's father explained that he  could  not
afford to buy her a new  bicycle,  she  finally  resigned  herself  to
riding the old one./ Compare: GIVE UP.

   [resistance] See: LINE OF LEAST RESISTANCE.

   [rest] See: LAY TO REST, PARADE REST.

   [rest assured] {v. phr.} To be convinced;  persuaded;  certain  and
unworried. * /"Please rest assured," he said seriously, "that  I  will
keep all of my promises."/

   [rest home] See: CONVALESCENT HOME.

   [rest on one's laurels] {v. phr.} To be satisfied with the  success
you have already won; stop trying to win new honors. * /Getting  an  A
in chemistry almost caused Mike to rest on his laurels./

   [rest on one's oars] {v. phr.} To stop trying; stop working  for  a
while; rest. * /The man who wants to become a  millionaire  can  never
rest on his oars./ * /A high school student who wants to go to college
cannot rest on his oars./

   [rest room] {n.} A room or series of rooms  in  a  public  building
which has things for personal comfort and grooming, such  as  toilets,
washbowls, mirrors, and often chairs or couches. * /Sally went to  the
rest room to powder her nose./ Compare: POWDER ROOM.

   [retreat] See: BEAT A RETREAT.

   [return] See: IN RETURN.

   [return the compliment] {v. phr.} To say or do the same to  someone
that he has said or done to you; pay someone back. *  /Mary  said,  "I
love your new hairdo" and Suzy returned the compliment  with  "What  a
pretty dress you're wearing, Mary."/ *  /John  punched  Jerry  in  the
nose, and Jerry returned the compliment./

   [reverse] See: DOUBLE REVERSE, IN REVERSE.

   [rev up] {v. phr.}, {informal}, {slang} 1. To  press  down  sharply
several times on the accelerator of an idling  car  in  order  to  get
maximum acceleration. * /The race driver revved up his car by  pumping
his accelerator./ 2. To get oneself ready in  order  to  accomplish  a
demanding or difficult task. * /The boys were getting  all  revved  up
for the football game./ See: PSYCHED UP.

   [rhyme or reason] {n. phr.} A good plan  or  reason;  a  reasonable
purpose  or  explanation.  -  Used  in  negative,  interrogative,   or
conditional sentences. * /Don could see no rhyme or reason to the plot
of the play./ * /It seemed to Ruth that her little brother had  temper
tantrums without rhyme or reason./

   [rib] See: STICK TO ONE'S RIBS or STICK TO THE RIBS.

   [rich] See: STRIKE IT RICH.

   [ride] See: ALONG FOR THE RIDE, LET RIDE, RUN WITH  HARE  AND  HUNT
(RIDE) WITH THE HOUNDS, TAKE FOR A RIDE, THUMB A RIDE.

   [ride herd on] {v. phr.} 1. To patrol on horseback around a herd of
animals to see that none of them wanders away.  *  /Two  cowboys  rode
herd on the cattle being driven to market./  2.  {informal}  To  watch
closely and control; take care of. * /A special legislative  assistant
rides herd on the bills the president  is  anxious  to  have  congress
pass./ * /Mary rode herd on  the  small  children  walking  home  from
school to keep them from running into the street./

   [ride on one's  coattails]  {v.  phr.}  To  succeed  in  a  certain
endeavor by attaching oneself to the greater weight of another  person
or corporate body. * /"We will never get our Ph.D. program approved on
our own," said the head of the modern dance department, "but we  might
succeed if we stay in the Division  of  Fine  Arts,  riding  on  their
coattails, as it were."/

   [ride out] {v.} To survive safely; endure. * /The  captain  ordered
all sails lowered so the ship could  ride  out  the  storm./  *  /Jack
decided to ride out his troubles by saying that he had made a  mistake
but that he had learned his lesson./

   [ride  roughshod  over]  {v.  phr.}  To  do  as  you  wish  without
considering the wishes of (another person); treat with scorn  or  lack
of courtesy;  show  no  sympathy  for.  *  /The  city  officials  rode
roughshod over the people who did not want their homes torn down for a
new school./ * /The boss rode roughshod over the men when  they  asked
for higher wages./

   [ride the brake] or [ride the clutch] {v. phr.}, {informal} To keep
your foot on the pedal. * /Riding the brake  is  a  bad  habit  for  a
driver to form./

   [ride the gravy train] {v. phr.} To  live  a  life  of  plenty  and
luxury. * /Those who have a wealthy executive or heir to a fortune for
a spouse can ride the gravy train without doing any work./

   [ride up] or [crawl up] {v.} To slip gradually upward on the  body.
* /Shorts that ride up can be very uncomfortable./

   [riding for a fall] {adj. phr.} Behaving in  an  overconfident  way
that is likely to lead to trouble; being too sure of  yourself;  doing
something dangerous. * /The student who does not study  for  exams  is
riding for a fall./ * /Mr. Smith has borrowed too much  money  on  his
home. He is riding for a fall./ Compare: COME A CROPPER(2).

   [riding  high]  {adj.}   Attracting   attention;   enjoying   great
popularity. * /After scoring the winning  touchdown,  John  is  riding
high with his classmates./

   [rid of] Free of; away from; without the care or  trouble.  *  /The
puppy is finally rid of worms./ * /If I could be rid of  the  children
for the day, I would go./ * /I  wish  you'd  get  rid  of  that  cat!/
Compare: DO AWAY WITH, THROW AWAY(1), THROW OFF(1).

   [right] See: ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT FOR YOU,  DEAD  TO  RIGHTS,  GIVE
ONE'S RIGHT ARM, HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE, IN THE  RIGHT,  PLAY  ONE'S
CARDS RIGHT, PUT TO RIGHTS or SET TO RIGHTS, SERVE RIGHT, TO RIGHTS.

   [right  along]  {adv.   phr.},   {informal}   1a.   On   your   way
satisfactorily or without trouble. * /They fixed the  engine  and  the
train ran right along./ 1b. On your way without delay. *  /Don't  wait
for me. Go right along./ 2. See: ALL ALONG.

   [right and left] {adv.  phr.}  In  or  from  every  direction;  all
around; on all sides. * /The knight rode into battle striking  at  the
enemy right and left with his broadsword./ *  /When  the  talk  ended,
questions were thrown at the speaker right and left./

   [right away] or {informal} [right off] also {informal}  [right  off
the bat] {adv. phr.} Immediately; as the next thing in order;  without
delay. * /Phil's mother told him to do his homework right away so that
he could enjoy the weekend./ * /The Red Cross  aids  disaster  victims
right away./ * /Jill knew the answer right off./ * /The  teacher  said
he could not think of the title of the book right off the bat./  Syn.:
AT ONCE(2). Compare: HERE AND NOW, ON  THE  SPOT.  Contrast:  AFTER  A
WHILE.

   [right down] or [up one's alley] {adv.  phr.}  In  accordance  with
one's specialty or predilection. * /This kind of preclassical music is
right up Bill's alley; after all, he wrote his Ph.D. on Bach./

   [right field] {n.} The part of a baseball outfield to the  batter's
right. * /Left-handed batters usually hit to  right  field./  Compare:
CENTER FIELD, LEFT FIELD. - [right fielder]  {n.}  The  outfielder  in
baseball who plays in right field. * /The batter hit a high  fly  ball
and the right fielder caught it easily./

   [right-hand man] {v. phr.} A valued and indispensable assistant.  *
/The chancellor of the university never goes anywhere without the vice
chancellor, his right-hand man, whose judgment he greatly trusts./

   [right on] {adj.}, {interj.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Exclamation of
animated approval "Yes," "That's correct," "You're telling the truth,"
"we believe you," etc. * /Orator: And we shall see the promised  land!
Crowd:  Right  on!/  2.  Correct;  to  the  point;  accurate.  *  /The
reverend's remark was right on!/

   [right out] or [straight out] {adv.} Plainly; in a way  that  hides
nothing; without waiting or keeping  back  anything.  *  /When  Mother
asked who broke the window, Jimmie told her right out that he did it./
* /When Ann entered the beauty contest her  little  brother  told  her
straight out that she was crazy./

   [right side of the tracks] See: THE TRACKS.

   [right-wing] {adj.} Being or belonging to a political  group  which
opposes any important change in the way the country is  run.  *  /Some
countries  with  right-wing  governments  have  dictators./  Contrast:
LEFT-WING.

   [rig out] {v. phr.} To overdecorate; doll  up;  dress  up.  *  /Ann
arrived all rigged out in her newest Parisian summer outfit./

   [Riley] See: LIFE OF RILEY.

   [ring] See: GIVE A RING, RUN CIRCLES AROUND or  RUN  RINGS  AROUND,
THREE-RING CIRCUS, THROW ONE'S HAT IN THE RING.

   [ring a bell] {v. phr.}  To  make  you  remember  something;  sound
familiar. * /Not even the cat's meowing seemed to  ring  a  bell  with
Judy. She still forgot to feed him./ * /When Ann told Jim the name  of
the new teacher it rang a bell, and Jim said, "I went to school with a
James Carson."/

   [ring in]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  1.  To  bring  in  (someone  or
something) from the outside dishonestly  or  without  telling;  often:
hire and introduce under a false name. * /Bob offered to ring  him  in
on the party by pretending he was a cousin from out of  town./  *  /No
wonder their team beat us; they rang in a professional  to  pitch  for
them under the name of Dan Smith./ 2. To ring  a  special  clock  that
records the time you work. * /We have to ring in at  the  shop  before
eight o'clock in the morning./

   [ringleader] {n. phr.} The chief of an unsavory group; a higher-up.
* /The FBI finally caught up with the ringleader of the dope smugglers
from South America./

   [ring out] {v.} To ring a special clock that records the  time  you
leave work. * /Charles can't leave early in his new  job;  he  has  to
ring out./

   [ring the changes] {v. phr.}  To  say  or  do  the  same  thing  in
different ways; repeat the same idea in many ways. * /David  wanted  a
new bicycle and he kept ringing the changes on it all  day  until  his
parents got angry at him./ * /A smart girl saves money on  clothes  by
learning to ring the changes on a few dresses and clothes./

   [ring true]  {v.  phr.}  To  have  a  tone  of  genuineness;  sound
convincing. * /I believed his sob story about how he lost his fortune,
because somehow it all rang true./

   [ring up] {v.} 1. To add and record on  a  cash  register.  *  /The
supermarket clerk rang up Mrs. Smith's purchases and told her she owed
$33./ * /Business was bad Tuesday;  we  didn't  ring  up  a  sale  all
morning./ 2. {informal} To telephone. * /Sally rang up  Sue  and  told
her the news./

   [riot] See: READ THE RIOT ACT, RUN RIOT.

   [ripe] See: TIME IS RIPE.

   [rip into] or [tear into] {v.}, {informal}  1.  To  start  a  fight
with; attack. * /The puppy is tearing into the big dog./  Syn.:  PITCH
INTO. 2. To quarrel  with;  scold.  *  /Mrs.  Brown  ripped  into  her
daughter for coming home late./ Syn.: BAWL OUT, LACE  INTO,  LAY  OUT,
LET HAVE IT.

   [rip off] {v.}, {slang} (Stress on "off")  Steal.  *  /The  hippies
ripped off the grocery store./

   [rip-off] {n.}, {slang} (Stress on "rip") An  act  of  stealing  or
burglary. * /Those food prices are so high, it's almost a rip-off./

   [rise] See: GET A RISE OUT OF, GIVE RISE TO.

   [rise from the ashes] {v. phr.} To rise from ruin; start anew. * /A
year after flunking out of medical school, Don rose from the ashes and
passed his qualifying exams for the M.D. with honors./

   [rise in the world] See: COME UP IN THE WORLD.

   [rise to] {v.} To succeed in  doing  what  is  expected  by  trying
especially hard in or on; show that you are able to do or say what  is
needed or proper in or on. * /Jane was surprised  when  the  principal
handed her the prize, but she rose to the occasion with  a  speech  of
thanks./ * /When Michael became sick on the day  before  the  program,
Paul rose to the need and learned Michael's part./

   [rise up] {v. phr.} To stage a rebellion;  revolt.  *  /The  people
finally rose up and communism came to an end in Eastern Europe./

   [risk] See: CALCULATED RISK, RUN A RISK.

   [road] See: ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME, BURN UP THE ROAD,  END  OF  THE
ROAD, GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD, HIT THE ROAD, HUG THE ROAD, MIDDLE  OF
THE ROAD, ON THE ROAD.

   [road gang] {n.} A group of men who work at  road  construction.  *
/Football players often work with road gangs during summer vacations./

   [road hog] {n.}, {informal} A car driver who takes  more  than  his
share of the road. * /A road hog forced John's car into the ditch./

   [road show] {n.} A theatrical play that is performed for a few days
in one town and then moves to other towns. * /Many  actors  get  their
start in road shows./ * /The road show is often not  as  good  as  the
original play on Broadway./

   [road sign] {n.} A sign on which there is information about a  road
or places; a sign with directions to drivers. * /The road  sign  read,
"25 MPH LIMIT" but Jack drove along at fifty miles an  hour./  *  /The
road sign said Westwood was four miles away./

   [road test] {n.} 1. A test to see if you can drive a  car.  *  /Jim
took the road test and got his driver's license last week./ 2. A  test
to see if a car works all right on the road.  *  /Most  new  cars  are
given road tests before they are put  on  the  market./  *  /After  he
repaired the car, the mechanic gave it a road test./

   [roast] See: WEINER ROAST or HOT DOG ROAST.

   [roasting ear] {n.} An ear of corn young and tender  enough  to  be
cooked and eaten; also corn cooked on the cob. *  /The  scouts  buried
the roasting ears in the coals of their campfire./ * /At the Fourth of
July picnic we had fried chicken and roasting ears./

   [robbery] See: HIGHWAY ROBBERY.

   [robin] See: ROUND ROBIN.

   [rob Peter to pay Paul] {v. phr.} To change one duty  or  need  for
another; take from one person or thing to pay another.  *  /Bill  owed
Sam a dollar, so he borrowed another from Joe  to  pay  Sam  back.  He
robbed Peter to pay Paul./ * /Trying to study a lesson for  one  class
during another class is like robbing Peter to pay Paul./

   [rob the cradle] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have dates with or  marry
a person much younger than yourself. * /When the old woman  married  a
young  man,  everyone  said   she   was   robbing   the   cradle./   -
[cradle-robber] {n.} * /The judge died when he was seventy. He  was  a
real  cradle-robber  because  he  left  a  thirty-year-old  widow./  -
[cradle-robbing] {adj.} or {n.} * /Bob is seventeen and I just saw him
with a girl about twelve years old. Has he started cradle-robbing? No,
that girl was his sister, not his date!/

   [rob the till]  or  [have  one's  hand  in  the  till]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} To  steal  money  in  your  trust  or  for  which  you  are
responsible. * /The supermarket manager  suspected  that  one  of  the
clerks was robbing the till./ *  /Mr.  Jones  deposited  one  thousand
dollars in their joint savings account and told his wife  not  to  rob
the till./ * /The store owner thought his business was  failing  until
he discovered that the treasurer had his hand in the till./

   [rock] See: HAVE ROCKS IN ONE'S HEAD, ON THE ROCKS.

   [rock and roll] See: ROCK 'N' ROLL.

   [rock-bottom] {n.} The  lowest  possible  point.  *  /The  nation's
morale  hit  rock  bottom  in  the  hours  following  the  president's
assassination./ - Often used like an adjective, with a hyphen. *  /The
rock-bottom price of this radio is $25./

   [rocker] See: OFF ONE'S ROCKER.

   [rock hound] {n.}, {slang} A person who studies and collects  rocks
for a hobby. * /Many young rock hounds grow up to  be  geologists./  *
/Tony is an eager rock hound,  and  we  have  rocks  all  through  our
house./

   [rock'n'roll] or [rock and roll] {n.} A style of popular music with
heavily accented rhythm. * /Rock'n'roll appeals mostly  to  youngsters
nine to sixteen years old./ * /Rock and roll became popular for dances
about 1954./

   [rock the boat] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  make  trouble  and  risk
losing or upsetting something; cause a disturbance that  may  spoil  a
plan. * /The other boys said  that  Henry  was  rocking  the  boat  by
wanting to let girls into their club./ * /Politicians  don't  like  to
rock the boat around election time./ Compare: UPSET  THE  APPLE  CART.
Contrast: LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE.

   [rod] See: HOT ROD.

   [roll] See: GET THE BALL ROLLING, KEEP THE BALL ROLLING,  ROCK  'N'
ROLL OT ROCK AND ROLL.

   [roll around] {v.}, {informal} To return  at  a  regular  or  usual
time; come back. * /When winter rolls around, out come  the  skis  and
skates./

   [rolling stone gathers no moss] A person who changes jobs or  where
he lives often will not be able to save money or things of his own.  -
A proverb. * /Uncle Willie was a rolling stone that gathered no  moss.
He worked in different jobs all over the country./

   [roll out the red carpet] {v. phr.}  1.  To  welcome  an  important
guest by putting a red carpet down for him to walk on. * /They  rolled
out the red carpet for the Queen when she arrived in Australia./ 2. To
greet a person with great respect and honor; give a hearty welcome.  *
/Margaret's family rolled out the red carpet for her teacher when  she
came to dinner./ Compare: WELCOME MAT. - [red-carpet] {adj.}  *  /When
the president visited the foreign country, he was given the red-carpet
treatment and welcomed by a great crowd./ * /We gave Uncle Willie  the
red-carpet treatment when he returned from Hong Kong./

   [roll up one's sleeves] To get ready for a  hard  job;  prepare  to
work hard or seriously. * /When Paul took his science examination,  he
saw how little he knew about science. He rolled  up  his  sleeves  and
went to work./

   [Roman collar] {n.} The high, plain, white collar worn  by  priests
and  clergymen.  *  /The  man  with  the  Roman  collar  is  the   new
Episcopalian preacher./ * /Many Protestant  churches  do  not  require
their ministers to wear Roman collars./

   [Rome] See: ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME.

   [Rome wasn't built in a day]  Great  things  are  not  accomplished
overnight; great deeds take a long time. - A proverb.  *  /A  takes  a
long time to write a successful novel, but don't  worry;  Rome  wasn't
built in a day, as the saying goes./

   [roof] See: HIT THE CEILING or HIT THE ROOF, RAISE THE ROOF.

[rooftop] See: SHOUT PROM THE HOUSE-
TOPS or SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS.

   [room] See: CONTROL ROOM, POWDER ROOM, UTILITY ROOM.

   [room and board] {n. phr.} A room for rent with meals  included.  *
/A room alone in that country costs only $10 a day, but room and board
together run $22 a day./

   [room clerk] or [desk clerk] {n.} A person who is  responsible  for
assigning rooms and providing service to  guests  in  hotels,  motels,
inns, etc. * /At first-class hotels, room clerks are trained to be  at
the service of  every  guest./  *  /Sometimes  resort  hotels  in  the
mountains hire college students as room clerks during the summer./

   [room to] See: LIVE IN.

   [room service] {n.} Service  provided  to  hotel  guests  in  their
rooms. Also: The hotel workers who give this service. * /We called for
room service when we wanted ice./ * /Room service will  install  a  TV
set in your room upon demand./

   [room with] {v. phr.} 1. To live in a furnished room  with  someone
as a roommate without having an  affair.  *  /I  roomed  with  him  in
college for four years./ 2. To  live  together  as  husband  and  wife
without the benefit of marriage. * /Dan  and  Sue  have  been  rooming
together for quite a while and people are wondering if they will  ever
get married./

   [roost] See: CHICKENS COME HOME TO ROOST, RULE THE ROOST.

   [root] See: TAKE ROOT.

   [root-bound] {adj.} 1. Having a limited amount of  space  for  root
growth. * /After seven or eight years day lilies become root-bound and
will not bloom well unless they are divided./ 2. Liking  the  familiar
place where you live and not wanting to go  away  from  it;  having  a
sentimental attachment to  one  place.  *  /Mr.  Jones  has  lived  in
Connecticut all his life. He is too root-bound to consider  moving  to
another state./

   [root for] {v. phr.} To cheer for; applaud; support. * /During  the
Olympics one usually roots for the team of one's own country./

   [rope] See: END OF ONE'S ROPE, GIVE ONE ENOUGH  ROPE  AND  HE  WILL
HANG HIMSELF, ON THE ROPES, THE ROPES.

   [rope in] {v.}, {informal} 1. To use a trick to make  (someone)  do
something; deceive; fool. * /The company ropes in high school students
to sell magazine subscriptions by telling them big stories of how much
money they can earn./ Syn.: TAKE UP(5a). 2. To get (someone to join or
help); persuade to do something. * /Martha roped in  Charles  to  help
her decorate the gym for the party./ *  /I  didn't  want  the  job  of
selling tickets for the dance, but I was  roped  in  because  everyone
else was too busy to do it./

   [rope  Into]  {v.},  {informal}  1.   To   trick   into;   persuade
dishonestly. * /Jerry let the big boys rope  him  into  stealing  some
apples./ 2. To get (someone) to join in; persuade to work  at.  *  /It
was Sue's job to bathe the dog but she roped Sam into helping her./  *
/Mother did not go to the first meeting of the club  because  she  was
afraid she would be roped into something./ Compare: TALK INTO.

   [rope off] {v. phr.} To divide into sections by use of  a  rope.  *
/The police roped off the section of the street  where  the  president
was expected to jog./

   [rose] See: BED OF ROSES, LOOK AT THE  WORLD  THROUGH  ROSE-COLORED
GLASSES.

   [rose-colored glasses] See: LOOK AT THE WORLD THROUGH  ROSE-COLORED
GLASSES.

   [rotten egg] {n.}, {informal} A person whose character  or  way  of
acting is not good. * /His friends have all learned  he  is  a  rotten
egg./ Often used by children in fun, as of  someone  who  is  slow  in
doing something. * /The boys ran to the river to go swimming and  Dick
cried, "Last one in is a rotten egg!"/

   [rotten to the core] {adj. phr.} 1. Thoroughly decayed or  spoiled.
* /This apple is inedible; it is brown and  soft  and  rotten  to  the
core./ 2. In total moral collapse. * /The Communist government of Cuba
is rotten to the core./

   [rough] See: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.

   [rough-and-ready] {adj.} 1. Not finished in detail; not  perfected;
rough but ready for use now. * /We asked Mr. Brown how long  it  would
take to drive to Chicago and his rough-and-ready answer was two days./
2. Not having nice manners but full of energy and ability. * /Jim is a
rough-and-ready character; he'd rather fight than talk things over./

   [rough-and-tumble] 1. {n.} Very rough,  hard  fighting  or  arguing
that does not follow any rules. * /There was a rough-and-tumble on the
street last night between some soldiers and sailors./ *  /Many  people
don't like the rough-and-tumble of politics./ 2.  {adj.}  Fighting  or
arguing in a  very  rough  and  reckless  way;  struggling  hard;  not
following rules or laws. * /It took strong men to stay  alive  in  the
rough-and-tumble life of the western frontier./

   [rough diamond] See: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.

   [roughhouse] {n.} Riotous play or commotion. *  /?  told  the  boys
they can play in the attic if there is no roughhouse./

   [roughhouse] {v.} To play very wildly; be running around  as  young
boys usually do. * /"Stop roughhousing this  minute,"  Grandma  cried.
"Your father will be home soon."/

   [rough it] {v. phr.} To  live  like  primitive  people;  live  with
little of the comfort and equipment of civilization. * /Scouts like to
rough it in the woods on weekend hikes./

   [roughneck] {n.} A low, coarse fellow. *  /The  only  boys  in  the
neighborhood are a bunch of roughnecks,  and  Mrs.  Smith  is  unhappy
about the fact that her son is rapidly becoming one of them./

   [rough-shod] See: RIDE ROUGH-SHOD OVER.

   [rough sledding] See: HARD SLEDDING.

   [rough up] {v.} To attack or hurt physically; treat roughly;  beat.
* /Three boys were sent home for a week  because  they  roughed  up  a
player on the visiting team./ * /While Pete was walking in  a  strange
part of town some boys roughed him up and told  him  to  stay  out  of
their territory./

   [roughly speaking] {adv. phr.} Approximately; in general  terms.  *
/Roughly speaking, about 250 people attended the annual convention  of
the Dictionary Society of America./

   [roulette] See: RUSSIAN ROULETTE.

   [round] See: BRING AROUND  or  BRING  ROUND,  COME  ROUND,  GO  THE
ROUNDS, MAKE ROUNDS, SQUARE PEG IN A ROUND HOLE, YEAR-ROUND.

   [round-eyed] or [wide-eyed]  also  [large-eyed]  {adj.}  Very  much
surprised; astonished; awed. * /The people were round-eyed  when  they
learned what the computer could do./ * /The children were wide-eyed at
the sight of the Christmas tree and didn't make a sound./

   [round off] {v.} 1. To make round or curved.  *  /John  decided  to
round off the corners of the table he was making so that no one  would
be hurt by bumping them./ 2. To change to the nearest whole number.  *
/The teacher said  to  round  off  the  averages./  3.  To  end  in  a
satisfactory way; put a finishing  touch  on;  finish  nicely.  *  /We
rounded off the dinner with  mixed  nuts./  *  /A  boat  ride  in  the
moonlight rounded off the day at the lake./ Compare: TOP OFF.

   [round out] {v. phr.} To complete; make whole. * /He needs only one
or two more  rare  compact  discs  to  round  out  his  collection  of
Vivaldi./

   [round robin] {n. phr.} 1. Something written, especially a  request
or protest that is signed by a group of people. - Often used  like  an
adjective. * /The people in our neighborhood are sending a round robin
to the Air Force to protest the noise the jet planes make flying  over
our houses./ 2. A letter written by a group of people each writing one
or two paragraphs and then sending the letter to another  person,  who
adds a paragraph, and so on. * /The class sent a round-robin letter to
Bill in the hospital./ 3. A meeting in which each one in  a  group  of
people takes part; a talk between various members of a group. -  Often
used like an adjective. * /There is a round-robin  meeting  of  expert
fishermen on the radio, giving advice on how  to  catch  fish./  4.  A
contest or games in which each player or team plays every other player
or team in turn. - Often used like an  adjective.  *  /The  tournament
will be a round robin for all the high school teams in the city./

   [rounds] See: GO THE ROUNDS.

   [round the clock] See: AROUND THE CLOCK.

   [round trip] {n.} A return trip; passage to a  place  and  back.  *
/The ticket agent explained that a ticket for a round trip  to  Hawaii
at certain times of the year may  cost  less  than  a  one-way  ticket
during the high season./

   [roundup] {n.} A muster; an inspection;  a  gathering  together.  *
/The farmer and his son decided to hold a major roundup of  all  their
cattle to see that none had been stolen by the bandits./ * /The police
roundup of  all  suspected  drug  dealers  took  place  early  in  the
morning./

   [round up] {v.} 1. To bring together (cattle or horses). * /Cowboys
round up their cattle in the springtime to brand the new  calves./  2.
{informal} To collect; gather. * /Dave rounded up many names  for  his
petition./

   [row] See: HARD ROW TO HOE or TOUGH ROW TO HOE, HOE ONE'S OWN  ROW,
SKID ROW.

   [royal road] {n. phr.} A quick means  of  accomplishment;  an  easy
path. * /There is no royal road to  learning  in  order  to  obtain  a
university degree./

   [rubdown] {n.} A massage. * /The chiropractor gave  his  patient  a
powerful rubdown./

   [rub-a-dub] {n.} The sound made by beating a drum. *  /We  heard  a
great rub-a-dub as the parade marched into view./

   [rubber check] {n.}, {informal}  A  check  written  without  enough
money in the bank to make it good. * /Bill got into  trouble  when  he
paid his bills with rubber checks./ * /By the time we knew he had paid
us with a rubber check, the man had left the  state./  *  /The  rubber
check bounced./

   [rub down] {v. phr.} 1. To dry the body of (an animal or person) by
rubbing. * /Stablemen rub down a horse after a race./ 2.  To  rub  and
press with the fingers on the body of (a person) to loosen muscles  or
prevent stiffness; massage. * /Trainers rub down an athlete after hard
exercise./

   [rub elbows] also [rub shoulders] {v. phr.} To be in the same place
(with others); meet and mix. * /City people and  country  people,  old
and young, rub elbows at the horse show./ * /On a visit to the  United
Nations Building in New York, you may  rub  elbows  with  people  from
faraway lands./

   [rub it in] {v. phr.}, {slang} To remind a person again  and  again
of an error or short-coming; tease; nag. * /Jerry was already  unhappy
because he fumbled the ball, but his teammates kept rubbing it in./  *
/I know my black eye looks funny. You don't need to rub it in./

   [rub off] {v.} 1. To remove or be removed by rubbing; erase. * /The
teacher rubs the problem off the chalkboard./ * /After Ann shook hands
with the president, she would not shake hands with anyone else because
she thought that the  good  luck  would  rub  off./  2.  To  stick  to
something touched; come off. * /Don't touch that charcoal, it will rub
off./ * /Mary's dress touched the door that Father was  painting,  and
some paint rubbed off on her dress./ 3. To pass to someone near as  if
by touching. * /Jimmy is very lucky; I wish some of his luck would rub
off on me./

   [rub out] {v.}, {slang} To destroy completely; kill;  eliminate.  *
/The gangsters rubbed out four policemen before they were  caught./  *
/The gangsters told the storekeeper that if he did  not  pay  them  to
protect him, someone would rub him out./ Compare: WIPE OUT, RID OF.

   [rub salt into one's wounds] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  deliberately
add pain when one feels shame, regret, or defeat. * /Must you rub salt
into my wounds by telling me how much fun I missed by not going to the
party?/

   [rub shoulders] See: RUB ELBOWS.

   [rub the wrong way] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  make  (someone)  a
little angry; do something not liked by (someone);  annoy;  bother.  *
/John's bragging rubbed the other boys the  wrong  way./  *  /Mother's
friend called Harold a little boy, and that rubbed  Harold  the  wrong
way./ Compare: AGAINST THE GRAIN(2).

   [rub up against] {v. phr.} To come into contact with.  *  /In  that
business one naturally has to rub up against all kinds of people./

   [rub up to] {v. phr.} To do nice things for one; flatter a  person;
gain attention or rewards. * /Mona has the ability to rub  up  to  the
right kinds of people, so it's no wonder she  is  so  popular  at  her
work./

   [ruffle feathers] or [ruffle one's feathers] {v.  phr.}  Insult  or
disturb slightly; offend. * /The author ruffled some feathers  by  his
portrait of his hometown./

   [rug] See: PULL THE RUG OUT FROM UNDER, SWEEP UNDER THE RUG.

   [rule] See: EXCEPTION PROVES THE RULE, GROUND RULE.

   [rule of thumb] {n. phr.} A simple and practical  method  that  has
proven successful or useful in the past. * /It is a very good rule  of
thumb to look up all unfamiliar words in a good dictionary./

   [rule out] {v.} 1. To say that (something) must not  be  done;  not
allow; also: decide against. * /The  principal  ruled  out  dances  on
school nights./ * /The play was ruled out by  the  referee./  *  /Jean
probably will not go to college, but she has not ruled that  out./  2.
To show that (someone or something) is  not  a  possibility;  make  it
unnecessary to think about; remove (a chance). * /We have  to  find  a
baby-sitter for tonight; Betsy has a date, so that rules her  out./  *
/The doctor took X rays to rule out the chance of broken bones./ 3. To
make impossible; prevent. * /Father's death seems to rule out  college
for Jean./ * /Betsy's date for the dance ruled  out  any  baby-sitting
that evening./

   [rule the roost] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be leader or boss; be  in
charge. * /Jim is very bossy; he always wants to rule  the  roost./  *
/Who rules  the  roost  in  the  Smith's  house?/  Compare:  WEAR  THE
TROUSERS.

   [run] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD, END RUN, CUT AND RUN,  FIRST-RUN,  HOME
RUN, IN THE LONG RUN, IN THE RUNNING, ON THE RUN, OUT OF THE  RUNNING,
SECOND-RUN.

   [run across] See: COME ACROSS(1).

   [run after] or [chase after] {v.} 1. To  try  to  find;  look  for;
hunt. * /The Dramatic Club has to run all over town after  things  for
setting the stage when it puts on a play./ 2. {informal} To  seek  the
company of; chase. * /Some boys spend a lot of time and money  running
after girls./

   [run along] {v.} To go away; leave. * /Joan said she had errands to
do and must run along./

   [run a risk] or [take a risk] {v. phr.} To be  open  to  danger  or
loss; put yourself in danger; be unprotected.  *  /A  baseball  umpire
wears a mask and chest protector so he won't run the risk of being hit
by the ball./ * /Billy takes a risk of being hit by a car when he runs
into the street without looking./ * /I was afraid to run the  risk  of
betting on the game./ Compare: TAKE A CHANCE.

   [run around in circles] {v. phr.}  To  waste  time  in  repetitious
movements; be confused. * /There was such a crowd in the lobby that  I
ran around in circles trying to find my group./

   [run around] or [chase around] {v.}, {informal} To go to  different
places for company and pleasure; be friends. * /Tim hasn't been  to  a
dance all year; with school work and his job, he hasn't  time  to  run
around./ * /Chuck and Jim chase around a lot together./ -  Often  used
with "with". * /Ruth runs around with girls who like to  go  dancing./
Compare: GO AROUND, HANG AROUND.

   [run around like a chicken with its head cut off] See:  RUN  AROUND
IN CIRCLES.

   [run a temperature] {v. phr.} To have a body  temperature  that  is
above normal; have a fever. * /Jimmy didn't look ill, although he  was
running a temperature./ * /We took the baby to the doctor  because  he
was running a temperature./

   [run a tight ship] {v. phr.} To run an  organization  with  a  firm
hand, with strict rules and regulations. * /Our dean  of  the  college
runs a very tight ship; he tolerates no mistakes./

   [run away] or [run off] {v.} To leave and not plan to come back; go
without permission; escape. * /Many times Tommy said he would run away
from home, but he never did./ * /The guards in  jail  make  sure  that
none of the prisoners run away./ Compare: GET AWAY.

   [run away with] {v.} 1a. To take quickly and  secretly,  especially
without permission; steal. * /A thief ran away with  Grandma's  silver
teapot./ Syn.: MAKE OFF. 1b. To go away with; elope. * /Mary said that
if her parents wouldn't let her marry Phil, she would  run  away  with
him./ 1c. To take hold of; seize. * /The boys thought they saw a ghost
in the old house last night; they let their imagination run away  with
them./ Compare: GET THE BETTER OF.  2.  To  be  much  better  or  more
noticeable than others in; win easily. * /Our team ran away  with  the
game in the last half./ * /The fat  comedian  ran  away  with  the  TV
show./ Compare: STEAL THE SHOW.

   [run circles around] also [run rings around] {v. phr.} To show that
you can do a task much better than;  do  better  than  (someone)  very
easily. * /In spelling, Ruth could  run  circles  around  Barbara  any
day./ * /Frank ran rings around  the  other  boys  on  the  basketball
team./

   [run down] {v.} (stress on "down") 1. To crash  against  and  knock
down or sink. * /Jack rode his bicycle too fast and  almost  ran  down
his little brother./ * /It was so foggy that the steamship almost  ran
down a small boat leaving port./ Compare: RUN INTO(3a). 2a.  To  chase
until exhausted or caught. * /The dogs ran down the wounded deer./ 2b.
To find by hard and thorough search;  also:  trace  to  its  cause  or
beginning. * /The policeman ran down proof that the burglar had robbed
the store./ Compare: HUNT DOWN. 2c. To catch (a base  runner)  between
bases and tag out in baseball. * /The pitcher saw that the base runner
was not on base, so he surprised him by throwing the ball to the first
baseman,  who  ran  him  down  before  he  reached  second  base./  3.
{informal} To say bad things about; criticize. * /Suzy  ran  down  the
club because the girls wouldn't let her join./ Compare: FIND FAULT. 4.
To stop working; not run or go. * /The battery  in  Father's  car  ran
down this morning./ * /The kitchen clock ran down because we forgot to
wind it./ 5. To get into poor condition; look bad. *  /A  neighborhood
runs down when the people don't take care of their houses./

   [run-down] {adj.} (stress on "run") In poor  health  or  condition;
weak or needing much work. * /Grandma caught a cold  because  she  was
very run-down from loss of sleep./ * /The houses near  the  center  of
the city get more run-down every year./

   [run dry] {v. phr.} To dry up; lose the  water  content.  *  /After
many years of use, our well ran dry./

   [run errands] {v. phr.} To carry messages or perform similar  minor
tasks. * /Peter runs errands for our entire neighborhood to make  some
extra money./

   [run for it] or [make a run for it] {v. phr.} To dash  for  safety;
make a speedy escape. * /The bridge the soldiers were  on  started  to
fall down and they had to run for it./ * /The  policeman  shouted  for
the robber to stop, but the robber made a run for if./

   [run for one's money] {n. phr.} 1. A good fight; a hard struggle. -
Usually used with "give" or "get". * /Our team didn't  win  the  game,
but they gave the other team a run for their money./ 2.  Satisfaction;
interest; excitement. - Usually used with "give" or "get".  *  /People
like to watch the champion fight because they get a good run for their
money from him./ * /A good student gives a teacher more than a run for
his money./

   [run in] {v. phr.} 1. {informal} To take to jail;  arrest.  *  /The
policeman ran the man in for peddling without a license./ 2. To make a
brief visit. * /The neighbor boy ran in for  a  minute  to  see  Bob's
newest model rocket./ Syn.: DROP IN. Compare: STOP OFF.

   [run-in] {n.} 1. A traffic accident. * /My car was wrecked  when  I
had a run-in with a small truck./ 2. A violent quarrel. * /John had  a
nasty run-in with his boss and was fired./

   [run in the blood] or [run in the family] {v. phr.} To be a  common
family characteristic; be learned or inherited from your family. *  /A
great interest in gardening runs in his family./ * /Red hair  runs  in
the family./

   [run into] {v.} 1. To mix with; join with. * /If the paint brush is
too wet, the red paint will run into the white on the house./ *  /This
small brook runs into a big river in the valley below./ 2. To  add  up
to; reach; total. * /Car repairs can run into a lot of money./ *  /The
number of people killed on the  highways  during  holidays  runs  into
hundreds./ * /A good dictionary may run into  several  editions./  3a.
Bump; crash into; hit. * /Joe lost control of his bike and ran into  a
tree./ Compare: RUN DOWN. 3b. To meet by chance. *  /I  ran  into  Joe
yesterday on  Main  Street./  Compare:  BUMP  INTO,  CHANCE  ON,  COME
ACROSS(2). 3e. Be affected by; get into. * /I ran into trouble on  the
last problem on the test./ * /When I ran into a problem  while  making
my model airplane, I asked Uncle Mark for help./

   [run into a brick wall] or [run into a stone wall] See: STONE WALL.

   [run into the ground]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  1.  To  do  or  use
(something) more than is wanted or needed. * /It's all right to borrow
my hammer once in a while, but don't run it into the  ground./  2.  To
win over or defeat (someone) completely. * /We lost  the  game  today,
but tomorrow we'll run them into the ground./

   [run its  course]  {v.  phr.}  To  fulfill  a  normal  development;
terminate a normal period. * /Your flu will run its course; in  a  few
days you'll be back on your feet./

   [run off] {v.  phr.}  1.  To  produce  with  a  printing  press  or
duplicating machine. * /The print shop ran off a  thousand  copies  of
the newspaper./ 2. To drive away. * /The boys saw  a  dog  digging  in
mother's flower bed, and they ran him off./ * /When the salesman tried
to cheat the farmer, the farmer ran him off the farm with a  shotgun./
3. See: RUN AWAY.

   [run-off] {n.} A second election held to determine the winner  when
the results of the first one were inconclusive. * /The senatorial race
was so close that the candidates will have to hold a run-off./

   [run off at the mouth] {v. phr.} To talk too  much;  be  unable  to
stop talking. * /"Shut up, John," our father cried.  "You  are  always
running off at the mouth."/

   [run of luck] {n. phr.} A period of good luck. * /I had  a  run  of
luck last Saturday when I went fishing  and  caught  seven  big  trout
within one hour./

   [run-of-the-mill] or [run-of-the-mine] {adj.}  Of  a  common  kind;
ordinary; usual. * /Frank is a very  good  bowler,  but  Joe  is  just
run-of-the-mill./ * /It was just a run-of-the-mine movie./

   [runner-up] {n.} The person  who  finishes  second  in  a  race  or
contest; the one next after the winner. * /Tom won the race  and  Jack
was runner-up./ *  /Joan  was  runner-up  in  the  contest  for  class
secretary./ Compare: SECOND-BEST.

   [running start] {n. phr.} Good progress at the  beginning.  *  /The
team was off to a running start, having won the first  two  games./  *
/Contributions of $5000 before the drive began gave the charity fund a
running start./ Compare: HEAD START.

   [run out] {v.} 1a. To come to an end; be used up. *  /Jerry  almost
got across the brook on the slippery stones but his luck ran  out  and
he slipped and fell./ * /We'd better do our Christmas  shopping;  time
is running out./ Syn.: GIVE OUT(5). 1b. To use all of the  supply;  be
troubled by not having enough. * /The car ran out of gas  three  miles
from town./ * /Millie  never  runs  out  of  ideas  for  clever  party
decorations./ Compare: RUN SHORT. 2. {informal}  To  force  to  leave;
expel. * /Federal agents ran the spies out of the country./ Syn.: KICK
OUT, RUN OFF.

   [run out on] {v. phr.} To  leave  someone  in  the  lurch;  abandon
another. * /When Ted ran out on Delores, she got  so  angry  that  she
sued him for divorce./

   [run over] {v.} 1. To be too full and flow  over  the  edge;  spill
over. * /Billy forgot he had left the water on, and the tub ran over./
2. To try or go over (something) quickly; practice briefly. *  /During
the lunch hour, Mary ran over her history facts so she would  remember
them for the test./ * /The coach ran over the signals  for  the  trick
play with the team just before game time./ 3. To drive on top of; ride
over. * /At night cars often run over small animals that  are  blinded
by the headlights./ Syn.: RUN DOWN.

   [run ragged] {v. phr.} To tire out; make nervous by too much  worry
or work. * /Trying to  keep  up  with  too  many  clubs,  sports,  and
activities in addition to his homework ran Tom ragged./ * /On a  rainy
day the children sometimes ran Mother ragged./ Compare: WEAR OUT.

   [run rings around] See: RUN CIRCLES AROUND.

   [run riot] {v. phr.} 1.  To  act  freely  or  wildly;  not  control
yourself. * /The monkey got out of his cage and ran riot  in  the  pet
shop./ * /John let his imagination run riot, thinking he  was  hunting
lions in Africa./ 2. To be or grow in great numbers or large  amounts.
* /Daisies ran riot in the meadow./ Compare: RUN WILD.

   [run scared]  {v.  phr.}  To  expect  defeat,  as  in  a  political
campaign. * /The one-vote defeat caused him to  run  scared  in  every
race thereafter./

   [run short] {v. phr.} 1. To not have enough. * /Bob asked  Jack  to
lend him five dollars because he was running short./ * /We are running
short of sugar./ Compare: RUN OUT. 2. To be not enough in quantity.  *
/We are out of potatoes and the flour is running short./

   [run that by me again!] {v. phr.}, {informal command}  Repeat  what
you just said, as I couldn't  understand  you.  *  /"Run  that  by  me
again," he cried. "This telephone connection is very bad."/

   [run the gauntlet] also [gantlet] {v. phr.} 1. To be  made  to  run
between two lines of people facing each other and be hit by them  with
clubs or other weapons. * /Joe had to run the gauntlet as part of  his
initiation into the club./ 2. To face a  hard  test;  bear  a  painful
experience. * /Ginny had to run the gauntlet of her mother's questions
about how the ink spot got on the dining room rug./

   [run through] {v.} 1. To make a hole  through,  especially  with  a
sword; pierce. * /The pirate  was  a  good  swordsman,  but  the  hero
finally ran him through./ 2. To spend recklessly; use up wastefully. *
/The  rich  man's  son  quickly  ran  through  his  money./  Syn.:  GO
THROUGH(4). 3. To read or  practice  from  beginning  to  end  without
stopping. * /The visiting singer ran  through  his  numbers  with  the
orchestra just before the program./

   [run to] {v. phr.} To approximate; reach. * /It has been  estimated
that the casualties will run to over 300,000  killed  by  cholera  and
starvation in the crowded refugee camps./

   [run to seed] See: GO TO SEED.

   [run true to form]  {v.  phr.}  To  follow  a  usual  way;  act  as
expected; agree with how a person usually acts. *  /The  little  boy's
actions ran true to form. He bothered his mother until  she  gave  him
his way./ Compare: PAR FOR THE COURSE.

   [run up] {v. phr.} 1. To add to the amount of;  increase.  *  /Karl
ran up a big bill at the  bookstore./  2.  To  put  together  or  make
hastily; sew quickly together. * /Jill ran up a costume for the  party
on her sewing machine./ 3. To pull (something) upward on a  rope;  put
(something) up quickly. * /The pirates ran up the black flag./

   [run up against] See: UP AGAINST.

   [run wild] {v. phr.} To be or go out of control.  *  /The  students
ran wild during spring vacation./  *  /The  new  supervisor  lets  the
children run wild./ * /The violets are  running  wild  in  the  flower
bed./ Compare: RUN RIOT.

   [run with the hare and hunt (ride) with the hounds]  {v.  phr.}  To
appear to support both parties in a conflict;  to  conduct  things  in
ambiguous ways. * /Critics accused the king of running with  the  hare
and hunting with the hounds./

   [running commentary] {n. phr.} A continual series of remarks. * /My
chiropractor gives me a running commentary on the health  care  debate
while he is giving me a rubdown./

   [rush] See: BUM'S RUSH.

   [Russian roulette] {n.} A game of chance in  which  one  bullet  is
placed in a revolver, the cartridge cylinder is spun, and  the  player
aims the gun at his own head and pulls the trigger.  *  /Only  a  fool
would risk playing Russian roulette./

   [rust away] {v. phr.} To disappear gradually through the process of
rust or corrosion. * /If you refuse to paint those metal bars  on  the
window, they will soon rust away./

   [rustproof] {adj.} Free from rusting or corrosion;  permeated  with
anti-rust chemical agents. * /My new watch is rustproof and waterproof
and I can wear it while swimming or taking a shower./





   [saber rattling] or  [sword  rattling]  {n.}  A  show  of  military
strength usually to frighten; a  threat  of  military  force.  *  /The
dictator marched his troops and tanks along the border of our  country
and did some saber rattling./

   [sack] See: GET THE SACK at GET THE BOUNCE(2),  GIVE  THE  SACK  at
GIVE THE BOUNCE(2), HIT THE HAY or HIT THE SACK, LEAVE HOLDING THE BAG
or LEAVE HOLDING THE SACK.

   [sack in/out] {v.}, {slang} To go to sleep for a  prolonged  period
(as in from night to morning). * /Where are you  guys  going  to  sack
in/sack out?/

   [sacred cow] {n.} A person  or  thing  that  is  never  criticized,
laughed at,  or  insulted  even  if  it  deserves  such  treatment.  *
/Motherhood is a sacred cow to most politicians./ *  /The  bold  young
governor had no respect for the state's sacred  cows./  *  /Television
respects too many sacred cows./

   [sacrifice fly] {n.} A baseball hit high in the air  that  helps  a
runner score after it is caught. * /Mantle drove in two  runs  with  a
single and a sacrifice fly./

   [saddle] See: IN THE SADDLE.

   [saddled with] {adj.  phr.}  Burdened  with;  handicapped.  *  /The
business was so saddled with debt that the new owner had a  hard  time
making a go of it for a couple of years./

   [saddle shoe] {n.} A white shoe with a  black  or  brown  piece  of
leather shaped like a saddle across the top of the shoe. * /Mary  wore
bobby socks and saddle shoes./

   [safe] See: PLAY SAFE.

   [safe and sound] {adj. phr.} Not harmed; not  hurt;  safe  and  not
damaged. * /The package arrived  safe  and  sound./  *  /The  children
returned from their trip safe and sound./ Compare: WITH A WHOLE SKIN.

   [safety blitz] {n.} A defensive  play  in  football  in  which  the
defensive safety man  makes  a  quick  run  to  tackle  the  offensive
quarterback. * /Bob's safety blitz kept Tom from making a touchdown./

   [safety glass] {n.} Two panes of glass  with  a  sheet  of  plastic
between them so that the glass will not break into pieces.  *  /Safety
glass is used in cars because it does not break into pieces./

   [safety in numbers] {n. phr.} Protection against trouble  by  being
in a group. * /Peter said, "Stay  in  a  group;  there  is  safety  in
numbers."/

   [safety island] or [safety zone] {n.} A raised area in a highway or
road to be used only by people walking. * /John  was  half-way  across
the street when the light changed. He  stayed  on  the  safety  island
until it changed again./

   [sail] See: SET SAIL, RAKE THE WIND OUT OF ONE'S SAILS.

   [sail close to the wind] {v. phr.} To be on the borderline  between
legality and illegality. * /The wealthy tycoon  sailed  close  to  the
wind during Prohibition./

   [sail into] {v.}, {informal} 1.  To  attack  with  great  strength;
begin hitting hard. * /George grabbed a  stick  and  sailed  into  the
dog./ Compare: LAY INTO, PITCH INTO. 2. To  scold  or  criticize  very
hard. * /The coach really sailed into  Bob  for  dropping  the  pass./
Syn.: BAWL OUT, LAY INTO.

   [sail (right) through] {v. phr.} To conclude  easily  and  rapidly;
finish something. * /The bright young man sailed through the bar  exam
in record time./

   [sailor collar] {n.} A large  square  collar  like  those  worn  by
sailors. * /Little Timmy's suit has a sailor collar./ * /Mary's blouse
has a sailor collar./

   [sail under false colors] {v.  phr.}  1.  To  sail  a  ship,  often
pirate, under the flag of another country. * /The pirate ship flew the
American flag until it got near, then raised the black  flag./  1.  To
pretend to be what you are not; masquerade. * /The garage hired  Jones
as a mechanic, but fired him when they  found  he  was  sailing  under
false colors./ * /They found out that Smith was an escaped convict who
had been sailing under false colors as a lawyer./

   [sake] See: FOR ONE'S SAKE.

   [salad days] {n. phr.}, {informal} The period  of  one's  youth;  a
period of inexperience. * /He was silly and immature during his  salad
days in high school./

   [sale] See: NO DEAL or NO SALE, ON SALE, WHITE SALE.

   [sales check] or [sales slip] {n.} A paper which  the  clerk  gives
the person who bought something; a paper that shows what you bought in
a store and how much you paid for it. * /Mrs. Smith checked the  sales
slip with what she bought./ * /Mary brought the sales check  when  she
returned the dress so she could get her money back./

   [sales talk] {n.} A speech made to point out all the  good  reasons
why the sale would help someone who might buy  the  product.  *  /Mrs.
Goldsmith gave the man a good sales talk about the new house./ *  /The
coach gave a sales talk on exercise in the school assembly./

   [Salisbury steak] {n.} A broiled or fried hamburger patty sometimes
containing eggs, milk, bread crumbs, and seasoning. * /James ordered a
Salisbury steak for lunch./

   [salt] See: BACK TO THE SALT MINES, TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT  also
TAKE WITH A PINCH OF SALT, WORTH ONE'S SALT.

   [salt away] {v.}, {informal} To save  (money)  for  the  future.  *
/Every week Joe salts away half of his pay./

   [salt of the earth] {n. phr.}, {informal} One  who  helps  to  make
society good and wholesome; a basically good  or  valuable  person.  *
/Everyone here considers Syd and Susan the salt of the  earth  because
they are so generous./

   [salt pork] {n.} Very fat pork that has  been  packed  in  salt  or
dipped in brine for curing. * /Mother cooked beans with salt pork  for
supper./

   [same] See: AT THE SAME TIME, ALL THE SAME, or JUST  THE  SAME,  IN
THE SAME BREATH, LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME PLACE,  ONE
AND THE SAME.

   [same here] {informal} And it is the same with me; and the same for
me. - Used only in speech. * /Mary ordered an ice cream soda, and Jill
said, "Same here."/ * /Tom said he was too tired to run  any  further,
and Bill said, "Same here."/

   [sand] See: HIDE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND.

   [sand lot] {n.} A field, vacant lot, or other open place used as  a
sports playing field, usually by younger  teams  or  by  amateurs  who
can't afford to use  anything  better.  *  /Rogers  Hornsby,  who  was
National League baseball batting champion  six  times,  first  started
playing on Texas sand lots./

   [sand-lot] {adj.} Of the kind seen on sand lots; not  professional.
* /The professional football team was so confused by their  opponents'
fast play that they acted like a bunch of sand-lot amateurs./

   [sand trap] {n.} A low place on a golf course that is  filled  with
sand to stop the ball. * /The golfer lost four strokes trying  to  get
the ball out of the sand trap./

   [sandwich board] {n.} Two advertising signs worn by a man,  one  on
his chest and the other on his back. * /The  man  walking  along  Main
Street wore a sandwich board saying "Eat at Joe's."/

   [sauce] See: HIT THE SAUCE.

   [save face] {v. phr.} To save your good reputation, popularity,  or
dignity when something has happened or may happen to  hurt  you;  hide
something that may cause  you  shame.  *  /The  policeman  was  caught
accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was money owed
to him./ * /Bill would not play in the game because he knew  he  could
not do well and he wanted to save face./ * /The colonel who  lost  the
battle saved face by showing his orders from the  general./  Contrast:
LOSE FACE. - [face-saver] {n.}  *  /The  shop  teacher's  note  was  a
face-saver when another teacher thought John  and  Bill  were  playing
hookey in town./ - [face-saving] {adj.} * /The note was a  face-saving
idea./ - [face-saving] {n.} * /Face-saving is not helped by  too  many
invented excuses./

   [save for a rainy day] See: RAINY DAY.

   [save one's breath] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  keep  silent  because
talking will not help; not talk because it will do no  good.  *  /Save
your breath; the boss will never give you the day off./

   [save one's neck] or [save one's skin] {v. phr.}, {slang}  To  save
from danger or trouble. * /The fighter planes saved  our  skins  while
the army was landing from the ships./ * /Betty  saved  Tim's  neck  by
typing his report for him; without her help he could not have finished
on time./

   [save the day]  {v.  phr.}  To  bring  about  victory  or  success,
especially when defeat is likely. * /The forest fire was nearly out of
control when suddenly it rained heavily and saved  the  day./  *  /The
team was behind, but at the last minute  Sam  saved  the  day  with  a
touchdown./

   [save up] {v. phr.} To put away for future use;  keep  as  savings;
save. * /John was saving up for a  new  bicycle./  *  /Mary  saved  up
pieces of cloth to make a quilt./

   [saving grace] {n. phr.}  A  single  good  attribute;  a  redeeming
quality. * /Felicity is not very attractive but her  intelligence  and
wit are her saving grace./

   [savings account] {n.} An account in a bank, where people put money
to save it, and the bank uses the money and pays interest every  year.
* /If you leave your money in your savings account for six months or a
year, the bank will pay interest on it./ Compare: CHECKING ACCOUNT.

   [savings bond] {n.} A government certificate given  for  money  and
saved for a number of years so that the government will pay  back  the
money with interest. * /Mary bought a $25 savings bond for $18.75./  *
/John's father gave him a savings bond for graduation./

   [sawed-off] {adj.}, {informal} Shorter than  usual;  small  of  its
kind. * /The riot police carried sawed-off shotguns./ * /Jimmy  was  a
sawed-off, skinny runt./

   [saw wood] also {Southern}  [saw  gourds]  {v.  phr.},  {slang}  To
breathe loudly through the nose while sleeping;  snore.  *  /John  was
sawing wood./ * /In Alabama a boy who snores saws gourds./

   [say] See: DARE SAY, GO WITHOUT SAYING, I'LL SAY,  NEVER  SAY  DIE,
NOT TO MENTION or TO SAY NOTHING OF, STRANGE TO SAY, THAT IS  or  THAT
IS TO SAY, YOU DON'T SAY, YOU SAID IT or YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN.

   [say a mouthful] 1. {v. phr.}, {slang} To say  something  of  great
importance or meaning; say more by a sentence than the  words  usually
mean. - Usually in past tense. * /Tom said a mouthful when he  guessed
that company was coming to visit. A dozen people came./ 2. {v.  phr.},
{informal} To vent one's honest opinion, even in  anger.  *  /He  sure
said a mouthful when  he  told  his  boss  what  was  wrong  with  our
business./ Contrast: GET AN EARFUL.

   [say one's peace] or [speak one's piece] {v. phr.}  To  say  openly
what you think; say, especially in public, what you usually say or are
expected to say. * /John told the boss that he thought  he  was  wrong
and the boss got angry. He said, "You've said your little piece, so go
on home."/ * /Every politician got up and said  his  piece  about  how
good the mayor was and then sat down./

   [says who] or [says you] {v. phr.},  {slang}  I  don't  believe  or
accept that. - An expression of rebuff  often  used  to  make  fun  of
someone or oppose him. * /"I am the strongest boy on the block." "Says
you./" * /"That brook is full  of  trout."  "Says  who?  I  never  saw
anybody catch trout there."/ * /"You can't take Mary to  the  party  -
she's my girl." "Says who?"/

   [say-so] {n.} Approval;  permission;  word.  *  /Father  got  angry
because I took his new car out without his say-so./

   [say the word] {v. phr.}, {informal} To say or show that  you  want
something  or  agree  to  something;  show  a  wish,  willingness,  or
readiness; give a sign; say yes; say so. * /Just say the  word  and  I
will lend you the money./ * /I will do anything you want; just say the
word./ * /If you get tired of those pictures, say the word./

   [say uncle] also [cry uncle] {v. phr.}, {informal} To say that  you
surrender; admit that you have lost; admit a defeat; give up.  *  /Bob
fought for five minutes, but he  had  to  say  uncle./  *  /The  bully
twisted Jerry's arm and said, "Cry uncle."/  *  /The  other  team  was
beating us, but we wouldn't say uncle./ Compare: GIVE IN.

   [scale] See: TO SCALE.

   [scale down] {v.} To make smaller or less; decrease. * /John scaled
down each boy's share of food after a bear robbed the  camp./  *  /Tom
built a scaled down model of the plane./ Compare: CUT DOWN.

   [scandal sheet] {n.} A newspaper that prints much shocking news and
scandal. * /Bob wanted to find out who won the election, but he  could
find only a scandal sheet./ * /The scandal sheet carried big headlines
about the murder./

   [scarcely any] See: HARDLY ANY.

   [scarcely ever] See: HARDLY EVER.

   [scaredy-cat] or [scared-cat] See: FRAIDY-CAT.

   [scare away] or [off] {v. phr.} To cause to flee; frighten away.  *
/Jake is a confirmed bachelor; the best way to scare  him  off  is  to
start talking about marriage./

   [scare out of one's wits] or [scare stiff] or [scare the  daylights
out of] {v. phr.}, {informal} To frighten  very  much.  *  /The  owl's
hooting scared him out of his wits./ * /The child was scared stiff  in
the dentist's chair./ * /Pete's ghost story scared the  daylights  out
of the smaller boys./

   [scare to death] See: TO DEATH.

   [scare up] or [scrape up] {v.}, {informal} To find, collect, or get
together with some effort when needed. * /The  boy  scared  up  enough
money to go to college./ * /"Will you stay for supper?" she asked.  "I
can scare up enough for us all."/ * /He managed to scrape up the money
for his speeding fine./

   [scene] See: BEHIND THE SCENES.

   [scent] See: THROW OFF THE SCENT.

   [schedule] See: ON SCHEDULE.

   [scheme] See: COLOR SCHEME.

   [school] See: TELL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL.

   [school of hard  knocks]  {n.  phr.}  Life  outside  of  school  or
college; life out in the world; the ordinary  experience  of  learning
from work and troubles. * /He  never  went  to  high  school;  he  was
educated in the school of hard knocks./

   [score] See: SETTLE A SCORE also WIPE OUT AN OLD SCORE, THE SCORE.

   [scot-free] {adj. phr.} Without punishment; completely free. *  /In
spite of his obvious guilt, the jury acquitted  him  and  he  got  off
scot-free./

   [scotch broth] {n.} A thick barley soup with vegetables and  mutton
or beef. * /Mother cooked a hearty scotch broth for dinner./

   [Scott] See: GREAT GODFREY or GREAT SCOTT.

   [scout] See: GOOD EGG or GOOD SCOUT.

   [scout around] {v. phr.} To search for; look  around.  *  /When  we
first came to town, we had to scout around for a suitable apartment./

   [scrape] See: BOW AND SCRAPE.

   [scrape the bottom of the barrel] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  use  or
take whatever is left after the most  or  the  best  has  been  taken;
accept the leftovers. * /At first they took out quarters, but they had
so little money that they had to scrape the bottom of the  barrel  and
paid with nickels and pennies for their lunch./ *  /The  garage  owner
had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find a qualified mechanic to
work for him./

   [scrape together] {v.  phr.}  To  quickly  assemble,  usually  from
scanty ingredients. * /We were so hungry we  had  to  scrape  together
some lunch from all kinds of frozen leftovers./

   [scrape up] See: SCARE UP.

   [scratch] See: FROM SCRATCH, PUT ONE'S MONEY ON A SCRATCHED  HORSE,
UP TO PAR or UP TO SCRATCH.

   [scratch around for] {v. phr.} To search randomly for something.  *
/If you scratch around for a more reliable used car, maybe you'll feel
more confident on the road./

   [scratch one's back] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do something kind and
helpful for someone or to flatter him in the  hope  that  he  will  do
something for you. Usually used in the expression "You scratch my back
and I'll scratch yours." * /Mary asked Jean to introduce  her  to  her
brother. Jean said, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."/

   [scratch the surface] {v. phr.} To learn or understand very  little
about something. - Usually used with a  limiting  adverb  (as  "only",
"hardly"). * /We thought we understood Africa but when we made a  trip
there we found we had only scratched  the  surface./  *  /High  school
students have only scratched the surface of their subjects,  and  even
after college graduation, they  still  find  there  is  much  more  to
learn./

   [scream bloody murder] {v. phr.}, {informal} To yell or protest  as
strongly as one can. * /When the thief grabbed her  purse,  the  woman
screamed bloody murder./ * /When the city doubled property taxes, home
owners screamed bloody murder./

   [screen test] {n.} A short movie made to see if an actor or actress
is good enough or the right one to play a part. * /Ellen acted well on
the stage, but she failed her screen test./

   [screw] See: HAVE A SCREW LOOSE, PUT ON THE SCREWS.

   [screw around] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To hang around idly
without accomplishing anything, to loaf about, to beat or hack around.
* /You guys are no longer welcome here; all you do is screw around all
day./

   [screws] See: TIGHTEN THE SCREWS.

   [screw up] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {semi-vulgar}, {best avoided} 1.  To
make a mess of, to make  an  error  which  causes  confusion.  *  /The
treasurer screwed up the accounts of the Society so badly that he  had
to be fired./ 2. To cause someone to be  neurotic  or  maladjusted.  *
/Her divorce screwed her up so badly that she had to go to a shrink./

   [screw-up] {n.} A mistake; an error; a confusing mess. *  /"What  a
screw-up!" the manager cried, when he realized  that  the  bills  were
sent to the wrong customers./

   [screw up one's courage] or [pluck up one's courage] {v.  phr.}  To
force yourself to be brave. * /The small boy screwed  up  his  courage
and went upstairs in the dark./ * /When his father came home in a  bad
mood, it took Pete some time to screw up his courage and ask him for a
dollar./ Compare: WHISTLE IN THE DARK.

   [scrimmage] See: LINE OF SCRIMMAGE.

   [scrounge around] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To  search  for  an  object
aimlessly without having one clearly in mind. * /I don't  know  what's
the matter with him, he is just scrounging around all day long./ 2. To
look around for a way to get a free drink or a free meal. *  /Sue  and
her husband are so broke they never eat properly; they  just  scrounge
around  from  one  place  to  the  next  until  someone  offers   them
something./

   [sea] See: AT SEA, BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP  BLUE  SEA,  HIGH
SEAS, NOT THE ONLY FISH IN THE SEA, PUT TO SEA.

   [sea legs] {n. phr.} 1. Adjustment to  being  in  a  boat  that  is
rocking on the sea. * /This is my first transatlantic trip so give  me
a day to get my sea legs before you make me dance./ 2. Adjustment to a
new job or situation. * /"I have just  been  transferred  here  and  I
haven't found my sea legs yet," the new colleague joked./

   [seam] See: BURST AT THE SEAMS.

   [search] See: IN SEARCH OF.

   [search me] {informal} I don't know; how should I know?  -  May  be
considered rude. * /When I asked her  what  time  it  was,  she  said,
"Search me, I have no watch."/

   [search one's heart] or [search one's soul] {v. phr.}, {formal}  To
study your reasons and acts; try to discover if you have been fair and
honest. * /The teacher searched his heart trying to decide if  he  had
been unfair in failing Tom./ - [heart-searching]  or  [soul-searching]
{n.} or {adj.} * /After much heart-searching, Jean told Beth  she  was
sorry for the unkind things she had said./ * /The minister preached  a
soul-searching sermon about the  thoughtless  ways  people  hurt  each
other./

   [search out] {v.} To search for and  discover;  find  or  learn  by
hunting. * /The police were trying to search out the real murderer./

   [search with a fine-tooth comb] See: FINE-TOOTH COMB.

   [season] See: HIGH SEASON, IN SEASON, LOW SEASON, OUT OF SEASON.

   [seat] See: BACK SEAT DRIVER, FLY BY THE SEAT OF ONE'S  PANTS,  HOT
SEAT, JUDGMENT SEAT, TAKE A BACK SEAT.

   [seat belt] {n.} A strong strap used  to  protect  a  person  in  a
moving car or other vehicle by holding him in his seat.  *  /When  the
plane began to land, Billy and his mother fastened their seat  belts./
* /Passengers in automobiles should wear seat belts for safety./

   [second] See: PLAY SECOND PIDDLE, SPLIT SECOND.

   [second best] {n.} Something that is lower than  or  not  quite  as
good as the best. * /Tom liked the deluxe model bicycle; but he  could
afford only a second best./ * /Joan chose the best  and  Mary  had  to
take the second best./ * /There were ten boys in the  race.  Jack  won
and Fred was a close second best./ Compare: RUNNER UP.

   [second best] {adv.} Second; in second place. * /The team came  off
second best in the game./

   [second-best] {adj.} Next to best; second in rank. * /Mary wore her
second-best dress./ * /Bob was the second-best player on the team./  *
/"I am the second-best student in this school  because  I  was  second
best in the Milwaukee competition."/

   [second childhood] {n. phr.} Senility; dotage. *  /"Grandpa  is  in
his second childhood; we must make allowances for him  at  the  dinner
table," my mother said, as Grandpa dropped food all over the place./

   [second class] {n.} 1. The second best or highest group; the  class
next after the first. * /Joe was good enough in arithmetic to  be  put
in the second class but was not good enough for the  first./  Compare:
FIRST CLASS. 2. The place or quarters, especially on a ship, train, or
airplane which people travel who pay the next to the highest  fare.  *
/Aunt May bought a ticket to travel in the second class  on  the  boat
trip./ Compare: FIRST CLASS, THIRD CLASS. 3.  A  class  of  mail  that
includes magazines and newspapers published at least four times a year
and costs less for mailing  than  first  class  mail.  Compare:  FIRST
CLASS.

   [second-class(1)] {adj.} 1. Belonging in the class that is next  to
the highest or next best. * /He was only a second-class math student./
* /His parents traveled as second-class passengers  on  the  boat./  *
/The periodical came  as  second-class  mail./  Compare:  FIRST-CLASS,
THIRD-CLASS. 2. Not so good as others; second-rate. * /They were never
given full democratic rights but were always treated  as  second-class
citizens./

   [second-class(2)] {adv.} By second class. * /We  went  second-class
on the train to New York./ * /I mailed the newspaper second-class./

   [second cousin] {n.} A child of your  father's  or  mother's  first
cousin. * /Mary and Jane are second cousins./

   [second-guess] {v. phr.} 1. To criticize  another's  decision  with
advantage  of  hindsight.  *  /The  losing  team's  coach  is   always
second-guessed./ 2. To guess what someone else intends or would  think
or do. * /Television planners try to second-guess the public./

   [secondhand]  {adj.}  Used;  not  new;  preowned.  *  /Sometimes  a
secondhand car is just as reliable as a brand new one./

   [second nature] {n.} Something done without any special effort,  as
if by natural instinct. * /Cutting tall trees has become second nature
to the experienced lumberjack./

   [second-rate] {adj.} Of mediocre or inferior quality. * /The  movie
received a bad review; it was second-rate at best./

   [second-run] {adj.} Of  a  movie:  Shown  in  many  movie  theaters
before, and allowed to be shown  later  in  other  movie  theaters.  *
/Tickets to second-run movies cost much less./

   [second sight] {n. phr.}  Intuition;  prescience;  clairvoyance.  *
/Some police departments employ psychics to find  missing  persons  or
objects as they are said to have second sight./

   [second thought] {n.} A change of ideas or opinions resulting  from
more thought or study. * /Your second thoughts are  very  often  wiser
than your first ideas./ * /We decided to climb the  mountain,  but  on
second thought realized that it was  too  dangerous./  Compare:  THINK
BETTER OF.

   [second to none] {adj. phr.} Excellent;  first  rate;  peerless.  *
/Our new State University campus is second to none. There is  no  need
to pay all that high tuition at a private college./

   [second wind] also [second breath] {n.}  1.  The  easier  breathing
that follows difficult breathing when  one  makes  a  severe  physical
effort, as in running or swimming./ * /After the first quarter mile, a
mile runner usually gets his second wind and can  breathe  better./  *
/We climbed with labored breathing for half an hour, but then got  our
second wind and went up more  easily./  2.  {informal}  The  refreshed
feeling you get after first becoming tired while doing  something  and
then becoming used to it. * /Tom became very tired of working  at  his
algebra, but after a while he got his second wind and began  to  enjoy
it./

   [secret] See: IN SECRET, OPEN SECRET.

   [section gang] or [section crew] {n.} A group of  railroad  workers
who watch and repair a number of miles of track. * /The  section  crew
was called out to fix the broken bridge./

   [section hand] {n.} A worker who repairs railway track; one of  the
men in a section gang. * /The section hands moved off the track  while
the train went by./

   [security blanket] {n.}, {slang}, {colloquial} An idea, person,  or
object that one holds on to for psychological reassurance  or  comfort
as infants usually hang on to the edge of a  pillow,  a  towel,  or  a
blanket. * /Sue has gone to Aunt Mathilda  for  a  chat;  she  is  her
security blanket./

   [see] See: CAN'T SEE THE WOODS FOR THE TREES, LET ME SEE  or  LET'S
SEE.

   [see a lot of] {v. phr.} To go out regularly with someone; have  an
affair with someone. * /They have been seeing  a  lot  of  each  other
lately./

   [see about] {v.} 1. To find out about; attend to. * /If you are too
busy, I'll see about the train tickets./ 2.  {informal}  To  consider;
study. * /I cannot take time now but I'll see about your plan  when  I
have time./ Compare: SEE TO, LOOK INTO, THINK OVER.

   [see after] See: LOOK AFTER.

   [see better days] {v. phr.} 1. To enjoy a better or happier life. *
/Mr. Smith is poor now, but he will see better  days./  2.  To  become
old, damaged, or useless. Used in the perfect tense. * /Mv  blue  coat
is ten years old. It has seen better days./ * /Our car wasn't old, but
it had seen better days./

   [see beyond one's nose] or [see beyond the end of one's  nose]  {v.
phr.} To make wise judgments about questions of importance to yourself
and others;  act  with  farseeing  understanding.  Used  in  negative,
conditional, and interrogative sentences. * /He couldn't save money or
make plans for the future; he just never saw beyond  the  end  of  his
nose./ * /People who always complain about school taxes would stop  it
if they could see beyond their noses and understand the importance  of
first-class schools./

   [seed] See: GO TO SEED or RUN TO SEED.

   [see daylight] {v. phr.}, {informal} To know that an end or success
is near. * /We thought we would never finish building the  house,  but
now we can see daylight./ * /Sarah thought it would  take  forever  to
read the book for her report, but finally she saw daylight./

   [see eye to eye] {v. phr.} To agree fully; hold  exactly  the  same
opinion. * /Though we did not usually agree, we saw eye to eye in  the
matter of reducing taxes./ * /Jim did not see eye to eye with Sally on
where they would go for their vacation./

   [see fit] or [think fit] {v. phr.} To  decide  that  an  action  is
necessary, wise, or advisable; choose. * /Jim asked  "Dad,  what  time
should I come home after the dance?" His father answered, "You way  do
as you see fit."/ - Often used  with  an  infinitive.  *  /After  much
thought, we did not see fit to join  the  Smiths  on  their  Caribbean
cruise./ * /The boys were angry because Ed thought fit to  report  the
fight to the principal./

   [see how the land  lies]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  reconnoiter;
investigate. * /Before going there in person to ask for a job, you had
better see how the land lies and who does  what./  Compare:  CASE  THE
JOINT.

   [seeing is believing] Seeing something is good proof. * /Bill  told
Joe he had passed his test, but Joe said, "Seeing is believing."/

   [see into] {v.} To know or understand the real  nature  or  meaning
of. * /Suddenly the teacher saw into Linda's strange actions./

   [see off] {v.} To go to say or wave goodbye to. * /His brother went
to the train with him to see him off./ * /When Marsha flew  to  Paris,
Flo saw her off at the airport./

   [see one home] {v. phr.} To walk a person home. * /"Let me see  you
home, dear," Nick said to Jenny at the end of the party./

   [see one's way clear] {v. phr.} To know no  reason  for  not  doing
something; feel that you are free. * /John finally saw his  way  clear
to help his friends./ * /Mary had to do  her  homework  and  help  her
mother before she could see her way clear to go  to  the  movies  with
Jane./

   [see out] {v.} 1. To go with to an outer door. * /A polite man sees
his company out after a party./ 2. To stay with and finish; not  quit.
* /Pete's assignment was hard but he saw it out to the end./

   [see reason] {v. phr.} To think or act sensibly,  especially  after
realizing what the facts are on a certain matter and accepting  advice
about it. * /He finally saw reason and reshaped his sales strategy  by
lowering the prices as his older brother had suggested./

   [see red] {v. phr.}, {informal} To become very angry.  *  /Whenever
anyone teased John about his weight, he saw red. /

   [see service] {v. phr.} 1. To be used over a considerable period of
time. * /This old camera  of  mine  has  already  seen  six  years  of
service./ 2. To serve in a military sense.  *  /Colonel  Hutchins  has
seen service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf./

   [see stars] {v. phr.}, {informal} To imagine you are  seeing  stars
as a result of being hit on the head. * /When Ted was hit on the  head
by the ball, he saw stars./ * /The boxer's head hit the floor,  making
him see stars./

   [see the beat] See: HEAR THE BEAT.

   [see the color of one's money] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  know  that
you have money to spend. * /The realtor would  not  show  us  a  house
until he saw the color of  our  money./  *  /Before  I  show  you  the
diamond, let me see the color of your money./

   [see the  last  of]  {v.  phr.}  To  say  good-bye  to  someone  or
something; get rid of something. * /We were glad to see  the  last  of
the winter./

   [see the light] {v. phr.}, {informal} To understand or agree, often
suddenly; accept another's explanation  or  decision.  *  /I  did  not
approve of his action, but he explained his reason and then I saw  the
light./ * /Bill wanted Harry to help him, but Harry wasn't in the mood
until Bill offered to pay him. Then Harry  saw  the  light./  *  /Mary
thought it was fun to date older boys but when they started  drinking,
she saw the light./

   [see the light at the end of the tunnel] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To
anticipate the happy resolution of a prolonged period of  problems.  *
/We've been paying on our house mortgage for many years, but  at  long
last we can see the light at the end of the tunnel./

   [see the light of day] {v. phr.}  To  be  born  or  begun.  *  /The
children visited the old house where their great-grandfather first saw
the light of day./ * /The party was a failure, and Mathilda wished her
plan had never seen the light of day./

   [see the sights] See: SIGHTSEE.

   [see things] {v. phr.}, {informal} To imagine sights which are  not
real; think you see what is not there. *  /I  had  not  seen  him  for
twenty years and when we met on the street  I  thought  I  was  seeing
things./ * /She woke her husband to tell him she had seen  a  face  at
the window, but he told her she was seeing things./

   [see through] {v.} 1. To understand the real meaning of  or  reason
for; realize the falseness of. * /Mother saw through Johnny's  excuses
not to go to bed on Christmas Eve. She knew he wanted to  stay  up  to
see Santa Claus./ * /The teacher saw through the boy's story of having
to help at home./ 2. To do (something) until finished; stay with until
the end. * /Once Charles started a job, he saw it through till it  was
finished./ 3. To help and encourage  (a  person)  through  trouble  or
difficulty. * /Mrs. Miller saw Jane through her sickness./ * /When Mr.
and Mrs. Brown lost their little girl, their friends saw them  through
with help and sympathy./ * /His business was about to  fail,  but  his
banker saw him through./ 4. To be enough for; last. * /This money will
see us through the week./ * /Here is a long report  to  type.  Do  you
have enough paper to see you through?/ Compare: TIDE OVER.

   [see to] also [look to]  {v.}  To  attend  to;  take  care  of;  do
whatever needs to be done about. * /While  Donna  bought  the  theatre
tickets, I saw to the parking of the car./ Compare: SEE ABOUT.

   [see to it] {v. phr.} To take care; take the  responsibility;  make
sure. - Usually used with a noun clause. * /We  saw  to  it  that  the
child was fed and bathed./

   [see with rose-colored glasses] See:  LOOK  AT  THE  WORLD  THROUGH
ROSE-COLORED GLASSES.

   [seed money] {n. phr.} A small grant or donation for others  to  be
able to start a new venture. * /All you need is some  seed  money  and
you can set up your own desk-top publishing firm./

   [seize on] {v.} To make use of (a happening or idea.) * /Bob seized
on the rain as an excuse for missing school./

   [seize on] or [upon] {v. phr.} To latch onto. * /Whenever  Herb  is
in a romantic mood, Irene  seizes  on  it  and  starts  talking  about
marriage, which is not what Herb had in mind./

   [seize the opportunity] {v. phr.}  To  exploit  a  chance.  *  /His
wealthy uncle offered to send him to Harvard and he wisely seized  the
opportunity./

   [self-conscious] {adj.} Embarrassed; shy. * /Edith has  a  freckled
face and sometimes she is very self-conscious about it./

   [self-made] {adj.} Having achieved wealth,  fame,  and  success  on
one's own without outside help. * /John D. Rockefeller is one  of  the
most famous self-made men in America./

   [self-possessed] {adj.} Confident; sure of one self. *  /Before  he
made his first million, he used to be shy, but  afterwards  he  became
very self-possessed./

   [self-seeking] {adj.} Given to egotism and  self-aggrandizement.  *
/Al is the most self-seeking person I've ever met, he is not fun to be
around./

   [sell down the river] {v. phr.} To give harmful  information  about
someone or something to one's enemies; betray. * /The traitor sold his
country down the river to the enemy army./ * /The  criminal  told  the
hiding place of his companions and sold them down the river./ Compare:
SELL OUT(2).

   [sell off] {v. phr.} To liquidate one's  holdings  of  certain  set
items. * /The retired professor had to sell  off  his  rare  butterfly
collection to meet his health expenses./

   [sell one a bill of goods] {v. phr.} To persuade another to acquire
something useless; defraud. * /We were sure sold a bill of goods  when
Alfred persuaded us to buy his custom-built car for which  replacement
parts weren't available anywhere./

   [sell one on] {v. phr.} To persuade someone to do something. *  /We
were able to sell our wealthy uncle on the  idea  of  having  a  joint
family vacation in Hawaii./

   [sellout] {n.} 1. A betrayal  or  act  of  treason.  *  /The  spy's
behavior during the Cold War was a classical sellout./

   [sell out] {v.} 1a. To sell all of a certain thing  which  a  store
has in stock. * /In the store's January  white  sale  the  sheets  and
pillowcases were sold out in two days./ 1b. To sell all the stock  and
close the store; go out of business. * /The local hardware store  sold
out last month and was replaced  by  a  cafe./  2.  {informal}  To  be
unfaithful to your country for money or  other  reward;  be  disloyal;
sell a secret; accept a bribe./ * /In the Revolutionary War,  Benedict
Arnold sold out to the British./ * /The dishonest wrestler sold out to
his opponent for a hundred dollars./

   [sell short] {v.} To  think  (a  person  or  thing)  less  good  or
valuable than is true; underestimate. * /Don't sell  the  team  short;
the players are better than you think./ *  /Some  teachers  sold  John
short./

   [sell snow to the Eskimos] {v. phr.} To sell  something  to  people
who already have a large quantity of the same or similar goods. *  /My
Alaskan friend said, "One of  the  hottest  businesses  in  Alaska  is
refrigeration. You could say that I,  as  a  refrigerator  expert,  am
selling snow to the Eskimos."/ See: CARRY COALS TO NEWCASTLE.

   [send C.O.D.] See: C.O.D.

   [send off] {v. phr.} To say good-bye to  someone  ceremoniously.  *
/They sent us off to the Mainland from our first visit to Hawaii  with
an elaborate champagne party at the pier./

   [send-off] {n. phr.} A demonstration of  affection  or  respect  at
someone's departure, as a retirement ceremony. * /When  our  colleague
retired after 35 years of teaching, we all got together at the Faculty
Club and gave him a terrific send-off./

   [send one about  one's  business]  {v.  phr.}  To  dismiss  someone
summarily; tell one off. * /When  Mrs.  Atwater  discovered  that  her
daughter's French tutor was an ordinary fortune hunter, she  sent  him
about his business./ Compare: SEND ONE PACKING.

   [send one packing] {v. phr.} To fire someone summarily. * /When the
boss caught Smith  stealing  from  the  cash  register,  he  sent  him
packing./ Compare: SEND ONE ABOUT ONE'S BUSINESS.

   [send to the minors] {v. phr.} To dismiss someone; tell  them  off;
terminate a relationship. - A baseball term. * /"What did  you  do  to
your girlfriend?" Ernie asked Bert, when Bert started dating Jane.  "I
sent her to the minors," Bert answered with a sneer./

   [send up] {v. phr.}, {colloquial} To sentence (someone) to  prison.
* /Did you know that Milton Shaeffer was sent up for fifteen years?/

   [send word] {v. phr.} To send notification to; advise. * /When  his
father fell seriously ill, we sent  word  to  Mike  to  come  home  as
quickly as possible./

   [senior citizen] {n.} An older person, often one  who  has  retired
from active work or employment. * /Mrs. North, the history teacher, is
a senior citizen./

   [sense] See: COME TO ONE'S SENSES, HORSE SENSE, MAKE SENSE, OUT  OF
ONE'S HEAD or OUT OF ONE'S SENSES.

   [separate the men from the boys] {v. phr.}, {informal} To show  who
has strength, courage and loyalty and find who do  not.  *  /When  the
ship hit an iceberg and sank, it separated the men from the  boys./  *
/The mile run separates the men from the boys./

   [separate the sheep from the goats] See SEPARATE THE MEN  FROM  THE
BOYS.

   [serve] See: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

   [serve a sentence] {v. phr.} To be in jail. * /Charlie served  four
years of an eight-year  sentence,  after  which  he  was  paroled  and
released./

   [serve notice] {v. phr.} 1. To notify one's employer in a formal or
legal manner that one is quitting the former's employment. * /She gave
notice to her boss that she was quitting because of marriage./  2.  To
notify an employee or a tenant that one no longer needs their services
or wishes to have them as tenants. * /The new landlady gave notice  to
several families in our building because  they  were  late  in  paying
their rent./

   [serve one right] {v. phr.} To be what (someone) really deserves as
a punishment; be a fair exchange for what (someone) has done  or  said
or failed to do or say. * /He failed his exam;  it  served  him  right
because he had not studied./ * /Bob said it served  Sally  right  when
she cut her finger; she had  taken  his  knife  without  asking  him./
Compare: ASK FOR, HAVE IT COMING.

   [serve time] See: SERVE A SENTENCE.

   [serve up] {v.} To prepare and serve (as a food). * /Father  caught
a trout and Mother served it up at dinner./

   [service] See: AT ONE'S SERVICE,  CURB  SERVICE,  LIP  SERVICE,  OF
SERVICE, ROOM SERVICE.

   [session] See: BULL SESSION.

   [set] See: GET SET.

   [set ablaze] {v. phr.} To cause to burn by lighting with a match or
other incendiary device. * /The criminals poured gasoline on the house
and set it ablaze with a small lighter./

   [set about] {v.} To begin; start. * /Benjamin  Franklin  set  about
teaming the printer's trade at an  early  age./  *  /After  breakfast,
Mother set about her household duties./

   [set afire] or [set on fire] See: SET ABLAZE.

   [set aside] {v.} 1. To separate from  the  others  in  a  group  or
collection. * /She set aside the things in the  old  trunk  which  she
wanted to keep./ 2. To select or choose from others for some  purpose.
* /The governor set aside a  day  for  thanksgiving./  3.  To  pay  no
attention to (something); leave out. * /The complaint was set aside as
of no importance./ 4. {formal} To refuse to accept; annul;  cancel  as
worthless or wrong. * /The Supreme Court set aside the decision of the
lower courts./

   [setback] {n.} A disadvantage; a delay.  *  /We  suffered  a  major
setback when my wife lost her job./

   [set back] {v.} 1. To cause to put off or get behind schedule; slow
up; check. * /The cold weather set back the planting by two weeks./ 2.
{informal} To cause to pay out or to lose (a sum of  money);  cost.  *
/His new car set him back over $3000./

   [set back on one's heels] or [knock back on one's heels] {v. phr.},
{informal} To give an unpleasant surprise;  upset  suddenly;  stop  or
turn back (someone's) progress. * /Jack brags too much and it set  him
back on his heels when the coach told him he wasn't as good  a  player
as he thought he was./ * /Jean was doing very  well  in  school  until
sickness knocked her back on her heels./ Compare: KNOCK  FOR  A  LOOP,
THROW FOR A LOSS.

   [set down] {v.} 1. To  write;  record.  *  /He  set  down  all  his
important thoughts in his dairy./ * /At the beginning  of  his  letter
Dan set down the date./ Syn.: PUT DOWN. 2. To  stop  a  bus  or  other
vehicle and let (someone) get off. * /The bus driver set her  down  at
the corner./ 3. To put into some group; classify; consider. * /When he
heard the man speak, he set him down as a fool./ 4. To explain;  think
a reason for. * /The teacher set down the boy's poor  English  to  his
foreign birth./

   [set eyes on] See: LAY EYES ON.

   [set fire to] {v. phr.} To cause to burn; start a fire in.  *  /The
sparks set fire to the oily rags./ Compare: CATCH FIRE.

   [set foot] {v. phr.} To step; walk; go. - Used with a  negative.  *
/She would not let him set foot across her threshold./ * /She told the
boy not to set foot out of the house until he had finished supper./

   [set forth] {v.}, {formal} 1. To explain exactly or clearly. * /The
President set forth his plans in a television talk./ 2. To start to go
somewhere; begin a trip. * /The troop set forth on their ten-mile hike
early./ Compare: SET OUT.

   [set free] {v. phr.} To liberate. * /The trapper set all the  small
animals free before the snowstorm hit./

   [set great store by] See: SET STORE BY.

   [set in] {v.} To begin; start; develop. * /Before  the  boat  could
reach shore, a storm had set in./ * /He did not keep the cut clean and
infection set in./ * /The wind set in from the east./

   [set  in   one's   ways]   {adj.   phr.}   Stubborn;   opinionated;
unchangeable. * /My grandfather is so old and set  in  his  ways  that
he'll eat nothing new./

   [set loose] See: LET LOOSE(1a).

   [set  off]  {v.}  1.  To  decorate  through  contrast;  balance  by
difference. * /The bright colors of the birds  were  set  off  by  the
white snow./ * /A small gold pin set off her plain dark dress./ 2.  To
balance; make somewhat equal. * /Her great wealth, as he thought,  set
off her plain face./ 3a. To begin to go. * /They set off for the  West
in a covered wagon./ Compare: SET OUT. 3b. To cause  to  begin.  *  /A
letter from home set off an attack  of  homesickness./  *  /An  atomic
explosion is created by setting off a chain  reaction  in  the  atom./
Compare: TOUCH OFF. 3c. To cause to explode. * /On July 4 we  set  off
firecrackers in many places./

   [set of new threads] {n. phr.} New men's suit. * /"Nice set of  new
threads'" Ed said, when he saw Dave in his new tailor-made outfit./

   [set on] also [set  upon]  {v.}  1.  To  begin  suddenly  to  fight
against; attack fiercely. * /Tom was walking through the park  when  a
gang of boys set on him./ 2. To cause to attack. * /Some boys went  to
steal melons but the farmer set his dog on them./

   [set one's cap for] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  attempt  to  win  the
love of or to marry. * /Usually used of a girl or woman./ * /The young
girl set her cap for the new town doctor, who was a bachelor./

   [set one's face against] {v. phr.},  {literary}  To  be  very  much
against; strongly disapprove. * /The banker's daughter wanted to marry
a poor boy, but her father set his face against it./

   [set one's hand to] See: PUT ONE'S HAND TO.

   [set one's hand to the plow] See: PUT ONE'S HAND TO THE PLOW.

   [set one's heart on] {v. phr.} To want very much.  *  /He  set  his
heart on that bike./ also: To be very desirous of; hope very  much  to
succeed in. - Used with a verbal noun. * /He set his heart on  winning
the race./

   [set one's house in order] See: PUT ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER.

   [set one's mind at rest] {v. phr.} To relieve someone's  anxieties;
reassure someone.  *  /"Lef  me  set  your  mind  at  rest  about  the
operation," Dr. Vanek said. "You'll be back on your feet in a week."/

   [set one's mind on] {v. phr.} To be determined to; decide to. * /He
has set his mind on buying an old chateau in France./

   [set one's sights] {v. phr.} 1. To want to reach; aim for. *  /John
has set his sights higher than the job he has now./ 2. To wish to  get
or win. * /Owen set his sights on the championship./

   [set one's teeth on edge] {v. phr.} 1. To have a sharp  sour  taste
that makes you rub your teeth together. *  /The  lemon  juice  set  my
teeth on edge./ 2. To make one feel nervous or annoyed. *  /She  looks
so mean that her face sets my teeth on edge./

   [set on foot] See: ON FOOT.

   [set out] {v.} 1. To leave on a journey or voyage. * /The  Pilgrims
set out for the New World./ Compare: SET FORTH(2), SET  OFF(4),  START
OUT. 2. To decide and begin to try; attempt.  *  /George  set  out  to
improve his pitching./ 3. To plant in the ground. * /The gardener  set
out some tomato seedlings./

   [set right] {v. phr.} To discipline; correct; indicate the  correct
procedure. * /"Your bookkeeping is  all  messed  up,"  the  accountant
said. "Let me set it right for you, once and for all."/

   [set sail] {v. phr.} To begin a sea voyage; start sailing.  *  /The
ship set sail for Europe./

   [set store by] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  like  or  value;  want  to
keep. Used with a qualifying word between "set" and "store". * /George
sets great store by that old tennis racket./ * /Pat doesn't  set  much
store by Mike's advice./

   [set the ball rolling] See: GET THE BALL ROLLING.

   [set the pace] {v. phr.} To decide on a rate of speed of travel  or
rules that are followed by others. * /The scoutmaster set the pace  so
that the shorter boys would not  get  tired  trying  to  keep  up./  *
/Louise set the pace in  selling  tickets  for  the  school  play./  -
[pace-setter] {n.} *  /John  is  the  pace-setter  of  the  class./  -
[pace-setting] {adj.} * /Bob's time  in  the  cross-country  race  was
pace-setting./ * /The country is growing at a pace-setting rate./

   [set the stage for] {v. phr.} To prepare the way or  situation  for
(an event); to make a situation ready for something to happen. *  /The
country's economic problems set the stage for a depression./

   [set the world on fire]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  do  something
outstanding; act in a way that attracts much attention  or  makes  you
famous. * /John works hard, but he will never set the world on  fire./
* /Mary could set the world on fire with her piano playing./

   [setting-up] {adj.} Done early in the morning to make you fresh and
feel strong for the day.  *  /Tom  jumped  out  of  bed  and  did  his
setting-up exercises./ Compare: DAILY DOZEN.

   [settle a score] also [wipe out an old score] To hurt (someone)  in
return for a wrong or loss. * /John settled an old score with  Bob  by
beating him./ Compare: GET BACK AT, GET EVEN.

   [settle down] {v.} 1. To live more quietly  and  sensibly;  have  a
regular place to live  and  a  regular  job;  stop  acting  wildly  or
carelessly, especially by growing up. * /John will settle  down  after
he gets a job  and  gets  married./  2.  To  become  quiet,  calm,  or
comfortable. * /Father settled down with the newspaper./ * /The  house
settled down for the night after the children were put to bed./ * /The
teacher told the students to settle down and study the lesson./

   [settle for] {v.} To be satisfied with (less) agree to;  accept.  *
/Jim wanted $200 for his old car, but he settled for $100./

   [settle on] {v. phr.} To decide which one to choose  among  various
alternatives. * /My parents have been debating what kind of a  car  to
get and have finally settled on a BMW from Germany./

   [settle up] {v.  phr.}  To  pay  up;  conclude  monetary  or  other
transactions. * /"Let's settle up," Carol's attorney  said,  when  she
sued Don for a hefty sum of money after their divorce./

   [set to] {v.} 1. To make a serious beginning.  *  /Charlie  took  a
helping of turkey, grabbed his knife and fork,  and  set  to./  2.  To
start to fight. * /One man called the other a liar and they set to./

   [set to music] {v. phr.} To  compose  a  musical  accompaniment  to
verse. * /Schubert and Beethoven both set to music many a famous  poem
by Goethe and Schiller./

   [set to rights] See: PUT TO RIGHTS.

   [set tongues wagging] See: TONGUES WAG.

   [setup] {v.} 1. To provide the money for  the  necessities  for.  *
/When he was twenty-one,  his  father  set  him  up  in  the  clothing
business./ 2. To establish; start. * /The government has set  up  many
hospitals for veterans of the armed forces./ 3. To make ready for  use
by putting the parts together or into their right place.  *  /The  men
set up the new printing press./ 4.  To  bring  into  being;  cause.  *
/Ocean tides are set up by the pull between earth and the moon./ 5. To
claim; pretend. * /He set himself up to be a  graduate  of  a  medical
school, but he was not./ 6. To harm  someone  by  entrapment  or  some
other ruse. * /Joe was actually  innocent  of  the  robbery,  but  his
"trusted friends" set him up, so the police found the gun in his car./

   [setup] {n. phr.} (stress on  "set")  1.  Arrangement,  management,
circumstances. * /Boy, you really  have  a  wonderful  setup  in  your
office!/ * /I just can't do  my  work  in  such  a  messy  setup!/  2.
Financial arrangement. * /It is a fairly generous setup  sending  your
uncle $1,000 a month./

   [set upon] See: SET ON.

   [seven] See: AT SIXES AND SEVENS.

   [seventh heaven] {n. phr.}, {literary} The pinnacle of happiness. *
/We were in seventh heaven  when  the  helicopter  flew  us  over  the
magnificent Grand Canyon./

   [sewed up] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Won or  arranged  as  you  wish;
decided. * /They thought they had the game sewed  up,  but  the  other
team won it with a touchdown in the last quarter./ * /Dick thought  he
had the job sewed up, but another boy got it./ Compare: IN THE BAG.

   [sexual harassment] {n. phr.} The act of constantly making unwanted
advances of a sexual nature for which  the  offended  party  may  seek
legal redress. * /The court fined  Wilbur  Catwallender  $750,000  for
sexual harassment of two of his female employees./

   [shack up with] {v. phr.}, {slang} To move in with (someone) of the
opposite sex without marrying the person. * /Did you know  that  Ollie
and Sue aren't married? They just decided to shack up  for  a  while./
See: LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING.

   [shadow] See: AFRAID OF ONE'S SHADOW, EYE SHADOW.

   [shaggy dog (story)] {n. phr.} A special kind of  joke  whose  long
and often convoluted introduction and development delay the effect  of
the punch line. * /Uncle Joe only seems to bore his audiences with his
long shaggy dog jokes, for when he comes  to  the  long-awaited  punch
line, he gets very few laughs./

   [shake] See: MORE THAN ONE COULD SHAKE A STICK AT.

   [shake a leg] {v. phr.}, {slang} To go fast; hurry. * /Shake a leg!
The bus won't wait./ Compare: STEP ON IT.

   [shakedown] {n.} 1. A test. * /Let's take the new car out and  give
it a shakedown./ 2. An act of extorting money by  threatening.  *  /It
was a nasty shakedown, to get $500 from  the  old  man,  promising  to
protect him./

   [shake down] {v. phr.} 1. To cause to fall by shaking. * /He  shook
some pears down from the free./ 2. {informal} To test,  practice,  get
running smoothly (a ship or ship's crew). * /The  captain  shook  down
his new ship on a voyage to the Mediterranean Sea./ 3. {slang} To  get
money from by threats. * /The gangsters shook  the  store  owner  down
every month./

   [shake in one's  shoes]  or  [shake  in  one's  boots]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} To be very much afraid. * /The robber shook  in  his  boots
when the police knocked on his door./

   [shake off] {v.}, {informal} To get away from  when  followed;  get
rid of; escape from. * /A convict escaped from prison  and  shook  off
the officers trying to follow him./ * /Tom could  not  shake  off  his
cold./

   [shake the dust from one's feet] {v. phr.} To depart or leave  with
some measure of disgust or displeasure. * /Jim was so unhappy  in  our
small, provincial town that he was glad to shake  the  dust  from  his
feet and move to New York./

   [shake up] {v.}, {informal}  To  bother;  worry;  disturb.  *  /The
notice about a cut in pay shook up everybody in the office./

   [shake-up] {n.} A change; a reorganization. *  /After  the  scandal
there was a major shake-up in the Cabinet./

   [shame] See: FOR SHAME, PUT TO SHAME.

   [shape] See: IN SHAPE, OUT OF SHAPE, TAKE SHAPE.

   [shape up] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To begin to act or work  right;
get along satisfactorily. * /If the new boy doesn't begin to shape  up
soon, he'll have to leave school./ * /"How is the building of the  new
gym coming along?" "Fine. It's shaping up  very  well."/  2.  To  show
promise. * /Plans for our picnic are shaping up very well./

   [shape up or ship out] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  either  improve
one's disposition  or  behavior,  or  quit  or  leave.  *  /When  Paul
neglected to carry out his part of the research  work  that  Professor
Brown had assigned him with for the fifth time, the  professor  cried,
"Shape up, or ship out, Paul. I have lost my patience with you!"/

   [sharp] See: LOOK SHARP.

   [sharp as a tack] {adj. phr.} 1. Very neatly and stylishly  dressed
* /That new boy always looks sharp  as  a  tack  in  class./  2.  Very
intelligent; smart; quick-witted. * /Tom is sharp as a  tack;  he  got
100 on every test./

   [shed light on] or upon See: CAST LIGHT ON; THROW LIGHT ON.

   [sheep] See: WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.

   [sheepskin] {n.} Diploma. * /Dr. Miller has half a dozen  different
sheepskins hanging on the wall of his office./

   [sheet] See: SCANDAL SHEET, THREE  SHEETS  IN  THE  WIND  or  THREE
SHEETS TO THE WIND.

   [shelf] See: ON THE SHELF.

   [shell] See: IN ONE'S SHELL or  INTO  ONE'S  SHELL,  OUT  OF  ONE'S
SHELL.

   [shell out] {v.}, {informal} To pay or spend. * /Dick had to  shell
out a lot of money for his new car./

   [shift for oneself] {v. phr.} To live or act independently with  no
help, guidance or protection from others; take  care  of  yourself.  *
/Mrs. McCarthy was forced to  shift  for  herself  after  her  husband
died./

   [shine] See: RAIN OR SHINE, TAKE A SHINE TO.

   [shine up to] {v.}, {slang} To try to please; try to  make  friends
with. * /Smedley shines up to all the pretty girls./

   [shingle] See: HANG OUT ONE'S SHINGLE.

   [ship] See: GIVE UP THE SHIP, LANDING SHIP.

   [ship come in] All the money a person has wished for  is  received;
wealth comes to a person. Used with a  possessive.  *  /When  my  ship
comes in, I will take a trip to Norway./ * /Mr. Brown is just  waiting
for his ship to come in./

   [ship out] {v.} To begin  a  journey;  leave.  *  /The  army  group
shipped out for the Far East today./

   [shipshape] {adj.} In perfect condition; in good order. * /After we
left the islands, we left  the  rented  car  shipshape  for  the  next
driver./

   [shirk one's duty] {v. phr.} To be negligent  or  irresponsible.  *
/If you continue to shirk your duty, you can expect to be fired./

   [shirt] See: GIVE THE SHIRT OFF ONE'S BACK, KEEP  ONE'S  SHIRT  ON,
LOSE ONE'S SHIRT.

   [shoe] See: COMFORTABLE AS AN OLD SHOE, COMMON AS AN OLD SHOE, FILL
ONE'S SHOES, IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT, IN ONE'S SHOES, SHAKE IN ONE'S
SHOES, SADDLE SHOE, STEP INTO ONE'S SHOES, WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES.

   [shoe on the other foot] The opposite is true; places are  changed.
* /He was my captain in the army but now the  shoe  is  on  the  other
foot./

   [shoestring] See: ON A SHOESTRING.

   [shoestring catch] {n.} A catch of a hit baseball  just  before  it
hits the ground. * /The left fielder made a shoestring catch of a line
drive to end the inning./

   [shoo away] {v. phr.} To  frighten  or  chase  away.  *  /When  the
children gathered around the new sports car, we shooed them away./

   [shoo-in] {n.}, {informal} Someone or something that is expected to
win; a favorite;  sure  winner.  *  /Chris  is  a  shoo-in  to  win  a
scholarship./ * /Do you  think  he  will  win  the  election?  He's  a
shoo-in./ * /This horse is a shoo-in. He can't  miss  winning./  Syn.:
SURE THING(1).

   [shoot ahead of] or [past] or [through] or [alongside of] {v. phr.}
To move or drive ahead rapidly. * /As we had to slow down  before  the
tunnel, a red sports car shot ahead of us./

   [shoot a line] See: DROP A LINE.

   [shoot from the hip] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To fire a gun held at
the hip without aiming by aligning the barrel with one's  eye.  *  /In
many Western  movies  the  heroic  sheriff  defeats  the  villains  by
shooting from the hip./ 2. To speak sincerely,  frankly,  and  without
subterfuge. * /"What kind of an administrator will Mr. Brown be?"  the
head of the search committee asked. "He shoots straight from the hip,"
he was assured./

   [shoot off one's mouth]  or  [shoot  off  one's  face]  {v.  phr.},
{slang} To give opinions without knowing all the facts; talk as if you
know everything. * /Tom has never been to  Florida,  but  he's  always
shooting his mouth off about how superior Florida is to California./ *
/I want to study the problem before I  shoot  off  my  face./  *  /The
editor of the newspaper is always shooting his  mouth  off  about  the
trouble in Africa./

   [shoot one's wad] {v. phr.} {slang}, {colloquial} 1. To  spend  all
of one's money. * /We've shot our wad for the summer and can't buy any
new garden furniture./ 2. To say everything that is on one's  mind.  *
/Joe feels a lot better now that he's shot his wad at the meeting./

   [shoot out] {v.} 1. To fight with guns until one person or side  is
wounded or killed; settle a fight by shooting. -  Used  with  "it".  *
/The cornered bank robbers decided to shoot it out with the police./ *
/The moment she opened the door, the cat shot out and ran  around  the
house./ * /During the last half-minute of the race, Dick shot  out  in
front of the other runners./

   [shoot  questions  at]  {v.  phr.}  To  interrogate   rapidly   and
vigorously. * /The attorney for  the  prosecution  shot  one  question
after another at the nervous witness./

   [shoot straight] or [shoot square] {v.}, {informal} To act  fairly;
deal honestly. * /You can trust that salesman; he shoots straight with
his customers./ * /We get along well because we  always  shoot  square
with each other./ -  [straight  shooter]  or  [square  shooter]  {n.},
{informal} /Bill is a square-shooter./ - [straight-shooting] {adj. } *
/The boys all liked the straight-shooting coach./

   [shoot the breeze] or [bat the  breeze]  or  [fan  the  breeze]  or
[shoot the bull] {v. phr.}, {slang} To talk. * /Jim  shot  the  breeze
with his neighbor while the children were playing./ * /Come  into  the
kitchen and we'll bat the breeze over a cup of coffee./ *  /The  women
were shooting the breeze about Jim's latest trouble with the  police./
* /The fishermen were shooting the bull about the school of sail  fish
they had seen./

   [shoot the works] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1.  To  spare  no  expense  or
effort; get or give everything. * /Billy shot the works when he bought
his bicycle; he got a bell, a light, a basket, and chrome trimmings on
it, too./ * /The Greens shot the works  on  their  daughter's  wedding
reception./ 2. To go the limit; take a risk. *  /The  motor  of  Tom's
boat was dangerously hot, but he decided to shoot the works and try to
win the race./

   [shoot up] {v.} 1. To grow quickly. *  /Billy  had  always  been  a
small boy, but when he was thirteen years old he began to  shoot  up./
2. To arise suddenly. * /As we watched, flames shot up from  the  roof
of the barn./ 3. {informal} To shoot or shoot at recklessly; shoot and
hurt badly. * /The cowboys got drunk and shot up the bar room./ * /The
soldier was shot up very badly./ 4. To take drugs by injection.  *  /A
heroin addict will shoot up as often as he can./

   [shop] See: CLOSE UP SHOP, TALK SHOP.

   [shop  around  for]  {v.  phr.}  To  make  the  rounds  of  various
commercial establishments in order to find the most economical  answer
for  one's  needs.  *  /We've  been  shopping  around  for  a   larger
condominium that is affordable, and near the university./

   [shoplifter] {n.} A thief who steals things from a store. * /The TV
camera identified the shoplifter, who was then arrested and  sentenced
to jail./

   [shopping center] {n.} A place usually for  neighborhood  shopping,
where there is a group of stores and shops inside of a  large  parking
lot. * /There is a bowling alley at the nearest  shopping  center./  *
/All the stores in our shopping center stay open until nine o'clock on
Friday evenings./

   [shopworn] {adj.} A piece of merchandise that is offered below  the
usual price because it is slightly  damaged  or  soiled.  *  /Although
shopworn, the jacket was perfectly usable, so he eagerly bought it./

   [shore leave] {n.} Permission given to a man in the Navy  to  leave
his ship and go where he wants for a certain length of  time.  *  /Jim
went to visit New York when he was given three days' shore  leave./  *
/The ship did not dock long  enough  for  the  sailors  to  get  shore
leave./

   [shore patrol] {n.} The police of a navy. * /The sailors  who  were
fighting in town were arrested by the  shore  patrol./  *  /The  shore
patrol was ordered to search every sailor who went on board the ship./

   [shore up] {v.} To add support to  (something)  where  weakness  is
shown; make (something) stronger where support is needed;  support.  *
/When the flood waters weakened the bridge,  it  was  shored  up  with
steel beams and sandbags until it could be rebuilt./ * /The coach sent
in a substitute guard to shore up the line  when  Fitchburg  began  to
break through./

   [shorn] See: GOD TEMPERS THE WIND TO THE SHORN LAMB.

   [short] See: CAUGHT SHORT, FALL SHORT, FOR SHORT, IN  BRIEF  or  IN
SHORT, IN SHORT ORDER, IN SHORT SUPPLY, MAKE SHORT WORK OF, RUN SHORT,
SELL SHORT, THE LONG AND THE SHORT.

   [short and sweet] {adj.} Brief and to the point. * /Henry's note to
his father was short and sweet. He wrote, "Dear Dad,  please  send  me
$5. Love, Henry."/

   [shortchange] {v. phr.} To return less money to  a  customer  in  a
store than is coming to him or her; cheat. * /I  was  shortchanged  by
the cashier when I got seven dollars back instead of eight./

   [shortcut] {n.} A road shorter than the one  that  people  normally
take. * /We can save twenty minutes if we take this shortcut over  the
hill./

   [short end] {n.} The worst or most unpleasant part. * /The new  boy
got the short end of it  because  all  the  comfortable  beds  in  the
dormitory had been taken before he arrived./ * /The girls  who  served
refreshments at the party got the short end of it. When everybody  had
been served, there was no cake left for them./

   [shorthanded]  {adj.}  Understaffed;  short  on  workers.  *  /With
several employees gone for the holiday weekend and two dozen people in
line,  the  rent-a-car   agency   suddenly   found   itself   terribly
shorthanded./

   [short  haul]  {n.}  A  short  distance;  a  short  trip.  *   /The
Scoutmaster said that it was just a short haul to the  lake./  *  /The
man from the moving company said they did not make short hauls, so  we
hired a truck to move our furniture three blocks to  our  new  house./
Contrast: LONG HAUL.

   [short list] or [short-listed] {v. phr.} To place on  the  list  of
select finalists  for  a  job.  *  /Only  three  of  the  twenty-seven
applicants were short-listed for the assistant professorial vacancy in
our department./

   [short of(1)] {adj. phr.} 1.  Less  or  worse  than.  *  /Don't  do
anything short of your best./ 2. Not having enough. * /We did not  buy
anything because we were short of money./ * /The girls were  asked  to
wait on tables because the kitchen was short of help./

   [short of(2)] {adv. phr.} Away from; at a  distance  from.  *  /The
day's drive still left us a hundred miles short of the ocean./ *  /The
golfer's shot fell far short of the hole./

   [short of breath] {adj.} Panting and wheezing. *  /He  ran  up  six
flights of stairs so rapidly that he was short of breath  for  several
minutes./

   [short-order cook] {n.} A  person  who  prepares  food  that  cooks
quickly. * /Bruce found a summer  job  as  a  short-order  cook  in  a
drive-in restaurant./ *  /The  new  diner  needs  another  short-order
cook./ Compare: SLING HASH.

   [short shrift] {n.} Little or no attention.  -  Usually  used  with
"get" or "give". * /In books about jobs, women's work is  consistently
given short shrift./

   [short-spoken] {adj.} Using so few words that you seem impatient or
angry; speaking in a short impatient way; saying as little as possible
in an unfriendly way. * /Jim is always short-spoken when he is tired./
* /We were hoping to borrow Dad's car, but he was so short-spoken when
he came home that we were afraid to ask./

   [shot] See: BIG CHEESE or BIG SHOT, BY  A  LONG  SHOT,  CALL  ONE'S
SHOT, CALL THE SHOTS, FOUL SHOT, LONG SHOT.

   [shot in the arm] {n.  phr.},  {informal}  Something  inspiring  or
encouraging. * /The general's appearance was a shot in the arm for the
weary soldiers./ * /We were ready to quit, but the coach's talk was  a
shot in the arm./

   [shot in the dark] {n. phr.} An attempt without much hope or chance
of succeeding; a wild guess. * /A was just a shot in the dark,  but  I
got the right answer to the teacher's question./

   [shot through with] Full of. * /His speech was  shot  through  with
praise for the president./ * /Jane's  letter  was  shot  through  with
hints for a pony./

   [shoulder] See: CHIP ON ONE'S SHOULDER, COLD SHOULDER, GOOD HEAD ON
ONE'S SHOULDERS, HEAD AND SHOULDERS, PUT ONE'S SHOULDER TO THE  WHEEL,
ON  ONE'S  SHOULDERS,  RUB  ELBOWS  or  RUB  SHOULDERS,  SQUARE  ONE'S
SHOULDERS, WEIGHT OF THE WORLD ON ONE'S SHOULDERS.

   [shoulder to cry on] or [to lean on] {n. phr.} A sympathetic person
who is willing to listen to one's complaints and troubles. * /When Ken
left her, Donna needed a shoulder to lean on, and Bob was right  there
to fill the role./

   [shoulder to  shoulder]  {adv.  phr.}  1.  One  beside  the  other;
together. * /The three boys were shoulder to shoulder all  during  the
working hours./ Compare: SIDE BY SIDE. 2. Each helping the  other;  in
agreement; together. - Often used with "stand".  *  /We  can  win  the
fight if we all stand shoulder to shoulder./ Compare: SEE EYE TO EYE.

   [shoulder to the wheel] See: PUT ONE'S SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL.

   [shout down] {v.} To object loudly to; defeat by shouting. * /Grace
suggested that we give our club money to charity, but she was  shouted
down./ * /The crowd shouted down the Mayor's suggestions./

   [shout from the housetops] or [shout from the rooftops] {v.  phr.},
{informal} To tell everyone; broadcast, especially one's own  personal
business. * /Mr. Clark was so happy when his  son  was  born  that  he
shouted the news from the housetops./ * /When Mary bleached her  hair,
her neighbors shouted it from the housetops./

   [shouting] See: ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTING.

   [shove down one's throat] or [ram down  one's  throat]  {v.  phr.},
   {informal} To force you to do or agree to (something not wanted  or
liked.) * /We didn't want Mr. Bly to speak at  our  banquet,  but  the
planning committee shoved him down our throats./ * /The president  was
against the idea, but the club members rammed it down his throat./

   [shove off] See: PUSH OFF.

   [show] See: GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD, GO TO SHOW or  GO  TO  PROVE,
ROAD SHOW, STEAL THE SHOW, TALENT SHOW, VARIETY SHOW, WHOLE CHEESE  or
WHOLE SHOW.

   [show a clean pair of heels] See: TAKE TO ONE'S HEELS.

   [show around] {v. phr.} To act as a host or guide  to  someone;  to
show newly arrived people or strangers what's what and where. *  /When
Gordon and Rose arrived in Hawaii  for  the  first  time,  their  host
showed them around the islands./

   [show cause] {v. phr.} To give a  reason  or  explanation.  *  /The
judge asked the defendants to show cause why they should not  be  held
without bail./

   [showdown] {n.} A final challenge  or  confrontation  during  which
both sides have to use all of their resources. * /You  cannot  know  a
country's military strength until a final showdown occurs./

   [showgirl] {n.} One who  works  as  an  entertainer  in  a  bar  or
nightclub, musical  show,  etc.  *  /Several  famous  Hollywood  stars
actually started their careers as showgirls./

   [show in] or [out] or [up] or [to the door]  {v.  phr.}  To  usher;
conduct; accompany. * /"My husband will show you in," Mary said to the
guests when they arrived at the door./

   [showoff] {n.} A boastful person. *  /Jim  always  has  to  be  the
center of attention; he is an insufferable showoff./

   [show off] {v. phr.} 1. To  put  out  nicely  for  people  to  see;
display; exhibit. * /The Science Fair gave Julia a chance to show  off
her shell collection./ * /The girls couldn't wait to  show  off  their
fine needlework to our visitors./ 2.  {informal}  To  try  to  attract
attention; also, try to attract attention to. * /The  children  always
show off when we have company./ * /Joe hasn't missed a chance to  show
off his muscles since that pretty girl moved in next door./

   [show of hands] {n. phr.} An open vote during a meeting when  those
who vote "yes" and those who vote "no"  hold  up  their  hands  to  be
counted. * /The chairman said, "I'd like to see a  show  of  hands  if
we're ready for the vote."/

   [show one's colors] {v. phr.} 1. To show what you are really  like.
* /We thought Toby was timid, but he showed his colors when he rescued
the ponies from the burning barn./ 2. To make known what you think  or
plan to do. * /Mr. Ryder is afraid that he will lose the  election  if
he shows his colors on civil rights./ * /We would not help  Jim  until
he showed his colors./

   [show one's face] {v. phr.} To be seen; appear. * /Bill  is  afraid
to show his face since Tom threatened to beat him up./ *  /Judy  is  a
wonderful mimic but she is too shy to  show  her  face  on  stage./  *
/After cheating on the test, Chris was ashamed to show his face./

   [show one's hand] {v. phr.} To reveal or  exhibit  one's  true  and
hitherto hidden purpose. * /Only after becoming Chancellor of  Germany
did Adolf Hitler really show his hand and reveal that he  intended  to
take over other countries./

   [show one's teeth] {v. phr.} To show anger;  show  belligerence.  *
/He is a very mild,  private  person,  but  during  a  tough  business
negotiation he knows how to show his teeth./

   [show signs] See: GIVE SIGNS.

   [show the door] {v. phr.} To ask (someone) to go away. * /Ruth  was
upsetting the other children, so  I  showed  her  the  door./  *  /Our
neighbors invited themselves to  the  party  and  stayed  until  Harry
showed them the door./

   [show up] {v.} 1. To make known the real truth about  (someone).  *
/The man said he was a mind reader, but he was shown up as a fake./ 2.
To come or bring out; become or make easy to see. * /The detective put
a chemical on the paper, and the fingertips showed up./ *  /This  test
shows up your  weaknesses  in  arithmetic./  3.  {informal}  To  come;
appear. * /We had agreed to meet at the gym,  but  Larry  didn't  show
up./ * /Only five students showed up for the class meeting./  Compare:
TURN UP(2).

   [shrift] See: SHORT SHRIFT.

   [shrink] See: HEAD SHRINKER.

   [shrug off] or  [shrug  away]  {v.}  To  act  as  if  you  are  not
interested and do not care about something; not mind; not let yourself
be bothered or hurt by. * /Alan shrugged off our questions;  he  would
not tell us what had happened./ * /Muriel shrugged away every  attempt
to comfort her./ * /The ballplayer shrugged  off  the  booing  of  the
fans./ * /Jim cut his hand but he tied a cloth around it and  shrugged
it away./

   [shudder to think] {v. phr.} To be  afraid;  hate  to  think  about
something. * /The professor is so strict I shudder to think  what  his
final exam questions will be like./

   [shut] See: KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT, PUT UP or SHUT UP,  CLOSE  ONE'S
EYES.

   [shut down] See: CLOSE DOWN.

   [shut-eye] {n.}, {slang} Sleep. * /It's very late. We'd better  get
some shut-eye./ * /I'm going to get some shut-eye  before  the  game./
Compare: FORTY WINKS.

   [shut off] {v.} 1. To make (something like  water  or  electricity)
stop coming. * /Please shut off the hose before  the  grass  gets  too
wet./ Compare: TURN OFF. 2. To be apart; be separated  from;  also  to
separate from. * /Our camp is so far from the highway we feel shut off
from the world when we are there./ * /The sow is so  bad  tempered  we
had to shut it off from its piglets./

   [shut one's eyes] See: CLOSE ONE'S EYES.

   [shut out] {v.} 1. To prevent from  coming  in;  block.  *  /During
World War II, Malta managed to shut out most of the Italian and German
bombers by throwing up an effective anti-aircraft screen./ * /The boys
were annoyed by Tom's telling club secrets and shut him out  of  their
meeting./ 2. To prevent (an opposing team) from scoring throughout  an
entire game. * /The Dodgers shut out the Reds, 5-0./

   [shut the door] See: CLOSE THE DOOR.

   [shut up] {v.} 1. {informal} To stop talking. * /Little Ruthie told
Father about his birthday surprise before Mother could shut her up./ -
Often used as a command; usually considered rude. * /Shut up  and  let
Joe say something./ * /If you'll shut up for a minute, I'll  tell  you
our plan./ Syn.: BUTTON YOUR LIP, DRY UP(3), KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT. 2.
To close the doors and windows of. * /We got the house  shut  up  only
minutes before the storm hit./ 3. To close and  lock  for  a  definite
period of time. * /The Smiths always spend Labor Day shutting up their
summer home for the year./ * /We got to the store only  to  find  that
the owner had shut up shop for the weekend./ 4. To  confine.  *  /That
dog bites. It should be shut up./ * /John has been shut up with a cold
all week./

   [shy] See: ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY and BURNT CHILD DREADS THE FIRE.

   [shy away] or [shy off] {v.} To avoid; seem frightened or  nervous.
* /The boys shied away from our questions./ *  /The  horse  shied  off
when Johnny tried to mount it./

   [sick] See: TAKE ILL or TAKE SICK.

   [sick and tired] {adj.} 1. Feeling  strong  dislike  for  something
repeated or continued too long; exasperated; annoyed. * /Jane was sick
and tired of always having to wait for Bill, so when he didn't  arrive
on time she left without him./ * /John is sick and tired of having his
studies interrupted./ * /I've been studying all day, and I'm sick  and
tired of it./ Compare: FED UP.

   [side] See: CHOOSE UP SIDES, FROM SIDE TO SIDE, GET UP ON THE WRONG
SIDE OF THE BED, GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE
FENCE or GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL,  LAUGH
ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH, ON ONE'S BAD  SIDE,  ON  ONE'S  GOOD
SIDE, ON THE SIDE, SUNNY-SIDE UP, TAKE SIDES, THORN IN  THE  FLESH  or
THORN IN THE SIDE.

   [side against] {v.} To join or be on  the  side  that  is  against;
disagree with; oppose. *  /Bill  and  Joe  sided  against  me  in  the
argument./ * /We sided against the plan to  go  by  plane./  Contrast:
SIDE WITH.

   [side by side] {adv.} 1. One beside the other in a row. *  /Alice's
dolls were lined up side by side on the window seat./ *  /Charles  and
John are neighbors; they live side by side on  Elm  Street./  Compare:
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER. 2. Close together. * /The two boys  played  side
by side all afternoon./

   [sidekick] {n.} A companion; a close friend  of  lesser  status.  *
/Wherever you see Dr. Howell, Dr. Percy, his youthful sidekick is sure
to be present as well./

   [side of the tracks] See: THE TRACKS.

   [side street] {n.} A street that runs  into  and  ends  at  a  main
street. * /The store is on a side street just off Main Street./ * /The
Spellmans bought a house on a side street that runs off Broad Street./
Compare: BACK STREET, CROSS STREET.

   [side with] {v.} To agree with; help. *  /Alan  always  sides  with
Johnny in an argument./ * /Gerald sided with  the  plan  to  move  the
club./ Contrast: SIDE AGAINST.

   [sight] See: AT FIRST GLANCE or AT FIRST  SIGHT,  AT  SIGHT  or  ON
SIGHT, CATCH SIGHT OF, HEAVE IN SIGHT, LOSE SIGHT OF,  ON  SIGHT,  SET
ONE'S SIGHTS.

   [sight for sore eyes] {n. phr.},  {informal}  A  welcome  sight.  *
/After our long, dusty hike, the pond was a sight for  sore  eyes./  *
/"Jack! You're a sight for sore eyes!"/

   [sight-read] {v.} To be able to play music without memorization  by
reading the sheet music and immediately playing  it.  *  /Experienced,
good musicians are expected to be able to sight-read./

   [sight unseen] {adv. phr.} Before seeing  it;  before  seeing  her,
him, or them. * /Tom read an ad about a car and sent the money for  it
sight unseen./

   [sign] See: HIGH SIGN, INDIAN SIGN, ROAD SIGN.

   [sign in] {v.} To write your name on a special list or in a  record
book to show that you are present. * /Every worker must sign  in  when
coming back to work./ * /Teachers go to the office and  sign  in  each
morning before going to their classrooms./ Contrast SIGN OUT.

   [sign off] {v.} 1. To end a program on radio or television. * /That
TV newscaster always signs off by saluting./ 2. To  stop  broadcasting
for the day. * /That TV  station  always  signs  off  after  the  late
movie./

   [sign of the times] {n. phr.} A  characteristic  of  the  times  in
which one lives. * /It is a sad sign of the times that all  the  major
lakes and rivers are badly polluted and fish in them are poisoned./

   [sign on] {v. phr.} 1. To sign an agreement to become an  employee.
* /The new cowboys signed on with the wealthy rancher in  Nevada./  2.
To start a radio or television broadcast. *  /Station  WLAK  signs  on
every morning at 6 A.M./ Contrast: SIGN OFF.

   [sign one's own death warrant] {v. phr.} To cause your own death or
the loss of something you want very  much.  *  /Mr.  Carter  had  lung
trouble, and the doctor told him he would sign his own  death  warrant
if he didn't stop smoking./ * /When Jim's fiancee saw him  on  a  date
with another girl, he signed his own death warrant./

   [sign on the dotted line] {v. phr.} To attach one's signature on an
important document, such as a contract, a bill of sales, etc.  *  /The
seller said to the buyer, "All you need to do is sign  on  the  dotted
line."/

   [sign out] {v.} To write your name on a special list or in a record
book to show that you are leaving a place. *  /Most  of  the  students
sign out on Friday./ Contrast SIGN IN.

   [sign over] {v.} To give legally by signing your name. * /He signed
his house over to his wife./

   [sign up] {v.} 1. To promise to do something by signing your  name;
join; sign an agreement. * /We will not have the  picnic  unless  more
people sign up./ * /John wants to sign up for the  contest./  *  /Miss
Carter has signed up to be the chaperone at the dance./  2.  To  write
the name of (a person or  thing)  to  be  in  an  activity;  also,  to
persuade (someone) to do something. * /Betty decided to  sign  up  her
dog for obedience training./ * /The superintendent has signed up three
new teachers for next year./

   [signed, sealed, and delivered] {adj. phr.} Finished; completed; in
a state of completion. * /"How is the campus renovation plan  for  the
governor's office coming  along?"  the  dean  of  the  college  asked.
"Signed, sealed, and delivered," his assistant answered./ Compare: CUT
AND DRIED; HOOK, LINE AND SINKER.

   [silence gives consent] If you say nothing or  do  not  say  no  to
something, it means that you agree. - A proverb. * /Don't be afraid to
say, if you don't like something. Silence gives consent./

   [silent majority] {n.}, {informal} The  large  majority  of  people
who, unlike the militants, do not  make  their  political  and  social
views known by marching and demonstrating  and  who,  presumably,  can
swing an election one way or the other. * /Sidney Miltner is a  member
of the silent majority./

   [silver] See: BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN ONE'S MOUTH, EVERY  CLOUD
HAS A SILVER LINING, HAND SOMETHING TO ONE ON A SILVER PLATTER.

   [silver  anniversary]  or  [wedding]  {n.  phr.}  The  twenty-fifth
wedding anniversary of a couple; the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  a
business or an association, etc. * /"The day after tomorrow is Mom and
Dad's silver anniversary," Sue said to her brother. "I hope you have a
nice present picked out."/

   [simmer down] {v.}, {informal} To become  less  angry  or  excited;
become calmer. * /Tom got mad, but soon simmered down./

   [Simon Legree] {n.}, {informal} A strict person, especially a boss,
who makes others work very hard. * /Don't talk on the job; the boss is
a real Simon Legree./ * /Everybody avoids the foreman. He acts like  a
Simon Legree./

   [simple] See: PURE AND SIMPLE.

   [sing a different tune] or [whistle a different tune] also [sing  a
new tune] {v. phr.}, {informal} To talk or act in  the  opposite  way;
contradict something said before. * /Charles  said  that  all  smokers
should be expelled from the team but he sang a  different  tune  after
the coach caught him smoking./  Syn.:  CHANGE  ONE'S  TUNE,  DANCE  TO
ANOTHER TUNE. Compare: LAUGH OUT OF THE OTHER SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH.

   [sing for one's supper] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have to  work  for
what one desires. * /I realized a long time ago that I had to sing for
my supper if I wanted to get ahead in my profession./

   [sing in tune] See: IN TUNE.

   [single] See: EVERY SINGLE.

   [single out] {v. phr.} To select or choose one from among  many.  *
/There were a lot of pretty girls at the  high  school  prom  but  Don
immediately singled out Sally./

   [sing one's praises] {v. phr.} To extol or praise  continuously.  *
/The audience left the concert with everyone singing  the  praises  of
the young piano virtuoso./

   [sing out of tune] See: OUT OF TUNE.

   [sink] See: HEART SINKS.

   [sinker] See: HOOK, LINE AND SINKER.

   [sink  in]  or  [soak  in]  {v.},  {informal}  To   be   completely
understood; be fully realized or felt. *  /Everybody  laughed  at  the
joke but Joe; it took a moment for it to sink  in  before  he  laughed
too./ * /When Frank heard that war had started, it didn't sink in  for
a long time until his father was  drafted  into  the  army./  Compare:
BRING HOME.

   [sink one's teeth into] See: GET ONE'S TEETH INTO.

   [sink or swim] {v. phr.} To succeed or fail by  your  own  efforts,
without help or interference from anyone else; fail if you don't  work
hard to succeed. * /When Joe was fourteen, his parents  died,  and  he
was left by himself to sink or swim./ * /Tom's new job  was  confusing
and no one had time to help him learn, so he had to sink or swim./

   [sit] See: GO SIT ON A TACK, ON THE FENCE also FENCE-SITTING.

   [sit back] {v.} 1. To be built a distance away; stand away (as from
a street). * /Our house sits back from the road./ 2. To  relax;  rest,
often while others are working; take time  out.  *  /Sit  back  for  a
minute and think about what you have done./

   [sit by] {v.} 1. To stay near; watch and care for. * /The nurse was
told to sit by the patient until he woke up./ *  /Mother  sat  by  her
sick baby all night./ 2. To sit and watch  or  rest  especially  while
others work. * /Don't just sit idly by while the  other  children  are
all busy./

   [sit down] {v.} To sit on a seat or resting  place.  *  /After  gym
class Jim was tired and was glad to sit down and rest./

   [sit in] {v.} 1. To be a member; participate.  *  /We're  having  a
conference and we'd like you to sit in./ also [sit in  on]:  To  be  a
member of; participate in. * /We want you to sit in on  the  meeting./
2. To attend but not participate. Often used with "on". * /Our teacher
was invited to sit in on the conference./ Compare: LOOK ON.

   [sit on] {v.} 1. To be a member of  (a  jury,  board,  commission),
etc. * /Mr. Brown sat on the jury at  the  trial./  2.  {informal}  To
prevent from starting or doing something; squelch. * /The teacher  sat
on Fred before he could get started  with  the  long  story./  *  /The
teacher sat on Joe as soon as he began showing off./

   [sit on a bomb] or [bombshell]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  be  in
possession of anything that is potentially disastrous or dangerous.  *
/The finance department will be sitting on a bomb unless  it  finds  a
way to cut overhead expenses./

   [sit on a volcano] {v.}, {informal} 1.  To  be  in  a  place  where
trouble may start or danger may come suddenly. * /Bob was in that part
of South America before the revolution began. He knew he  was  sitting
on a volcano./ * /The policemen who patrolled the big city  slum  area
that summer were sitting on a volcano./

   [sit on one's hands] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do nothing;  fail  or
refuse to do anything. * /We asked Bill for help with our project, but
he sat on his hands./

   [sit on the fence] See: ON THE FENCE.

   [sit out] {v.} To not take part in. * /The next dance is  a  polka.
Let's sit it out./ * /Toby had to sit out the last half  of  the  game
because his knee hurt./

   [sitter] See: ON THE FENCE also FENCE-SITTER.

   [sitting on a powder keg] See: SIT ON A VOLCANO.

   [sit  through]  {v.}  To  watch  or  listen  until  (something)  is
finished. * /The show was so boring that we could hardly  sit  through
the first act./ * /Elaine liked the movie so much that she sat through
three showings./

   [sit tight] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make no move or  change;  stay
where you are. - Often used as a command. * /Sit tight; I'll be  ready
to go in a few minutes./ * /The doctor said  to  sit  tight  until  he
arrived./ * /The gangsters sat tight in the mountains while the police
looked for them./ Compare: STAND PAT.

   [sitting on top of the world] See: ON TOP OF THE WORLD.

   [sitting pretty] {adj.}, {slang} To be in a lucky position. *  /The
new library is sitting pretty because a wealthy woman gave it  $10,000
worth of reference books./ * /Mr. Jones was sitting pretty  until  his
$25,000-a-year job was dropped by the company./

   [sit up] {v.} 1. To move into a sitting position.  *  /Joe  sat  up
when he heard the knock on his bedroom door./ 2. To stay awake instead
of going to bed. * /Mrs. Jones will sit up until both of her daughters
get home from the dance./ * /We sat up until two A.M. hoping for  news
from Alaska./ 3. {informal} To be surprised. * /Janice really  sat  up
when I told her the gossip about Tom./

   [sit-up] {n.} A vigorous exercise in which  the  abdominal  muscles
are strengthened by locking one's  feet  in  a  fastening  device  and
sitting up numerous times. * /Do a few sit-ups if you want  to  reduce
your waist./

   [sit up and take notice] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be surprised into
noticing something. * /Grace had never impressed her teachers. Hearing
that she had won the essay contest made them sit up and take  notice./
* /George's sudden success made the town sit up and take notice./

   [sit up for] {v. phr.} To wait until after the  usual  bedtime  for
someone's return. * /Mrs. Smith always sits up for her two  daughters,
no matter how late it is./

   [sit up with] {v. phr.} To be with; particularly  to  keep  someone
ill company. * /Mrs. Brown sat up with her sick husband all  night  in
the hospital room./

   [sit well (with)] {v.} Find favor  with;  please.  *  /The  reduced
school budget did not sit well with the teachers./

   [sit with] {v.}, {informal} To be accepted by; affect.  -  Used  in
interrogative sentences and in negative sentences modified by  "well".
*  /How  did  your  story  sit  with  your  mother?/  *  /Bob's   poor
sportsmanship doesn't sit well with the coach./

   [six] See: AT SIXES AND SEVENS, DEEP-SIX.

   [six bits] {n.}, {slang} Seventy-five cents. * /"Lend me  six  bits
till Friday, Sam," said Jim. "I've spent all my allowance."/  Compare:
TWO BITS.

   [six of one and half-a-dozen of the other] {n. phr.} Two things the
same; not a real choice; no difference. *  /Which  coat  do  you  like
better, the brown or the blue? It's six of one and half-a-dozen of the
other./ * /Johnny says it's six of one and half-a-dozen of  the  other
whether he does the job tonight or tomorrow night./

   [size] See: CUT DOWN TO SIZE, PINT-SIZE.

   [size  up]  {v.},  {informal}  To  decide  what  one  thinks  about
(something); to form an opinion about (something). * /Give Joe an hour
to size up the situation and he'll tell you what to do next./  *  /Our
coach went to New  York  to  size  up  the  team  we'll  face  in  our
homecoming game./ Compare: TAKE STOCK(2).

   [skate] See: CHEAP SKATE.

   [skate on thin ice] {v.  phr.}  To  take  a  chance;  risk  danger,
disapproval or anger. * /You'll be skating on thin ice if you ask  Dad
to increase your allowance again./ * /John knew he was skating on thin
ice, but he could not resist teasing his sister about her boyfriend./

   [skating  rink]  {n.},  {slang},  {citizen's  band  radio   jargon}
Slippery road. * /Attention all units - there's a skating rink ahead!/

   [skeleton in the closet] {n. phr.} A shameful  secret;  someone  or
something kept hidden, especially by a family. * /The skeleton in  our
family closet was Uncle Willie. No one mentioned him because he  drank
too much./

   [skid lid] {n.}, {slang} A crash helmet worn by  motorcyclists  and
race drivers. * /How much did you pay for that handsome skid lid?/

   [skid row] {n.} The poor part of a city where men live who have  no
jobs and drink too much liquor. * /That man  was  once  rich,  but  he
drank and gambled too much, and ended his life living on skid row./  *
/The Bowery is New York City's skid row./

   [skim the surface] {v. phr.} To do something very superficially.  *
/He seems knowledgeable in many different areas but his familiarity is
very superficial, since he only skims the  surface  of  everything  he
touches./

   [skin] See: BY THE SKIN OF ONE'S TEETH, GET UNDER ONE'S SKIN,  JUMP
OUT OF ONE'S SKIN, KEEP ONE'S EYES PEELED or KEEP ONE'S EYES  SKINNED,
SAVE ONE'S NECK or SAVE ONE'S SKIN, WITH A WHOLE SKIN or  IN  A  WHOLE
SKIN.

   [skin alive] {v. phr.} 1. {informal} To scold  angrily.  *  /Mother
will skin you alive when she sees your torn pants./ 2.  {informal}  To
spank or beat. * /Dad was ready to skin us alive when he found we  had
ruined his saw./ 3. {slang} To defeat. * /We all did our best, but the
visiting gymnastic team skinned us alive./

   [skin and bones] {n.} A person or animal that is very thin; someone
very skinny. * /The puppy is healthy now, but when we found him he was
just skin and bones./ * /Have you been  dieting?  You're  nothing  but
skin and bones!/

   [skin-deep] {adj.} Only on the surface;  not  having  any  deep  or
honest meaning; not really or closely connected with what it seems  to
belong to. * /Mary's friendliness with  Joan  is  only  skin-deep./  *
/Ralph crammed for the test and got a good grade, but his knowledge of
the lesson is only skin-deep./ Contrast: BRED IN THE BONE.

   [skin off one's  nose]  {n.  phr.},  {slang}  Matter  of  interest,
concern, or trouble to you. Normally used in the negative.  *  /Go  to
Jake's party if you wish. It's no skin off my nose./ *  /Grace  didn't
pay any attention to our argument. It wasn't any skin off her nose./ *
/You could at least say hello to our visitor. It's no  skin  off  your
nose./

   [skip] See: HEART SKIP A BEAT.

   [skip bail] See: JUMP BAIL.

   [skip it] {v. phr.}, {informal} To forget all  about  it.  *  /When
Jack tried to reward him for returning his lost dog, the man  said  to
skip it./ * /I asked what the fight was about, but the  boys  said  to
skip it./

   [skip out] {v.}, {informal} To leave in a hurry;  especially  after
cheating or  taking  money  dishonestly;  sneak  away;  leave  without
permission. * /The man skipped out of the  hotel  without  paying  his
bill./ * /"How did you get out of the house after supper, Harry? "  "I
skipped out!"/

   [skirt around] {v. phr.} To avoid something. *  /"Let's  not  skirt
around the facts," said the attorney to his client. "You must tell  me
the truth."/

   [sky] See: OUT OF THE BLUE or OUT OF A CLEAR SKY or OUT OF A  CLEAR
BLUE SKY, REACH FOR THE SKY.

   [sky is the limit] There is no upper limit to something. * /"Buy me
the fastest racehorse in Hong Kong," Mr. Lee  instructed  his  broker.
"Spend whatever is necessary; the sky is the limit."/

   [slack off] {v. phr.} 1. To become less active; grow lazy. * /Since
construction work has been slacking off toward the end of the  summer,
many workers were dismissed./ 2. To gradually  reduce;  taper  off.  *
/The snowstorms tend to slack off over the Great Lakes by the first of
April./

   [slam] See: GRAND SLAM.

   [slap down] {v.}, {slang} 1. To stop (someone, usually in  a  lower
position or job) from doing or saying something, in  a  rough  way  or
with a scolding; silence. *  /When  Billy  talked  back,  the  teacher
slapped him down./ 2. To put a quick stop to; refuse roughly.  *  /The
boss slapped  down  our  idea  of  taking  a  nap  on  the  job  every
afternoon./

   [slap in the face(1)] {n.} An insult; a disappointment. * /We  felt
that it was a slap in the face when our gift was returned unopened./ *
/Doris thought it was a slap in the face when  her  boyfriend  invited
another girl to the dance./ Compare: KICK IN THE PANTS.

   [slap in the face(2)] {v. phr.} To  insult;  embarrass;  make  feel
bad. * /John slapped our club in the face by saying that  everyone  in
it was stupid./ * /I don't want to slap her in the face by not  coming
to her party./

   [slap one's wrist] {v. phr.} To receive a light punishment. *  /She
could have been fired  for  contradicting  the  company  president  in
public, but all she got was a slap on the wrist./

   [slap together] See: THROW TOGETHER(1).

   [slate] See: CLEAN SLATE.

   [slated for] or [slated to be] Going to  be;  planned  or  intended
for. * /People think the governor is slated to be president./ *  /That
subject is slated for debate at the next meeting./

   [slave driver] {n.} A cruel, merciless boss or employer  who  makes
the people under him work extremely hard for  little  compensation.  *
/Mr. Catwallender is such a slave driver that nobody cares to work for
him anymore./

   [sledding] See: HARD SLEDDING or ROUGH SLEDDING or TOUGH SLEDDING.

   [sleep] See: BEAUTY SLEEP, LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE, SLEEP A WINK.

   [sleep around] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To be free
with one's sexual favors; to behave promiscuously. * /Sue Catwallender
is a nice girl but she sleeps around an awful lot with  all  sorts  of
guys./

   [sleep a wink] {v. phr.} To get a moment's sleep; enjoy  a  bit  of
sleep. - Used in negative and conditional statements and in questions.
* /I didn't sleep a wink all night./

   [sleep like a log] {v. phr.} To sleep very deeply  and  soundly.  *
/Although I am usually a light sleeper, I was so  exhausted  from  the
sixteen-hour transpacific flight that, once we got home, I slept  like
a log for twelve hours./

   [sleep off] {v. phr.} To sleep until the effect of too much alcohol
or drugs passes. * /George had too many beers last night and he is now
sleeping off the effects./

   [sleep on] {v.} To postpone a decision about. * /We asked  Judy  if
she would join our club and she answered that she would sleep on  it./
* /We will have to sleep on your invitation until we know  whether  we
will be free Monday night./

   [sleep out] {v.} 1. To sleep outdoors. * /The Scouts plan to  sleep
out next Saturday./ 2. To go home at night instead of sleeping at  the
place where you work. * /Mrs. Jones' maid  sleeps  in,  but  her  cook
sleeps out./

   [sleep with] {v. phr.} To have a sexual affair with  someone;  have
sex; copulate. * /It has been rumored in  the  office  that  the  boss
sleeps with all the girls he hires./

   [sleeve] See: CARD UP ONE'S SLEEVE, LAUGH UP ONE'S SLEEVE or  LAUGH
IN ONE'S SLEEVE, ROLL UP ONE'S SLEEVES, UP ONE'S SLEEVE  or  IN  ONE'S
SLEEVE, WEAR ONE'S HEART ON ONE'S SLEEVE also PIN ONE'S HEART ON ONE'S
SLEEVE.

   [sling hash] {v.}, {slang} To serve food, especially  in  a  cheap,
small diner, a drive-in, or short-order restaurant. * /Jake got a  job
slinging hash at the new drive-in restaurant./ *  /Jody  earned  money
for college by slinging hash  in  a  restaurant  during  the  summer./
Compare: SHORT-ORDER COOK.

   [slinging match] {n. phr.} A loud, angry  quarrel.  *  /The  debate
deteriorated into a most unseemly slinging match./

   [slip] See: GIVE THE SLIP, SALES CHECK or SALES SLIP.

   [slip a cog] or [slip a gear] {v. phr.}, {slang} To make a mistake.
* /I must have been slipping a cog when I said that I  would  run  for
mayor./ * /Jim hates to sleep outdoors. He's  slipping  his  gears  if
he's promised to take the boys camping./ Compare: SLIP UP.

   [slip away] {v. phr.} To leave unnoticed. * /The party was  such  a
bore that we decided to quietly slip away./

   [slip off] {v. phr.} 1. To slide off  something.  *  /The  children
climbed up the hill but when it was time to  come  down,  they  didn't
walk, but slipped off the smooth, old ledges./ 2. See: SLIP AWAY.

   [slip of the lip] See: SLIP OF THE TONGUE.

   [slip of the pen]  {n.  phr.}  The  mistake  of  writing  something
different from what you should or what you planned. * /That was a slip
of the pen. I meant to write September, not November./ * /I  wish  you
would forget it. That was a slip of the pen./

   [slip of the tongue] also [slip of the lip] {n. phr.}  The  mistake
of saying something you had not wanted or planned to say; an error  of
speech. * /No one would have known our plans if Kay hadn't made a slip
of the tongue./ * /She didn't mean to tell our secret; it was  a  slip
of the lip./

   [slip one's mind] {v. phr.} To forget something. * /I meant to mail
those letters but it entirely slipped my mind./

   [slip over] See: PUT OVER(2).

   [slip through one's fingers] {v. phr.} To escape without  someone's
knowing how. * /Policemen  surrounded  the  building,  but  the  thief
managed to slip through their fingers./ * /Mike earns a good wage, but
he doesn't save a penny. Money just slips through his fingers./

   [slipup]  {n.}  A  mistake.  *  /"I'm  sorry,  sir.  That  was   an
unfortunate slipup," the barber said when he  scratched  the  client's
face./

   [slip up] {v. phr.} To make a  mistake.  *  /Someone  at  the  bank
slipped up. There are only 48 pennies in this 50c roll  of  coins./  *
/If he hadn't slipped up on the last questions, his score on the  test
would have been perfect./

   [slow burn] {n.}, {informal} A slowly increasing feeling of  anger.
* /The boys kept teasing John, and watched him  do  a  slow  burn./  *
/Barbara's  slow   burn   ended   only   when   Mary   explained   the
misunderstanding./

   [slowdown] {n.}  A  period  of  lesser  activity,  usually  in  the
economic sphere. * /We all hope the current slowdown  in  the  economy
will soon be over./

   [slow down] {v. phr.} To go more slowly than usual. * /The road was
slippery, so Mr. Jones slowed down the car./ * /Pat once could  run  a
mile in five minutes, but now that  he's  older  he's  slowing  down./
Compare: LET UP(2). STEP DOWN. Contrast: SPEED UP.

   [slow on the draw] {adj. phr.} Not very  smart;  having  difficulty
figuring things out. * /Poor Eric doesn't  get  very  good  grades  in
physics; when it comes to problem-solving, he is rather  slow  on  the
draw./

   [slow on the uptake] See: SLOW ON THE DRAW.

   [slow tune] See: STANDARD TIME.

   [slow up] {v.} 1. To go more slowly. * /The truck slowed up  as  it
approached the toll gate./  *  /Construction  on  the  road  slows  up
traffic./ 2. To become less busy. * /Business slows up at  the  stores
after Christmas./

   [slug it out] {v. phr.} To have a strong verbal or physical  battle
with someone;  to  contest  something  most  vigorously.  *  /The  two
contenders for the lightweight boxing championship  were  slugging  it
out in the ring./ * /The two candidates for Congress were slugging  it
out on radio and on television./

   [sly] See: ON THE SLY.

   [smack-dab]  also  {Southern}  [smack-to-dab]  {adv.},   {informal}
Exactly; squarely. * /The ball landed smack-dab at our feet./  *  /The
plane landed smack-to-dab in the middle of the
hay field./

   [smack one's lips] {v.  phr.}  To  reveal  an  appetite  for;  show
enjoyment of.  *  /Eleanor  smacked  her  lips  over  the  dessert  of
strawberries and whipped cream./

   [small] See: BIG FROG IN A SMALL POND.

   [small frog in a big pond] See: LITTLE FROG IN A BIG POND.

   [small fry] {n.} 1. Young children. * /In the park,  a  sandbox  is
provided for the  small  fry./  2.  Something  or  someone  of  little
importance. * /Large dairies ignore the competition from the small fry
who make only a few hundred pounds of cheese a year./

   [small] or [wee hours] {n.  phr.}  The  very  early  hours  of  the
morning between 1 and 4 A.M. * /My brother was in trouble  for  coming
home in the small hours./ See: WEE HOURS.

   [small talk] {n. phr.} General idle conversation. * /At  the  party
there was the usual kind of  small  talk  about  the  cost  of  living
increase and the war in Africa./

   [small-time] {adj.}, {informal}  Unimportant;  minor;  with  little
power or importance. * /He has a job as a drummer  with  a  small-time
band./ * /It is a small-time business, but  it  may  grow./  Contrast:
BIG-TIME.

   [small wonder] See: NO WONDER.

   [smash hit] {n.}, {informal}  A  very  successful  play,  movie  or
opera. * /The school play was a smash hit./

   [smell a rat] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  be  suspicious;  feel  that
something is wrong. * /Every time Tom visits me, one  of  my  ashtrays
disappears. I'm beginning to smell a rat./ * /When the policeman saw a
light go on in the store at midnight, he smelled a rat./

   [smell out] See: FERRET OUT.

   [smell up] {v.}, {informal} To make a bad smell. * /A skunk smelled
up our yard last night./ * /Mr. Brodsky's cigar smelled up the  living
room./

   [smile] See: CRACK A SMILE.

   [smoke] See: CHAIN-SMOKE, GO UP IN FLAMES or GO UP  IN  SMOKE,  PUT
THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT, WATCH ONE'S DUST or WATCH ONE'S SMOKE.

   [smoke like a chimney] {v. phr.}, {informal} To smoke very  heavily
and continuously. * /"If you continue  smoking  like  a  chimney"  the
doctor told my uncle, "you'll  wind  up  in  the  hospital  with  lung
cancer."/

   [smoke out] {v. phr.} 1. To force  out  with  smoke.  *  /The  boys
smoked a squirrel out of a hollow tree./ * /The farmer tried to  smoke
some gophers out of their burrows./ 2.  {informal}  To  find  out  the
facts about. * /It took the reporter three  weeks  to  smoke  out  the
whole story./

   [smoke-out] {n.} A successful conclusion of an act of investigative
journalism  revealing  some  long-kept  secrets.  *  /Journalist   Bob
Woodward was the hero of the Watergate smoke-out./

   [smoke screen] {n. phr.} A camouflage; a veil;  something  used  to
cover or hide something. * /June hides her commercial interests behind
a smoke screen of religious piety./

   [Smokey Bear] or [Smokey-the-Bear] or [the Smokies] {n.},  {slang},
{citizen's band radio jargon} A policeman; a  patrol  car;  frequently
abbreviated as Smokey. * /Slow down, Smokey's ahead!/ * /A  Smokey  is
on the move, heading east./

   [smooth away] {v.} To remove; (unpleasant feelings)  take  away.  *
/Mr. Jones' new job smoothed away his worry about money./

   [smooth down] {v.}  To  make  calm;  calm  down.  *  /Mrs.  Smith's
feelings were hurt and we couldn't smooth her down./

   [smooth over] {v.} To make something seem better or more  pleasant;
try to excuse. * /Bill tried to smooth over his argument with Mary  by
making her laugh./ Syn.: GLOSS OVER. Compare: PATCH UP.

   [smooth sailing] See: PLAIN SAILING.

   [snail's pace] {n.} A very slow movement forward. * /Time moved  at
a snail's pace before the holidays./ * /The donkey  on  which  he  was
riding moved at a snail's pace./

   [snake in the grass] {n. phr.}, {informal} A person who  cannot  be
trusted; an unfaithful traitor; rascal. * /Did Harry  tell  you  that?
He's a snake in the grass!/ *  /Some  snake  in  the  grass  told  the
teacher our plans./

   [snap] See: COLD SNAP.

   [snap it off] See: MAKE IT SNAPPY.

   [snap one's fingers at] {v. phr.} To show  contempt  for;  show  no
respect for; pay no attention to; scorn; disregard.  *  /John  snapped
his fingers at the sign that said "Do not enter," and he went  in  the
door./ * /The highway sign said "Speed limit, 35 miles per hour,"  but
when a driver snapped his fingers at it by going 55 miles an  hour,  a
motorcycle policeman arrested him./

   [snap out of] {v.}, {informal} To change quickly from a bad  habit,
mood, or feeling to a better one. - Often used with "it". * /Mary  was
unhappy when her fiance abandoned her, but she snapped out of it  when
she met a new young man./ * /The coach told the lazy  player  to  snap
out of it./

   [snappy] See: MAKE IT SNAPPY.

   [snapshot] {n.} A small photograph, unlike a professional portrait.
* /We took several snapshots of the scenery while driving  around  the
island./

   [snap up] {v.}, {informal} To take or accept eagerly. * /Eggs  were
on sale cheap, and the shoppers snapped up the bargain./ * /Mr.  Hayes
told Bob that he would take him skiing, and Bob snapped up the offer./

   [sneak] See: QUARTERBACK SNEAK.

   [sneak away] See: SLIP AWAY.

   [sneak up on] See: CREEP UP ON.

   [sneeze at] {v.}, {informal} To think of as not important; not take
seriously. - Used with negative or limiting words and in questions.  *
/Mr. Jones was chosen by his party to run for President.  He  was  not
elected, but to be chosen to run is not to be sneezed at./ *  /If  you
think Mrs. Green's tests are things to  be  sneezed  at,  you  have  a
surprise coming./ * / Is a thousand dollars anything to sneeze at?/  *
/John finished third in a race with  twenty  other  runners.  That  is
nothing to sneeze at./

   [sniff out] See: FERRET OUT.

   [snow in] {v.} To block up or trap by much  snow;  keep  inside,  *
/After the storm the farmer and his family were snowed  in  for  three
days./ * /The train went off the track and the passengers were  snowed
in for several days./

   [snow job] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1.  Insincere  or  exaggerated
talk designed to gain the favors of someone. * /Joe gave  Sue  a  snow
job and she believed every word of it./ 2.  The  skillful  display  of
technical vocabulary and prestige terminology in order to pass oneself
off as an expert  in  a  specialized  field  without  really  being  a
knowledgeable worker  in  that  area.  *  /That  talk  by  Nielsen  on
pharmaceuticals sounded very impressive,  but  I  will  not  hire  him
because it was essentially a snow job./

   [snow under] {v.} 1. To cover over with snow. * /The  doghouse  was
snowed under during the blizzard./ 2. {informal} To give  so  much  of
something that it cannot be taken care of; to weigh down by so much of
something that' you cannot do anything about it. - Usually used in the
passive. * /The factory received so many orders  that  it  was  snowed
under with work./ * /The disabled girl was snowed under with Christmas
letters./

   [snuff] See: UP TO PAR or UP TO SNUFF.

   [snug as a bug in a rug] {adj. phr.} Comfortable; cozy. * /"Are you
warm enough?" the boy's mother asked. "Yeah," he replied, "I'm snug as
a bug in a rug."/

   [so] See: AND SO FORTH or AND SO ON, EVEN SO, EVERY NOW AND THEN or
EVERY SO OFTEN, HOW SO, IN SO MANY WORDS, IS THAT SO, OR SO, THUS  AND
SO.

   [soak in] See: SINK IN.

   [soak up] {v.} 1. To take up water or  other  liquid  as  a  sponge
does. * /The rag soaked up the water that I  spilled./  2.  To  use  a
sponge or something like a sponge to take up liquid. * /John soaked up
the water with the rag./ 3. {informal} To take up into yourself in the
way a sponge takes up water. * /Mary was lying on the beach soaking up
the sun./ * /Charles soaks up facts  as  fast  as  the  teacher  gives
them./

   [so-and-so(1)] {pronoun}, {informal}  Someone  whose  name  is  not
given. * /Don't tell me  what  so-and-so  thinks.  Tell  me  what  you
think./

   [so-and-so(2)] {n.}, {informal} A person  of  a  special  kind  and
usually of a very bad kind. - This word is used in  place  of  a  more
unacceptable word or swear word. * /I  wish  that  old  so-and-so  who
thinks digging is easy work was right here digging now./ * /He  called
me a dirty so-and-so and I hit him in the mouth./ - Sometimes used  in
a joking way. * /Peter met his friend John and said, "Hello there, you
old so-and-so."/

   [so --- as to] -  Used  with  an  adjective  or  adverb  before  an
infinitive to show a result. * /Who could be so mean as to do a  thing
like that?/ * /Ruth wouldn't be so careless as  to  forget  her  pen./
Compare: SO --- THAT.

   [soap opera] {n. phr.} Radio or television serialized stories of  a
sentimental nature, often involving sex, crime, and  social  intrigue.
These shows often advertise soap products, hence their  name.  *  /The
two longest running soap operas in the United States were "Dallas" and
"Knot's Landing."/

   [so as to] See: IN ORDER TO.

   [sob all the way to the bank] See: CRY ALL THE  WAY  TO  THE  BANK.
Contrast: LAUGH ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK.

   [so bad] See: NOT BAD.

   [so be it] also [be it so] {adv. phr.}, {formal} 1. Let it be  that
way; may it be so. So be it. * /We shall smoke the pipe of peace./  2.
Very well; all right. * /Will the company lose money by doing this? So
be it, then./

   [sob story] {n.} A story that makes you feel pity or sorrow; a tale
that makes you tearful. * /The beggar told us a long sob story  before
he asked for money./ * /The movie is based on a sob story, but  people
love it./

   [social climber] {n.} A person  who  tries  to  mix  with  rich  or
well-known people and be accepted by them as  friends  and  equals.  *
/People do not like Mrs. Brown very well; she is  known  as  a  social
climber./ * /Social climbers are usually soon known and they  are  not
accepted by those they run after./

   [sock] See: TAKE A PUNCH AT or TAKE A SOCK AT.

   [sock it] {v. phr.}, also {interj.}, {slang},  {informal}  To  give
one's utmost; everything one is capable of; to give all one is capable
of. * /Right on, Joe, sock it to 'em!/ * /I was watching the debate on
television and more than once Bill Buckley really socked it to them./

   [soda jerk] or [soda jerker] {n.}, {informal} A person  who  serves
soda and ice cream to customers, usually in a drug store or ice  cream
parlor. * /Bob worked as a soda jerk at the drug store all summer./  *
/He is just a soda jerker with no future./

   [so far] also [thus far] {adv.} Until this time or to this place. *
/The weather has been hot so far this summer./ *  /This  is  a  lonely
road. We have not met another car so far./

   [so far as] See: AS FAR AS.

   [so far, so good] {informal} Until now things have gone well. * /So
far, so good; I hope we keep on with such good luck./

   [soft drink] {n.  phr.}  A  nonalcoholic  beverage  such  as  7-Up,
Coca-Cola, etc. * /She drinks no alcohol; she  always  orders  a  soft
drink./

   [softhearted] {adj.} Generous; sympathetic. * /Street beggars  tend
to exploit the softhearted nature of passersby./

   [soft touch] {n.} A person with a sympathetic disposition from whom
it is easy to get help, primarily money. * /My Uncle Herb  is  a  soft
touch; whenever I'm in need I ask him for a quick twenty bucks./

   [so help me] {interj.}, {informal} I promise; I  swear;  may  I  be
punished if I lie. * /I've told you the truth, so help me./ * /So help
me, there was nothing else I could do./

   [soil one's hands] See: DIRTY ONE'S HANDS.

   [so it goes] Akin to the French "c'est la  vie!"  This  exclamation
means "that's life." * /Too bad Jim has lost his  job  but  there  are
lots of people who are better qualified; well, so it goes!/

   [sold on] {adj.} Approving of; well disposed toward;  convinced  of
the value of. * /When Japanese cars first appeared on the market  Andy
was hesitant to drive one but now he is sold on them./

   [so long] {interj.}, {informal}  Good-bye.  -  Used  when  you  are
leaving someone or he is leaving you. *  /So  long,  I  will  be  back
tomorrow./

   [so long as] See: AS LONG AS.

   [so many(1)] {adj.} 1. A limited number  of;  some  *  /Our  school
auditorium will hold only so many people./ 2. A group of. - Often used
for emphasis. * /The children were all sitting very quietly  in  their
chairs, like so many dolls./ Compare: SO MUCH. {adj.} * /Bob is always
bragging; his stories are just so many lies./

   [so many(2)] {pron}. A limited number; some. * /Many people want to
come to the prom; but the gymnasium will hold only so many./ *  /Don't
give the boys all the cookies they want; give so many to Tom, so  many
to Dick, and so many to Bob./ Compare: SO MUCH.

   [some] See: AND THEN SOME.

   [somebody up there loves/hates me] {slang} An expression intimating
that an unseen power in heaven, such as God,  has  been  favorable  or
unfavorable to the one making the exclamation.  *  /Look  at  all  the
money I won! I say somebody up there sure loves me!/ *  /Look  at  all
the money I've lost! I say somebody up there sure hates me!/

   [some of these days] See: ONE OF THESE DAYS.

   [something] See: HAVE SOMETHING GOING FOR ONE, HAVE  SOMETHING  ON,
MAKE SOMETHING OF, START SOMETHING.

   [something else] {adj.}, {slang},  {informal}  So  good  as  to  be
beyond description; the ultimate; stupendous. *
/Janet Hopper is really something else./

   [something else  again]  {n.  phr.}  A  different  kind  of  thing;
something different. * /I don't  care  if  you  borrow  my  dictionary
sometimes, but taking it without asking and keeping  it  is  something
else again./ * /"But I don't want a new car," Charles said to the  car
dealer, "I want a used  car."  "Oh,"  said  the  car  dealer,  "that's
something else again."/

   [so much(1)] {adj.} 1. A limited  amount  of;  some.  *  /Sometimes
students wonder if the teacher knows they have only so much time to do
their lessons./ * /If you can't give everyone a full  glass  of  milk,
just put so much milk in each glass./ 2. Equally or amounting to; only
amounting to. - Often used for emphasis. * /Charley spends money as if
it were so much paper./ * /What Mary said was so much nonsense;  there
wasn't a word of truth in it./ Compare: SO MANY(1).

   [so much(2)] {pron.} A limited amount; some; a price or amount that
is agreed or will be agreed on. * /You can do only so much in a  day./
* /Milk costs so much a  quart  but  cream  costs  so  much  a  pint./
Compare: SO MANY(2).

   [so much(3)] {adv.} By that much; by the amount shown; even. - Used
with the comparative and usually followed by  "the".  *  /I  can't  go
tomorrow. So much the better; we'll go today./ * /John isn't coming to
the picnic. So much the more for us to eat!/ * /So much the worse  for
you if you break the rules./ Syn.: ALL THE(2).

   [so much as] {adv. phr.}  1.  Even.  -  Usually  used  in  negative
sentences and questions.  *  /He  didn't  so  much  as  thank  me  for
returning his money that I found./ * /Would you so much as  get  me  a
glass of water? No, you wouldn't./ 2. See: AS MUCH AS(2).

   [so much for] Enough has been said or done about. - Used  to  point
out that you have finished with one thing or  are  going  to  take  up
something else. * /So much for the geography of Ireland, we  will  now
talk about the people who live there./ * /"I have nothing more to  say
to you, Tommy, and so much for that," Mary said angrily./

   [son] See: FAVORITE SON, LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.

   [song] See: FOR A SONG.

   [song and dance] {n.}, {informal} 1. Foolish or uninteresting talk;
dull nonsense. Usually used with "give". * /I met Nancy today and  she
gave me a long song and dance about her family./  2.  A  long  lie  or
excuse, often meant to get pity. Usually used with  "give".  *  /Billy
gave the teacher a song and dance about his mother being  sick  as  an
excuse for being late./ * /The tramp asked us for money and  tried  to
give us a big song and dance about having  to  buy  a  bus  ticket  to
Chicago./

   [sonic boom] {n.} A loud noise and vibration in the air, made  when
a jet plane passes the speed of sound (1087 feet per second). *  /Fast
jet planes sometimes cause a sonic boom, which can break  windows  and
crack the plaster in houses below them./ * /We thought  there  was  an
explosion or earthquake, but it was only a sonic boom that  shook  the
house./

   [son of a bitch] or [sunuvabitch] also S.O.B. {n. phr.},  {vulgar},
{avoidable} (but becoming more and more acceptable, especially if said
with  a  positive  or  loving  intonation).  Fellow,  character,  guy,
individual. Negatively: * /Get  out  of  here  you  filthy,  miserable
sunuvabitch!/ Positively: * /So you won ten  million  dollars  at  the
lottery, you lucky son of a bitch (or sunuvabitch)!/ Compare: SON OF A
GUN.

   [son of a gun] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. A bad  person;  a  person  not
liked. * /I don't like Charley; keep that son of a gun out  of  here./
Syn.: BAD ACTOR. 2. A mischievous rascal; a lively guy. -  Often  used
in a joking way. * /The farmer said he would catch the son  of  a  gun
who let the cows out of the barn./ * /Hello Bill, you  old  son  of  a
gun!/ Compare: SO AND SO. 3. Something troublesome; a hard job. * /The
test today was a son of a gun./ Used as  an  exclamation,  usually  to
show surprise or disappointment. * /Son of a gun! I lost my car keys./
Compare: SON OF A BITCH.

   [soon] See: AS SOON, FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTED.

   [sooner] See: HAD RATHER or HAD SOONER, NO SOONER --- THAN.

   [sooner or later] {adv. phr.} At some unknown time in  the  future;
sometime. * /John will come back sooner or later./ * /Grandpa is  very
slow about fixing things around the  house,  but  he  always  does  it
sooner or later./ Compare: OR OTHER.

   [sore] See: SIGHT FOR SORE EYES.

   [sore spot] or [sore point]  {n.}  A  weak  or  sensitive  part;  a
subject or thing about which someone becomes angry or upset easily.  *
/Don't ask Uncle John why his business failed; it's a sore  spot  with
him./ Compare: WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES.

   [sorrow] See: DROWN ONE'S SORROWS.

   [sort] See: OF SORTS, IN A WAY also IN A SORT OF WAY.

   [sort of] See: KIND OF.

   [sort out] {v. phr.} 1. To alphabetize; arrange in numerical order.
* /The secretary helped Professor Brown sort out  his  numerous  index
cards./ 2. To clarify. * /"Help me sort out these bills,"  she  begged
her husband./

   [so-so] {adj.} Fair; neither good nor bad. * /The children's grades
were just so-so on the test./ * /How is the fishing today? So-so./

   [so that] {conj.} 1. or in order that; for the purpose that; so.  -
"So that" is usually followed by "can" or "could"; "in order that"  is
usually followed by "may" or "might". * /Let's get ready now  so  that
we can leave when Father comes./ * /Betty saved  her  money  in  order
that she might buy a doll./ Compare: IN ORDER TO. 2. With  the  result
that; so. * /My pencil fell under my desk, so that I couldn't see it./
* /George often told  stories  that  weren't  true,  so  that  no  one
believed him when he told about a deer in the school yard./

   [so --- that] - Used with an adjective or adverb before a clause of
result. * /The bus was so full that I could  hardly  turn  around./  *
/Billy pitched so well that everyone cheered him at  the  end  of  the
game./

   [so to speak] {adv. phr.} To say it in this way. * /John was, so to
speak, the leader of the club, but he was officially only  the  club's
secretary./ * /The horse, so to  speak,  danced  on  his  hind  legs./
Compare: AS IT WERE.

   [sought after] {adj.}  Wanted  by  many  buyers;  searched  for.  *
/Antiques are much sought after nowadays./ Syn.: IN DEMAND.

   [soul] See: HEART AND SOUL, KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER.

   [soul-searching] See: SEARCH ONE'S HEART or SEARCH ONE S SOUL.

   [sound] See: HIGH-SOUNDING, SAFE AND SOUND.

   [sound effects] {n.} The noises made to imitate real  sounds  in  a
play, movie, or program. * /Greg agreed to plan the sound effects  for
the class play./ * /The movie was good but the sound effects were  not
very true to life./

   [sound off] {v.} 1. To say your name or  count  "One!  Two!  Three!
Four!" as you march. - Used as orders  in  U.S.  military  service.  *
/"Sound off!" said the sergeant, and the soldiers shouted, "One!  Two!
Three! Four!" with each step as they marched./ 2. {informal}  To  tell
what you know or think in a loud clear voice, especially  to  brag  or
complain. * /If you don't like the way  we're  doing  the  job,  sound
off!/ * /George sounded off  about  how  the  game  should  have  been
played./ * /The teacher is always sounding off about the students  not
doing their homework./ Compare: SPEAK ONE'S PIECE, SPEAK OUT.

   [sound out] {v.} To try to  find  out  how  a  person  feels  about
something usually by careful questions. * /Alfred sounded out his boss
about a day off from his job./ * /When you see the  coach,  sound  him
out about my chances of getting on the basketball  team./  Syn.:  FEEL
OUT.

   [sound  sheet]  {n.},  {slang},  {informal}  A   thin   low-quality
phonograph recording frequently bound into books and magazines for use
as promotional or advertising material; it may have either a spoken or
a musical message. * /Don't throw that away; Sue is  collecting  sound
sheets for her market research course./

   [sound truck] {n. phr.}  A  truck  equipped  with  loudspeakers.  *
/During the senatorial campaign, the streets of the big city were full
of sound trucks blaring out messages./

   [soup] See: IN THE SOUP.

   [souped-up] {adj.}, {informal} More powerful or faster  because  of
changes and additions. * /Many teen-aged boys like to drive  souped-up
cars./ * /The basketball team won the last five games  with  souped-up
plays./

   [so what] {informal} Used as an impolite  reply  showing  that  you
don't care about what another has said. * /Roy boasted that he was  in
the sixth grade, but Ted said, "So what? I am in Junior High."/  Syn.:
WHAT OF IT.

   [sow one's wild oats] {v.  phr.}  To  do  bad  or  foolish  things,
especially while you are young. * /Mr. Jones sowed his wild oats while
he was in college, but now he is a wiser and better man./

   [space] See: OUTER SPACE.

   [spaced out] {adj.}, {slang}, {informal} Having gaps in one's train
of thought, confused, incoherent; resembling the behavior  of  someone
who is under the influence of drugs. * /Joe's been acting funny lately
- spaced out, you might say./

   [space probe] {n.}, {Space English} An  unmanned  spacecraft  other
than an Earth satellite  fitted  with  instruments  which  gather  and
transmit information about other planets in the  solar  system  (e.g.,
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter) on what are called  fly-by  missions,  i.e.,
without the craft landing on any of these bodies. * /Both  the  U.S.A.
and Russia have sent up many a space probe in the past decade./

   [spade] See: CALL A SPADE A SPADE.

   [Spain] See: BUILD CASTLES IN THE AIR or BUILD CASTLES IN SPAIN.

   [spar with] See: FENCE WITH.

   [speak] See: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS,  CHILDREN  AND  FOOLS
SPEAK THE TRUTH, NOT TO MENTION or NOT TO SPEAK OF,  SHORT-SPOKEN,  SO
TO SPEAK, TO SPEAK OF.

   [speakeasy] {n.} A bar during Prohibition where  illegal  alcoholic
beverages were sold. *  /Al  Capone's  associates  met  in  a  Chicago
speakeasy to drink and discuss business./

   [speaker] See: PUBLIC SPEAKER.

   [speak for] {v.} 1. To speak in favor of or in support  of.  *  /At
the meeting John spoke for the change in  the  rules./  *  /The  other
girls made jokes about Jane, but Mary spoke for her./  2.  To  make  a
request for; to ask for. * /The teacher was giving  away  some  books.
Fred and Charlie spoke for the same one./ 3. To give an impression of;
be evidence that (something) is or will be said. - Used with the words
"well" or "ill". * /It seems that it will rain today. That speaks  ill
for the picnic this afternoon./ * /Who  robbed  the  cookie  jar?  The
crumbs on your shirt speak ill for you, Billy./ * /John wore  a  clean
shirt and a tie when he went to ask for a job, and that spoke well for
him./ * /It speaks well for Mary that she always does her homework./

   [speak of the devil and he appears] A person comes  just  when  you
are talking about him. - A proverb. * /We were just talking about Bill
when he came in the door. Speak of the devil and he appears./

   [speak one's mind] {v. phr.} To say openly  what  you  think;  give
advice that may not be liked. * /John thought it  was  wrong  to  keep
George out of the club and he spoke his mind about it./ Compare: SOUND
OFF.

   [speak one's piece] See: SAY ONE'S PIECE.

   [speak out of turn] {v. phr.} To say something tactless; commit  an
indiscretion. * /You spoke out of turn in criticizing Aunt  Hermione's
old furniture; she  considers  herself  quite  a  connoisseur  on  the
subject./

   [speak out] or [speak up] {v.} 1. To  speak  in  a  loud  or  clear
voice. * /The trucker told the shy boy to speak up./ 2.  To  speak  in
support of or against someone or something. * /Willie spoke up for Dan
as club president./ * /Ed spoke up  against  letting  girls  join  the
club./

   [speak the same language]  {v.  phr.}  To  have  similar  feelings,
thoughts, and tastes; have a mutual understanding with another person.
* /We both love listening to Mozart.  Obviously,  we  speak  the  same
language./

   [speak volumes] {v. phr.} To tell or show much in a way other  than
speaking; be full of meaning. * /The nice present she gave  you  spoke
volumes for what she thinks of you./ * /A child's  choice  of  hobbies
speaks volumes./ Compare: READ BETWEEN THE LINES.

   [speak well of] {v. phr.} To approve of; praise. * /Everyone always
speaks well of my sister because she's so kind./

   [speak with a forked tongue] {v. phr.}, {literary} To lie;  to  say
one thing while thinking of the opposite. * /I  have  learned  not  to
trust Peter's promises because he speaks with a forked tongue./

   [speed trap] {n.} A place where  police  hide  and  wait  to  catch
drivers who are going even a little faster than  the  speed  limit.  *
/Mr. Jones was caught in a speed trap./

   [speed up] {v.} To go faster than before; also, to make go  faster.
* /The car speeded up when it reached the country./  *  /Push  in  the
throttle to speed up the engine./ Compare: PICK UP(12). Contrast: SLOW
DOWN.

   [spell out] {v.} 1. To say or read aloud the letters ot a word, one
by one; spell. * /John could not understand the word the  teacher  was
saying, so she spelled it out on the blackboard./ 2. To  read  slowly,
have trouble in understanding. *  /The  little  boy  spelled  out  the
printed words./ 3. {informal} To  explain  something  in  very  simple
words; explain very clearly. * /The class  could  not  understand  the
problem, so the teacher spelled it out for them./ * /Before  the  game
the coach spelled out to the players  what  he  wanted  them  to  do./
Compare: WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE.

   [spell trouble] {v. phr.} To signify major  difficulties  ahead.  *
/The note  we  just  received  from  the  Chancellor  seems  to  spell
trouble./

   [spending money] or [pocket money] {n.} Money that is  given  to  a
person to spend. * /When the seniors went to New York City on a  trip,
each was given $10 in spending money./ * /Father gave John a nickel in
pocket money when he went to the store with Mother./

   [spend the night] {v. phr.} To sleep somewhere. * /It was  so  late
after the party that we decided to spend the  night  at  our  friends'
house./

   [spick-and-span] {adj.} Sparkling clean; having a brand new look. *
/She  is  such  a  good  housekeeper  that  her  kitchen   is   always
spick-and-span./

   [spill] See: CRY OVER SPILLED MILK.

   [spill the beans] {v. phr.}, {informal} To tell a secret to someone
who is not supposed to know about it. * /John's friends were going  to
have a surprise party for him, but Tom spilled  the  beans./  Compare:
GIVE AWAY(3), LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG, TELL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL.

   [spin a yarn] {v. phr.} To tell a  story  of  adventure  with  some
exaggeration mixed in; embellish and protract such a  tale.  *  /Uncle
Fred, who used be a sailor, knows how to spin a fascinating yarn,  but
don't always believe everything he says./

   [spine-chilling] {adj.} Terrifying; causing  great  fear.  *  /Many
children find the movie, "Frankenstein,"  spine-chilling./  *  /A  was
spine-chilling to learn that a  murderer  was  in  our  neighborhood./
Compare: HAIR STAND ON END.

   [spine-tingling] {adj.} Very exciting; thrilling. *  /Our  ride  up
the mountain in a chair lift was spine-tingling./  *  /The  children's
plane ride was a spine-tingling adventure to them./

   [spinoff] {n.} A byproduct of something  else.  *  /The  television
soap opera "Knot's Landing" was considered a spinoff of "Dallas," with
many of the same characters featured in both./

   [spin off] {v.  phr.}  To  bring  something  into  existence  as  a
byproduct of something that already exists. * /When  Dr.  Catwallender
opened his medical practice, he  also  spun  off  a  small  dispensary
beside it where patients could get their prescriptions filled./

   [spin one's wheels] {v. phr.} 1. Said of cars stuck in snow or  mud
whose wheels are turning without the car moving forward. * /There  was
so much snow on the driveway that my car's wheels were spinning in  it
and we couldn't get going./ 2. To exert effort in a job without making
any progress. * /I've been working for the firm for two decades, but I
feel I am merely spinning my wheels./

   [spin out] {v. phr.} 1. To go out of control. * /The bus  spun  out
on the icy road and fell into the ditch./ 2. To make something go  out
of control. * /Tom stepped on the brakes so fast that he spun his  car
out of control and went off the road./

   [spirit away] {v. phr.} To hide or smuggle something out; abduct. *
/The famous actress was spirited away by her bodyguards as soon as she
emerged from the door./

   [spite] See: CUT OFF ONE'S NOSE TO SPITE ONE'S FACE.

   [spit] or  [piss  into  the  wedding  cake]  {v.  phr.},  {vulgar},
{avoidable} To spoil someone's pleasure or  celebration  by  doing  or
saying something harsh or unseemly in an  otherwise  happy  gathering;
bring up depressing or unhappy subjects at a supposedly happy time.  *
/Stuart really spit into the wedding cake  when  he  told  Burt  in  a
bragging fashion that Lucy, Burl's bride, used to be his girlfriend./

   [spitting image] {n.} or  [spit  and  image]  {informal}  An  exact
likeness;  a  duplicate.  *  /John  is  the  spitting  image  of   his
grandfather./ * /That vase is the spitting image of one  I  wanted  to
buy in Boston./ Compare: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.

   [spit up] {v.} To vomit a little. * /The baby always spits up  when
he is burped./ * /Put a bib on the baby. I don't want him to  spit  up
on his clean clothes./

   [split end] {n.} An end in football who plays five to ten yards out
from the tackle  in  the  line.  *  /The  split  end  is  one  of  the
quarterback's most important targets for passes./ Contrast: TIGHT END.

   [split  hairs]  {v.  phr.}  To  find  and  argue  about  small  and
unimportant differences as if the differences are important.  *  /John
is always splitting hairs; he often starts an argument about something
small and unimportant./ * /Don't split hairs about whose turn it is to
wash the dishes and make the beds;  let's  work  together  and  finish
sooner./

   [split second] {n.} A very short time; less than a second.  *  /The
lightning flash lasted a split second, and then disappeared./

   [split the difference] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  settle  a  money
disagreement by dividing the difference, each person giving up half. *
/Bob offered $25 for Bill's bicycle and Bill wanted  $35;  they  split
the difference./

   [split ticket] {n.} A vote for candidates from more than one party.
* /Mr. Jones voted a split ticket./ * /An independent  voter  likes  a
split ticket./ Contrast: STRAIGHT TICKET.

   [split up] {v. phr.} 1. To separate; get a divorce. * /After  three
years of marriage,  the  unhappy  couple  finally  split  up./  2.  To
separate something; divide into portions. *  /The  brothers  split  up
their father's fortune among themselves after his death./

   [split-up] {n.} A separation or division into two or  many  smaller
parts. * /The split-up  of  our  company  was  due  to  the  founder's
untimely death./

   [spoil for] {v. phr.} To want something very badly; be  belligerent
or pugnacious about  something.  *  /After  a  few  drinks  it  became
embarrassingly evident that Hal was spoiling for  a  fight./  Compare:
HANKER AFTER, LUST FOR.

   [spoken for] {adj.} Occupied; reserved; taken; already  engaged  or
married. * /"Sorry, my boy," Mr. Jones said condescendingly,  "but  my
daughter is already spoken  for.  She  will  marry  Fred  Wilcox  next
month."/

   [sponge] See: THROW IN THE SPONGE.

   [sponge bath] {n.} A bath with a  cloth  or  sponge  and  a  little
water. * /During the drought the family had only sponge baths./ * /The
family took sponge baths because they had no bathtub./

   [sponge on] or [off] {v. phr.}  To  exploit  parasitically;  depend
upon for support. * /He is already forty years old, but he refuses  to
go to work and sponges off his retired parents./

   [spoon] See: BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN ONE'S MOUTH.

   [spoon-feed] {v.} 1. To feed with a spoon.  *  /Mothers  spoon-feed
their babies./ 2a. To make  something  too  easy  for  (a  person).  *
/Bill's mother spoon-fed him and never let him think for  himself./  *
/Alice depended on her mother for all decisions because she  had  been
spoon-fed./ 2b. To make (something) too  easy  for  someone.  *  /Some
students want the teacher to spoon-feed the lessons./

   [sporting  blood]  {n.}  Willingness  to  take  risks;  spirit   of
adventure. * /The cowboy's sporting blood tempted him to try  to  ride
the wild horse./ * /The boy's sporting blood caused him  to  run  away
with a circus./

   [spot] See: HIT THE HIGH SPOTS, HIT THE  SPOT,  JOHNNY-ON-THE-SPOT,
ON THE SPOT or UPON THE SPOT also IN A SPOT, SORE SPOT.

   [spot check] {n. phr.} A sample check or investigation. * /Internal
Revenue Service employees often conduct a  spot  check  of  individual
returns when the figures don't add up./

   [spotlight] See: STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT.

   [spread it on thick] See: LAY IT ON or LAY IT ON THICK.

   [spread like wildfire]  {v.  phr.}  To  spread  uncontrollably  and
rapidly. * /Bad news has a tendency to spread like wildfire./

   [spread oneself too thin] {v. phr.} To try to do too many things at
one time. * /As  the  owner,  chef,  waiter,  and  dishwasher  of  his
restaurant, Pierre was spreading himself too thin./

   [spring a leak] {v. phr.} 1. To develop  a  hole  (said  of  boats)
through which water can enter, threatening the boat to sink.  *  /When
our small boat sprang a leak, we rapidly returned to shore to fix it./
2. To be threatened by some oncoming danger. * /Our firm sprang a leak
when the vice president suddenly died of a heart attack./

   [spring chicken] {n.}, {slang} A young person. - Usually used  with
"no". * /Mr. Brown is no spring chicken, but he can still play  tennis
well./ * /The coach is no spring chicken, but he can show the  players
what to do./

   [spring on one] {v. phr.} To approach someone unexpectedly with  an
unpleasant idea or project. * /Our firm was merely six weeks old  when
they sprang the news on me that I had to go to Algiers to open  a  new
branch there./

   [spring up] {v. phr.} To arise suddenly. *  /Small  purple  flowers
were springing up all over our backyard./

   [sprout wings] {v. phr.} 1. To enter the stage after  a  period  of
development  when  wings  appear  (said  of  larvae  that  turn   into
butterflies). * /The  dragonflies  suddenly  sprouted  wings  and  are
flying all about in the park./ 2. To become good and virtuous  (as  if
airborne). * /Joe has helped many colleagues in need; he seems to have
sprouted wings./

   [spruce up] {v.}, {informal} To make clean or neat. * /Mary spruced
up the house before her company came./  *  /John  spruced  himself  up
before he went out on his date./

   [spur] See: ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT, WIN ONE'S SPURS.

   [squad] See: FIRING SQUAD.

   [square] See: FAIR AND SQUARE, SHOOT STRAIGHT or SHOOT SQUARE.

   [square away] {v. phr.} 1. To arrange the sails of a ship  so  that
the wind blows from behind. * /The captain ordered the crew to  square
away and sail before the wind./ 2. {informal} To put right for use  or
action. - Often used in the passive or participle. * /The living  room
was squared away for the guests./ * /Harry got into trouble,  but  his
scoutmaster  talked  with  him  and  got  him  squared  away./   Syn.:
STRAIGHTEN OUT. 3. {informal} To stand ready to  fight;  put  up  your
fists. * /Jack and Lee squared away./ Syn.: SQUARE OFF.

   [squared away] {adj. phr.}  Looked  after  properly;  tucked  away;
arranged. * /My first two daughters are happily married, but my  third
one, Jennifer, isn't squared away yet./

   [square deal] {n. phr.} 1. Equitable or fair treatment. *  /We  are
proud to say that at this firm every employee  gets  a  square  deal./
Contrast NEW DEAL, RAW DEAL.

   [square meal] {n. phr.} A full, nourishing  well-balanced  meal.  *
/The refugees looked as if they hadn't had a square meal in months./

   [square off] {v. phr.}, {informal} To stand ready for fighting with
the fists. * /The two boxers squared off when the bell rang./

   [square  oneself  with]  {v.  phr.}  To   apologize;   re-establish
friendship with; make amends. * /"Mr. Alien is very angry with you for
leaving the firm," Bob said. "It will take more than a few words and a
drink to square yourself with him."/

   [square one's shoulders] {v. phr.} To stand  strong  and  ready  to
give battle; be brave. * /Jack squared his shoulders and  entered  the
game./ * /Graduates must square their shoulders and face the world./

   [square peg in a round hole] {n.}, {informal} A person who does not
fit into a job or position; someone who does not belong where he is. *
/Arthur is a square peg in a round hole when he is  playing  ball./  *
/George likes to work with his hands. When it comes to books,  he's  a
square peg in a round hole./ - Sometimes used in a short form, [square
peg].

   [square shooter] See: SHOOT STRAIGHT.

   [square up] {v. phr.} To liquidate debts and other  obligations.  *
/I want to square up my medical bills before I accept my new  teaching
assignment in Africa./

   [squeak] See: PIP-SQUEAK.

   [squeak by] {v. phr.} 1. To barely succeed. *  /He  was  so  poorly
prepared for his bar exam that he barely squeaked  by./  2.  To  clear
with difficulty. * /The entrance to the corridor in  the  old  Italian
castle was so narrow that I barely managed to squeak by it./

   [squeak through] {v.}, {informal} To be successful but almost fail;
win  by  a  small  score.  *  /Susan  squeaked  through  the   history
examination./ * /The football team squeaked through 7-6./ Compare:  BY
THE SKIN OF ONE'S TEETH.

   [squeeze out of] {v. phr.} To apply pressure to someone in order to
obtain what one desires. * /The police were interrogating the  suspect
to squeeze information out of him./

   [stab in the back(1)] {v. phr.}, {slang} To  say  or  do  something
unfair that harms (a friend  or  someone  who  trusts  you).  *  /Owen
stabbed his friend Max in the back by telling lies about him./

   [stab in the back(2)] {n. phr.}, {slang} An act or a lie that hurts
a friend or trusting person; a  promise  not  kept,  especially  to  a
friend. * /John stabbed his own friend in the back  by  stealing  from
his store./ * /My friend stabbed me in the back by telling the teacher
I was playing hooky when I was home sick./

   [stab in the dark] {n. phr.} A random attempt or guess at something
without previous experience or knowledge of the  subject.  *  /"You're
asking me who could have hidden grandpa's will," Fred said. "I  really
have no idea, but let me make a stab in the dark - I think  my  sister
Hermione has it."/

   [stack] See: BLOW A FUSE or BLOW ONE'S STACK.

   [stack the cards] {v.  phr.}  1.  To  arrange  cards  secretly  and
dishonestly for the purpose of cheating. * /The  gambler  had  stacked
the cards against Bill./ 2. To arrange things unfairly for or  against
a person; have things so that a person  has  an  unfair  advantage  or
disadvantage; make sure in an unfair way that things  will  happen.  -
Usually used in the passive with "in one's favor" or "against one."  *
/A tall basketball player has the cards stacked in his favor./ *  /The
cards are stacked against a poor boy who wants to go to college./

   [stage] See: AT --- STAGE OF THE  GAME,  HOLD  THE  STAGE,  ON  THE
STAGE, SET THE STAGE.

   [stage fright] {n. phr.} The fear one  feels  before  appearing  in
front of an audience. * /Many famous actors and actresses  admit  that
they often have stage fright before the curtain goes up./

   [stagestruck] {adj.} Desirous of  becoming  an  actor  or  actress;
enamored of the acting profession. * /Milly is so stagestruck that she
waits for actresses at the stage door after each  performance  to  get
their signatures./

   [stage whisper] {n. phr.} A loud whisper intended  to  reach  other
ears than those of the person(s) addressed. * /Some  jokes  should  be
told in a stage whisper./

   [stag party] See: GO STAG. Contrast: HEN PARTY.

   [stake] See: AT STAKE, PULL UP STAKES.

   [stake a claim] {v. phr.} 1. To claim ownership of land by  driving
stakes to show boundaries. * /The gold hunters staked  claims  in  the
West./ 2. {informal} To claim a person or thing as your  own  by  some
sign. Usually used with "on". * /George staked a claim  on  Dianne  by
giving her his class ring./

   [stamp] See: SAVINGS STAMP, TRADING STAMP.

   [stamping ground] {n.}, {informal} A place where  a  person  spends
much of his time. * /Pete's soda fountain is an  afterschool  stamping
ground./ * /When John returned to his hometown many  years  later,  he
visited all of his old stamping grounds./

   [stamp out] {v.} To destroy completely and make  disappear.  *  /In
the last few  years,  we  have  nearly  stamped  out  polio  by  using
vaccine./ * /The police and judges are trying  to  stamp  out  crime./
Compare: WIPE OUT.

   [stand] See: GOAL LINE STAND, HAIR STAND ON END, HEART STAND STILL,
LEG TO STAND ON.

   [stand a chance] or [stand a show] {n. phr.} To have a  possibility
or opportunity; be likely to do or  get  something.  *  /Fred  doesn't
stand a chance of being elected./ * /We stand a good chance of  seeing
Mary at the party./

   [standard time] also [slow time] {n.} Clock time that is set by law
or agreement in a country or in part of a country; especially, in  the
United States: the clock time used between fall and spring,  which  is
an hour slower than the time used in the summer. - Abbreviation ST.  *
/When we go to bed Saturday night, we will  set  our  clocks  back  an
hour, because Sunday we will be on standard time again./ * /Next  week
it will get dark an hour earlier,  because  we  will  be  on  standard
time./ Contrast: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.

   [stand by] {v.} 1. To be close beside or near. *  /Mary  could  not
tell Jane the secret with her little brother standing  by./  *  /Would
you just stand by and watch the big boys beat your little brother?/ 2.
To be near, waiting to do something when needed. * /The  policeman  in
the patrol car radioed the station about the robbery, and  then  stood
by for orders./ * /Lee stood by with a  fire  extinguisher  while  the
trash was burning./ 3. To follow or keep (one's promise). * /He  is  a
boy who always stands by his promises./ 4. To be  loyal  to;  support;
help. * /When three big boys attacked Bill, Ed stood by him./ *  /Some
people blamed Harry when he got into trouble, but Joe stood  by  him./
Compare: BACK UP, HANG TOGETHER, STAND UP FOR.

   [stand by one's guns] See: STICK TO ONE'S GUNS.

   [stand for] {v.} 1. To be a sign of; make you  think  of;  mean.  *
/The letters "U.S.A." stand for "United States of  America."/  *  /The
written sign "=" in an arithmetic problem stands for "equals."/ * /Our
flag stands for our country./ * /The owl stands  for  wisdom./  2.  To
speak in favor of something, or show that you support it. *  /The  new
President stood for honest government./ * /John always stands for what
is right./ 3. {Chiefly British} To try to be elected for. * /Three men
from London are standing for parliament./  *  /The  governor  did  not
stand for reelection./ 4. {informal} To allow to happen or to be done;
permit. - Usually used in the negative, * /The teacher will not  stand
for fooling in the classroom./ Compare: HAVE IT(4), PUT UP WITH.

   [stand in awe of] {v. phr.} To look upon  with  wonder;  feel  very
respectful to. * /Janet always stands in awe of the superintendent./ *
/The soldier stood in awe to his officers./

   [stand in for] {v. phr.} To substitute for someone. *  /The  famous
brain surgeon was called out of town so his assistant had to stand  in
for him during the operation./

   [stand in one's way] See: IN ONE'S WAY.

   [stand in with] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be liked  by  or  friendly
with. - Usually used with "well". * /John  stands  in  well  with  the
teacher./

   [stand off] {v.} 1. To stay  at  a  distance;  stay  apart.  *  /At
parties, Mr. Jones goes around talking to everyone, but Mrs. Jones  is
shy and stands off./ 2. To keep (someone  or  something)  from  coming
near or winning. * /The soldiers defending the fort stood off a  large
band of Indians./ * /The other schools wanted to beat our team and win
the championship, but our boys stood them  all  off./  Contrast:  GIVE
GROUND.

   [standoffish] {adj.} Stiff;  aloof;  reserved  in  manner.  *  /The
famous chess  player  is  hard  to  get  to  know  because  he  is  so
standoffish./

   [stand on ceremony] {v. phr.} To follow strict rules of politeness;
be very formal with other people. - Usually used with a  helping  verb
in the negative. * /Grandmother does not stand on  ceremony  when  her
grandchildren call./

   [stand one in good stead] {v. phr.} To be helpful or useful  to.  *
/A boy scout knife will stand you in good stead when you do  not  have
other tools./ * /Julia knew how to typewrite, and that  stood  her  in
good stead when she looked for a job./

   [stand one's ground] also [hold one's ground] {v. phr.} 1. To  stay
and fight instead of running away. *  /The  enemy  attacked  in  great
numbers but  our  men  stood  their  ground./  Compare:  GAIN  GROUND.
Contrast:  GIVE  GROUND,  LOSE  GROUND.  2.  To  defend  a  belief  or
statement; refuse to weaken when opposed;  insist  you  are  right.  *
/John's friends said  he  was  mistaken  but  he  stood  his  ground./
Compare: STICK TO ONE'S GUNS.

   [stand on one's own feet] or [stand on  one's  own  two  feet]  {v.
phr.} To depend on yourself; do things yourself; earn your own living;
be independent. * /After his father died, John had to stand on his own
feet and earn his own living./ * /You should learn to  stand  on  your
own two feet./

   [stand out] {v.} 1. To  go  farther  out  than  a  nearby  surface;
protect. * /A mole stood out on her cheek./ Compare: STICK OUT(1b). 2.
To be more noticeable in some way than those around  you;  be  higher,
bigger, or better. * /Fred was very tall and stood out in the  crowd./
* /John stood out as a track star./

   [stand over] {v.} 1. To watch closely; keep checking all the  time.
* /Ted's mother had to stand over him to get him to do his  homework./
2. To be held over for  later  action;  be  postponed;  wait.  *  /The
committee decided to let  the  proposal  stand  over  until  its  next
meeting./

   [stand pat] {v.}, {informal} To be satisfied  with  things  and  be
against a change. * /Bill had made up his mind  on  the  question  and
when his friends tried to change his mind,  he  stood  pat./  Compare:
STAND ONE'S GROUND(2).

   [stand the gaff] {v. phr.}, {informal} To stand rough treatment; do
well in spite of great physical or mental hardship. * /An athlete must
learn to stand the gaff./ * /No person running  for  office  gets  far
unless he can stand the gaff./ Compare: HOLD OUT 2, STICK OUT 2.

   [stand to reason] {v. phr.} To seem  very  likely  from  the  known
facts. * /If you have a driver's license, it stands to reason you  can
drive./ * /Joe is intelligent and studies hard; it  stands  to  reason
that he will pass the examination./

   [stand trial] {v. phr.} To submit to a trial by court. * /The  case
has been postponed and he may not  have  to  stand  trial  until  next
April./

   [stand up] {v.} 1. To rise to a standing position; get up  on  your
feet. * /A gentleman stands up when a lady enters a room./  2.  To  be
strong enough to use hard or for a long time.  *  /A  rocket  must  be
built strongly to stand up under the blast-off./ * /The  old  car  has
already stood up for twenty years./ Compare: WEAR WELL. 3.  {informal}
To make a date and then fail to keep it. * /June cried when Bill stood
her up on their first dale./

   [stand up and be counted] {v. phr.} To be willing to say  what  you
think in  public;  let  people  know  that  you  are  for  or  against
something. * /The equal rights movement needs people who  are  willing
to stand up and be counted./ * /If you disagree with  the  group,  you
should be ready to stand up and be counted./

   [stand up for] or {informal} [stick up for] {v.} To defend  against
attack; fight for. * /John always stands up for his rights./  *  /When
Mary was being criticized, Jane stuck up for her./ Compare:  BACK  UP,
GO TO BAT FOR, STAND BY, STAND ONE'S GROUND, STICK TO ONE'S  GUNS,  GO
TO BAT FOR.

   [stand up to] {v.} To meet with courage. * /Mary stood  up  to  the
snarling dog that leaped toward her./ * /A soldier must  stand  up  to
danger./

   [stand up with] {v.}, {informal} To be best man or maid of honor at
a wedding. * /A groom often chooses his brother to stand up with him./

   [star] See: FIVE-STAR, SEE STARS, HITCH  ONE'S  WAGON  TO  A  STAR,
LUCKY STAR, THANK ONE'S LUCKY STARS.

   [starch] See: TAKE THE STARCH OUT OF.

   [stare in the face] {n. phr.} 1. To be about to meet or  to  happen
to (you.) * /Grandmother became very sick and death was staring her in
the face./ * /Defeat stared them in the face, but the soldiers  fought
on bravely./ 2. To be easy to see; be plain. * /Are  you  looking  for
your pencil? It's on your desk, staring you in  the  face./  *  /Their
friends all knew that Mary loved John, but John did not  see  it  even
though it was staring him in the face./

   [stars in one's eyes] {n. phr.} 1. An appearance or feeling of very
great happiness or expectation of happiness. * /Mary gets stars in her
eyes when she thinks of her boyfriend./ 2. A belief in the possibility
of quick and lasting reforms in people and life and  an  eagerness  to
make such changes. * /Some inexperienced people  get  stars  in  their
eyes when they think of improving the world./ -  [starry-eyed]  {adj.}
Very  happy  and  excited,  perhaps  with  little  reason;  eager  and
self-confident about improving human nature and general conditions  of
life. * /Young people are often starry-eyed and eager to  improve  the
world; they do not know how hard it is./

   [start] See: BY FITS AND STARTS,  HEAD  START,  JACK-RABBIT  START,
RUNNING START.

   [start from scratch] See: FROM SCRATCH.

   [start in] {v.}, {informal} 1. To begin to do something;  start.  *
/Fred started in weeding the garden./ * /The family started in  eating
supper./ Compare: GO AT. 2. To begin a career. * /Bob started in as an
office boy and became president./ 3. To give a first job  to.  *  /The
bank started him in as a clerk./

   [start out] {v.} 1. To begin to go somewhere. * /Bill  started  out
for school on his bicycle./ * /Art started out on a voyage around  the
world./ Compare: SET OUT. 2. To begin  a  career  or  life.  *  /Harry
started out as an errand boy in a business office./ *  /We  all  start
out in life as helpless infants./ Syn.: START  IN.  3.  {informal}  To
give one a first job. * /The garage man started Pete out as  a  grease
rack man./ Syn.: START IN(3).

   [start something] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make  trouble;  cause  a
quarrel or fight. * /John is always starting something./ * /Jack likes
to play tricks on the other boys to start  something./  Compare:  MAKE
SOMETHING OF.

   [start the ball rolling] See: GET THE BALL ROLLING.

   [start up] {v.} 1. To begin operating, * /The driver started up the
motor of the car./ * /The engine started up with a roar./ 2. To  begin
to play (music). * /The  conductor  waved  his  baton,  and  the  band
started up./ * /The orchestra started up a waltz./ Compare: STRIKE UP.
3. To rise or stand suddenly. * /When he heard the bell, he started up
from his chair./

   [stash bag] or [stuff bag] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A small bag
containing marijuana cigarettes or the ingredients for making them.  *
/The police are holding John because they found a stash  bag  full  of
the stuff on him./ 2. Any small bag resembling a stash  bag  used  for
small personal items such as lipstick, driver's license,  etc.  *  /Do
you have any room for my keys in your stash bag?/

   [state] See: LIE IN STATE.

   [state-of-the-art] {adj. phr.} The best and - the latest any  field
of research can  offer;  modern;  the  latest;  the  most  advanced.  *
/State-of-the-art personal computers may cost a little more than older
models, but may be worth the cost for those who need  them./  Compare:
UP TO DATE.

   [status symbol] {v. phr.} Signs of wealth and prestige.  *  /A  new
yacht or airplane might be a status symbol to a bank manager./

   [stead] See: STAND IN GOOD STEAD.

   [stave off] {v.}, {literary} To keep from touching or hurting  you.
Syn.: WARD OFF. * /The white knight struck with his sword.  The  black
knight staved it off with his own sword./  *  /Bill's  warm  new  coal
staved off the cold./ * /They staved off starvation by eating  two  of
the sled dogs./

   [stay in] {v. phr.} To remain at home. * /The weather  was  so  bad
that we decided to stay in all day./

   [stay out] {v. phr.} To stay away from home. * /Her father was very
upset because Mary stayed out until 3 A.M. last night./

   [stay put] {v. phr.} To stay in place; not leave. * /Harry's father
told him to stay put until he came back./ * /The rocks can be glued to
the bulletin board to make them stay put./ * /After  Grandmother  came
home from her trip to visit Aunt May, she said she wanted to stay  put
for a while./

   [stay up late] {v. phr.} To not go to bed until very late. * /Peter
has  to  stay  up  late  these  days  as  he  is  preparing  for   his
comprehensive exams./ See: BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL.

   [stay with] See: STICK WITH.

   [steady] See: GO STEADY.

   [steak] See: SALISBURY STEAK, T-BONE STEAK.

   [steal] See: LOCK THE BARN DOOR AFTER THE HORSE IS STOLEN.

   [steal a march on] {v. phr.} To get ahead of  someone  by  doing  a
thing unnoticed; get an advantage over. * /The army stole a  march  on
the enemy by marching at night and attacking them in the  morning./  *
/Jack got the job by getting up earlier than Bill. He stole a march on
him./ Compare: GET THE JUMP ON, GET THE BETTER OF, TAKE BY SURPRISE.

   [steal away] See: SLIP AWAY.

   [steal  one's  thunder]  {v.  phr.}  To  do   or   say   something,
intentionally or not, that another person has planned to say or do.  *
/Fred intended to nominate Bill for president, but John got  up  first
and stole Fred's thunder./ * /Mary was going to  sing  "Oh!  Susanna,"
but Ellen did it first and Mary said Ellen had stolen her thunder./  *
/Smith heard that Jones was going to offer  a  new  law  which  people
wanted,  so  he  himself  proposed  the  law  first,  stealing  Jones'
thunder./

   [steal the show] {v. phr.} To act or do so well  in  a  performance
that you get most of  the  attention  and  the  other  performers  are
unnoticed. * /Mary was in only one scene of the play,  but  she  stole
the show from the stars./

   [steal the spotlight] {v. phr.} To attract attention  away  from  a
person or thing that people should  be  watching.  *  /When  the  maid
walked on the stage and tripped over a rug, she  stole  the  spotlight
from the leading players./ * /Just as the speaker began, a little  dog
ran up the aisle, and stole the spotlight from him./

   [steal up on] {v. phr.} To stealthily approach  one;  sneak  up  on
someone. * /The thief stole up on his victim, snatched her purse,  and
ran away./

   [steam] See: LET OFF STEAM or  BLOW  OFF  STEAM,  UNDER  ONE'S  OWN
STEAM.

   [steamed up] {adj.}, {informal} Excited or angry about or eager  to
do something. * /The coach gave the team a pep talk before  the  game,
and he got them all steamed up to win the game./ *  /When  Mary  found
out that Jane had not kept their secret, she became all steamed up./ *
/Bill was all steamed up about the movie he had just seen./

   [steel] See: MIND LIKE A STEEL TRAP.

   [steer clear of] {v.} 1. To steer a safe distance from;  go  around
without touching. * /A ship steers clear of a rocky  shore  in  stormy
weather./ 2. {informal} To stay away from; keep  from  going  near.  *
/Fred was angry at Bill, and Bill was steering clear of him./ *  /Some
words Martha always spells wrong. She tries to steer clear of them./

   [stem the tide] {v. phr.} To resist; hold back something  of  great
pressure or strength.  *  /The  way  to  stem  the  tide  of  juvenile
delinquency is to strengthen education and to pass a stiff gun control
law./

   [step] See: IN STEP, OUT OF STEP, TAKE STEPS.

   [step all over] See: WALK OVER.

   [step down] {v.} 1. To come down in one move from a higher position
to a lower. * /As soon as the train  stopped,  the  conductor  stepped
down to help the passengers off./ 2.  To  make  go  slower  little  by
little. * /The train was approaching  the  station,  so  the  engineer
stepped it down./ Compare: SLOW DOWN, STEP UP. 3. To leave a job as an
official or some other important position. * /When  the  judge  became
ill, he had to step down./

   [step in] {v.} 1. To go inside for a quick visit. * /It was a  cold
night, and when the policeman passed, we invited him to step in for  a
cup of coffee./ 2. To begin to take part in  a  continuing  action  or
discussion, especially without being asked. * /When the dogs began  to
fight, John stepped in to stop it before they were hurt./ * /When Bill
had done as much as he was able to on  his  model  plane,  his  father
stepped in to help him./

   [step inside] {v.} To come or go  inside.  *  /Mother  invited  the
callers to step inside./

   [step into] {v.} 1. To come or go into. * /The taxi stopped, and we
stepped into it./ * /Mr. Jones called to his secretary  to  step  into
his office./ 2. To begin to do, undertake. *  /When  the  star  became
sick, his understudy stepped into his part./ *  /When  Bill  graduates
from college, he will step into a job in his father's bank./

   [step into one's shoes] {v. phr.} To do what someone  else  usually
does after he has stopped doing it. * /When Bill's father  died,  Bill
had to step into his father's shoes to support his mother./ * /A coach
trains the junior varsity to step into the shoes of the members of the
varsity team when they graduate./ * /When the boss  retires,  his  son
will step into his shoes./ Compare: IN ONE'S SHOES.

   [step off] {v.} 1. To walk or march  quickly.  *  /The  drum  major
lowered his baton and the band stepped off./  2.  or  [pace  off].  To
measure by taking a series of steps in a line. * /The  farmer  stepped
off the edge of the field to see how much fencing he  would  need./  *
/The referee stepped off a five-yard penalty against our team./

   [step on it] or [step on the gas] {v. phr.} 1. To push down on  the
gas pedal to make a car go faster. * /Be very careful when you step on
the gas. Don't go too fast./ Compare: GIVE IT THE GUN.  2.  {informal}
To go faster; hurry. * /Step on it, or we'll be late  for  school./  *
/John is a slow starter, but he can step on the gas when it  looks  as
if he might lose the race./ * /Lee was wasting time at  breakfast  and
his father told him to step on it or they would miss the bus./

   [step on one's toes] or [tread on  one's  toes]  {v.  phr.}  To  do
something that embarrasses or offends someone else. * /If you break in
when other people are talking, you may step on their toes./ * /Mary is
pretty, and she often treads on the toes  of  the  girls  by  stealing
their boyfriend./

   [step on the gas] See: STEP ON IT.

   [step out] {v. phr.} 1. To go out, particularly socially, as  on  a
date. * /Paul said to Sylvia, "You look so dressed up  tonight  -  you
must be stepping out, eh?"/ 2. To leave for a short period during  the
work day to go to the lavatory or to get a cup of coffee.  (Frequently
said by secretaries over the phone.) * /"May I speak to Mr. Kotz?" Roy
asked. "I'm sorry, sir.  He  just  stepped  out  for  a  minute,"  the
secretary answered./

   [step out on] {v. phr.} To be unfaithful to one's marriage  partner
or steady lover. * /It is rumored that he has been stepping out on his
wife. That's why she's so upset./

   [stepped up] {adj.} Carried on at a faster  or  more  active  rate;
increased. * /To fill the increase  in  orders,  the  factory  had  to
operate at a stepped-up rate./

   [step up] {v.} 1. To go from a lower to a  higher  place.  *  /John
stepped up onto the platform and began to speak./ 2. To  come  towards
or near; approach. * /The sergeant called for volunteers  and  Private
Jones stepped up to volunteer./ * /John waited until the  teacher  had
finished speaking to Mary, and then he stepped up./ 3.  To  go  or  to
make (something) go faster or more actively. * /When John found he was
going to be late, he stepped up his pace./ * /After we had reached the
outskirts of town, we stepped up the engine./ * /The enemy  was  near,
and the army stepped up its patrols to find them before they  got  too
close./ 4. To  rise  to  a  higher  or  more  important  position;  be
promoted. * /This year Mary is secretary of the club, but  I  am  sure
she will step up to president next year./ Contrast: STEP DOWN(3).

   [sterling  character]  {n.  phr.}  A   person   of   irreproachable
character; one of the highest professional standards. *  /The  nominee
for the Supreme Court must be a sterling character in  every  possible
way./

   [stew in one's own juice] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  suffer  from
something that you have caused to happen yourself.  *  /John  lied  to
Tom, but Tom found out. Now Tom is making John stew in his own juice./
* /I warned you not to steal those apples. You got caught, and you can
stew in your own juice./

   [stick] See: CARROT AND STICK, MORE THAN ONE COULD  SHAKE  A  STICK
AT.

   [stick around] {v.}, {informal} To stay or wait nearby.  *  /John's
father told him to stick around and they would go fishing./  *  /After
work Mr. Harris stuck around to ride home with his friend./

   [stick by one] {v. phr.} To support; remain loyal  to.  *  /All  of
Peter's friends stuck by him faithfully, in spite  of  what  has  been
said about him in the press./

   [stick in one's craw] or [stuck in one's crop] {v.  phr.}  To  make
you angry; bother you; annoy  you.  *  /His  parents'  praise  of  his
brother stuck in Jerry's craw./ * /Sue's failure to get a better grade
than Ann stuck in her crop./

   [stick in one's throat] {v. phr.} To be something you do  not  want
to say; be hard to say. * /Jean wanted to ask  the  teacher's  pardon,
but the words stuck in her throat./

   [stick-in-the-mud] {n.}, {informal} An overcareful person;  someone
who is old-fashioned and fights change. * /Mabel said her mother was a
real stick-in-the-mud to make a rule that  she  must  be  home  by  10
o'clock on weeknights  and  11:30  Saturdays./  *  /Mr.  Thomas  is  a
stick-in-the-mud who plows with mules; he won't buy a tractor./

   [stick one's neck  out]  or  [stick  one's  chin  out]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} To do something dangerous  or  risky.  *  /When  I  was  in
trouble, Paul was the only one who would stick his neck  out  to  help
me./ * /John is always sticking his chin out by  saying  something  he
shouldn't./

   [stick one's nose into] See: NOSE INTO.

   [stick out] {v.} 1a. To stand out from a  wall  or  other  surface;
project; extend. * /The limb stuck out from the trunk  of  the  tree./
1b. To be seen or noticed more  easily  or  quickly  than  others;  be
noticeable. * /My house is the only brick one on the street. It sticks
out and you can't miss it./ * /Mary plays basketball  very  well.  The
others on the team are good, but she really  sticks  out./  1c.  Often
used in the informal phrase stick out like a sore thumb. * /John is so
shy and awkward that he sticks out like a  sore  thumb./  Syn.:  STAND
OUT. 2. {informal} To keep on doing something  until  it  is  done  no
matter how long, hard, or unpleasant. * /Bill is not a fast runner and
he doesn't have a chance of winning the marathon, but  he  will  stick
out the race even if he finishes last./ - Often  used  in  the  phrase
"stick it out". * /Mathematics is hard, but if you stick  it  out  you
will understand it./ Compare: HANG ON(2), STICK WITH(1).

   [stick out like a sore thumb]  {v.  phr.}  To  be  conspicuous;  be
different from the rest. * /When the foreign student was placed in  an
advanced English grammar class by mistake, it was no  wonder  that  he
stuck out like a sore thumb./

   [stick together] {v.} To remain close together in  a  situation.  *
/Stick together in the cave so that no one gets  lost./  *  /The  gang
stuck together after the game./ * /Bill and Bob stick  together  in  a
game or in a fight./ Syn.: HANG TOGETHER(1).

   [stick to one's guns] or [stand by one's guns] {v. phr.} To hold to
an aim or an opinion even though people try to stop you or say you are
wrong. * /People laughed at Columbus when he said the world was round.
He stuck to his guns and proved he was right./ * /At  first  the  boss
would not give Jane the raise in pay she wanted, but she stood by  her
guns and he gave it to her./ Compare: STAND ONE'S GROUND.

   [stick to one's knitting] or [tend to one's  knitting]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} To do your own job and not  bother  other  people.  *  /The
trouble with Henry is that he is always telling other people  what  to
do; he can't stick to his knitting./

   [stick to one's ribs] or [stick to the ribs] {v. phr.},  {informal}
To keep you from getting hungry again too quickly. * /Doctors say  you
should eat a good breakfast that sticks to your ribs./ * /Farmers  eat
food that sticks to the ribs./

   [stick to  the  point]  {v.  phr.}  To  stay  on  course  during  a
discussion; adhere to the topic; not talk about extraneous matters.  *
/Stick to the point and stop telling us your life history!/ See:  COME
TO THE POINT.

   [stick up] {v.},  {informal}  To  rob  with  a  gun.  *  /When  the
messenger left the bank, a man jumped out of an alley  and  stuck  him
up./ Syn.: HOLD UP. * /In the old West, outlaws sometimes stuck up the
stagecoaches./

   [stick-up] {n.}, {informal} A robbery by a man with a gun.  *  /Mr.
Smith was the victim of a stick-up last night./

   [stick up for] See: STAND UP FOR.

   [stick with] {v.}, {informal} 1. or [stay with] To continue  doing;
not quit. * /Fred stayed with his  homework  until  it  was  done./  *
/Practicing is tiresome, but stick with it and some day you will be  a
good pianist./ Compare: STICK TO. 2. To stay with; not leave. * /Stick
with me until we get out of the crowd./ * /For two months Bill's  boss
could not pay his salary, but Bill stuck with him because  he  thought
the company would soon succeed./ 3. To sell (someone)  something  poor
or worthless; cheat. * /Father said that the man in the store tried to
stick him with a bad TV set./ 4. To leave  (someone)  with  (something
unpleasant); force to do or keep something because  others  cannot  or
will not. - Usually used in the passive. * /When Harry and I  went  to
the store to buy ice cream cones, Harry ran out with his cone  without
paying and I was stuck with paying for it./ * /Mary  didn't  wash  the
dishes before she left so I'm stuck with it./ * /Mr.  Jones  bought  a
house that is too big and expensive, but now he's stuck with it./

   [stick with] {v. phr.} To unfairly thrust upon; encumber one  with.
* /In the restaurant my friends stuck me with the bill although it was
supposed to be Dutch treat./

   [sticky fingers] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. The habit of stealing things
you see and want. * /Don't leave money in your  locker;  some  of  the
boys have sticky fingers./ * /Don't leave that girl alone in the  room
with so many valuable objects around, because she has sticky fingers./
2. Ability to catch a ball,  especially  football  forward  passes.  *
/Jack is very tall and has  sticky  fingers.  He  is  an  end  on  the
football team./

   [stiff] See: KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP, SCARE OUT  OF  ONE'S  WITS  or
SCARE STIFF.

   [still] See: HEART STAND STILL.

   [still life] {n. phr.}  A  term  used  by  artists  to  describe  a
motionless picture of a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.  *  /One  of  van
Gogh's most famous still lifes is a vase of yellow flowers./

   [still  waters  run  deep]  Quiet  people  probably  are   profound
thinkers. - A proverb. * /He doesn't  say  much,  but  he  sure  looks
smart. Well, still waters run deep, isn't that true?/

   [stir up] {v.} 1. To bring (something) into being, often  by  great
exertion or activity; cause. * /It was a  quiet  afternoon,  and  John
tried to stir up some excitement./ * /Bob stirred up a  fight  between
Tom and Bill./ Compare: WHIP UP(2). 2.  To  cause  (someone)  to  act;
incite to action or movement; rouse. * /The coach's pep  talk  stirred
up the team to win./ * /When Mary heard what Betty said about her, she
became stirred up./

   [stir up a hornet's nest] {v. phr.} To make many people  angry;  do
something that many people don't like. * /The principal stirred  up  a
hornet's nest by changing the rules at school./

   [stitch] See: IN STITCHES.

   [stock] See: IN STOCK, OUT OF STOCK, TAKE STOCK, TAKE STOCK IN.

   [stock-in-trade] {n. phr.}  The  materials  which  one  customarily
deals, sells, or offers. * /Imported silk blouses from the Orient  are
the stock-in-trade of their small shop./ *  /Anecdotes  are  often  an
after-dinner speaker's stock-in-trade./

   [stomach] See: EYES BIGGER THAN ONE'S STOMACH, BUTTERFLIES IN  YOUR
STOMACH, TURN ONE'S STOMACH.

   [stone] See: CAST THE FIRST STONE, HAVE A HEART OF STONE, KILL  TWO
BIRDS WITH ONE STONE, LEAVE NO STONE  UNTURNED,  PEOPLE  WHO  LIVE  IN
GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT THROW STONES, ROLLING STONE GATHERS NO MOSS.

   [stone-blind] {adj. phr.}  1.  Completely  blind.  *  /Poor  Al  is
stone-blind and needs help to get across  the  street  carefully./  2.
Highly intoxicated. * /George drank too much and  got  stone-blind  at
the office party./ See: GET STONED, THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND.

   [stone-broke] or [dead broke] or [flat  broke]  {adj.},  {informal}
Having no money; penniless. * /Jill wanted to go to the movies but she
was stone-broke./ * /The man gambled and was soon flat broke./

   [stone-cold] {adj.} Having no warmth; completely cold.  -  Used  to
describe things that are better when warm. * /The boys who got up late
found their breakfast stone-cold./ * /The furnace  went  off  and  the
radiators were stone-cold./

   [stone-dead]  {adj.},  {informal}  Showing  no   signs   of   life;
completely dead. * /Barry tried to revive the frozen robin but it  was
stone-dead./

   [stone-deaf] {adj. phr.} Completely deaf. * /Sam is  stone-deaf  so
let him read your lips if you know no sign language./

   [stone wall] or [brick wall] {adj.} Something hard to overcome;  an
idea or belief that is hard to change. *  /The  students  ran  into  a
brick wall when they asked the principal to put off the  examination./
* /Dick tried to change Father's mind about letting him  use  the  car
Saturday night, but he was up against a stone wall./

   [stone's throw] or [within a stone's throw] {adv.  phr.}  Within  a
very short distance. * /They live across  the  street  from  us,  just
within a stone's throw./ See: HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP.

   [stool pigeon] {n.} A criminal who informs  on  his  associates.  *
/The detective was able to solve the crime mainly through  information
obtained from a stool pigeon./

   [stop] See: PUT AN END TO(1), or PUT A STOP TO.

   [stop at nothing] {v. phr.} To be unscrupulous. * /Al will stop  at
nothing to get Nancy to go out with him./

   [stop by] See: DROP BY.

   [stop cold] or [stop dead] or [stop in  one's  tracks]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} To stop very quickly or with great  force.  *  /The  hunter
pulled the trigger and stopped the deer cold./ * /When I saw  Mary  on
the street, I was so surprised I stopped dead./ * /The  deer  heard  a
noise and he stopped in his tracks./

   [stop off] {v.} To stop at a place for a  short  time  while  going
somewhere. * /We stopped off after school at the soda fountain  before
going home./ * /On our trip to California we stopped off in Las  Vegas
for two days./

   [stop over] {v.} To stay at a place overnight  or  for  some  other
short time while on a trip  elsewhere.  *  /When  we  came  back  from
California, we stopped over one night near the Grand Canyon./

   [stop short] {v. phr.} To suddenly stop. * /Jake stopped short when
he heard somebody yell out his name loud  but  there  was  no  one  in
sight./

   [stop street] {n.} A street where cars must come  to  a  full  stop
before crossing another street. * /Johnny was late because he traveled
on a stop street./ Contrast: THROUGH STREET.

   [stop the show] {v. phr.} To elicit such a strong applause from the
audience that the show is interrupted. * /Pavarotti's rendition of  "O
sole mio" always stops the show./

   [stop up] {v. phr.} To block; close. * /If you want to get  rid  of
the leak, you must stop up the two holes you have in the ceiling./

   [store] See: DIME STORE, IN STORE, SET STORE BY, VARIETY STORE.

   [storm] See: TAKE BY STORM.

   [story] See: OLD STORY, SOB STORY, UPPER STORY.

   [stow away] {v.} 1. {informal} To pack or store away. * /After  New
Year's Day the Christmas decorations were stowed  away  until  another
season./ 2. To hide on a ship or another kind of transportation to get
a free ride. * /John ran away from home and stowed away on a freighter
going to Jamaica./

   [straight] See: GO STRAIGHT, SHOOT STRAIGHT.

   [straighten out] {v.} To correct a mistake; make  you  realize  you
are wrong. * /The teacher saw Jim's awkward sentence on the board  and
asked for volunteers to straighten it out./ * /Sometimes only  a  good
spanking will straighten out a naughty child./ Syn.: SQUARE AWAY(2).

   [straighten up] {v.} To put in order; make  neat.  *  /Vic  had  to
straighten up his room before he could go swimming./ *  /Mrs.  Johnson
straightened up the house before company came./ Compare: PICK  UP(6b),
SQUARE AWAY.

   [straight face] {n.} A face that is  not  laughing  or  smiling.  *
/Mary told all the funny stories she knew to try to make  Joan  laugh,
but Joan kept a straight face./ * /It is hard  to  tell  when  Jim  is
teasing you. He can tell a fib with a straight face./ * /When Bob fell
into the water, he looked funny and I could  hardly  keep  a  straight
face./

   [straight from the horse's mouth] {slang} Directly from the  person
or place where it began; from a  reliable  source  or  a  person  that
cannot be doubted. * /They are going to be married.  I  got  the  news
straight from the horse's mouth - their minister./ * /John  found  out
about the painting straight from the horse's mouth, from  the  painter
himself./

   [straight from the shoulder] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In an open and
honest way of speaking; without holding back anything because of  fear
or politeness or respect for  someone's  feelings;  frankly.  *  /John
asked what  he  had  done  wrong.  Bob  told  him  straight  from  the
shoulder./ *  /The  candidate  for  Congress  spoke  out  against  his
opponent's dishonesty straight  from  the  shoulder./  Contrast:  PULL
ONE'S PUNCHES.

   [straightlaced] {adj.} Of very strict morals and manners. * /She is
so straightlaced that she won't even go out  with  a  man  unless  she
senses that he is serious about her./

   [straight off] {adv. phr.} At once; immediately. * /After school is
over, you come home straight off, and don't waste time./ *  /He  asked
his father for the car, but his  father  said  straight  off  that  he
couldn't have it./

   [straight out] See: RIGHT OUT.

   [straight shooters] See: SHOOT STRAIGHT.

   [straight ticket] {n.} A vote for all the candidates  of  a  single
party. * /Uncle Fred was a loyal member of his party. He always  voted
the straight ticket./ Contrast: SPLIT TICKET.

   [strain a point] See: STRETCH A POINT.

   [strange  to  say]  {adv.  phr.}  Not   what   you   might   think;
surprisingly. - Used for emphasis. * /Strange to  say,  Jerry  doesn't
like candy./ * /Strange to say, the Indians didn't kill Daniel Boone./

   [strapped for] {adj.} Broke; out of funds.  *  /My  brother  is  so
extravagant that he is always strapped for cash./

   [straw] See: GIVE A HANG, GRASP AT A STRAW, GRASP AT  STRAWS,  LAST
STRAW or STRAW THAT BREAKS  THE  CAMEL'S  BACK,  MAKE  BRICKS  WITHOUT
STRAW.

   [straw boss] {n.} 1. The boss of a few workers who is himself under
another boss or foreman. * /The straw boss told Jim he would  have  to
see the foreman about a job./ 2, A man  who  works  himself  and  also
bosses a few other workers. * /Smith worked better than the other men,
so the foreman made him straw boss, too./

   [straw in the wind] {n. phr.} A small sign of what  may  happen.  *
/The  doctor's  worried  face  was  a  straw  in  the  wind./  *  /The
quickly-called meeting of the President and his cabinet was a straw in
the wind./

   [straw poll] {n. phr.} An informal survey taken in order to get  an
opinion. * /The results of our  straw  poll  show  that  most  faculty
members prefer to teach between 9 and 11 A.M./

   [straw that breaks the camel's back] See: LAST STRAW.

   [straw vote] See: STRAW POLL.

   [streak] See: WINNING STREAK.

   [streak of luck] See: RUN OF LUCK.

   [stream] See: CHANGE HORSES IN  THE  MIDDLE  OF  THE  STREAM,  SWIM
AGAINST THE CURRENT or SWIM AGAINST THE STREAM.

   [street] See: BACK STREET, CROSS STREET, MAN IN THE STREET, ON EASY
STREET, SIDE STREET, STOP STREET, THROUGH STREET.

   [strength] See: ON THE STRENGTH OF.

   [stretch a point] or [strain a point] {v. phr.} To permit something
different or more than usual; not tell the  exact  truth  or  make  an
exception. * /Mother stretched a point because it was  Christmas  time
and let the children stay up later than usual./ *  /It's  straining  a
point to call Joe a  hero  just  because  he  saved  the  kitten  from
drowning in the bathtub./

   [stretch of the  imagination]  {n.  phr.}  Imaginative  attempt  or
effort. * /By no stretch  of  the  imagination  can  I  see  Al  as  a
successful lawyer./

   [stride] See: HIT ONE'S STRIDE, TAKE IN STRIDE.

   [strike]  See:  CALLED  STRIKE,  HAVE  TWO  STRIKES  AGAINST   ONE,
LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME PLACE, TWO  STRIKES  AGAINST
ONE.

   [strike a bargain] {v. phr.} To arrive at a price  satisfactory  to
both the buyer and the seller. * /After a great deal of haggling, they
managed to strike a bargain./

   [strike a happy medium] {v. phr.} To find an answer  to  a  problem
that is halfway between two unsatisfactory answers. * /Mary  said  the
dress was blue. Jane said it was green. They finally  struck  a  happy
medium and decided it was blue-green./ * /Two teaspoons of sugar  made
the cup of coffee too sweet, and one not  sweet  enough.  One  heaping
teaspoon struck a happy medium./

   [strike all of a heap] See: ALL OF A HEAP.

   [strikebreaker] {n.} One who takes the place of workers  on  strike
or one who recruits such people. * /The striking workers threw  rotten
eggs at the strikebreakers./

   [strike gold] {v. phr.} 1. To find gold. * /Ted struck gold near an
abandoned mine in California./ 2. To find suddenly the  answer  to  an
old puzzle. * /Professor Brown's assistant struck gold when he came up
with an equation that explained the  irregular  motions  of  a  double
star./ See: PAY DIRT.

   [strike home] See: HIT HOME.

   [strike it rich] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To  discover  oil,  or  a
large vein of minerals to be mined, or a buried treasure. *  /The  old
prospector panned gold for years before he  struck  it  rich./  2.  To
become  rich  or  successful  suddenly  or  without  expecting  to.  *
/Everyone wanted to buy one of the new  gadgets,  and  their  inventor
struck it rich./ * /John did not know that he had a rich Uncle John in
Australia. John struck it rich when his uncle left his money to John./
Compare: PAY DIRT(2).

   [strike one funny] {v. phr.} To appear or seem laughable,  curious,
ironic, or entertaining. * /"It strikes me funny," he said, "that  you
should refuse my invitation to visit my chateau in France. After  all,
you love both red wine and old castles. "/

   [strike one's colors] See: HAUL DOWN ONE'S COLORS.

   [strike one's fancy]  {v.  phr.}  To  please  one's  predilections;
appeal to one. * /The red tie with the yellow dragon on it happened to
strike my fancy, so I bought it./

   [strike] or [hit a sour note] {v. phr.} To  spoil  the  mood  at  a
gathering by hearing some bad news. * /The news of Mr. Brown's  sudden
illness struck a sour note during our New Year's Eve party./  Compare:
SPIT INTO THE WEDDING CAKE.

   [strike out] {v.} 1. To destroy something that has been written  or
drawn by drawing a line or cross through it or by erasing it. *  /John
misspelled "corollary. " He struck it out and wrote it correctly./  2.
To begin to follow a new path or a course  of  action  that  you  have
never tried. * /The  boy  scouts  struck  out  at  daybreak  over  the
mountain pass./ * /John quit his job and struck out on his  own  as  a
traveling salesman./ 3. To put (a batter) out of play  by  making  him
miss the ball three times; also: To be put out of play by missing  the
ball three times. * /The pitcher struck out three men in the game./  *
/The batter struck out twice./ 4. To push out an  arm  suddenly  in  a
hitting motion. * /The boxer saw his chance  and  struck  out  at  his
opponent's jaw./

   [strike out at] {v. phr.} To attack someone verbally or physically.
* /She was so angry that she struck out  at  him  every  occasion  she
got./

   [strike the hour] {v. phr.} To mark  or  toll  the  hour  (said  of
clocks or bells). * /We heard the church  clock  strike  the  hour  of
two./

   [strike up] {v.} 1a. To start to sing or play. * /We  were  sitting
around the camp fire. Someone struck up a song, and we all joined in./
* /The President took his place on the platform, and the  band  struck
up the national anthem./ 1b. To  give  a  signal  to  start  (a  band)
playing. * /When the team ran on the field, the band  director  struck
up the band./ 2. To bring about; begin; start. * /The policeman struck
up a conversation with John while they were waiting for  the  bus./  *
/It did not take Mary long to  strike  up  acquaintances  in  her  new
school./

   [strike while the iron is hot] See: MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES.

   [string] See: FIRST STRING, LATCH STRING, ON THE  STRING  or  ON  A
STRING, PULL STRINGS, PURSE STRINGS, SHOE-STRING CATCH, TIED TO  ONE'S
MOTHER'S APRON STRINGS.

   [string along] {v.},  {informal}  1.  To  deceive;  fool;  lead  on
dishonestly. * /Mary was stringing John along for years but she didn't
mean to marry him./ * /George told the new boy  that  he  must  always
call the teacher "Sir," but the new  boy  soon  saw  that  George  was
stringing him along./ Compare: ON A STRING.  2.  To  follow  someone's
leadership; join his group. * /Those of you who want  to  learn  about
wild flowers, string along with Jake./

   [string out] {v.} To make (something) extend over a great  distance
or a long stretch of time. * /The  telephone  poles  were  strung  out
along the road as far as we could see./ * /Mary and Ann did  not  have
much to say but they did not want to go home. They  strung  out  their
gossip for a long time./

   [string up] {v.}, {slang} To put a rope around the neck of a person
and choke him to death; hang. *  /The  posse  strung  up  the  rustler
without a trial./ Compare: NECKTIE PARTY.

   [strings  attached]  {adv.  phr.}  With  some  special  proviso  or
condition that is a handicap. * /John inherited a  large  fortune  but
with the string attached that he could not touch a penny of it  before
his 28th birthday./

   [strip] See: DRAG STRIP.

   [stripe] See: MIDFIELD STRIPE.

   [stroke] See: AT A STROKE or AT ONE'S STROKE.

   [stroke of luck] See: RUN OF LUCK.

   [strong language] {n. phr.} Cursing; swearing. * /When Ned  learned
that he had been fired, he used some very strong  language  about  his
boss./

   [strung out] {adj.}, {slang},  {colloquial}  1.  Nervous,  jittery,
jumpy; generally ill because of drug use  or  withdrawal  symptoms.  *
/The only explanation I can think of for Max's  behavior  is  that  he
must be strung out./ 2. To suffer  because  of  a  lack  of  something
previously accustomed to, such as the love and affection of someone. *
/Sue is all strung out for  Jim;  they've  just  split  up./  Compare:
SPACED OUT.

   [stuck on] {slang} Very much in love with;  crazy  about.  *  /Judy
thinks she is very pretty and very smart. She is stuck on herself./  *
/Lucy is stuck on the football captain./

   [stuck-up] {adj.}, {informal} Acting as if other people are not  as
good as you are; conceited; snobbish. * /Mary is  very  stuck-up,  and
will not speak to the poor children in her class./

   [stuck with] {adj. phr.} Left in a predicament; left having to take
care of a problem caused by another. * /Our neighbors vanished without
a trace and we got stuck with their cat and dog./

   [study] See: BROWN STUDY.

   [stuff] See: KNOW ONE'S WAY AROUND(2).

   [stuff and  nonsense]  {n.}  Foolish  or  empty  writing  or  talk;
nonsense. * /Fred told a long story about his  adventures  in  Africa,
but it was all stuff and nonsense./ Often used as an  interjection.  *
/When Jane said she was too sick to go to school, her mother answered,
"Stuff and nonsense! I know there's a test today."/

   [stuff the ballot box] {v. phr.} To give more votes to a  candidate
in an election than there are people who actually voted for him. * /It
is a crime to stuff the ballot box./ - [ballot-stuffing] {adj. phr.}

   [stuffed shirt] {n. phr.} A  pretentious  bore;  a  pompous,  empty
person. * /I think that Howard is a terrible  stuffed  shirt  with  no
sense of humor./

   [stuffed up] {adj. phr.} Impeded; blocked. * /Our kitchen  sink  is
all stuffed up so I have to call the plumber./

   [stumble across] {v. phr.} To encounter a person or  thing,  mostly
by accident. * /I gave up looking for my old hat when  I  accidentally
stumbled across it in a dark corner of the closet./

   [stump] See: TAKE THE STUMP or TAKE TO THE STUMP, UP A STUMP.

   [style] See: CRAMP ONE'S STYLE, HIGH STYLE.

   [subject to] {adj. phr.} 1. Under the government or control of;  in
the power of. * /The English colonies in America were subject  to  the
English king./ * /The principal and  the  teachers  of  a  school  are
subject to the school board./ 2. Likely to  get  or  have;  liable.  *
/John is in rather poor health  and  is  subject  to  colds./  *  /The
western plains are subject to tornadoes./ 3. Depending on some change,
happening, or need. * /The company  and  the  union  agreed  that  the
workers' wages should be subject to changes in the cost of living./  *
/Agreements made by the President with other countries are subject  to
the approval of the Senate./

   [substance] See: IN SUBSTANCE.

   [succeed] See: HOWLING SUCCESS, NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS.

   [such and such] {pron.}  Something  whose  name  is  not  mentioned
because it does not need to be mentioned. * /George's  argument  tries
to prove such and such to be true, but it does not convince me./

   [such-and-such] {adj. phr.} Being one whose name has been forgotten
or whose name does not need to be mentioned. * /She told me to  go  to
such-and-such a street and turn right./ * /Suppose, now, that we  have
such-and-such a group coming to the school, and we don't  have  enough
chairs. What do we do then?/

   [such as] {conj.} 1. Of a kind or amount shown or named; of a  kind
like. * /The explorer took only such  men  and  things  as  he  really
needed into the jungle with him./ * /They felt such heat in the jungle
as they had never felt before./ * /Many different  pies  were  in  the
bakery such as apple, cherry, and blueberry pies./ 2. Of  the  average
or ordinary kind; poor; humble. * /Such as the  food  was,  there  was
plenty of it./ * /The room is not very nice, but such as  it  is,  you
may stay there for the night./

   [such as it is] Just as it appears or is presented, not  being  any
better or worse than  most  others  of  its  kind;  being  average  or
mediocre. * /This pie, such as it is, is the best I can make./ * /Jane
told her grandmother her grades, such as they were./

   [such that] {conj.} Of a kind or amount that; so great or so little
that; enough that. * /There was such a big line at me  movie  that  we
had to wait before we could get in./ * /Jimmy made such noise that his
sister told him to be quiet./ * /Mother's answer  was  such  that  she
didn't say yes and she didn't say no./

   [sucker  list]  {n.},  {slang}  A  list  of  easily-fooled  people,
especially people who are easily  persuaded  to  buy  things  or  give
money. * /The crook got hold of a sucker list and started out to  sell
his worthless stock./ * /Mr. Smith gets so many advertisements in  his
mail that he says he is on every sucker list in the country./

   [suck in] {v.} 1. {informal} To pull in by taking a deep breath and
tightening the muscles; flatten. * /"Suck in those stomachs," the  gym
teacher said./ 2. {slang} To make a fool of; cheat. * /The  uneducated
farmer was sucked in by a clever crook./

   [sugar daddy] {n.}, {slang}, {semi-vulgar}, {avoidable}  An  older,
well-to-do man, who gives money and gifts to a younger woman or  girls
usually in exchange for sexual favors. * /Betty Morgan got a mink coat
from her sugar daddy./

   [suit] See: BIRTHDAY SUIT, FOLLOW SUIT.

   [suit to a T] See: TO A T.

   [suit up] {v. phr.} To don a  uniform  or  sports  outfit.  *  /The
veterans like to suit up for the Fourth of July parade./

   [suit yourself] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  do  what  one  likes  or
prefers. * /"I don't care where you want to  sleep,"  he  said.  "Suit
yourself!"/

   [sum total] {n.}  The  final  amount;  everything  taken  together;
total. * /The sum total of expenses for the trip  was  $450./  *  /Ten
years was the sum total of John's education./

   [sum up] {v.} To put something into a few  words;  shorten  into  a
brief summary; summarize. * /The teacher summed up the lesson in three
rules./ * /The mailman's job, in all kinds of weather, is summed up in
the phrase "Deliver the mail."/

   [sun] See: UNDER THE SUN.

   [sunbelt] {n.}, {informal} A portion of the southern United  States
where the winter is very mild in comparison to other  states.  *  /The
Simpsons left Chicago for the sunbelt because of Jeff's rheumatism./

   [Sunday] See: MONTH OF SUNDAYS.

   [Sunday best] or [Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes] See: BEST  BIB  AND
TUCKER.

   [sunny-side up] {adj.} Fried on one side only. * /Barbara likes her
eggs sunny-side up./

   [supper] See: COVERED-DISH SUPPER or POTLUCK SUPPER.

   [supply] See: IN SHORT SUPPLY.

   [sure] See: FOR SURE, MAKE SURE, TO BE SURE.

   [sure enough] {adv.} As expected. * /Charles was afraid he had done
badly on the test, and sure enough, his grade  was  failing./  *  /The
children saw a familiar shape coming up the street and  hoped  it  was
their lost dog. When it came near, sure enough, it was Spot./ Compare:
SURE THING(2).

   [sure-enough] {adj.} Real; genuine. *  /Rick  found  a  sure-enough
nickel./ * /Martha's uncle gave her a sure-enough pearl  on  a  little
gold chain./ * /Jane's uncle is a sure-enough cowboy./

   [surefire] {adj.} Without fail; effective; bringing actual results.
* /During a campaign the only surefire way to get the sympathy of  the
voters is to mingle with them in person./

   [sure  thing]  1.  {n.},  {informal}  Something  sure  to   happen;
something about which there is no doubt. * /It's no fun betting  on  a
sure thing./ 2. {adv.} Of course; certainly *  /Sure  thing,  I'll  be
glad to do it for you./ Compare: FOR SURE(2), SURE ENOUGH.

   [surface] See: SCRATCH THE SURFACE.

   [surprise] See: TAKE BY SURPRISE.

   [survival of the fittest] {n. phr.} The staying alive or in  action
of the best prepared; often: idea that those living things  best  able
to adjust to life survive and those unable to adjust die out. *  /Life
in the old West was often a case of survival of the fittest./ *  /With
changes in the  world's  climate,  dinosaurs  died  but  many  smaller
animals lived on. It was survival of the fittest./ * /On  the  50-mile
hike it was survival  of  the  fittest;  only  12  out  of  25  Scouts
finished./

   [suspicion] See: ABOVE SUSPICION.

   [swallow] See: LOOK LIKE THE CAT THAT ATE THE CANARY.

   [swallow hook, line, and sinker] See: HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER.

   [swallow one's pride] {v. phr.} To bring your pride under  control;
humble yourself. * /After Bill lost the race, he swallowed  his  pride
and shook hands with the winner./ Compare: EAT ONE'S WORDS,

   [swallow one's words] 1. To speak unclearly;  fail  to  put  enough
breath into your words. * /Phyllis was hard to understand because  she
swallowed her words./ 2. See: EAT ONE'S WORDS.

   [swallow up] {v. phr.} To do  away  with;  absorb;  engulf.  *  /My
expenses are so great that they swallow up my modest salary./

   [swan song] {n. phr.}, {literary} A farewell or last appearance.  *
/The famous soprano gave her swan  song  in  La  Traviata  before  she
retired./

   [SWAT team] {n.}, {informal} Police  unit  trained  for  especially
hazardous or sensitive law-enforcement assignments; short for  Special
Weapons and Tactics. * /Joe made the SWAT team of the NYPD due to  his
athletic skills./

   [swathe] See: CUT A SWATHE.

   [swear by] {v.} 1. To use as the support or authority that what you
are saying is truthful; take an oath upon. * /A witness swears by  the
Bible that he will tell the truth./ *  /In  ancient  Greece  a  doctor
swore by Apollo, the god of healing, that he would be a good  doctor./
* /John swore by his honor he would  return  the  bike./  2.  To  have
complete confidence in; be sure of; trust completely. * /When John has
to go somewhere fast, he swears by his bike to get there./ *  /We  can
be sure that Fred will come on time, since his friend  Tom  swears  by
him./

   [swear in] or [swear into] {v.} To have a person swear  or  promise
to do his  duty  as  a  member  or  an  officer  of  an  organization,
government department, or similar group. - "Swear into" is  used  when
the name of the group is given. * /Mary and Ann will be sworn into the
club tonight./ * /Fred was sworn in as class president./ *  /Many  new
men were sworn into the army last month./ * /At the inauguration,  the
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court swore in the new President./

   [swear off] {v.}, {informal} To give up something you like  or  you
have got in the habit of using by making a promise. * /Mary swore  off
candy until she lost ten pounds./ * /John has sworn  off  dessert  for
Lent./

   [swear out] {v.} To get  (a  written  order  to  do  something)  by
swearing that a person has broken the law. * /The policeman swore  out
a warrant for the suspect's arrest./ * /The  detectives  swore  out  a
search warrant./

   [sweat] See: BY THE SWEAT OF ONE'S BROW.

   [sweat blood] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To be very much worried. * /The
engine of the airplane stopped, and the  pilot  sweated  blood  as  he
glided to a safe landing./ 2. To work very hard. * /Jim sweated  blood
to finish his composition on time./

   [sweat  out]  {v.},  {informal}  To  wait  anxiously;  worry  while
waiting. * /Karl was sweating out the results of the college exams./ *
/The search plane signaled that help was on the way. The  men  in  the
lifeboat just had to sweat it out./

   [Sweeney] See: TELL IT TO THE MARINES or TELL IT TO SWEENEY.

   [sweep] See: NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN.

   [sweep off one's feet] {v. phr.} To make  (someone)  have  feelings
(as love or happiness) too strong to  control;  overcome  with  strong
feeling; win sudden and complete acceptance by (someone)  through  the
feelings. * /The handsome football captain swept  Joan  off  her  feet
when he said so many things to her at the dance./ *  /Joan  was  swept
off her feet when the football captain started flirting with  her./  *
/Mary is swept off her feet whenever she hears a band start  playing./
* /John was swept off his feet when he won the contest./ Compare: BOWL
OVER (2), CARRY AWAY.

   [sweep out of] {v.  phr.}  To  leave  in  an  impressive,  majestic
manner. * /Offended by Tim's remark, Mary swept out of the  room  with
her head high in the air./

   [sweep the city] or [country] or [nation] or [world] {v.  phr.}  To
gain great attention or popularity throughout the city, country,  etc.
*  /Pavarotti's  unmatched  tenor  voice  swept  the   world   in   an
unprecedented manner./

   [sweep under the  rug]  {v.  phr.}  To  hide  or  dismiss  casually
(something one is ashamed of or does not know what to do about). * /In
many places, drug abuse by school children is swept under the rug./

   [sweet] See: SHORT AND SWEET.

   [sweetie pie] {n.}, {informal} A  person  who  is  loved;  darling;
sweetheart. * /Arnold blushed with pleasure when Annie called him  her
sweetie pie./ * /Nancy is Bill's sweetie pie./

   [sweet on] {adj. phr.}, {informal} In love with; very  fond  of.  *
/John is sweet on Alice./

   [sweet talk] 1. {n.},  {informal}  Too  much  praise;  flattery.  *
/Sometimes a girl's better judgment is overcome  by  sweet  talk./  2.
{v.}, {informal} To get what you want  by  great  praise;  flatter.  *
/Polly could sweet talk her husband into anything./

   [sweet tooth] {n.  phr.}  A  great  weakness  or  predilection  for
sweets. * /Sue has such a sweet tooth that she  hardly  eats  anything
else but cake./

   [swelled head]  {n.},  {informal}  A  feeling  that  you  are  very
important or more important than you really are. * /When John won  the
race, he got a swelled head./ * /Pretty girls shouldn't get a  swelled
head about it./ - [swell-headed] {adj. phr.} * /After he  was  elected
captain of the team, Bob became swell-headed./ Compare: BIG HEAD.

   [swell-headed] See: SWELLED HEAD.

   [swim] See: IN THE SWIM, SINK OR SWIM.

   [swim against the current] or [swim against the stream]  {v.  phr.}
To do the opposite of what most people want to do; go against the  way
things are happening; struggle upstream.  *  /The  boy  who  tries  to
succeed today without an education is swimming against the stream./

   [swine] See: CAST PEARLS BEFORE SWINE or CAST ONE'S  PEARLS  BEFORE
SWINE.

   [swing] See: IN FULL SWING.

   [swing one's weight] {v. phr.} To use your personal  power  to  get
something done * /The President swings his weight to get laws passed./
* /Mr. Thomas swung his weight to get his son a job with the company./

   [switch] See: ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH.

   [switched on] {adj.}, {slang} 1. In  tune  with  the  latest  fads,
ideas, and fashions. * /I dig Sarah, she is really  switched  on./  2.
Stimulated; as if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. * /How come
you're talking so fast? Are you switched on or something?/

   [swoop] See: AT ONE FELL SWOOP.

   [sword] See: AT SWORDS' POINTS, PUT TO THE SWORD.

   [sword rattling] See: SABER RATTLING.

   [sworn enemies] {n. phr.} People or groups or nations that  have  a
long-standing dislike for each other. * /The Israelis  and  the  Arabs
used to be sworn enemies but hopefully they will sign a lasting  peace
accord./

   [syllable] See: WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE.

   [system] See: PUBLIC-ADDRESS SYSTEM.





   [T] See: TO A T.

   [tab] See: KEEP TAB ON or KEEP TABS ON.

   [table] See: AT THE TABLE or AT  TABLE,  COFFEE  TABLE,  PUT  ONE'S
CARDS ON THE TABLE or LAY ONE'S CARDS ON THE TABLE, TURN  THE  TABLES,
WAIT AT TABLE or WAIT ON TABLE.

   [tack] See: GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS, GO SIT ON A TACK, SHARP  AS  A
TACK.

   [tackle] See: FLYING TACKLE

   [tack on] {v. phr.} To append; add. * /We were about  to  sign  the
contract when we discovered that the lawyer had tacked  on  a  codicil
that was not acceptable to us./

   [tag end] or [tail end] {n.}, {informal} The end, farthest  to  the
rear, last in line, nearest the bottom, or least  important.  *  /John
was at the tail end of his class./ * /Mary's part in the play came  at
the tag end, and she  got  bored  waiting./  *  /Bill  waited  at  the
crossing for the tag end of a freight to go by./

   [tail] See: COW'S TAIL, HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE, MAKE  HEAD  OR
TAIL OF, TURN TAIL.

   [tail between one's  legs]  {n.  phr.}  State  of  feeling  beaten,
ashamed, or very obedient, as after a scolding or a whipping.  *  /The
army sent the enemy home with their tails between their legs./ *  /The
boys on the team had boasted they would win the tournament,  but  they
went home with their tails between their legs./ (So called  because  a
beaten dog usually puts his tail down  between  his  legs  and  slinks
away.)

   [tail end] See: TAG END.

   [taillight] {n.} The rear red light of a  car.  *  /My  father  was
fined $15 for driving without a taillight./

   [tailor-made] See: MADE-TO-MEASURE.

   [tailspin] See: GO INTO A TAILSPIN.

   [tail wags the dog] Said of situations in which a minor part is  in
control of the whole. * /He is just a minor employee at the firm,  yet
he gives everyone orders, a case of the tail wagging the dog./

   [take] See: CAN TAKE IT WITH ONE, GIVE AND TAKE, GIVE ONE  AN  INCH
AND HE WILL TAKE A MILE, GIVE OR TAKE, SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE.

   [take aback] See: TAKEN BACK.

   [take a back seat] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  accept  a  poorer  or
lower position; be second to something or someone else. * /During  the
war all manufacturing had to take a back seat to  military  needs./  *
/She does not have to take a back seat to any singer alive./  Compare:
PLAY SECOND FIDDLE.

   [take a bath] {v. phr.}, {informal} To come to  financial  ruin.  *
/Boy, did we ever take a bath on that merger with Brown & Brown, Inc./

   [take a bow] {v. phr.} To stand up or come on a stage to be clapped
for or praised for success. * /The audience shouted for the author  of
the play to take a bow./ * /The basketball team should take a bow  for
fine work this season./

   [take a break] {v. phr.} To have a brief  rest  period  during  the
course of one's work. * /"You've worked hard.  It's  time  to  take  a
break," the boss said./

   [take a chance] {v. phr.} To accept the risk of failure or loss.  *
/We will take a chance on the weather and have the party outdoors./

   [take a crack at] {v. phr.} To try doing something.  *  /It  was  a
difficult challenge to  reorganize  our  antiquated  campus,  but  the
resident architect decided to take a crack at it./

   [take a dig at] {v. phr.} To attack verbally; offend; denigrate.  *
/If you keep taking digs at me all the time, our relationship will  be
a short one./

   [take a dim view of] {v. phr.} 1. To have doubts about; feel unsure
or anxious about. * /Tom took a dim view of his chances of passing the
exam./ * /Betty hoped to go on a picnic, but she took a  dim  view  of
the weather./ 2. To be against; disapprove. * /John's  father  took  a
dim view of his wanting to borrow the car./ * /The teacher took a  dim
view of the class's behavior./

   [take a dislike to] Contrast: TAKE A FANCY TO.

   [take a drop] {v. phr.} 1. To indulge in alcoholic drinks. *  /Aunt
Liz doesn't really drink; she just takes a drop every now  and  then./
2. To lose value; decrease  in  price.  *  /Stocks  took  a  big  drop
yesterday due to the international crisis./

   [take advantage of] {v. phr.} 1. To make good use of.  *  /The  cat
took advantage of the high grass to creep up on  the  bird./  *  /Jean
took advantage of the lunch hour to finish her homework./ 2. To  treat
(someone) unfairly for your own gain or help; make unfair  use  of.  *
/He took advantage of his friend's kindness./ * /The  little  children
did not know how much to pay for the candy, and Ralph  took  advantage
of them./ Syn.: IMPOSE ON.

   [take after] {v.} To be like because  of  family  relationship;  to
have the same looks or ways as (a parent or  ancestor).  *  /He  takes
after his father in mathematical ability./  *  /She  takes  after  her
father's side of the family in looks./ Compare: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON;
RUN IN THE FAMILY.

   [take a fancy  to]  {v.  phr.}  To  become  fond  of;  cultivate  a
predilection for. * /Aunt  Hermione  has  taken  a  fancy  to  antique
furniture./

   [take a flop] {v. phr.} To fall heavily. * /I took a nasty flop  on
the ice-covered sidewalk./

   [take aim] {v. phr.} To get ready to hit, throw at, or shoot at  by
sighting carefully. * /When the captain orders "Take aim," raise  your
gun to your shoulder and sight along the  barrel  at  the  target./  *
/Before the hunter could take aim, the deer jumped out of sight./

   [take a  hand  in]  {v.  phr.}  To  assist  in  the  direction  of;
participate. * /The University Faculty Club decided to take a hand  in
helping the recent refugees./

   [take a hard line with] See: HARD LINE, HARD-LINER.

   [take a hike] See: GO FLY A KITE.

   [take a hint] {v. phr.} To understand an allusion or  a  suggestion
and behave accordingly. * /"I don't like people who smoke," she  said.
"Can't you take a hint and either quit smoking or seeing me?"/

   [take a joke]  {v.  phr.}  Accept  in  good  spirit  some  derision
directed at oneself. * /My brother has a  good  sense  of  humor  when
teasing others, but he cannot take a joke on himself./

   [take a liking to] See: TAKE A FANCY TO.

   [take a load off one's feet] {v. phr.} To alleviate  one's  fatigue
   by sitting down during some taxing work. * /"You've  been  standing
there for hours, Jake," John said. "Why don't you take a load off your
feet?"/

   [take a long breath] See: DRAW A LONG BREATH.

   [take amiss] or [the wrong way] {v. phr.} To become offended due to
a misunderstanding. * /"I hope you won't take it amiss," the boss said
to Jane, "that I find you irresistibly attractive."/

   [take a new turn] {v. phr.} To start a new course;  decide  upon  a
new  direction.  *  /The  company  took  a  new  turn   under   Jack's
directorship./

   [take a nose dive] {v. phr.} To plummet; fall sharply. * /The stock
market took a nose dive  after  the  news  of  the  President's  heart
attack./

   [take a notion] See: TAKE INTO ONE'S HEAD.

   [take apart] {v. phr.} To  dismantle;  disassemble.  *  /Boys  like
taking radios and watches apart, but they seldom know how to put  them
back together again./

   [take a poke at] See: TAKE A PUNCH AT.

   [take a pot shot at] See: POTSHOT.

   [take a powder] {v. phr.}, {slang} To leave hurriedly; run  out  or
away; desert, flee. * /All the gang except one had taken a powder when
the police arrived./

   [take a punch at] or [take a poke at] or [take a sock at] {v. phr.}
To try to hit (someone) with the fist; swing or strike at; attack with
the fists. * /Bob was very angry and  suddenly  he  took  a  punch  at
Fred./ * /Johnny knocked my hat off, so I took a poke at  him./  *  /I
felt like taking a sock at Joe, but I kept my temper./

   [take a risk] See: RUN A RISK.

   [take a shine to] {v. phr.}, {slang} To have or show a quick liking
for. * /He took a shine to  his  new  teacher  the  very  first  day./
Compare: TAKE A FANCY TO.

   [take a shot at] {v. phr.} To try casually; attempt to do. *  /"Can
you handle all these new book orders?" Tom asked. "I haven't  done  it
before," Sally replied, "but I can sure take a shot at it."/

   [take a sock at] See: TAKE A PUNCH AT.

   [take a spill] {v. phr.} To fall down;  tip  over.  *  /During  the
harsh winter, when the sidewalk is covered with ice, many people  take
a spill./

   [take at one's word] {v.  phr.}  To  believe  everything  (someone)
says; to act on what is said. * /If you say you don't want this  coat,
I'll take you at your word and throw it away./ * /When the  king  said
he wished to be rid of his advisor, a friend took him at his word  and
murdered the councillor./

   [take a stand] {v. phr.} To assert one's point.  of  view;  declare
one's position. * /It is time for American society  to  take  a  stand
against crime./

   [take a turn] {v. phr.} To  become  different;  change.  *  /Mary's
fever suddenly took a bad turn./ * /The story took an odd turn./ Often
used with "for the better" or "for the worse". * /In the afternoon the
weather took a turn for the better./ * /Suddenly  the  battle  took  a
turn for the worse./

   [take a turn for the better] {v. phr.} To start improving; start to
get better. * /Aunt Hermione was very ill for a long  time,  but  last
week she suddenly took a turn for the better./

   [take a turn for the worse] See: FOR THE WORSE.  Contrast:  TAKE  A
TURN FOR THE BETTER.

   [take a whack at] See: TAKE A SHOT AT.

   [take back] {v.} To change or deny something offered, promised,  or
stated; admit to making a wrong statement. * /I take back my offer  to
buy the house now that I've had a good look at it./ * /I want  you  to
take back the unkind things you said about Kenneth./

   [take by storm] {v. phr.} 1. To capture by a sudden  or  very  bold
attack. * /The army did not hesitate. They took the town by storm./ 2.
To win the favor or liking of;  make  (a  group  of  people)  like  or
believe you. * /The comic took the audience by storm./  *  /John  gave
Jane so much attention that he took her by storm,  and  she  said  she
would marry him./ Compare: MAKE A HIT.

   [take by surprise] {v. phr.} 1.  To  appear  in  front  of  someone
suddenly or to suddenly discover him before  he  discovers  you;  come
before (someone) is ready; appear  before  (someone)  unexpectedly.  *
/The policeman took the burglar by surprise as he opened the  window./
* /When Mrs. Green's dinner guests came half an hour early, they  took
her by surprise./ 2. To fill with surprise or amazement;  astonish.  *
/Ellen was taken by surprise when the birthday cake was brought in./ *
/When our teacher quit in the middle of  the  year  to  work  for  the
government, it took us all by surprise./

   [take by the scruff] {v.  phr.}  1.  To  assert  authority  over  a
person. * /Tim's mother took him by the scruff and  told  him  to  get
cleaned up./ 2. To punish a person. * /The boss took us by the  scruff
when he found us chatting idly by the coffee machine./  3.  To  assume
firm control over a job or a situation  that  has  been  causing  some
difficulty. * /Someone had better take the post office by the  scruff;
there are too many customer complaints pouring in./

   [take care] {v. phr.} To be careful; use wisdom or caution. * /Take
care that you don't spill that coffee!/ * /We must take  care  to  let
nobody hear about this./

   [take care of] {v. phr.} 1. To attend to; supply the  needs  of.  *
/She stayed home to take care of the baby./ Syn.: KEEP AN  EYE  ON(2),
LOOK AFTER. Compare: IN CHARGE(2). 2. {informal} To deal with; do what
is needed with. * /I will take care of that letter./ * /The coach told
Jim to take care of the opposing player./ Compare: SEE TO.

   [take charge] {v. phr.} To begin to lead or control;  take  control
or responsibility; undertake the care or  management  (of  persons  or
things). * /When Mrs. Jackson was in the  hospital,  her  sister  took
charge of the Jackson children  until  Mrs.  Jackson  could  care  for
them./ * /The child care class gave a party for the nursery  children,
and Mary took charge of the  games./  *  /John  was  elected  the  new
president of the club and took charge at the next meeting./ * /Bob  is
a natural leader, and can take charge in an  emergency./  Compare:  IN
CHARGE(2).

   [take cold] See: CATCH COLD.

   [take cover] {v. phr.} To seek shelter or protection. *  /The  rain
began so suddenly that we had to take cover in a doorway./

   [take down] {v.} 1. To write or record (what is said).  *  /I  will
tell you how to get to the place; you had better take it down./ 2.  To
pull to pieces; take apart. * /It will be a big job to take that  tree
down./ * /In the evening the campers put  up  a  tent,  and  the  next
morning they took it down./ 3.  {informal}  To  reduce  the  pride  or
spirit of; humble. * /Bob thought he was a good  wrestler,  but  Henry
took him down./ Syn.: TAKE DOWN A NOTCH.

   [take down a notch] or [take down a peg] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To
make (someone) less proud or sure of himself. * /The team was  feeling
proud of its record, but last week the boys were taken down a peg by a
bad defeat./

   [take effect] {v. phr.}  1.  To  have  an  unexpected  or  intended
result; cause a change. * /It was nearly an hour before  the  sleeping
pill took effect./ 2. To become lawfully right, or operative.  *  /The
new tax law will not take effect until January./

   [take exception to] {v. phr.} To speak against; find fault with; be
displeased or angered by; criticize.  *  /There  was  nothing  in  the
speech that you could take exception to./ * /Did she take exception to
my remarks about her cooking./

   [take five] {v. phr.} To take a five-minute break during some  work
or theatrical rehearsal. * /"All right, everyone," the director cried.
"Let's take five."/

   [take for] {v.} To suppose to be; mistake for. * /Do  you  take  me
for a fool?/ * /At first sight you  would  take  him  for  a  football
player, not a poet./

   [take for a ride] {v. phr.}, {slang}  1.  To  take  out  in  a  car
intending to murder. * /The gang leader decided that the informer must
be taken for a ride./ 2. To play a trick on; fool. * /The  girls  told
Linda that a movie star was visiting  the  school,  but  she  did  not
believe them; she thought they were taking her for a  ride./  Compare:
STRING ALONG. 3. To take unfair advantage of; fool for your own  gain.
* /His girlfriend really took him for a ride before he stopped  dating
her./

   [take for granted] {v. phr.} 1. To  suppose  or  understand  to  be
true. * /Mr. Harper took for granted that the invitation included  his
wife./ * /A teacher cannot take it for granted that students always do
their homework./ Compare: BEG THE QUESTION. 2.  To  accept  or  become
used to (something) without noticing especially or saying anything.  *
/George took for granted all that his parents did for him./ * /No girl
likes to have her boyfriend take her for granted; instead,  he  should
always try to make her like him better./

   [take French leave] {v. phr.} To leave secretly;  abscond.  *  /The
party was so boring that we decided to take French  leave./  *  /While
the Smith family was in Europe, the house-sitter  packed  up  all  the
silver and took French leave./ See: SLIP AWAY.

   [take heart] {v. phr.} To be encouraged; feel braver  and  want  to
try. * /The men took heart from their leader's words and  went  on  to
win the battle./ * /When we are in trouble we can take heart from  the
fact that things often seem  worse  than  they  are./  Contrast:  LOSE
HEART.

   [take heed] {v. phr.}, {literary} To pay attention; watch or listen
carefully; notice. * /Take heed not to spill coffee on the rug./

   [take hold of] {v. phr.} To grasp. * /The old  man  tried  to  keep
himself from falling down the stairs, but there was no railing to take
hold of./

   [take ill] or [take sick] {v.} To become sick. * /Father took  sick
just before his birthday./  -  Used  in  the  passive  with  the  same
meaning. * /The man was taken ill on the train./

   [take in] {v.} 1. To include.  *  /The  country's  boundaries  were
changed to fake in a piece of land beyond the river./ * /The class  of
mammals takes in nearly all warm-blooded animals except the birds./ 2.
To go and see; visit. * /The students decided to take in a movie while
they were in town./ *  /We  planned  to  take  in  Niagara  Palls  and
Yellowstone Park on our trip./ 3. To make smaller. *  /This  waistband
is too big; it must be taken in about an inch./ * /They had to take in
some sail to keep the ship from turning over  in  the  storm./  4.  To
grasp with the mind; understand. * /He didn't take  in  what  he  read
because his mind was on something else./ * /He took in  the  situation
at a glance./ 5a. To deceive; cheat; fool. * /The teacher was taken in
by the boy's innocent manner./ Compare: PUT  OVER,  ROPE  IN.  5b.  To
accept without question; believe. * /The magician did many tricks, and
the children took it all in./ 6a. To receive; get. * /The senior class
held a dance to make money and took in over a  hundred  dollars./  6b.
Let come in; admit. * /The farmer took in the lost travelers  for  the
night./ * /When her husband died, Mrs. Smith took in boarders./ 7.  To
see or hear with interest; pay close attention to, * /When  Bill  told
about his adventures, the other boys took it all in./

   [take in stride] {v. phr.} To  meet  happenings  without  too  much
surprise; accept good or bad luck and go on. *  /He  learned  to  take
disappointments in stride./

   [take in tow] {v. phr.} To take charge of; lead; conduct. *  /Brian
and Kate took a group of children in tow when they  went  to  see  the
circus./

   [take into account] {v. phr.}  To  remember  and  understand  while
judging someone or something; consider. * /How much time will we  need
to get to the lake? You have to take the bad  road  into  account./  *
/His acting in the play was remarkable, taking into account his  youth
and inexperience./ Syn.: RECKON WITH. Contrast: LEAVE OUT OF ACCOUNT.

   [take issue with] {v. phr.} To be openly  against;  speak  against;
disagree with. * /He thought his boss was wrong but was afraid to take
issue with him on the matter./

   [take it] {v. phr.} 1. To get an  idea  or  impression;  understand
from what is said or done. - Usually used with "I". * /I take it  from
your silence that you  don't  want  to  go./  2.  {informal}  To  bear
trouble, hard work, criticism; not give up or weaken. *  /Henry  could
criticize and tease other boys, but he couldn't take  it  himself./  *
/Bob lost his job and his girl in the same week, and  we  all  admired
the way he took it./

   [take  it  all  in]  {v.  phr.}  To   absorb   completely;   listen
attentively. * /Bill's piano music filled the room and we took it  all
in with admiration./

   [take it  away]  {v.  phr.},  {informal},  {Theatrical  expression}
You're on; it's your  turn;  you're  next.  *  /And  here  comes  that
wonderful comedian, Bob Hope.  The  announcer  said,  "Take  it  away.
Bob."/

   [take it easy] {v. phr.}, {informal}  1.  or  [go  easy]  or  [take
things easy] To go or act slowly, carefully, and gently. - Often  used
with "on". * /Take it easy. The roads are icy./  *  /"Go  easy,"  said
Billy to the other boys carrying the table down the stairs./ *  /"Take
it easy on John and don't scold him too much," said Mrs. Jones to  Mr.
Jones./ * /Go easy on the cake. There isn't much left./  2.  or  [take
things easy] To avoid hard work or worry; have an easy time;  live  in
comfort. * /The doctor said that Bob would have to  take  things  easy
for awhile after he had his tonsils out./ * /Barbara likes to take  it
easy./ * /Grandfather will retire from his  job  next  year  and  take
things easy./ * /Mr. Wilson has just made a lot of money and can  take
things easy now./

   [take  it  from  the  top]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  {Musical   and
theatrical expression} To start  again  from  the  beginning.  *  /The
conductor said, "We must try it once again. Take it from the  top  and
watch my baton."/

   [take it into one's head] or {informal} [take a notion]  {v.  phr.}
To get a sudden idea; decide without thinking.  *  /The  boy  suddenly
took it into his head to leave school and get a job./  *  /Grandmother
keeps a bag packed so that she can go visiting whenever  she  takes  a
notion./

   [take it on the chin] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To be  badly  beaten
or hurt. * /Our football team really took it on the chin  today.  They
are all bumps and bruises./ * /Mother and I took it on the chin in the
card game./ 2. To accept without complaint something bad that  happens
to you; accept trouble or defeat calmly. * /A good football player can
take it on the chin when his team loses./

   [take it or leave it] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  accept  something
without change or refuse it; decide yes or no. -  Often  used  like  a
command. * /He said the price of the house was  $10,000,  take  it  or
leave it./

   [take it out on] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be unpleasant  or  unkind
to (someone) because you are angry or upset; get rid of upset feelings
by being mean to. - Often used with the name of the feeling instead of
"it." * /The teacher was angry and took it out on the class./  *  /Bob
was angry because Father would not let him use the car, and he took it
out on his little brother./

   [take its toll] {v. phr.} To cause loss or damage. * /The bombs had
taken their toll on the little town./ * /The budget cut took its  toll
of teachers./

   [take kindly to] {v.} To be pleased by; like.  -  Usually  used  in
negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. * /He doesn't take
kindly to any suggestions about running his business./  *  /Will  your
father take kindly to the idea of your leaving college?/

   [take leave of] {v. phr.} I. To abandon, go away  from,  or  become
separated from. - Usually used in the  phrase  "take  leave  of  one's
senses". * /Come down from the roof, Billy! Have you  taken  leave  of
your senses?/ 2. See: TAKE ONE'S LEAVE.

   [take leave of one's senses] {v. phr.} To go mad; become  crazy.  *
/"Have you taken leave of your senses? "Jake cried, when he  saw  Andy
swallow a live goldfish./

   [take liberties] {v. phr.} To act toward in too close or friendly a
manner; use as you would use a close friend or something of your  own.
* /Mary would not let any boy take liberties with her./ *  /Bill  took
liberties with Tom's bicycle./ Compare: MAKE FREE WITH.

   [take lying down] {v. phr.} To accept something without defense  or
protest. * /If you  take  such  insults  lying  down,  you  will  only
encourage more of the same./

   [taken aback] also  [taken  back]  {adj.}  Unpleasantly  surprised;
suddenly puzzled or shocked. * /When he came to pay for his dinner  he
was taken aback to find that he had left his wallet at home./

   [taken by] or [with] {v. phr.} To be impressed by; intrigued by.  *
/Ned was much taken by the elegance of Sophie's manners./

   [take no stock in] See: TAKE STOCK IN.

   [take note of] or [take notice of] {v. phr.} 1. To  look  carefully
at; pay close attention to; observe well. * /A detective is trained to
take note of people and things./ 2. To notice and act in response; pay
attention. * /Two boys were talking together in the back of  the  room
but the teacher took no notice of  them./  *  /The  principal  thanked
everyone who helped in the program, and took note of  the  decorations
made by the art class./

   [take oath] {v. phr.} To promise to tell the truth or  to  do  some
task honestly, calling on God or some person or thing as a witness.  *
/Mary took her oath that she did not steal the watch./  *  /John  took
oath that he would fill the office of president faithfully./

   [takeoff] {n.} 1. Departure of an airplane;  the  act  of  becoming
airborne. * /The nervous passenger was relieved that  we  had  such  a
wonderfully smooth takeoff./ 2. Imitation; a parody. * /Vaughn  Meader
used to do a wonderful takeoff on President Kennedy's speech./

   [take off] {v. phr.} 1a. To leave fast; depart suddenly; run  away.
* /The  dog  took  off  after  a  rabbit./  Compare:  LIGHT  OUT.  1b.
{informal} To go away; leave. * /The six boys got  into  the  car  and
took off for the drug store./ 2. To leave on a flight, begin going up.
* /A helicopter is able to take off and land straight up or down./  3.
{informal}  To  imitate  amusingly;  copy  another  person's  habitual
actions or speech. * /He made a career of taking off famous people for
nightclub audiences./ * /At the party, Charlie took off the  principal
and some of the teachers./ 4. To take (time) to be absent from work. *
/When his wife was sick he took off from work./ * /Bill was tired  out
so he took the day off./

   [take off one's hat to]  {v.  phr.}  To  give  honor,  praise,  and
respect to. * /He is my enemy, but I take off my hat to  him  for  his
courage./ Compare: HAND IT TO.

   [take offense at] {v. phr.} To become indignant;  become  angry.  *
/Why do you always take offense at everything I say?/

   [take  off  one's  hands]  {v.   phr.}   1.   To   abdicate   one's
responsibility of a person or matter. * /"I am herewith taking my hand
off your affairs," Lou's father said. "See how  you  succeed  on  your
own."/ 2. To buy; relieve someone of something. * /He offered to  take
my old car off my hands for $350./

   [take off the edge] See: TAKE THE EDGE OFF.

   [take on] {v.} 1. To receive for carrying; be loaded with. * /A big
ship was at the dock taking on automobiles in crates to carry overseas
for sale./ * /The bus driver stopped at the curb  to  take  the  woman
on./ 2. To begin to have (the look of); take (the  appearance  of).  *
/Others joined the fistfight until it took on the look of a  riot./  *
/After the students put up Christmas decorations, the  classroom  took
on a holiday appearance./ 3a. To give a job to; hire; employ.  *  /The
factory has opened and is beginning to take on new workers./ Contrast:
LET GO(4), LET OFF, LET  OUT(6).  3b.  To  accept  in  business  or  a
contest. * /The big man took on two opponents at once./ *  /After  his
father died, Bill took on the management of the factory./ *  /We  knew
their football team was bigger and  stronger,  but  we  took  them  on
anyway and beat them./ 4. {informal} To show great excitement,  grief,
or anger. * /At the news of her husband's death she  took  on  like  a
madwoman./ Compare: CARRY-ON.

   [take one at one's word] {v. phr.} To naively lend credence to what
one tells one. * /It's a bad idea to take street vendors at their word
in large, crowded cities./

   [take one's breath away] {v. phr.}  To  surprise  greatly;  impress
very much; leave  speechless  with  surprise  or  wonder  or  delight;
astonish. * /The sunset is so beautiful it takes our breath  away./  *
/His refusal was so unexpected it took my breath away./ Compare: CATCH
ONE'S BREATH(1).

   [take one's death of] See: CATCH ONE'S DEATH OF.

   [take one's leave] or [take leave of] {v. phr.},  {formal}  To  say
good-bye and leave. * /He stayed on after most of the guests had taken
their leave./ * /The messenger bowed and took leave of the  queen./  -
[leave-taking]  {n.}  The  end  of  school  in  June  is  a  time   of
leave-taking.

   [take one's life in one's hands] {v. phr.} To face great danger  or
take great risk. * /Driving that car with those worn  tires  would  be
taking your life in your hands./ * /He took his life in his hands when
he tried to capture the wild horse./

   [take one's measure] or [take the measure of] {v.  phr.}  To  judge
the character, quality, or nature of; try to guess about  something  -
how hard or easy, dangerous or safe, good or bad, etc. *  /The  boxers
sparred for a while taking each other's measure./  *  /John  took  the
measure of the cliff before he climbed it./ Compare: SIZE UP.

   [take one's  medicine]  {v.  phr.}  To  accept  punishment  without
complaining. * /The boy said he was sorry he broke the window and  was
ready to take his medicine./ Compare: FACE THE MUSIC(2).

   [take one's name in vain] {v. phr.} 1. To  call  upon  (God)  as  a
witness to your truth or honesty when you are lying;  swear  by  (God)
untruthfully. * /You shall not take the name of the Lord your  God  in
vain./ 2. {informal} To talk about a person or  mention  his  name.  *
/"Did I hear someone taking my name in vain?" asked Bill as he  joined
his friends./

   [take one's time] {v. phr.} To avoid haste;  act  in  an  unhurried
way. * /He liked to take his time over breakfast./ * /It is better  to
take your time at this job than to hurry and make mistakes./

   [take one's word] {v. phr.} To believe one's promise. * /Herb  took
Eric's word when he promised to pay up his debt./

   [take on faith] {v. phr.} To lend  credence  to  something  due  to
one's confidence in the source, rather than based on evidence. *  /One
should never take on faith what one hears about Washington politics./

   [take on oneself] or [take upon oneself] {v. phr.} 1. To accept  as
a duty or responsibility. * /He took it on himself  to  see  that  the
packages  were  delivered./  2.  To  assume  wrongfully   or   without
permission as a right or privilege. * /You should not  have  taken  it
upon yourself to accept the invitation for the whole family./

   [take one wrong] See: GET ONE WRONG.

   [take on the chin] {v. phr.}  To  gracefully  accept  criticism.  *
/It's good to be able to tell people what they do  wrong,  but  it  is
equally important to be able to take it on the chin when they tell you
what you have done wrong./

   [take out] {v. phr.} 1. To ask for and fill in. *  /Mary  and  John
took out a marriage license./ 2. To begin to run. * /When  the  window
broke, the boys took out in all directions./ * /When the wind blew the
man's hat off, Charlie took out after it./ See: TAKE IT OUT ON.

   [take out after] {v. phr.} To start pursuing one. *  /The  watchdog
took out after the burglars./

   [take out on] {v. phr.} To  vent  one's  sadness,  frustration,  or
anger on someone who is usually innocent of the  problem  at  hand.  *
/"Why are you always taking out your frustrations on me?"  Jane  asked
Tom, when he slammed the door./

   [take-out order] {n. phr.} An order in a restaurant that  one  does
not eat on the premises, but takes home. * /The new Chinese restaurant
on the corner sells nice take-out orders./

   [take over] {v.} 1a. To  take  control  or  possession  of.  *  /He
expects to take over the business when his  father  retires./  1b.  To
take charge or responsibility. * /The airplane pilot fainted  and  his
co-pilot had to take over./ 2. To borrow, imitate, or  adopt.  *  /The
Japanese have taken over many European ways of life./

   [take  pains]  {v.  phr.}  To  do  something  very  carefully   and
thoroughly. * /She  had  taken  pains  to  see  that  her  guests  had
everything that they could possibly want./ * /She always  takes  pains
with her appearance./

   [take part] {v. phr.} To have a part or share; join. * /Jim saw the
new boy watching the game and asked him to take part./  *  /The  Swiss
did not take part in the two World Wars./

   [take pity on] also [take pity upon] {v. phr.} To feel sympathy  or
pity and do something for. * /Mary took pity on the orphan kittens./ *
/The farmer took pity upon the campers, and let them stay in his  barn
during the rain./

   [take place] {v. phr.} To happen; occur. * /The accident took place
only a block from his home./ * /The action of the play takes place  in
ancient Rome./ * /The dance  will  take  place  after  the  graduation
exercises./ Compare: GO ON(3).

   [take potluck] {v. phr.} To share  as  a  guest  an  everyday  meal
without special preparation. * /You are welcome to stay for dinner  if
you will take potluck./ * /They were  about  to  have  lunch  when  he
phoned and they asked him to take potluck with them./

   [take root] {v. phr.} 1. To form roots so as to be able to live and
grow. * /We hope the transplanted apple trees will take root./  2.  To
be accepted; to be adopted; to live and succeed  in  a  new  place.  *
/Many European customs failed to take root in the New World./  *  /The
immigrants to our country took root and began to think  of  themselves
as Native Americans./

   [take shape] {v. phr.} To grow or  develop  into  a  certain  fixed
form. * /Plans for our vacation are beginning to take shape./ * /Their
new home took shape as the weeks went by./ Compare: SHAPE UP.

   [take sick] See: TAKE ILL.

   [take sides] {v. phr.} To join  one  group  against  another  in  a
debate or quarrel. * /Switzerland refused to take  sides  in  the  two
World Wars./ * /Tom wanted to go fishing. Dick wanted to take a  hike.
Bob took sides with Tom so  they  all  went  fishing./  Compare:  LINE
UP(4b). Contrast: ON THE FENCE.

   [take someone for a ride] {v. phr.},  {informal}  1.  To  cheat  or
swindle someone. * /Poor Joe Catwallender was taken for a ride./ 2. To
kill someone after kidnapping. * /The criminals took  the  man  for  a
ride./

   [take steps] {v. phr.} To begin to make plans or arrangements; make
preparations; give orders. - Usually used with "to" and an infinitive.
* /The city is taking steps to replace its streetcars with busses./

   [take stock] {v. phr.} 1. To count exactly the items of merchandise
or supplies in stock; take inventory. * /The grocery store took  stock
every week on Monday mornings./ 2. To study carefully a situation,  or
a number of possibilities or opportunities. * /During the  battle  the
commander paused to take stock of the situation./ Compare: SIZE UP.

   [take stock in] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  have  faith  in;  trust;
believe. - Usually used in the negative. * /He took no  stock  in  the
idea that women were better cooks than men./ * /They took little or no
stock in the boy's story that he had lost the money./ * /Do  you  take
any stock in the gossip about Joan?/

   [take the bit in one's mouth] also [take the bit  in  one's  teeth]
{adv. phr.} To have your own way; take charge of things; take  control
of something. * /When Mary wanted something, she was  likely  to  take
the bit in her teeth and her  parents  could  do  nothing  with  her./
Compare: TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS,  TAKE  THE  LAW  INTO  ONE'S  OWN
HANDS.

   [take the bread out of one's mouth] {v. phr.} To take away  or  not
give your rightful support, especially  through  selfish  pleasure.  *
/She accused her husband of drinking and gambling - taking  bread  out
of his children's mouths./

   [take the bull by the horns] {v. phr.}, {informal} To take definite
action and not care about risks; act bravely in a  difficulty.  *  /He
decided to take the bull by the horns and demand  a  raise  in  salary
even though it might cost him his job./ Compare: TAKE THE BIT IN ONE'S
MOUTH, TAKE THE LAW INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS.

   [take the cake] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To take the first  prize;  be
the best; rank first. * /Mr. Jones takes the cake as  a  storyteller./
2. To be the limit; to be the worst; have a lot of nerve;  be  a  very
rude, bold, or surprising action. * /I let Jack borrow my baseball and
he never gave it back. Doesn't that  take  the  cake?/  *  /For  being
absent-minded, Mr. Smith takes the cake./ Compare: BEAT ALL.

   [take the day off] See: DAY OFF.

   [take the defensive] Contrast: TAKE THE OFFENSIVE.

   [take the edge off] also [take off the edge] {v. phr.}  To  lessen,
weaken, soften or make dull. * /Eating a candy bar before  dinner  has
taken the edge off Becky's appetite./ * /Bob was sorry for hurting Tom
and that took the edge off Tom's anger./ * /A headache took  the  edge
off Dick's pleasure in the movie./

   [take the fifth] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. Taking refuge behind  the
Fifth Amendment  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  which
guarantees any witness the right  not  to  incriminate  himself  while
testifying at a trial. * /Alger Hiss took the Fifth when asked whether
he was a member of the Communist Party./ 2. Not to answer any question
in an informal setting. * /Have you been married before? - I take  the
Fifth./

   [take the floor] {v. phr.} To  get  up  and  make  a  speech  in  a
meeting.  *  /The  audience  became  very  attentive  the  moment  the
president took the floor./

   [take the law into one's own hands]  {v.  phr.}  To  protect  one's
supposed rights or punish a suspected wrongdoer without reference to a
court. - An overused expression. * /When the  men  of  the  settlement
caught the suspected murderer, they took the law into their own  hands
and hanged him to a tree./ * /His farm was going to be sold for taxes,
but he took the law into his own hands and drove the sheriff away with
a shotgun./ Compare: LAW UNTO ONESELF, TAKE THE BIT IN ONE'S MOUTH.

   [take the lid off] {v. phr.} 1. To let out in the open; divulge.  *
/It's about time to  take  the  lid  off  the  question  of  how  many
prisoners of war are still in enemy hands./ 2. To  start  to  face  an
issue. * /"The best way to deal with your divorce," the doctor said to
Fran, "is to take the lid off of it."/ Compare: BLOW THE LID OFF,  LET
THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG.

   [take the measure of] See: TAKE ONE'S MEASURE.

   [take the offensive] {v. phr.} To make oneself the attacking party.
* /After many months of preparation, the freedom fighters  were  ready
to take the offensive./ Contrast TAKE THE DEFENSIVE.

   [take the pledge] {v. phr.} To swear to give up drinking,  smoking,
or using drugs. * /Gary finally took the pledge and  he  has  kept  it
thus far./

   [take the plunge] {v. phr.} To  take  a  fatal  or  decisive  step;
venture. * /When I asked Don when he and Melissa  were  going  to  get
married, he answered that they'll take the plunge in September./

   [take the rap] {v. phr.}, {slang}  To  receive  punishment;  to  be
accused and punished. * /All of the boys took apples,  but  only  John
took the rap./ * /Joe took the burglary rap for his brother  and  went
to prison for two years./

   [take the stand] {v. phr.} To assume one's position in the  witness
box during a trial. * /The judge  asked  the  defendant  to  take  the
stand./

   [take the starch out of] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To make (someone)
feel weak or tired. * /The hot weather took the  starch  out  of  Mrs.
Jones, and she didn't feel like doing a thing./ *  /The  cross-country
run took all the starch out of the boys./ 2. See: TAKE THE WIND OUT OF
ONE'S SAILS.

   [take the stump] or [take to the stump] {v. phr.} To travel  around
to different places making political speeches. * /The men running  for
president took to the stump to attract votes./

   [take the trouble] See: GO TO THE TROUBLE.

   [take the wind out of one's sails] {v. phr.} To surprise someone by
doing better or by catching  him  in  an  error.  *  /John  came  home
boasting about the fish he had caught; it took the  wind  out  of  his
sails when he found his little sister had  caught  a  bigger  one./  *
/Dick took the wind out of Bob's sails by showing  him  where  he  was
wrong./ Compare: TAKE THE STARCH OUT OF(2).

   [take the words out of one's mouth] {v. phr.} To say  what  another
is just going to say; to put another's thought into words.  *  /"Let's
go to the beach tomorrow." "You took the words right out of my  mouth;
I was thinking of that."/ * /I was going to suggest a movie,  but  she
took the words out of my mouth and said she would like to see one./

   [take things easy] See: TAKE IT EASY(2).

   [take time off] See: TIME OFF; Compare: DAY OFF.

   [take time out] See: TIME OUT.

   [take to] {v.} 1. To go to or into;  get  yourself  quickly  to.  -
Often used in the imperative. * /Take to the hills!  The  bandits  are
coming!/ * /We took to the woods during the day so no  one  would  see
us./ * /Take to the boats! The ship is sinking./ * /We  stopped  at  a
hotel for the night but took to the road again the next  morning./  2.
To begin the work or job of; make a habit of. * /He took to  repairing
watches in his spare time./ * /She  took  to  knitting  when  she  got
older./ * /Grandfather took to smoking cigars when he was young and he
still smokes them./ * /Uncle Willie took  to  drink  while  he  was  a
sailor./ * /The cat took to jumping on the table at mealtime./  3.  To
learn easily; do well at. * /Father tried to teach John to  swim,  but
John didn't take to it./ * /Mary takes  to  mathematics  like  a  duck
takes to water./ 4. To  like  at  first  meeting;  be  pleased  by  or
attracted to; accept quickly. * /Our  dog  always  takes  to  children
quickly./ * /Mary didn't take kindly to the new rule that  her  mother
made of being home at 6 o'clock./

   [take to heart] also [lay to  heart]  {v.  phr.}  To  be  seriously
affected by; to feel deeply. * /He took his brother's death very  much
to heart./ * /He took his friend's advice to heart./

   [take to one's heels] also [show a clean pair of heels]  {v.  phr.}
To begin to run or run away. * /When he heard the police  coming,  the
thief took to his heels./

   [take to task] {v. phr.} To reprove or scold for a fault or  error.
* /He took his wife to task for  her  foolish  wastefulness./  *  /The
principal took Bill to task for breaking the window./

   [take to the cleaners] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To win all  the  money
another person has (as in poker). * /Watch out if you play poker  with
Joe; he'll take you to the cleaners./ 2. To cheat a person out of  his
money and possessions by means of a crooked  business  transaction  or
other means of dishonest conduct. * /I'll  never  forgive  myself  for
becoming associated with Joe; he took me to the cleaners./

   [take to the woods] {v. phr.}, {informal} To run away and  hide.  *
/When John saw the girls coming, he took to the woods./ * /Bob took to
the woods so he would not have to mow the grass./  Compare:  HEAD  FOR
THE HILLS.

   [take turns] {v. phr.} To do something one after another instead of
doing it all at the same time. * /In class we should not talk  all  at
the same time; we should take turns./ * /Jean and Beth took  turns  on
the swing./ * /The two boys took turns at digging the  hole./  *  /The
three men took turns driving so one would not be too tired./

   [take under one's wing] See: UNDER ONE'S WING.

   [take up] {v.} 1. To remove by taking in. * /Use a blotter to  take
up the spilled ink./ * /When the vacuum cleaner bag is full,  it  will
not take up dirt from the rug./ 2. To fill or to occupy.  *  /All  his
evenings were taken up with study./ * /The oceans take up the  greater
part of the earth's surface./ * /The mayor has taken up  residence  on
State Street./ 3. To gather together; collect. * /We are taking  up  a
collection to buy flowers for John because he is in the hospital./  4.
To take away. * /John had his driver's license taken up for speeding./
5a. To begin; start. * /The teacher took up the lesson where she  left
off yesterday./ 5b. To begin to do or learn;  go  into  as  a  job  or
hobby.  *  /He  recently  took  up  gardening./  *  /He  took  up  the
carpenter's trade as a boy./ Compare: GO INTO(3), GO IN FOR, TAKE  TO.
6. To pull and make tight or shorter; shorten. * /The tailor  took  up
the legs of the trousers./ * /Take up the slack on the rope!/ Compare:
TAKE IN(3). 7. To take or accept something that  is  offered.  *  /The
boss offered me a $5 raise and I took him up./ * /I took  John  up  on
his bet./ Compare: JUMP AT.

   [take up arms] {v. phr.}, {literary}. To get ready to fight;  fight
or make war. * /The people were quick to take up arms to defend  their
freedom./ * /The President called on people to take  up  arms  against
poverty./ Contrast: LAY DOWN ONE'S ARMS.

   [take upon oneself] See: TAKE ON ONESELF.

   [take up the cudgels for] {v. phr.},  {literary}  To  come  to  the
defense of; to support or fight for. * /He was the first  to  take  up
the cudgels for his friend./ Compare: STAND UP FOR.

   [take up with] {v.} To begin to go around with (someone); see a lot
of. * /Frank has taken up with Lucy lately./

   [take with a grain of salt] also [take with a pinch  of  salt]  {v.
phr.} To accept or believe only in part; not accept too much. * /A man
who says he is not a candidate for President should usually  have  his
statement taken with a grain of  salt./  *  /We  took  Uncle  George's
stories of the war with a pinch of salt./

   [taking pictures] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
To use a radar-operated speed indicator in order to enforce the 55 MPH
speed limit. * /The Smokeys are taking pictures!/

   [tale] See: TELL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL.

   [talent scout] {n. phr.} A person employed by a large  organization
to seek out promising and  gifted  individuals.  *  /Gordon  has  been
working as a talent scout for a  television  program./  Compare:  HEAD
HUNTING(2).

   [talent show] {n.} An entertainment in which new  entertainers  try
to win a prize. * /Mary won the talent show by her  dancing./  *  /The
people liked Bill's singing in the talent show./

   [talk] See: DOUBLE-TALK, PEP TALK, SALES TALK, SWEET TALK.

   [talk a blue streak] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  talk  on  and  on,
usually very fast. * /Sue is a nice girl but after one drink she talks
a blue streak and won't stop./

   [talk back] also [answer back] {v.} {informal}  To  answer  rudely;
reply in a disrespectful way; be fresh. * /When the teacher  told  the
boy to sit down, he talked back to her  and  said  she  couldn't  make
him./ * /Mary talked back when her mother told her  to  stop  watching
television; she said, "I don't  have  to  if  I  don't  want  to."/  *
/Russell was going somewhere with some bad boys, when his father  told
him  it  was  wrong,  Russell  answered  him  back,  "Mind  your   own
business."/

   [talk big] {v.}, {informal} To talk boastfully; brag. *  /He  talks
big about his pitching, but he hasn't won a game./

   [talk down] {v.} 1. To make (someone) silent by talking  louder  or
longer. * /Sue tried to give her ideas, but the other girls talked her
down./ Compare: SHOUT DOWN(2). To use words  or  ideas  that  are  too
easy. * /The speaker talked  down  to  the  students,  and  they  were
bored./

   [talking book] {n.} A book recorded by voice on phonograph  records
for blind people. * /Billy, who was  blind,  learned  history  from  a
talking book./

   [talking point] {n.} Something good about a person  or  thing  that
can be talked about in selling it. * /The streamlined shape of the car
was one of its talking points./ * /John tried  to  get  Mary  to  date
Bill. One of his talking points was  that  Bill  was  captain  of  the
football team./

   [talk in circles] {v. phr.} To waste  time  by  saying  words  that
don't mean very much. * /After three hours at the  negotiating  table,
the parties decided to call it quits because they realized  that  they
had been talking in circles./

   [talk into] {v.} 1. To get (someone) to agree  to;  make  (someone)
decide on (doing something) by talking; persuade to.  -  Used  with  a
verbal noun. * /Bob talked us into walking home  with  him./  Compare:
TALK OVER(2). Contrast TALK OUT OF. 2. To cause to be  in  or  to  get
into by talking. * /You talked us into this mess. Now get us  out!/  *
/Mr. Jones lost the customer in his store  by  arguing  with  him./  *
/"You'll talk us into the poor house yet!" said Mrs. Jones./ Contrast:
TALK OUT OF.

   [talk of the town] {n. phr.} Something that has become  so  popular
or prominent that everyone is  discussing  it.  *  /Even  after  three
decades, Picasso's famous metal statue is still the talk of  the  town
in Chicago./

   [talk out] {v.} To talk all about and leave  nothing  out;  discuss
until everything is agreed on; settle. * /After  their  quarrel,  Jill
and John talked things out and reached full agreement./

   [talk out of] {v.} 1. To persuade not to; make agree or decide  not
to. - Used with a verbal noun. * /Mary's  mother  talked  her  out  of
quitting school./ Contrast: TALK INTO. 2. To allow to go or get out by
talking; let escape by talking. * /Johnny is good at talking  his  way
out of trouble./ Contrast: TALK INTO.

   [talk out of turn] See: SPEAK OUT OF TURN.

   [talk over] {v.} 1. To talk together about; try to agree  about  or
decide by talking; discuss. * /Tom  talked  his  plan  over  with  his
father before he bought the car./ * /The boys settled  their  argument
by talking it over./ 2. To persuade; make agree or willing;  talk  and
change the mind of. * /Fred is trying to talk Bill over to our  side./
Compare: TALK INTO.

   [talk rot] {v. phr.} To say silly things; talk  nonsense.  *  /He's
talking rot when he says that our company is almost bankrupt./

   [talk shop] {v. phr.}, {informal} To talk about things in your work
or trade. * /Two chemists were talking shop, and I hardly understood a
word they said./

   [talk through one's hat] {v. phr.},  {informal}  To  say  something
without  knowing  or  understanding  the  facts;  talk  foolishly   or
ignorantly. * /John said that the earth is nearer the sun  in  summer,
but the teacher said he was talking through his hat./

   [talk turkey] {v. phr.}, {informal} To talk about  something  in  a
really businesslike way; talk with the aim of getting things  done.  *
/Charles said, "Now, let's talk turkey about the bus  trip.  The  fact
is, it will cost each student $1.50."/  *  /The  father  always  spoke
gently to his son, but when the son broke the windshield of  the  car,
the father talked turkey to him./

   [talk up] {v.} 1. To speak in favor or support of. * /Let's talk up
the game and get a big crowd./ 2. To speak plainly or clearly. *  /The
teacher asked the student to talk up./ Syn.: SPEAK UP.  3.  {informal}
To say what you want or think; say what someone may not like. *  /Talk
up if you want more pie./ * /George isn't afraid to talk  up  when  he
disagrees with the teacher./ Syn.: SPEAK UP. Compare: SPEAK OUT.

   [tall order] See: LARGE ORDER.

   [tall story] or [tale] {n. phr.} See: FISH STORY.

   [tamper with] {v.} 1. To meddle with (something); handle ignorantly
or foolishly. * /He tampered with the insides of his watch and  ruined
it./ 2. To secretly get someone to do or say wrong things,  especially
by giving him money, or by threatening to hurt him. * /A friend of the
man being tried in court tampered with a witness./

   [tank] See: THINK TANK.

   [tan one's hide] {v. phr.}, {informal} To give a beating to;  spank
hard. * /Bob's father tanned his hide for staying out too late./

   [tape] See: FRICTION TAPE, MASKING TAPE.

   [taper down] {adj. phr.} To decrease; reduce.  *  /He  has  tapered
down his drinking from three martinis to one beer a day./

   [taper off] {v.} 1. To come to an  end  little  by  little;  become
smaller toward the end. * /The river tapers off  here  and  becomes  a
brook./ 2. To stop a habit  gradually;  do  something  less  and  less
often. * /Robert gave up smoking all at once instead of tapering off./
Contrast: COLD TURKEY.

   [tar] See: BEAT THE --- OUT OF.

   [tar and feather] {v.}  To  pour  heated  tar  on  and  cover  with
feathers as a punishment. * /In the Old West bad  men  were  sometimes
tarred and feathered and driven out of town./

   [task] See: TAKE TO TASK.

   [taste] See: LEAVE A BAD TASTE IN ONE'S MOUTH.

   [tat] See: TIT FOR TAT.

   [tax trap] {n.},  {informal}  Predicament  in  which  taxpayers  in
middle-income brackets are required to pay steeply  progressive  rates
of taxation as their earnings rise with inflation but  their  personal
exemptions remain fixed,  resulting  in  a  loss  of  real  disposable
income. * /Everybody in my neighborhood  has  been  caught  in  a  tax
trap./

   [T-bone steak] {n.} A steak with a bone in it which  looks  like  a
"T". * /On Jim's birthday we had T-bone steak for supper./

   [tea] See: CUP OF TEA also DISH OF TEA.

   [teach a lesson] {v.  phr.}  To  show  that  bad  behavior  can  be
harmful. * /When Johnny pulled Mary's hair, she taught him a lesson by
breaking his toy boat./ * /The  burns  Tommy  got  from  playing  with
matches taught him a lesson./

   [teach the ropes] See: THE ROPES.

   [team up with] {v. phr.} To join  with;  enter  into  companionship
with. * /My brother prefers to do business by himself rather  than  to
team up with anybody else./

   [teapot] See: TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT.

   [tear around] {v. phr.} To be constantly on the go; dash around.  *
/No one can understand how she manages to tear around from one  social
event to another and yet be a good mother to her children./

   [tear down] {v.} 1. To take all down in  pieces;  destroy.  *  /The
workmen tore down the old house and built a new house in  its  place./
2. To take to pieces or parts. * /The mechanics had to tear  down  the
engine, and fix it, and put it together again./ 3. To say  bad  things
about; criticize. * /"Why do you always tear people  down?  Why  don't
you try to say nice things  about  them?"/  *  /Dorothy  doesn't  like
Sandra, and at the class meeting  she  tore  down  every  idea  Sandra
suggested./

   [tear into] {v. phr.} To attack vigorously, physically or verbally.
* /The anxious buyers tore into the  wedding  gowns  on  sale  at  the
famous department store./ See: RIP INTO.

   [tearjerker] {n.} A sentimental novel or movie that makes one  cry.
* /Love Story, both in its novel form and as a  movie,  was  a  famous
tearjerker./

   [tear oneself away] {v. phr.} To  force  oneself  to  leave;  leave
reluctantly. * /The beaches in Hawaii are so lovely that I had to tear
myself away from them in order to get back to my job in Chicago./

   [tear one's hair] {v. phr.} To show sorrow,  anger,  or  defeat.  *
/Ben tore his hair when he saw the wrecked car./ * /The  teacher  tore
his hair at the boy's stupid answer./ * /It was time to go  to  class,
but Mary had not finished the report she had to give,  and  she  began
tearing her hair./

   [tears] See: BORE TO TEARS, CROCODILE TEARS.

   [tear up] {v.} 1. To dig a hole in; remove the surface  of;  remove
from the surface. * /The city tore up the street to lay  a  new  water
pipe./ * /Mother tore up the carpeting in the living room  and  had  a
new rug put in./ 2. To tear into pieces.  *  /Mary  tore  up  the  old
sheets and made costumes for the play out of the pieces./ * /John tore
up his test paper so that his mother wouldn't see his low grade./

   [tee off] {v.} 1. To hit the golf ball from a small wooden  peg  or
tee to begin play for each hole. * /We got to the golf course just  in
time to see  the  champion  tee  off./  2.  {slang}  To  hit  a  ball,
especially a baseball very hard or far. * /He teed off  on  the  first
pitch./ 3. {slang} To attack vigorously. * /The governor teed  off  on
his  opponent's  speech./  4.  {slang}  To  make  (someone)  angry  or
disgusted. * /It teed me off when Billy stole my candy./  *  /Joe  was
teed off because he had to wait so long./

   [teeth] See: TOOTH.

   [tee up] {v.} To set the golf ball on the tee  in  preparation  for
hitting it toward the green. * /Arnold Palmer teed the ball up for the
final hole./

   [telepathy] See: MENTAL TELEPATHY.

   [tell] See: DO TELL, I'LL SAY or I TELL YOU, I'LL  TELL  YOU  WHAT,
I'M TELLING YOU, YOU'RE TELLING ME, YOU TELL 'EM.

   [tell apart] {v. phr.} To see the difference between; know each of.
* /The teacher could not tell the twins apart./

   [tell a thing or two] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  tell  in  plain  or
angry words; scold. * /When John complained about the hard  work,  his
father told him a thing or two./ * /If Bert thinks he  would  like  to
join the army, I'll tell him a thing or two that will make him  change
his mind./ Compare: BAWL OUT, GIVE A PIECE OF ONE'S  MIND,  TELL  OFF,
THING OR TWO.

   [tell it like it is] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} To  be  honest,
sincere; to tell the truth. * /Joe is the leader of  our  commune;  he
tells it like it is./

   [tell it to the marines] or [tell it to
Sweeney]  {slang}  I  don't
believe you; Stop trying to fool me. * /John said,  "My  father  knows
the President of the United States." Dick answered, "Tell  it  to  the
marines."/

   [tell off] {v.} 1. To name or  count  one  by  one  and  give  some
special duty to; give a share to. * /Five boy scouts were told off  to
clean the camp./ 2. {informal} To speak to angrily or sharply;  attack
with words; scold. * /Mr. Black got angry and told off  the  boss./  *
/Bobby kept pulling Sally's hair; finally she got angry and  told  him
where to get off./ Syn.: TELL ONE WHERE TO GET OFF.  Compare:  GIVE  A
PIECE OF ONE'S MIND, LAY DOWN THE LAW, TELL A THING OR TWO.

   [tell on] {v.} 1. To tire; wear out; make  weak.  *  /The  ten-mile
hike told on Bill./ 2. {informal}  To  tell  someone  about  another's
wrong or naughty acts. - Used mainly by children. * /Andy hit a little
girl and John told the teacher on Andy./ * /If you hit me,  I'll  tell
Mother on you./

   [tell tales out of school] {v. phr.}  To  tell  something  that  is
secret; tell others something that is not meant to be known. *  /Don't
tell Jane anything. She  is  always  telling  tales  out  of  school./
Compare: LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG, SPILL THE BEANS.

   [tell one where to get off] or [tell one  where  to  head  in]  {v.
phr.}, {informal} To talk angrily to; speak to or  answer  with  rough
language; scold. * /Bob told Ted to get out of his way. Ted  told  Bob
where to get off./ * /Mary laughed at Barbara's hairdo.  Barbara  told
Mary where to head in./ Compare: TELL A THING OR TWO, TELL OFF.

   [tell time] {v. phr.} To read a clock or watch. * /Although  Johnny
is only three years old, he is already able to tell time./

   [tell you what] See: I'LL TELL YOU WHAT.

   [temper] See: GOD TEMPERS THE WIND TO THE SHORN  LAMB,  HOLD  ONE'S
TEMPER or KEEP ONE'S TEMPER, LOSE ONE'S TEMPER.

   [temperature] See: RUN A TEMPERATURE.

   [tempest in a teapot] {n. phr.} Great  excitement  about  something
not important. * /Bess tore her skirt a little and made a tempest in a
teapot./

   [tempt fate] or [tempt the fates] {v. phr.} To take a chance; run a
risk; gamble. * /You're tempting fate every time you  drive  that  old
wreck of a car./

   [ten] See: DIME STORE or FIVE-AND-TEN, COUNT TO TEN.

   [ten-four?] {v. phr.}, {interrog.}, {slang}, {citizen's band  radio
jargon} Do you understand? * /Is that a ten-four?/

   [ten gallon hat] {n.}, {informal} A tall  felt  hat  with  a  wide,
rolled brim worn by men in the western part of the U.S.  *  /Men  from
the southwest usually wear ten gallon hats./

   [ten roger] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {citizen's  band  radio  jargon}  I
acknowledge. * /That's a ten roger./

   [ten to one] or [two to one]  {adv.}  or  {adj.  phr.},  {informal}
Almost certainly, nearly sure to be true; very  likely  to  happen.  *
/Ten to one it will rain tomorrow./ * /It is ten;  to  one  that  Bill
will be late./

   [term] See: BRING TO TERMS, COME TO TERMS, IN SO MANY  WORDS(2)  or
IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS, IN TERMS OF.

   [terror] See: HOLY TERROR.

   [test] See: ROAD TEST, SCREEN TEST.

   [tether] See: END OF ONE'S ROPE or END OF ONE'S TETHER.

   [than] See: LESS THAN, LESS THAN NO TIME, MORE THAN.

   [thank one's lucky stars] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be thankful  for
good luck; think oneself lucky. * /You can thank your lucky stars  you
didn't fall in the hole./

   [thanks to] {prep.} 1. With the  help  of.  *  /Thanks  to  a  good
teacher, John passed the examination./ * /I finally  finished  washing
the dishes, no thanks to you./ 2. Owing to; because of. * /Thanks to a
sudden rain, the children came home with wet clothes./

   [that is] or [that is to say] I mean; that means; in other words. *
/John is a New Yorker; that is, he lives in New York./ * /Susan  is  a
good student; that is to say, she gets good grades in school./

   [that is that] or [that's that] {informal} The matter  is  decided;
there is nothing more to be said; it is done. * /Jim, you will  go  to
school this morning, and that is that./

   [that'll be the day] {informal} That  will  never  happen.  *  /Joe
wanted me to lend him money to take my girl to the movies. That'll  be
the day!/ * /"Wouldn't it be nice if we had to go to school  only  one
day a week?" "That'll be the day!"/

   [That makes two of us!] Informal way to say,  "I  am  in  agreement
with what you arc saying or  doing."  *  /So  you  voted  for  Senator
Aldridge? So did I - that makes two of us./

   [That takes care of that!] Informal way to say, "That concludes our
business." * /I paid my ex-wife the last alimony check and that  takes
care of that!/

   [That will do!] Informal expression of impatience  meaning  "stop,"
"no more." * /"That will do, Tommy," his mother cried. "I've had  just
about enough of your drumming on the table."/

   [that's --- for you] That's the  way  (someone  or  something)  is;
(someone or something) is like that. * /John tried hard, but  he  lost
the game. That's life for you./ * /Mary changed her mind about  going.
That's a girl for you./

   [That's about the size of it!] Informal way to say, "What you  said
is true; the rumor or the news is true." * /"I am told you're  leaving
our firm for Japan," Fred said to Tom. "That's about the size of  it,"
Tom replied with a grin./

   [That's the story of my life...] Usually spoken when something goes
wrong. * /I spent seven years writing a novel, but no publisher  wants
to accept it. That's the story of my life./

   [That's the ticket!] Informal way to say, "excellent;  correct."  *
/"First we'll go up the Sears Tower,  and  then  we'll  take  a  night
sightseeing tour on the lake," Fran said. "That's the  ticket!"  Stan,
an old inhabitant of Chicago, replied./

   [That's the way the ball bounces] or [the cookie crumbles!] Nothing
unusual about that. - Said of unpleasant things. * /"Susan left me for
a heavyweight boxer, and then I got drunk and  wrecked  my  car,"  Bob
bitterly complained. "Well, that's the way the cookie  crumbles,"  Pam
answered philosophically./

   [theater] See: LITTLE THEATER.

   [the business] {n.}, {slang} - Usually used with "give"  or  "get".
1. All that you are able to do; greatest effort. *  /Johnny  gave  the
tryouts the business but he failed to make the team./ 2. The most harm
possible; the greatest damage or hurt. * /Fred got the  business  when
Tom caught him with his bicycle./ 3. A harsh scolding. * /The  teacher
gave Walter the business when he came to school late again./  *  /Mike
thought he was the star of the team until he got the business from the
coach./ Compare: THE WORKS.

   [The cat did it!] A humorous and convenient way to pass the  blame.
* /"My vase is broken!" Mother shrieked in horror. "Well," Dad smirked
cynically, "I guess the cat did it!"/

   [the creeps] {n.}, {informal} 1. An uncomfortable tightening of the
skin caused by fear or shock. * /Reading the story of a ghost gave Joe
the creeps./ * /The queer noises  in  the  old  house  gave  Mary  the
creeps./ 2. A strong feeling of fear or disgust. *  /The  cold,  damp,
lonely swamp gave John the creeps./ * /The dog was  so  ugly  it  gave
Mary the creeps./

   [the devil to pay] {n. phr.} A  severe  penalty.  *  /If  we  don't
finish the work by next Monday, there will be the devil to pay./

   [the edge] {n.}, {informal} The advantage. - Usually  used  in  the
phrases "get the edge on", "have the edge on". * /In the last  quarter
of the game, our team got the edge on the other team and kept  it./  *
/Mary has the edge on Jane in the beauty contest./

   [the fickle finger of fate] See: ACT OF GOD.

   [the idea] or [the very idea] {n. phr.} - Used in  exclamations  to
show that you do not like something. * /The idea! Thinking Mother  was
my sister!/ * /The very idea of Tom bringing that dirty  dog  into  my
clean house!/

   [the lid] {n.}, {slang} Something that holds back or holds  out  of
sight. * /The police blew the lid  off  the  gambling  operations./  *
/John kept the lid on his plans until he was ready to  run  for  class
president./ * /The chief of police placed the lid on gambling  in  the
town./

   [the likes of] {informal} Something like or similar  to;  something
of the same kind as. * /I have never seen the likes of  John./  *  /It
was a chocolate sundae the likes of which Mary would never see again./

   [the long and the short] or [the long and short] {n. phr.} All that
needs to be said; the basic fact; point. * /The long and the short  of
the matter is that the man is no actor./ * /The money isn't there, and
that's the long and short of it./

   [the matter] {adj.} Not as it should be; wrong. - Used in questions
or with negatives or "if". * /Why don't  you  answer  me?  What's  the
matter?/ * /John may be slow in arithmetic, but nothing's  the  matter
with his pitching arm./ * /If anything is the matter, please tell me./

   [the more --- the more ---] or [the ---er the ---er] - Used in  two
halves of a sentence to show that when there is  more  of  the  first,
there is more of the second too. * /The more you eat. the  fatter  you
will get./ * /Get your  report  in  when  you  can;  the  sooner,  the
better./ * /The bigger they are, the harder they fall./  *  /The  more
Bill worked on the arithmetic problem, the more confused he became./

   [then] See: AND THEN SOME, EVERY NOW AND THEN, NOW AND THEN.

   [then again] {adv.} As an opposite possibility;  another  thing.  *
/He may be here tomorrow. Then again,  he  may  not  come  until  next
week./ * /I thought you told me about the  fire,  but  then  again  it
could have been Bill./

   [then and there] {adv. phr.} At that very time  and  place  in  the
past; right then. * /He said he wanted his dime back then  and  there,
so I had to give it to him./ Compare: IN ONE'S TRACKS,  ON  THE  SPOT,
HERE AND NOW.

   [the other day] {adv. phr.}  In  the  recent  past.  *  /I  saw  an
incredible parade of elephants along Michigan Avenue the other day  on
my way to work./

   [the other way around] {adv. phr.} See: JUST THE OTHER WAY.

   [the picture] {n.} The way things are  or  were;  the  facts  about
something; the situation; what happened  or  happens.  *  /Where  does
Susan come into the picture./ * /When you are looking for a  job  your
education enters into the picture./ * /Old Mr. Brown  is  out  of  the
picture now and his son runs the store./ * /After  the  fight  on  the
playground, the principal talked to the boys who were watching,  until
he got the whole picture./ Compare: GET THE MESSAGE.

   [the  pits]  {n.},  {slang}  1.   A   low   class,   blighted   and
ill-maintained place, motel room or apartment. * /Max, this  motel  is
the pits, I will not sleep here!/ 2. The end of the road, the point of
no return, the point of total ruin of  one's  health  (from  the  drug
anticulture referring to the arm-pits as the only place that had veins
for injections). * /John flunked high school this year for  the  third
time; he will never get to college; it's the pits for him./ 3. A  very
depressed state of mind. * /Poor Marcy is down in the  pits  over  her
recent divorce./

   [the powers that be] {n.  phr.}  Constituted  authority;  those  in
power. * /I have done all I can; the rest is up  to  the  powers  that
be./

   [there] See: ALL THERE, HERE AND THERE,  NEITHER  HERE  NOR  THERE,
THEN AND THERE.

   [There] or [here you are!] 1. Informal way to say,  "Here  is  what
you wanted." * /The doorman politely opened the door of the  taxi  and
said, "There you are, sir!"/ * /The clerk wrapped up the  package  and
handed it to the customer saying, "Here you are, ma'am!"/ 2. You  have
found the correct answer; you are correct.  *  /"The  reason  for  the
violent crime rate is the all too easy availability of  handguns,"  he
said. "Yeah, there you are!" Officer Maloney replied./

   [there is more than one way to get a pig to market] or [flay a fox]
or [skin a cat] There are always new and different ways to  accomplish
a difficult task. - A proverb. * /"'How did you get Tommy to study  so
hard?" Eleanor asked. "I  simply  disconnected  the  television  set,"
Tommy's mother answered. "There's more than one way to get  a  pig  to
market."/

   [there is nothing to it] Informal way  to  say,  "It  is  easy."  *
/Cooking stir-fried Chinese food is really not difficult  at  all;  in
fact, there's nothing to it./

   [There you go!] 1. Informal way to say, "You are doing  it  already
and you are doing it well."  *  /"Is  roller  skating  hard?"  Freddie
asked. "No," Beth replied, "let me show you how to do  it.  There  you
go!"/ 2. See: THERE or HERE YOU ARE(2).

   [the ropes] {n. plural}, {informal} Thorough or  special  knowledge
of a job; how to do something; the ways of people or the world. *  /On
a newspaper a cub reporter learns his job from an older  reporter  who
knows the ropes./ * /When you go to a new school it takes a  while  to
learn the ropes./ * /Betty showed Jane the ropes when she was learning
to make a dress./ * /Mr. Jones was an orphan and he had to  learn  the
ropes when he was young to make his way in  the  world./  Compare:  BE
AROUND, INS AND OUTS, TRICK OF THE TRADE.

   [the score] {n.}, {slang} The truth; the real story or information;
what is really happening; the way people and the world really  are.  *
/Very few people know the score in politics./ * /You are too young  to
know the score yet./ * /What's the score anyhow? When will the program
begin?/ Compare: KNOW ONE'S STUFF, KNOW ONE'S WAY AROUND, THE ROPES.

   [these] See: ONE OF THESE DAYS or SOME OF THESE DAYS.

   [the three R's] {n. phr.} (W)riting, reading, and (a)rithmetic, the
three basic skills of an elementary education. * /Barry has  completed
the three R's, but otherwise he has had little formal education./

   [the ticket] {n.} Exactly what is needed. - Often used with "just".
* /This airtight locker is just the ticket  for  storing  your  winter
clothes./

   [the tracks] {n.} The line between the rich or fashionable part  of
town and the poor or unfashionable part of town. * /The poor  children
knew they would not be welcome on the other side  of  the  tracks./  *
/Mary's mother did not want her to date Jack,  because  he  came  from
across the tracks./ - Often used in the expression "the wrong side  of
the tracks". * /The mayor was born on the wrong side  of  the  tracks,
but he worked hard and became successful./

   [the whole way] See: ALL THE WAY.

   [the  wiser]  {adj.}  Knowing  about  something  which   might   be
embarrassing of knowing. - Usually used with "nobody" or "no  one".  *
/Mary took the teacher's book home by  mistake,  but  early  the  next
morning she returned it with nobody the wiser./

   [the works] {n. plural}, {slang} 1. Everything that can be  had  or
that you have; everything of this kind, all that goes with it. * /When
the tramp found $100, he went into a fine restaurant and  ordered  the
works with a steak  dinner./  1b.  See:  SHOOT  THE  WORKS.  2.  Rough
handling or treatment; a bad beating or scolding; killing;  murder.  -
Usually used with "get" or "give". * /The boy said that Joe was  going
to get the works if he ever came back to that neighborhood  again./  *
/The newspaper gave the police department the works when they let  the
burglars get away./ * /The gangster told his friend he would give  him
the works if he double-crossed him./ Compare: THE BUSINESS.

   [they] See: LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY.

   [thick] See: BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER, LAY IT ON or  LAY  IT  ON
THICK, THROUGH THICK AND THIN.

   [thicker] See: BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.

   [thin] See: INTO THIN AIR, OUT OF THIN AIR, SIT ON THIN ICE, SPREAD
ONESELF TOO THIN, THROUGH THICK AND THIN, WEAR THIN.

   [thing] See: A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS  A  DANGEROUS  THING,  DO  ONE'S
THING or DO ONE'S OWN THING, FIRST THINGS COME FIRST, FOR  ONE  THING,
SEE THINGS, SURE THING, TAKE IT EASY or TAKE THINGS EASY, TELL A THING
OR TWO.

   [thing or two] {n. phr.}, {informal} 1. Facts not generally  known,
or  not  known  to  the  hearer  or  reader;  unusual   or   important
information. * /Mary told Joan a  thing  or  two  about  Betty's  real
feelings./ 2. A lot; much. * /Bob knows a thing or two about sailing./
Compare: TELL A THING OR TWO.

   [Things are looking up!] Informal way to say  that  conditions  are
improving. * /Things are looking up at our university as the  governor
promised a 5% salary raise./

   [think] See: COME TO THINK OF IT.

   [think a great deal of] or [think a lot of] also  [think  much  of]
{v. phr.} To consider to be very worthy, valuable,  or  important;  to
esteem highly. * /Mary thinks a great deal of  Tim./  *  /The  teacher
thought a lot of Joe's project./ -  The  phrase  "think  much  of"  is
usually used in negative sentences. * /Father  didn't  think  much  of
Paul's idea of buying a goat to save  lawn  mowing./  Contrast:  THINK
LITTLE OF.

   [think a lot of] See: THINK A GREAT DEAL OF.

   [think aloud] or  [think  out  loud]  {v.}  To  say  what  you  are
thinking. * /"I wish I had more money for Christmas presents,"  Father
thought aloud. "What did you say?" said Mother. Father answered,  "I'm
sorry. I wasn't talking to you. I was thinking out loud."/

   [think better of] {v.} To change your mind about; to consider again
and make a better decision about. * /John told his mother he wanted to
leave school, but later he thought  better  of  it./  Compare:  SECOND
THOUGHT, THINK TWICE.

   [Think big!] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  believe  in  one's  ability,
purpose, or power to perform or succeed. * /Be confident; be positive;
tell yourself you are the greatest; above all, think big!/

   [think fit] See: FIT.

   [thinking cap] See: PUT ON ONE'S THINKING CAP.

   [think little of] {v. phr.} Think that (something  or  someone)  is
not important or valuable. * /John thought little of  Ted's  plan  for
the party./ * /Joan thought little of walking two  miles  to  school./
Contrast: THINK A GREAT DEAL OF.

   [think much of] See: THINK A GREAT DEAL OF.

   [think nothing of] {v. phr.} To think or consider easy, simple,  or
usual. * /Jim thinks nothing of hiking ten miles in one day./

   [think nothing of it] {v. phr.}, {informal}  Used  as  a  courteous
phrase in replying to thanks. /"Thank you very much  for  your  help."
"Think nothing of it."/ Compare: YOU'RE WELCOME.

   [think on one's feet] {v. phr.} To think  quickly;  answer  or  act
without waiting; know what  to  do  or  say  right  away.  *  /A  good
basketball player can think on his feet./ * /Our teacher can think  on
his feet; he always has an answer ready when we ask him questions./

   [think out] {v.} 1. To find out or discover by thinking; study  and
understand. * /Andy thought out a way of climbing to the  top  of  the
pole./ Compare FIGURE OUT, WORK OUT. 2. To think through to  the  end;
to understand what would come at last. * /Bill wanted to quit  school,
but he thought out the matter and decided not to./

   [think out loud] See: THINK ALOUD.

   [think over] {v.} To think  carefully  about;  consider;  study.  *
/When Charles asked Betty to marry him, she  asked  him  for  time  to
think it over./ * /Think over what we studied in history this year and
write a lesson on the thing that interested you most./  Compare:  MAKE
UP ONE'S MIND, SEE ABOUT.

   [think piece] {n.}, {slang} 1. The human brain. *  /Lou's  got  one
powerful think piece, man./ 2. Any provocative essay or article  that,
by stating a strong opinion, arouses the reader to think about it  and
react to it by agreeing or disagreeing. *  /That  article  by  Charles
Fenyvesi on Vietnamese refugees in the  Washington  Post  sure  was  a
think piece!/

   [think tank] {n.} A company of researchers  who  spend  their  time
developing ideas and concepts. * /The government hired a think tank to
study the country's need for coins, and was  advised  to  stop  making
pennies./

   [think twice] {v.} To think again carefully; reconsider;  hesitate.
* /The teacher advised Lou to think  twice  before  deciding  to  quit
school./ Compare: THINK BETTER OF.

   [think up] {v.} To invent or discover by thinking; have a new  idea
of. * /Mary thought up a funny game for the children to play./

   [third base] {n.} The base to be touched third in baseball.  *  /He
reached third base standing up on a long triple./

   [third class] {n.} 1. The third best or highest  group;  the  class
next after the second class. * /Mary won the pie-making contest in the
third class, for the youngest girls./ 2. Mail that is  printed,  other
than magazines  and  newspapers  that  are  published  regularly,  and
packages that are not sealed and weigh  less  than  a  pound.  *  /The
company uses third class to mail free samples of soap./ 3.  The  least
expensive class of travel. * /I couldn't afford anything  better  than
the third class on the ship coming home from France./  Compare:  FIRST
CLASS, SECOND CLASS.

   [third-class(1)] {adj.} Belonging to the third class; of the  third
highest or best class. * /Much  advertising  is  sent  by  third-class
mall./ * /I bought a third-class airline ticket to Hawaii./

   [third-class(2)] {adv.} By third class. * /How  did  you  send  the
package? Third class./ * /We traveled third-class on the train./

   [third degree] {n. phr.}  A  method  of  severe  grilling  used  to
extract information from an arrested suspect.  *  /"Why  give  me  the
third degree?" he asked indignantly. "All I did  was  come  home  late
because I had a drink with my friends."/

   [third  sex]  {n.},  {euphemism},  {slang},  {informal}  Homosexual
individuals who are either men or women. * /Billy is rumored to belong
to the third sex./

   [third world] {n.} 1. The countries not  aligned  with  either  the
former  U.S.S.R.-dominated  Communist  bloc  or  the  U.S.A.-dominated
capitalist countries. * /New Zealand made a move toward third  country
status when it disallowed American nuclear submarines in its harbors./
2. The developing nations of the world where the industrial revolution
has not yet been completed. * /Africa and the rest of the third  world
must be freed from starvation and illiteracy./

   [this] See: OUT OF THIS WORLD.

   [this and that] also [this, that, and the other] {n. phr.}  Various
things; different  things;  miscellaneous  things.  *  /When  the  old
friends met they would talk about this and that./  *  /The  quilt  was
made of this, that, and the other./

   [this, that, and the other] See: THIS AND THAT.

   [this is how  the  cookie  crumbles]  or  [that's  how  the  cookie
crumbles] {v. phr.}, {informal} That's how things are; that's life.  *
/It's too bad about John and Mary getting divorced,  but  then  that's
how the cookie crumbles./

   [thither] See: HITHER AND THITHER.

   [thorn in the flesh] or [thorn in one's side] {n.  phr.}  Something
that causes stubborn trouble; a constant bother; a  vexation.  *  /The
new voter organization soon became the biggest thorn in the  senator's
side./ * /The  guerrilla  band  was  a  thorn  in  the  flesh  of  the
invaders./

   [though] See: AS IF or AS THOUGH.

   [thought] See: FOOD FOR THOUGHT, PENNY FOR ONE'S  THOUGHTS,  PERISH
THE THOUGHT, SECOND THOUGHT.

   [thousand] See: BY THE DOZEN or BY THE THOUSAND.

   [thrash out] {v. phr.} To discuss  fully;  confer  about  something
until a  decision  is  reached.  *  /They  met  to  thrash  out  their
differences concerning how to run the office./

   [thread] See: HANG BY A THREAD.

   [threat] See: TRIPLE THREAT.

   [three-ring circus] {n.} A scene of much confusion or  activity.  *
/The street was a  three-ring  circus  of  cars,  people,  noise,  and
lights./ * /It is a three-ring circus to watch that silly dog play./

   [three sheets in the wind] or [three  sheets  to  the  wind]  {adj.
phr.}, {informal} Unsteady from too much liquor; drunk. * /The  sailor
came down the street, three sheets in the wind./

   [thrill one to death] or [pieces] See: TICKLE PINK.

   [throat] See: CUT ONE'S THROAT, FLY  AT  ONE'S  THROAT,  JUMP  DOWN
ONE'S THROAT, LUMP IN ONE'S THROAT, RAM DOWN ONE'S  THROAT  and  SHOVE
DOWN ONE'S THROAT.

   [through a hoop] See: JUMP THROUGH A HOOP.

   [through and through] {adv.} Completely; entirely; whole-heartedly.
* /Bob was a ball player  through  and  through./  *  /Mary  was  hurt
through and through by Betty's remarks./ Compare: OUT-AND-OUT.

   [through hell and high water] See: HELL AND HIGH WATER.

   [through one's hat] See: TALK THROUGH ONE'S HAT.

   [through one's head] See: GET THROUGH ONE'S HEAD.

   [through one's mind] See: CROSS ONE'S MIND or  PASS  THROUGH  ONE'S
MIND.

   [through one's paces] See: PUT THROUGH ONE'S PACES.

   [through street] {n.} 1. A street on which cars  can  move  without
stopping at intersections, but cars on streets  crossing  it  have  to
stop at the  intersection.  *  /You  have  to  be  especially  careful
crossing a through street./ * /Mr. Jones stopped his car when he  came
to the through street. He waited until there were no cars on  it,  and
drove across it./ Contrast: STOP STREET. 2. A street that is  open  to
other streets at both ends; a street that has a passage through it, so
that it is not necessary to come back to get out of it. * /We  thought
we could get through to Main St. by going up a side street  but  there
was a sign that said "Not a through street."/

   [through the mill] {adv. phr.} 1. Experienced. *  /You  could  tell
immediately that the new employee  had  been  through  the  mill./  2.
Through real experience of the difficulties of a certain way of  life.
* /Poor Jerry has had three operations in one year, and now he's  back
in the hospital. He's realty  gone  through  the  mill./  Compare:  GO
THROUGH HELL AND HIGH WATER, COME HELL OR HIGH WATER.

   [through the motions] See: GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS.

   [through the nose] See: PAY THROUGH THE NOSE.

   [through thick and thin] {adv. phr.} Through all  difficulties  and
troubles; through good times  and  bad  times.  *  /The  friends  were
faithful through thick and thin./ * /George stayed in college  through
thick and thin, because he wanted an education./

   [through train] {n. phr.} A direct train that  doesn't  necessitate
any changes. * /We'll take the through train from Chicago to New  York
because it's the most convenient./

   [throw] See: FREE THROW, PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT
THROW STONES.

   [throw a curve] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}  1.  To  mislead  or
deceive someone; to lie. * /John threw me a curve about  the  hiring./
2. To take someone by surprise in an unpleasant way. *  /Mr.  Weiner's
announcement threw the whole company a curve./

   [throw a fit] See: HAVE A FIT.

   [throw a monkey wrench] or [throw a wrench] {v.  phr.},  {informal}
To cause something that is going smoothly to stop.  *  /The  game  was
going smoothly until you threw a  monkey  wrench  into  the  works  by
fussing about the rules./ * /The Michigan tacklers threw a wrench into
the Wisconsin team's offense./ * /He hoped to see the class plan  fail
and looked for a chance to throw a wrench in the machinery./

   [throw a party] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  hold  a  party;  have  a
party. * /The club is throwing a party in the high school gym Saturday
night./ * /The Seniors threw a masquerade party on Halloween./

   [throw a punch] {v. phr.} To strike at someone with your fist; hit;
punch. * /Bob became so mad at Fred that he threw a punch at  him./  *
/The bell rang and the boxers started throwing punches./ Compare: TAKE
A PUNCH AT.

   [throw away] {v.} 1. To get rid of as unwanted or not needed; junk.
* /Before they moved they threw away everything they  didn't  want  to
take with them./ * /I never save those  coupons;  I  just  throw  them
away./ Syn.: THROW OUT. 2. To waste. *  /The  senator  criticized  the
government for throwing away billions on the  space  program./  3.  To
fail to make use of. * /She threw away a  good  chance  for  a  better
job./

   [throw a wet blanket] See: WET BLANKET.

   [throw caution to the winds] also [throw discretion to  the  winds]
{v. phr.} To be daring; make a bold or risky  move.  *  /Hearing  that
Apaches were planning to start a war,  the  whites  decided  to  throw
caution to the winds and attack the Apaches first./

   [throw cold water on] also [dash cold water on] or [pour cold water
on] {v. phr.} To discourage; say or do something to discourage. *  /We
had high hopes of victory but our opponents soon threw cold  water  on
them./ * /Henry's father threw cold  water  on  his  plans  to  go  to
college by saying he could not afford it./

   [throw a loop] See: KNOCK FOR A LOOP.

   [throw down the gauntlet] {v. phr.} To challenge, especially  to  a
fight. * /Another candidate for the presidency  has  thrown  down  the
gauntlet./

   [throw for a loss] {v. phr.} 1. To tackle a member of the  opposing
football team behind the place where his team  had  the  ball  at  the
beginning of the play; push the other team  back  so  that  they  lose
yardage in football. * /The Blues' quarterback ran back and  tried  to
pass, but before he could, the  Reds'  end  threw  him  for  a  loss./
Compare: LOSE GROUND. 2. {informal} To surprise  or  shock  (someone);
upset; make worry greatly; cause trouble. * /It threw Jim for  a  loss
when he failed the test./ * /Mr. Simpson was thrown for a loss when he
lost his job./ Compare: KNOCK FOR A LOOP, SET BACK ON ONE'S HEELS.

   [throw in] {v.} 1. To give or put in as an addition; to give to  or
with something else. * /John threw in a couple of tires when  he  sold
Bill his bicycle./ * /Mary and Tess were talking about the  prom,  and
Joan threw in that  she  was  going  with  Fred./  Compare:  FOR  GOOD
MEASURE. 2. To push into operating position. * /Mr. Jones threw in the
clutch and shifted the gears./

   [throw light on] See: CAST LIGHT ON, SHED LIGHT ON.

   [throw something in one's face] or [throw something in one's teeth]
{v. phr.} To blame a person for (something wrong); not  allow  someone
to forget (a mistake or failure). - Often used  with  "back".  *  /Bob
came home late for dinner last week, and his mother keeps throwing  it
back in his face./ * /I made a mistake in the ball game and  the  boys
keep throwing it back in my teeth./ Compare: IN ONE'S FACE.

   [throw in one's lot with] or {literary} [cast in  one's  lot  with]
{v. phr.} To decide to share or take part in anything that happens to;
join. * /The thief decided to throw in his lot with the gang  when  he
heard their plans./ * /Washington was rich, but he decided to cast  in
his lot with the colonies against  Britain./  *  /When  Carl  was  old
enough to vote, he threw in his lot with the  Democrats./  Syn.:  JOIN
FORCES.

   [throw in the sponge] or [throw up the sponge]  or  [throw  in  the
towel] {v. phr.}, {informal} To admit defeat; accept  loss.  *  /After
taking a beating for five rounds, the fighter's seconds threw  in  the
sponge./ * /When Harold saw his arguments were not being accepted,  he
threw in the towel and left./ Syn.: GIVE UP.

   [throw off] {v.} 1. To get free from. * /He was healthy  enough  to
throw off his cold easily./ Compare: RID OF. 2. To  mislead;  confuse;
fool. * /They went by a different route to throw the  hostile  bandits
off their track./ 3. To produce easily or as if without effort. * /She
could throw off a dozen poems in a night./

   [throw off the scent] {v. phr.} To mislead; confuse. * /The robbers
went different ways hoping to throw the sheriff's men off the  scent./
Syn.: THROW OFF(2).

   [throw off the track] {v. phr.} To divert; mislead; confuse. * /The
clever criminals threw the detective off the track by  changing  their
names and faces./ Contrast: OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.

   [throw oneself at someone's  feet]  {v.  phr.}  To  make  a  public
display of serving, loving, or worshipping  someone.  *  /When  Arthur
became king, almost all of the nobles threw themselves at his feet and
promised to obey and serve him./ * /When the new girl entered  school,
several boys threw themselves at her feet./

   [throw oneself at someone's head] or [fling  oneself  at  someone's
head] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try hard and openly to  make  a  person
love you. * /She threw herself at his head, but he was  interested  in
another girl./ Compare: AT ONE'S FEET.

   [throw one's hat in the ring] or [toss one's hat in the  ring]  {v.
phr.}, {informal} To announce that you are going to try to be  elected
to an official position; become a candidate for office. * /Bill tossed
his hat in the ring for class president./ * /The senator threw his hat
in the ring for re-election./

   [throw one's weight around] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  use  one's
influence or position in a showy or noisy manner. * /John was the star
of the class play, and he was throwing his weight around  telling  the
director how the scene should be played./ * /Bob was stronger than the
other boys, and he threw his weight around./ Compare: PULL RANK.

   [throw open] 1. To open wide with a sudden or  strong  movement.  *
/He dashed in and threw open the windows./ 2. To remove limits from. *
/The Homestead Act threw open the West./ * /When a hurricane and flood
left many people  homeless,  public  buildings  were  thrown  open  to
shelter them./

   [throw] or [feed one to the wolves] {v. phr.} 1.  To  turn  someone
into a scapegoat. * /In order to explain the situation to  the  media,
the governor blamed the mayor and threw him to the wolves./ 2. To send
into danger without protection. * /Mary was very shy. Her friends  did
not come to speak before the club in her place. They threw her to  the
wolves./ * /The boys on the football team were so small that when they
played a good team they were thrown to the wolves./

   [throw out] or [toss out] {v.} 1. To put somewhere to be  destroyed
because not wanted. * /He didn't need the brush anymore so he threw it
out./ Syn.: THROW AWAY(1). 2. To refuse to accept.  *  /The  inspector
tossed out all the parts that didn't work./  3.  To  force  to  leave;
dismiss. * /When the employees complained too loudly, the owner  threw
them out./ Syn.: KICK OUT, TURN OUT(1). 4.  To  cause  to  be  out  in
baseball by throwing the ball. *  /The  shortstop  tossed  the  runner
out./

   [throw out of gear] {v. phr.} 1. To separate the gears of (a car or
some other machine) when you want to stop it. * /When John  wanted  to
stop, he threw the car out of gear and braked sharply./ 2. To stop  or
bother (what someone is doing or planning);  confuse;  upset.  *  /The
whole country was thrown out of  gear  by  the  assassination  of  the
President./ * /My mother's illness threw my plans for the  summer  out
of gear./

   [throw over] {v.} To give up for another;  break  your  loyalty  or
attachment to. * /Bob threw Mary over for a new  girlfriend./  *  /Tom
threw over those who helped him run for class president after  he  was
elected./

   [throw the baby out with the bath (bathwater)] {v. phr.} To  reject
all of something because part is faulty. * /God knows that  there  are
weaknesses in the program, but if they act too hastily they may  cause
the baby to be thrown out with the bathwater./

   [throw the book at] {v. phr.}, {informal} To give the  most  severe
penalty to (someone) for breaking the law or rules. * /Because it  was
the third time he had been caught speeding that month, the judge threw
the book at him./

   [throw together] {v.} 1. also [slap together] To make  in  a  hurry
and without care. * /Bill and Bob threw together a cabin  out  of  old
lumber./ * /The party was planned suddenly, and Mary threw together  a
meal out of leftovers./ 2. To put in with other people  by  chance.  *
/The group of strangers was thrown together  when  the  storm  trapped
them on the highway./ * /Bill and Tom became friends  when  they  were
thrown together in the same cabin at camp./

   [throw up] {v.} 1. {informal} or {slang} [heave up].  To  vomit.  *
/The heat made him feel sick and he thought he would throw up./ *  /He
took the medicine but threw it up a minute later./  2.  {informal}  To
quit; leave; let go; give up. * /When she broke  their  engagement  he
threw up his job and left town./ 3.  To  build  in  a  hurry.  *  /The
contractor threw up some temporary sheds to hold the  new  equipment./
4. To mention often as an  insult.  *  /His  father  threw  up  John's
wastefulness to him./

   [throw up one's hands] {v. phr.} To give up trying; admit that  you
cannot succeed. * /Mrs. Jones threw up her  hands  when  the  children
messed up the living room for the third time./ * /When  Mary  saw  the
number of dishes to be washed, she threw up her hands in dismay./

   [throw up one's hands in horror] {v. phr.} To  be  horrified;  feel
alarmed; give up hope of  straightening  things  out;  be  shocked  by
something terrible. * /When Mrs. Brown saw the mess the children  were
making in her living room, she  threw  up  her  hands  in  horror./  *
/Everybody threw up their hands in horror at the destruction caused by
the hurricane./

   [throw up the sponge] See: THROW IN THE SPONGE.

   [thumb] See: ALL THUMBS, GREEN THUMB,  TURN  THUMBS  DOWN,  TWIDDLE
ONE'S THUMBS, UNDER ONE'S THUMB or UNDER THE THUMB OF.

   [thumb a ride] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get a ride by  hitchhiking;
hitchhike. * /Not having much money, Carl decided to thumb a  ride  to
New York./

   [thumb one's nose] {v. phr.} 1. To hold one's open hand in front of
one's face with one's thumb pointed at one's nose as a sign  of  scorn
or dislike. * /After Bob ran into the house he thumbed his nose at Tom
through the window./ 2. {informal} To look with disfavor  or  dislike;
regard with scorn; refuse to obey. - Used with "at". * /Betty  thumbed
her nose at her mother's command to stay home./ *  /Mary  thumbed  her
nose at convention by wearing odd clothes./ Compare: LOOK DOWN ON.

   [thumb through] {v. phr.} To examine superficially; read cursorily.
* /I have read "War and Peace" but Fran has only thumbed through it./

   [thunder] See: BLOOD AND THUNDER, STEAL ONE'S THUNDER.

   [thus and so] also [thus and thus] {adv. phr.} In a particular way;
according to directions that have been given. * /The teacher  is  very
fussy about the way you write your report. If you don't do it thus and
so, she gives you a lower mark./

   [thus far] See: SO FAR.

   [ticket] See: SPLIT TICKET, STRAIGHT TICKET,  THE  TICKET,  WALKING
PAPERS also WALKING TICKET.

   [tickle pink] {v. phr.}, {informal} To please  very  much;  thrill;
delight. Usually used in the passive participle. * /Nancy was  tickled
pink with her new dress./

   [tickle to death] See: TO DEATH.

   [tick off] {v.} 1. To mention one after the  other;  list.  *  /The
teacher ticked off the assignments that Jane had to do./ 2. To  scold;
rebuke. * /The boss ticked off the waitress for dropping her tray./ 3.
To anger or upset. - Usually used as ticked off. * /She was ticked off
at him for breaking their dinner date again./

   [tide] See: TURN THE TIDE.

   [tide over] {v.} To carry past a difficulty or danger; help in  bad
times or in trouble. * /He was out of work  last  winter  but  he  had
saved enough money to tide him over until spring./  *  /An  ice  cream
cone in the afternoon tided  her  over  until  supper./  Compare:  SEE
THROUGH.

   [tide turn] See: TURN THE TIDE.

   [tidy sum] {n. phr.} A large amount of money. *  /The  Smith's  big
new home cost them a tidy sum./ Compare: PRETTY PENNY.

   [tie] See: FIT TO BE TIED.

   [tie down] {v.} To keep (someone) from  going  somewhere  or  doing
something; prevent from leaving; keep in. * /Mrs. Brown can't come  to
the party. She's tied down at home with the  children  sick./  *  /The
navy tied the enemy down with big gunfire while the marines landed  on
the beach./ * /I can't help you with history now! I'm tied  down  with
these algebra problems./

   [tied to one's mother's apron  strings]  Not  independent  of  your
mother; not able to do anything without asking your  mother.  *  /Even
after he grew up he was still tied to his mother's apron strings./

   [tie in] {v.} To connect with something  else;  make  a  connection
for. - Often used with "with". * /The teacher tied in  what  she  said
with last week's lesson./  *  /The  English  teacher  sometimes  gives
compositions that  tie  in  with  things  we  are  studying  in  other
classes./ * /The detectives tied in the fingerprints on the man's  gun
with those found on the safe, so they knew that he was the thief./

   [tie-in] {n.} A connection; a point of meeting. * /John's essay  on
World War II provides a perfect tie-in with his earlier work on  World
War I./

   [tie in knots] {v. phr.} To make (someone) very nervous or worried.
* /The thought of having her tooth pulled tied Joan in knots./ *  /The
little boy's experience with the kidnapper tied him in  knots  and  it
was hard for him to sleep well for a long time./

   [tie into] See: LACE INTO.

   [tie one's hands] {v.  phr.}  To  make  (a  person)  unable  to  do
anything. - Usually used in the passive. * /Since Mary would not  tell
her mother what was bothering her, her mother's hands  were  tied./  *
/Charles wanted to help John get elected president of the  class,  but
his promise to another boy tied his hands./ * /Father hoped Jim  would
not quit school, but his hands were tied; Jim was old enough  to  quit
if he wanted to./

   [tie the knot] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  get  married;  also  to
perform  a  wedding  ceremony.  *  /Diane  and  Bill  tied  the   knot
yesterday./  *  /The  minister  tied  the  knot  for  Diane  and  Bill
yesterday./

   [tie up] {v. phr.} 1. To show or stop the movement  or  action  of;
hinder; tangle. * /The crash of the two trucks tied up all traffic  in
the center of town./ * /The strike tied up the factory./  2.  To  take
all the time of. * /The meeting will tie the President up until noon./
* /The Senate didn't vote because a debate on a small  point  kept  it
tied up all week./ * /He can't see  you  now.  He's  tied  up  on  the
telephone./ 3. To limit or prevent the use of. * /His money is tied up
in a trust fund and he can't take  it  out./  *  /Susan  tied  up  the
bathroom for an hour./ 4. To enter into an association or partnership;
join. * /Our company has tied up with  another  firm  to  support  the
show./ 5. To dock. * /The ships tied up at New York./  6.  {slang}  To
finish; complete. * /We've talked long  enough;  let's  tie  up  these
plans and start doing things./

   [tie-up] {n.} A congestion;  a  stoppage  of  the  normal  flow  of
traffic, business or correspondence. * /There was a  two-hour  traffic
tie-up on the highway./ * /No pay checks were delivered because of the
mail service tie-up./

   [tight] See: SIT TIGHT.

   [tight end] {n.} An end in football who plays close to  the  tackle
in the line. * /The tight end is used to catch passes but  most  often
to block./ Contrast: SPLIT END.

   [tighten one's belt] {v. phr.} To live on less  money  than  usual;
use less food and other things. * /When father lost his job we had  to
tighten our belts./ Often used in the expression "tighten  one's  belt
another notch". * /When the husband lost his job, the Smiths had to do
without many things, but when their savings were all spent,  they  had
to tighten their belts another notch./

   [tighten the screws] {v. phr.} To try to make someone do  something
by making it more and more difficult not to do it; apply  pressure.  *
/When many students still missed class after  he  began  giving  daily
quizzes, the teacher tightened the screws  by  failing  anyone  absent
four times./

   [tight-lipped] {adj.} A taciturn person; one who doesn't say  much.
* /The witness was  tight-lipped  about  what  she  saw  for  fear  of
physical retaliation by the mob./

   [tight money] {n. phr.} The opposite of inflation,  when  money  is
hard to borrow from the banks. * /The government  decided  that  tight
money is the way to bring down inflation./

   [tight  squeeze]  {n.  phr.}  A  difficult   situation;   financial
troubles. * /The Browns aren't going out to dinner  these  days;  they
are in a tight squeeze./

   [tightwad] {n. phr.} A stingy  person.  *  /My  father  is  such  a
tightwad that he won't give me an allowance./

   [Tijuana taxi] {., {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A  police
car. * /I've got a Tijuana taxi in sight./

   [till] See: ROB THE TILL or HAVE ONE'S HAND IN THE TILL.

   [till the cows come home] {adv. phr.} Until sunset; until the last.
* /The women in the country used to sit in the  spinning  room  making
yarn out of skeins of wool, usually till the cows came home./

   [till the last gun is fired] or [until the last gun is fired] {adv.
phr.} Until the end; until everything is finished or decided. *  /Fred
always liked to stay at parties until the last gun was fired./ *  /The
candidate didn't give up hope of being elected until the last gun  was
fired./

   [tilt] See: FULL TILT.

   [tilt at windmills] {v. phr.}, {literary}  To  do  battle  with  an
imaginary foe (after Cervantes' Don Quixote). * /John is  a  nice  guy
but when it comes to departmental meetings he wastes everybody's  time
by constantly tilting at windmills./

   [time] See: ABOUT TIME, AGAINST TIME, AT A TIME, AT  ONE  TIME,  AT
THE SAME TIME, AT TIMES, BEHIND THE TIMES,  BEHIND  TIME,  BIDE  ONE'S
TIME, BIG TIME, EVERY TIME ONE TURNS AROUND, FOR THE TIME BEING,  FROM
TIME TO TIME, GIVE A HARD TIME, HAVE A TIME, HIGH TIME, IN GOOD  TIME,
IN NO TIME, IN THE NICK OF TIME, IN TIME,  KEEP  TIME,  LESS  THAN  NO
TIME, LIVE ON BORROWED TIME, MAKE TIME, MARK TIME, ONCE UPON  A  TIME,
ON ONE'S OWN TIME, ON TIME, PASS THE TIME  OF  DAY,  SMALL-TIME,  TAKE
ONE'S TIME, TWO-TIME.

   [time and again] or  [time  and  time  again]  {adv.}  Many  times;
repeatedly; very often, * /I've told you time and again not  to  touch
the vase!/ * /Children are forgetful and must be told  time  and  time
again how to behave./

   [time and a half] {n. phr.} Pay given to a worker at  a  rate  half
again as much as he usually gets. * /John got time and a half when  he
worked beyond his usual quitting time./ * /Tom  gets  one  dollar  for
regular pay and a dollar and a half for time and a half./

   [time is ripe] The best time has come for doing something.  *  /The
Prime Minister will hold elections when the time is ripe./ * /Lee  saw
his mother was upset, so he decided the time was not ripe to tell  her
about the broken window./

   [time of day] See: NOT TO GIVE ONE THE TIME OF DAY.

   [time off] {n. phr.} A period of release from work.  *  /If  I  had
some time off this afternoon, I would finish  writing  the  letters  I
promised to my family./

   [time of one's life] {n. phr.} A very happy or  wonderful  time.  *
/John had the time of his life at the party./ * /I could see that  she
was having the time of her life./

   [time out] {n. phr.}  Time  during  which  a  game,  a  lecture,  a
discussion or other activity is stopped for a  while  for  some  extra
questions or informal discussion, or some other reason. * /He  took  a
time out from studying to go to a movie./ * /The  player  called  time
out so he could tie his shoe./ * /"Time out!"  -  The  students  said,
"Could you explain that again?"/

   [tin ear] {n. phr.} 1. A lack  of  sensitivity  to  noise.  *  /The
construction noise doesn't bother Fred; he's got a tin ear./ 2. A lack
of musical ability; state of being tone deaf. * /People with a tin ear
make poor choir members./

   [tingle] See: SPINE-TINGLING.

   [tinker's damn] See: NOT WORTH A TINKER'S DAMN.

   [Tin Pan Alley] {n. phr.} The pop music industry. * /What  kind  of
music will Tin Pan Alley come up with this year?/

   [tip] See: AT THE TIP OF ONE'S TONGUE, FROM TIP TO TIP.

   [tip off] {v.}, {informal} To tell something not  generally  known;
tell secret facts to; warn. * /The  class  president  tipped  off  the
class that it was the superintendent's birthday./ * /The  thieves  did
not rob the bank as planned because someone tipped them  off  that  it
was being watched by the police./ Compare: PUT WISE.

   [tip the balance] See: TIP THE SCALES(2).

   [tip the scales] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To weigh. * /Martin  tips
the scales at 180 pounds./ 2. or [tip the balance] To  have  important
or decisive influence; make a decision go for or against you;  decide.
* /John's vote tipped  the  scales  in  our  favor,  and  we  won  the
election./ Compare: TURN THE TIDE.

   [tired] See: DEAD TIRED, SICK AND TIRED.

   [tire out] See: WEAR OUT(2).

   [tit for tat] {n. phr.} Equal treatment in return; a fair exchange.
* /Billy hit me, so I gave him tit for tat./ * /I told him if  he  did
me any harm I would return tit for tat./ * /They had a warm debate and
the two boys gave each other tit for tat./ Compare: GET BACK  AT,  EYE
FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.

   [to a conclusion] See: JUMP TO A CONCLUSION.

   [to a crisp] See: BURN TO A CRISP.

   [to a degree] {adv. phr.} 1. {Chiefly British}  Very;  to  a  large
extent. * /In some things I am ignorant to  a  degree./  2.  Somewhat;
slightly; in a small way; rather. * /His anger was,  to  a  degree,  a
confession of defeat./ * /To a degree, Mary was  to  blame  for  Bob's
failing mathematics, because he spent  much  time  with  her  when  he
should have been studying./

   [to advantage] {adv. phr.} So as to bring out  the  good  qualities
of; favorably; in a flattering way. * /The jeweler's window showed the
diamonds to advantage./ * /The green dress showed up to advantage with
her red hair./

   [to a fault] {adv. phr.} So very well that it is in a way  bad;  to
the point of being rather foolish; too well; too  much.  *  /Aunt  May
wants everything in her house to be exactly right; she is  neat  to  a
fault./  *  /Mary  acts  her  part  to  a  fault./  *  /John   carries
thoroughness to a fault; he spends many hours writing his reports./

   [to a halt] See: GRIND TO A HALT.

   [to a large extent] See: IN GREAT MEASURE.

   [to all intents and purposes] {adv. phr.} In most ways; in fact.  *
/The president is called the head of state, but the prime minister, to
all intents and purposes, is the chief executive./

   [to a man] {adv. phr.} Without exception; with all agreeing. * /The
workers voted to a man to go on strike./ * /To a  man  John's  friends
stood by him in his trouble./ Compare: EVERY LAST MAN.

   [to and fro] {adv. phr.}  Forward  and  back  again  and  again.  *
/Father pushed Judy in the swing, and she went to and fro./ *  /Busses
go to and fro between the center of the city and the  city  limits/  *
/The man walked to and fro  while  he  waited  for  his  phone  call./
Compare: BACK AND FORTH.

   [to another tune] See: DANCE TO ANOTHER TUNE.

   [to a T] or [to a turn] {adv.  phr.}  Just  right;  to  perfection;
exactly. * /The roast was done to a  turn./  *  /His  nickname,  Tiny,
suited him to a T./ Compare: TO THE LETTER.

   [to bat] See: GO TO BAT FOR.

   [to bay] See: BRING TO BAY.

   [to-be] {adj.} That is going to be; about to become. -  Used  after
the noun it modifies. * /Bob kissed his bride-to-be./ * /The principal
of the high school greeted the high  school  students-to-be  on  their
last day in junior high./

   [to bed] See: PUT TO BED, PUT TO BED WITH A SHOVEL.

   [to be on the safe side] {adv. phr.}  To  take  extra  precautions;
reduce or eliminate the possibility of a mistake, an  error,  or  even
danger. * /Dad always keeps his valuables in  a  bank's  safe  deposit
box, just to be on the safe side./ Compare: JUST IN CASE.

   [to be sure] {adv. phr.} Without  a  doubt;  certainly;  surely.  *
/"Didn't you say Mr. Smith would take us home?" "Oh, yes. To be  sure,
I did."/ - Often used before a clause  beginning  with  "but".  *  /He
works slowly, to be sure, but he does a good job./ * /To be sure,  Jim
is a fast skater, but he is not  good  at  doing  figures./  Syn.:  OF
COURSE.

   [to blame] {adj. phr.} Having done something wrong; to  be  blamed;
responsible. * /John was to blame  for  the  broken  window./  *  /The
teacher tried to find out who was to blame in the fight./

   [to boot] {adv. phr.} In addition; besides; as something  extra.  *
/He not only got fifty dollars, but they bought him dinner  to  boot./
Compare: FOR GOOD MEASURE, IN THE BARGAIN, THROW IN.

   [to date] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} Up to the present time; until  now.
* /To date twenty students have been accepted into the school./ * /The
police have not found the runaway to date./ * /Jim is  shoveling  snow
to earn money, but his earnings to date are small./ Syn.: SO FAR.

   [to death] {adv. phr.}, {informal} To the limit;  to  the  greatest
degree possible. - Used for  emphasis  with  verbs  such  as  "scare",
"frighten", "bore". * /Cowboy stories bore me to  death,  but  I  like
mysteries./ * /Sara is scared to death of snakes./ * /John is  tickled
to death with his new bike./

   [to do] See: HAVE TO DO WITH.

   [toe] See: CURL ONE'S HAIR or CURL ONE'S TOES, ON ONE'S TOES,  STEP
ON THE TOES OF.

   [toe the line] or [toe the mark] {v. phr.} To be very careful to do
just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties. *
/The new teacher will make Joe toe the  line./  *  /Bill's  father  is
strict with him and he has to toe the mark./ Compare: WALK THE CHALK.

   [to first base] See: GET TO FIRST BASE.

   [together] See: GET IT ALL TOGETHER.

   [together with] {prep.} In addition to; in the  company  of;  along
with. * /John, together with his brother, has gone to  the  party./  *
/The police found a knife, together with the stolen money, hidden in a
hollow tree./

   [to grips] See: COME TO GRIPS WITH.

   [to heart] See: TAKE TO HEART also LAY TO HEART.

   [to heel] {adj. phr.} 1. Close behind.  *  /The  dog  ran  after  a
rabbit, but Jack brought him to heel./ 2. Under control; to obedience.
* /When Peter was sixteen, he thought he could do as he  pleased,  but
his father cut off his allowance, and Peter soon came to heel./

   [to hell with] or [the hell with] {prep. phr.}, {informal} Used  to
express disgusted rejection of something. * /It's slop; the hell  with
what the cook calls it./ Compare: FED UP, GIVE A HANG.

   [to it] See: PUT ONE'S BACK TO IT.

   [to light] See: BRING TO LIGHT, COME TO LIGHT.

   [toll] See: TAKE ITS TOLL.

   [toll call] {n. phr.} A long distance telephone call for which  one
has to pay. * /We had several toll calls  on  last  month's  telephone
bill./

   [toll free] {adv. phr.} Calling an (800) telephone number with  the
call paid by the business whose number one has dialed. * /You can call
us day and night, seven days a week, toll free./

   [Tom] See: PEEPING TOM.

   [Tom, Dick,  and  Harry]  {n.  phr.}  People  in  general;  anyone;
everyone. - Usually preceded by "every" and  used  to  show  scorn  or
disrespect. * /The drunk told his troubles  to  every  Tom,  Dick  and
Harry who passed by./

   [tone down] {v.} To make softer or  quieter;  make  less  harsh  or
strong; moderate. * /He toned down the sound of the TV./ * /She wanted
the bright colors in  her  house  toned  down./  *  /When  the  ladies
arrived, he toned down his language./ * /The strikers  were  asked  to
tone down their demands for higher  pay  so  that  there  might  be  a
quicker agreement and an end to the strike./

   [tong] See: GO AT IT HAMMER AND TONGS.

   [tongue] See: AT THE TIP OF ONE'S TONGUE,  CAT  GET  ONE'S  TONGUE,
HOLD ONE'S TONGUE, KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN  ONE'S  HEAD,  SLIP  OF  THE
TONGUE.

   [tongue-in-cheek] {adj. phr.} In an ironic or insincere  manner.  *
/When the faculty complained about the  poor  salary  increments,  the
university's president said that  he  was  not  a  psychiatrist,  thus
making an inappropriate tongue-in-cheek remark./

   [tongue-lashing] {n.} A  sharp  scolding  or  criticism.  *  /Jim's
mother gave him a tongue-lashing for telling  family  secrets./  Syn.:
PIECE OF ONE'S MIND.

   [tongues wag] {informal} People speak  in  an  excited  or  gossipy
manner; people spread rumors. * /If married women go  out  with  other
men, tongues will wag./ *  /When  the  bank  clerk  showed  up  in  an
expensive new car, tongues wagged./

   [tongue-tied] See: TIGHT-LIPPED.

   [tongue twister] {n.}  A  word  or  group  of  words  difficult  to
pronounce whose meaning is irrelevant compared to  the  difficulty  of
enunciation. * /"She sells sea shells by the seashore"  is  a  popular
American tongue twister./

   [to no avail] or [of no avail(1)] {adj. phr.}, {formal}  Having  no
effect; useless, unsuccessful. * /Tom's practicing was of no avail. He
was sick on the  day  of  the  game./  *  /Mary's  attempts  to  learn
embroidering were to no avail./

   [to  no   avail(2)]   {adv.   phr.},   {formal}   Without   result;
unsuccessfully. * /John tried to  pull  the  heavy  cart,  but  to  no
avail./ * /Mary studied hard for the test but to no  avail./  Compare:
IN VAIN.

   [too] See: EAT ONE'S CAKE AND HAVE IT TOO.

   [too bad] {adj.} To be  regretted;  worthy  of  sorrow  or  regret;
regrettable. - Used as a predicate. * /It is too bad that  we  are  so
often lazy./ * /It was too bad Bill had measles when the  circus  came
to town./

   [too big for one's breeches] or [too big  for  one's  boots]  {adj.
phr.} Too sure of your own importance; feeling more important than you
really are. * /That boy had grown too big for his breeches. I'll  have
to put him back in his place./ * /When the teacher made Bob a monitor,
he got too big for his boots and she had to warn him./

   [too ---- by half] {adj.} ({princ. British}) Much too; excessively.
* /The heroine  of  the  story  is  too  nice  by  half;  she  is  not
believable./

   [too close for comfort] {adj. phr.} Perilously near  (said  of  bad
things). * /When the sniper's  bullet  hit  the  road  the  journalist
exclaimed, "Gosh, that was too close  for  comfort!"/  Compare:  CLOSE
CALL, CLOSE SHAVE.

   [too many cooks spoil the broth] or [stew] A project is  likely  to
go bad if managed by a multiplicity of primary movers. - A proverb.  *
/When several people acted all  at  once  in  trying  to  reshape  the
company's investment policy, Tom spoke up and said, "Let me do this by
myself! Don't you know that too many cooks spoil the broth?"/

   [too many irons in the fire] See: IRONS IN THE FIRE.

   [to one] See: TEN TO ONE, TWO TO ONE.

   [to oneself(1)] {adv. phr.} 1. Silently; in the  thoughts;  without
making a sign that others can see; secretly. * /Tom thought to himself
that he could win./ * /Mary said to herself  that  Joan  was  prettier
than Ann./ * /Bill laughed to himself when John fell down./ 2. Without
telling others; in private; as a secret. - Used after "keep". *  /Mary
keeps her affairs to herself./ * /John knew the answer to the problem,
but he kept it to himself./

   [to oneself(2)] {adj. phr.} 1. Without company; away  from  others;
alone; deserted. * /The boys went home and John was left to  himself./
* /When Mary first moved to her new neighborhood she was very shy  and
kept to herself./ 2.  Following  one's  own  beliefs  or  wishes;  not
stopped by others. * /When John insisted on going, Fred  left  him  to
himself./ * /The teacher left Mary to herself to solve the problem./

   [to one's face] {adv. phr.} Directly to you; in your presence. * /I
told him to his face that I didn't like the idea./ * /I called  him  a
coward to his face./ Compare: IN ONE'S FACE.  Contrast:  BEHIND  ONE'S
BACK.

   [to one's feet] {adv. phr.} To a standing position;  up.  *  /After
Henry had been tackled hard by four big players, he got  to  his  feet
slowly and painfully./ * /When Sally saw the bus coming, she jumped to
her feet and ran out./ Compare: ON ONE'S FEET.

   [to one's guns] See: STICK TO ONE'S GUNS.

   [to one's heart's content] {adv.  phr.}  To  the  extent  of  one's
wishes; one's complete satisfaction. * /There  is  a  wonderful  small
restaurant nearby where you can eat to your heart's content./

   [to one's heels] See: TAKE TO ONE'S HEELS.

   [to one's name] {adv. phr.} In your ownership; of your own; as part
of your belongings. * /David did not have a book to his name./  *  /Ed
had only one suit to his name./

   [to one's ribs] See: STICK TO ONE'S RIBS.

   [to one's senses] See: COME TO ONE'S SENSES.

   [to order] {adv. phr.} According to directions given in an order in
the way and size wanted. * /The  manufacturer  built  the  machine  to
order./ * /A very big man often has his suits made to order./ 2.  See:
CALL TO ORDER.

   [tooth] See: BY THE SKIN OF ONE'S TEETH, CUT TEETH or CUT EYETEETH,
EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH, FED TO THE GILLS or FED TO THE
TEETH, GET ONE'S TEETH INTO or SINK ONE'S  TEETH  INTO,  KICK  IN  THE
PANTS or KICK IN THE TEETH, PULL ONE'S TEETH, SET ONE'S TEETH ON EDGE,
TAKE THE BIT IN ONE'S TEETH, THROW SOMETHING IN ONE'S  FACE  or  THROW
SOMETHING IN ONE'S TEETH.

   [tooth and nail] See: HAMMER AND TONGS.

   [tooth and nail] {adv. phr.} With all weapons or ways  of  fighting
as hard as possible; fiercely. - Used after "fight" or a similar word.
* /When the Indian girl was captured, she fought tooth and nail to get
away./ * /The farmers fought tooth and nail to save their  crops  from
the grasshoppers./ * /His friends fought tooth and nail to  elect  him
to Congress./

   [toot one's own horn] See: BLOW ONE'S OWN HORN.

   [top] See: AT THE TOP OF ONE'S VOICE, BIG TOP, BLOW A FUSE or  BLOW
ONE'S TOP, HARD-TOP, OFF THE TOP OF ONE'S HEAD, ON TOP, ON TOP OF,  ON
TOP OF THE WORLD, OVER THE TOP.

   [top banana] or [top dog] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The head of any
business or organization; the most  influential  or  most  prestigious
person in an establishment. * /Who's the top banana in  this  outfit?/
See: MAIN SQUEEZE.

   [to pass] See: COME TO PASS.

   [top-drawer] {adj.}, {informal} Of  the  best;  or  most  important
kind. * /Mary's art work was top-drawer material./ * /Mr. Rogers is  a
top-drawer executive and gets a very high salary./

   [topflight] or [topnotch] See: TOP DRAWER.

   [to pieces]  {adv.  phr.}  1.  Into  broken  pieces  or  fragments;
destroyed. * /The cannon shot the town to pieces./ * /The vase fell to
pieces in Mary's hand./ 2. {informal} So as not to work; into a  state
of not operating. * /After 100,000 miles the car went  to  pieces./  *
/When Mary heard of her  mother's  death,  she  went  to  pieces./  3.
{informal} Very much; greatly; exceedingly. * /Joan  was  thrilled  to
pieces to see Mary./ * /The noise scared Bob to pieces./ 4. See:  PICK
APART.

   [top off] {v.} To come or bring to a special or unexpected  ending;
climax. * /John batted three runs and topped off the game with a  home
run./ * /Mary hadn't finished her homework, she was  late  to  school,
and to top it all off she missed a surprise test./ * /George had steak
for dinner and topped it off with a fudge sundae./

   [to put It mildly] See: TO SAY THE LEAST.

   [torch] See: CARRY A TORCH.

   [to reason] See: STAND TO REASON.

   [to rest] See: LAY TO REST.

   [to rights] See: PUT TO RIGHTS or SET TO RIGHTS.

   [to Rome] See: ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME.

   [to say nothing of] See: NOT TO MENTION.

   [to say the least] {v. phr.} To understate; express  as  mildly  as
possible. * /After all we did for him, his behavior toward us, to  say
the least, was a poor way to show his appreciation./

   [to scale] {adv. phr.} In the same proportions as in the true size;
in the same shape, but not the same size. * /The statue  was  made  to
scale, one inch to a foot./ * /He drew the map to  scale,  making  one
inch represent fifty miles./

   [to sea] See: PUT TO SEA.

   [to shame] See: PUT TO SHAME.

   [to size] See: CUT DOWN TO SIZE.

   [to speak of] {adj.  phr.},  {informal}  Important;  worth  talking
about; worth noticing. - Usually used in negative sentences. * /Did it
rain yesterday? Not to speak of./ * /What  happened  at  the  meeting?
Nothing to speak of./ * /Judy's injuries were  nothing  to  speak  of;
just a few scratches./ Compare: NOT TO MENTION.

   [to spite one's face] See: CUT OFF ONE'S NOSE TO SPITE ONE'S FACE.

   [toss off] {v. phr.} 1. To drink rapidly; drain. * /He  tossed  off
two drinks and left./ 2. To make  or  say  easily  without  trying  or
thinking hard. * /She tossed off smart remarks all during  dinner./  *
/He thinks a reporter should be able to toss off an article every  few
hours./

   [toss one to the sharks] See: THROW ONE TO THE WOLVES.

   [toss out] See: THROW OUT.

   [total] See: SUM TOTAL.

   [to task] See: TAKE TO TASK.

   [to terms] See: BRING TO TERMS, COME TO TERMS.

   [to that effect] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} With that  meaning.  *  /She
said she hated spinach, or words to that effect./ * /When I  leave,  I
will write you to that effect so you will know./

   [to the best of one's knowledge] As far as you know; to the  extent
of your knowledge. * /He has never won a  game,  to  the  best  of  my
knowledge./ * /To the best of my knowledge he is a college man, but  I
may be mistaken./

   [to the bitter end] {adv. phr.}  To  the  point  of  completion  or
conclusion. - Used especially of a very painful or unpleasant task  or
experience. * /Although Mrs. Smith  was  bored  by  the  lecture,  she
stayed to the bitter end./ * /They knew the war would be lost, but the
men fought to the bitter end./

   [to the bone] {adv.}, {slang}, {informal} Thoroughly, entirely,  to
the core, through all layers. * /I am dreadfully tired; I've worked my
fingers to the bone./ See: ALSO WORK ONE'S FINGERS TO THE BONE.

   [to the bottom] See: GET TO THE BOTTOM OF.

   [to the contrary] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} With an opposite result  or
effect; just the opposite; in disagreement;  saying  the  opposite.  *
/Although Bill was going to the movies, he told Joe to the  contrary./
* /We will expect you for dinner unless we get word to the  contrary./
* /School gossip to the contrary, Mary is not engaged to be  married./
Compare: ON THE CONTRARY.

   [to the effect that] {adj. phr.} With the meaning  or  purpose;  to
say that. * /He made a speech to the effect that we would all keep our
jobs even if the factory were sold./ * /The new governor would do  his
best in the office to which he had been elected./

   [to the eye] {adv. phr.} As it is seen; as a person or thing  first
seems; apparently. * /That girl looks to the eye like a nice  girl  to
know, but she is really rather mean./ * /That suit appears to the  eye
to be a good buy, but it may not be./ Compare: AT FIRST GLANCE.

   [to the fore] {adv.} or  {adj.  phr.}  Into  leadership;  out  into
notice or view; forward. * /The hidden skill of the lawyer came to the
fore during the trial./ * /In the progress of the war some new leaders
came to the fore./

   [to the full] {adv. phr.} Very much; fully. * /The campers  enjoyed
their trip to the full./ * /We appreciated to the full  the  teacher's
help./ Compare: TO THE HILT.

   [to the gallery] See: PLAY TO THE GALLERY.

   [to the good] {adv. phr.} On the side of profit  or  advantage;  in
one's favor; to one's  benefit;  ahead.  *  /After  I  sold  my  stamp
collection, I was ten dollars to the good./ * /The teacher did not see
him come in late, which was all to the good./

   [to the grindstone] See: KEEP ONE'S NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE.

   [to the heart] See: GET TO THE HEART OF.

   [to the hilt] or [up to the hilt] {adv. phr.} To the limit; as  far
as possible; completely. * /The other boys on the  team  told  Tom  he
couldn't quit. They said, "You're  in  this  to  the  hilt."/  *  /The
Smith's house is mortgaged up to the hilt./ Compare: HEART  AND  SOUL,
TO THE FULL, UP TO THE --- IN.

   [to the  kings  taste]  or  [to  the  queen's  taste]  {adv.  phr.}
Perfectly; just as anyone could want it; very satisfactorily.  *  /The
rooms in her new home  were  painted  and  decorated  to  the  queen's
taste./ * /The soldiers dressed and marched to the king's taste./

   [to the letter] {adv. phr.} With nothing done wrong or left undone;
exactly; precisely. * /He carried out his orders  to  the  letter./  *
/When writing a  test  you  should  follow  the  instructions  to  the
letter./ Compare: TO A T.

   [to the manner born] {adj. phr.} At ease with something because  of
lifelong familiarity with it. * /She says  her  English  is  the  best
because she is to the manner born./

   [to the nth degree] {adv. phr.} To the  greatest  degree  possible;
extremely; very much so.  *  /Scales  must  be  accurate  to  the  nth
degree./ * /His choice of words was exactly to the nth degree./

   [to the point] See: COME TO THE POINT.

   [to the punch] See: BEAT TO THE PUNCH.

   [to the ribs] See: STICK TO ONE'S RIBS or STICK TO THE RIBS.

   [to the salt mines] See: BACK TO THE SALT MINES.

   [to the stump] See: TAKE THE STUMP or TAKE TO THE STUMP.

   [to the sword] See: PUT TO THE SWORD.

   [to the tune of] {adv. phr.}, {informal} To the  amount  or  extent
of; in the amount of. * /He had to pay to the tune  of  fifty  dollars
for seeing how fast the car would go./ * /When she left the race track
she had profited to the tune of ten dollars./

   [to the wall] {adv. phr.} Into a  place  from  which  there  is  no
escape; into a trap or corner. -  Usually  used  after  "drive"  or  a
similar word. * /John's failing the last test drove him to the  wall./
* /The score was 12-12 in the last minute of  play,  but  a  touchdown
forced the visitors to the wall./ * /Bill had to sell his  five  Great
Danes. The high cost of feeding them was driving him to the wall./

   [to the wolves] See: THROW TO THE WOLVES.

   [to the woods] See: TAKE TO THE WOODS.

   [to the world] See: DEAD TO THE WORLD.

   [to think of it] See: COME TO THINK OF IT.

   [toto] See: IN TOTO.

   [touch] See: COMMON TOUCH, IN TOUCH, LOSE TOUCH, OUT OF TOUCH,

   [touch  and  go]  {adj.  phr.}  Very  dangerous  or  uncertain   in
situation. * /Our team won the game, all right, but it was  touch  and
go for a while./ * /At one time while they were climbing the cliff  it
was touch and go whether they could do it./

   [touch base with] {v. phr.}  To  confer  or  consult  with  one.  *
/Before we make a decision, I'd like to touch base with our  financial
department./

   [touch bottom] See: HIT BOTTOM.

   [touch off] {v.} 1. To cause to fire or  explode  by  lighting  the
priming or the fuse. * /The boy touched off a  firecracker./  Compare:
SET OFF. 2. To start something as  if  by  lighting  a  fuse.  *  /The
coach's resignation touched off a quarrel./ Compare: SET OFF.

   [touch on] or [touch upon] {v.} To speak of or write of briefly.  *
/The speaker touched on several other subjects in the  course  of  his
talk but mostly kept himself to the main topic./ Contrast: DWELL ON.

   [touch to the quick] {v. phr.}  To  hurt  someone's  feelings  very
deeply; offend. * /His remark about her lack of education touched  her
to the quick./

   [touchup] {n.} 1. A small repair; a small amount of paint. *  /Just
a small touchup here and there and your novel may be publishable./  2.
Redoing the color of one's hair. * /My roots are  showing;  I  need  a
touchup./

   [touch up] {v.} 1. To paint over (small imperfections.) *  /I  want
to touch up that scratch on the fender./ * /The woodwork is done,  but
there are a few places he has to touch up./ 2. To improve  with  small
additions or changes. * /He touched up the  photographic  negative  to
make a sharper print./ * /It's a good speech, but it  needs  a  little
touching up./ 3. {slang} To talk into lending;  wheedle  from.  *  /He
touched George up for five bucks./

   [tough act to follow] {n. phr.} A speech, performance, or  activity
of such superior quality that the person next in line feels and thinks
that it would be very  difficult  to  match  it  in  quality.  *  /Sir
Lawrence Olivier's performance of Hamlet was a tough act to follow  in
every sense./

   [tough break] See: TOUGH LUCK, TOUGH SHIT.

   [tough cat] {n.}, {slang} A man who is very individualistic and, as
a result, highly successful with women. * /Joe is a  real  tough  cat,
man./

   [tough  cookie]  {n.  phr.}  An  extremely  determined,  hardheaded
person, or someone with whom it is  unusually  difficult  to  deal.  *
/Marjorie is a very pretty girl, but when it  comes  to  business  she
sure is one tough cookie./

   [tough it out] {v. phr.}  To  live  through  and  endure  a  trying
situation. * /The tourists got lost in the desert without  a  compass,
and they had to tough it out for three days  on  a  single  bottle  of
water./

   [tough luck] {n. phr.} An informal way to say  that  one  had  that
coming; it serves one right. * /So your date didn't show up, eh? Tough
luck, fellow./

   [tough nut to crack] See: HARD NUT TO CRACK.

   [tough row to hoe] See: HARD ROW TO HOE.

   [tough shit] {n. phr.}, {vulgar},  {avoidable}  See:  HARD  CHEESE,
TOUGH LUCK.

   [tough sledding] See: HARD SLEDDING.

   [tourist trap] See: CLIP JOINT.

   [to use] See: PUT TO USE.

   [tow] See: IN TOW.

   [towel] See: THROW IN THE SPONGE or THROW IN THE TOWEL.

   [tower of strength] {n. phr.} Someone who is strong,  helpful,  and
sympathetic, and can always be relied on in times of trouble. *  /John
was a veritable tower of strength to our family while my father was in
the war and my mother lay ill in the hospital./

   [town] See: GO TO TOWN, ON THE TOWN, PAINT THE TOWN RED.

   [town and gown] {n.} The  residents  of  a  college  town  and  the
students and teachers of the college. * /The  senator  made  a  speech
attended by both town and gown./ * /There were fights between town and
gown./

   [toy with an] or [the idea] {v. phr.} To consider  an  idea  or  an
offer periodically without coming to a decision. * /He was toying with
the idea of accepting the company's offer of the  vice  presidency  in
Tokyo, but he was unable to decide./

   [to your hat] See: HANG ON TO YOUR HAT or HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT.

   [trace] See: KICK OVER THE TRACES also JUMP THE TRACES.

   [track] See: COVER ONE'S TRACKS, IN  ONE'S  TRACKS,  INSIDE  TRACK,
JUMP THE TRACK, KEEP TRACK, LOSE TRACK, MAKE TRACKS,  OFF  THE  BEATEN
TRACK, ON THE TRACK OF, THE TRACKS.

   [track down] {v.} To find by or as if  by  following  tracks  or  a
trail. * /The hunters tracked down game in the forest./ *  /She  spent
weeks in the library tracking the reference down in all their hooks on
the subject./ Compare: HUNT DOWN.

   [trade] See: CARRIAGE TRADE, HORSE TRADE, TRICKS OF THE TRADE.

   [trade in] {v.} To give something to a seller as part  payment  for
another thing of greater value. * /The Browns traded their old car  in
on a new one./ Syn.: TURN IN(3).

   [trade-in] {n.}  Something  given  as  part  payment  on  something
better. * /The dealer took our old car as a trade-in./  -  Often  used
like an adjective. * /We cleaned up the car at trade-in time./

   [trade on] {v.} To use as a way of helping yourself. *  /The  coach
traded on the pitcher's weakness for left-handed batters by using  all
his southpaws./ * /The senator's son traded on his father's name  when
he ran for mayor./

   [trading stamp] {n.} One of the stamps that  you  get  (as  from  a
store or gas station) because you buy something there; a stamp you get
with a purchase and save in special books until  you  have  enough  to
take to a special store and trade for something you  want.  *  /Mother
always buys things in stores where they give trading stamps./

   [trail] See: BLAZE A TRAIL, ON THE TRACK OF or ON THE TRAIL OF.

   [trail-blazer] See: BLAZE A TRAIL.

   [trap] See: MIND LIKE A STEEL TRAP, SAND TRAP, SPEED TRAP.

   [travel light] {v. phr.} To travel with very little luggage or with
very little to carry. * /Plane passengers must travel light./  *  /Tom
and Fred traveled light on their camping trip./

   [tread on the toes of] or [tread on one's toes] See:  STEP  ON  THE
TOES OF or STEP ON ONE'S TOES.

   [tread water] {v. phr.} To keep the head above water with the  body
in an upright position by moving the feet as if walking.  *  /He  kept
afloat by treading water./

   [treat] See: TRICK OR TREAT.

   [tree] See: BARK UP THE WRONG TREE, CAN'T  SEE  THE  WOOD  FOR  THE
TREES, UP A TREE.

   [trembling] See: FEAR AND TREMBLING.

   [trial] See: ON TRIAL.

   [trial and  error]  {n.}  A  way  of  solving  problems  by  trying
different possible solutions until you find one that  works.  *  /John
found the short circuit by trial and error./ * /The only way Tom could
solve the algebra problem was by the method of trial and error./

   [trial balloon] {n.} A hint about a plan of action  that  is  given
out to find out what people will say.  *  /John  mentioned  the  class
presidency to Bill as  a  trial  balloon  to  see  if  Bill  might  be
interested in running./ * /The editorial was a trial balloon  to  test
the public's reaction to a change in the school day./

   [trice] See: IN A FLASH also IN A TRICE.

   [trick] See: DO THE TRICK, TURN THE TRICK.

   [trick of the trade] {n. phr.}, {usually in plural}, {informal}  1.
A piece of expert knowledge;  a  smart,  quick,  or  skillful  way  of
working at a trade or job. *  /Mr.  Olson  spent  years  learning  the
tricks of the trade as a carpenter./ * /Any one can learn how to  hang
wallpaper, but only an expert can show you the tricks of  the  trade./
2. A smart and sometimes tricky or dishonest way of doing something in
order to succeed or win. * /The champion knows all the tricks  of  the
boxing trade; he knows many ways to hurt his opponent and to  get  him
mixed up./

   [trick or treat] {n.} The custom of going from house  to  house  on
Halloween asking for small gifts and  playing  tricks  on  people  who
refuse to give. * /When Mrs. Jones answered the doorbell, the children
yelled "Trick or treat." Mrs. Jones gave them all some candy./  *  /On
Halloween Bill and Tom went out playing trick or treat./

   [trigger] See: QUICK ON THE TRIGGER.

   [trigger happy] See: QUICK ON THE TRIGGER(1).

   [triple threat] {n.} A football player who is able to  pass,  kick,
and run all very well. * /The triple threat halfback was the  star  of
the team./

   [tripped out] {adj.},  {slang},  {informal}  Incoherent,  confused,
faulty of speech, illogical; as if under the  influence  of  drugs  or
alcohol. * /It was hard to make sense of anything Fred said yesterday,
he sounded so tripped out./ See: SPACED OUT.

   [trip up] {v.} 1. To make (someone) unsteady on the feet; cause  to
miss a step, stumble, or fall. * /A root tripped Billy up while he was
running in the woods, and he fell and hurt his  ankle./  2.  To  cause
(someone) to make a mistake. * /The teacher asked tricky questions  in
the test to trip up students who were not alert./

   [trolley] See: OFF ONE'S ROCKER or OFF ONE'S TROLLEY.

   [trot out] {v. phr.} To bring out for inspection; display. * /Don't
mention compact disks to Joe, or he'll trot out his entire  collection
and we'll be stuck here all night./

   [trouble] See: BORROW TROUBLE,  GO  TO  THE  TROUBLE  or  TAKE  THE
TROUBLE.

   [troubled waters] See: POUR OIL ON TROUBLED WATERS.

   [trousers] See: WEAR THE TROUSERS.

   [trowel] See: LAY IT ON.

   [truck] See: PANEL TRUCK.

   [true] See: COME TRUE, HOLD TRUE, RUN TRUE TO FORM.

   [trump] See: HOLD ALL THE TRUMPS.

   [trump card] {n.} Something kept back to be used to win success  if
nothing else works. * /The coach saved his star pitcher  for  a  trump
card./ * /Mary had several ways to get Joan to come to her party.  Her
trump card was that the football captain would be there./

   [trump up] {v.} To make up (something untrue); invent in the  mind.
* /Every time Tom is late getting home he trumps up some new  excuse./
* /The Russians were afraid he was a spy, so they arrested  him  on  a
trumped-up charge and made him leave the country./

   [trust] See: IN TRUST.

   [truth] See: CHILDREN AND FOOLS SPEAK THE TRUTH.

   [try on] {v.} To put (clothing) on to see if it fits. * /She  tried
on several pairs of shoes before she found  one  she  liked./  *  /The
clerk told him to try the coat on./

   [try one's hand] {v. phr.} To make  an  inexperienced  attempt  (at
something unfamiliar.) * /I thought I would try my  hand  at  bowling,
although I had never bowled before./

   [try one's wings] {v. phr.} To try out a recently acquired ability.
* /Marjorie just had her twelfth French lesson and wants  to  try  her
wings by speaking with our visitors from Paris./

   [tryout] {n.} An audience at a theater or opera for would-be actors
and singers. * /The Civic Opera is holding tryouts throughout  all  of
next week. Maybe I'll go and see if I can sing in the chorus./

   [try out] {v. phr.} 1. To test by trial or by experimenting. *  /He
tried golf out to see if he would like it./ *  /The  scientists  tried
out thousands of chemicals before they found the right  one./  *  /The
coach wants to try the new play out in the first game./ 2. To try  for
a place on a team or in a group. * /Tom tried out for  the  basketball
team./ * /Shirley will try out for the lead in the play./ Compare: OUT
FOR.

   [tuck] See: NIP AND TUCK.

   [tucker] See: BEST BIB AND TUCKER.

   [tuck in] {v. phr.} To place the covers carefully around the person
(usually a child) in bed. * /When I was a child,  my  mother  used  to
tuck me into bed every night./

   [tug-of-war] {n.} 1. A game in which two  teams  pull  on  opposite
ends of a rope, trying to pull the other team over a  line  marked  on
the ground. * /The tug-of-war ended  when  both  teams  tumbled  in  a
heap./ 2. A contest in which two  sides  try  to  defeat  each  other;
struggle. * /A tug-of-war developed between the boys who wanted to  go
fishing and those who wanted to go hiking./ * /Betty felt a tug-of-war
between her wish to go to the movies and her realizing she had  to  do
her homework./ * /The tug of war between the union men and  management
ended in a long strike./

   [tune] See: CALL THE TUNE, CHANGE  ONE'S  TUNE,  IN  TUNE,  SING  A
DIFFERENT TUNE or WHISTLE A DIFFERENT TUNE also SING A  NEW  TUNE,  TO
THE TUNE OF.

   [tune in] To adjust a radio or television set to pick up a  certain
station. * /Bob tuned in his portable radio to a record show./ *  /Tom
tuned in to Channel 11 to hear the news./

   [tune out] {v. phr.} To not listen to something. *  /"How  can  you
work in such a noisy environment?" Jane asked Sue.
"Well, I simply tune it out," she
answered./

   [tune up] {v.} 1a. To adjust (a musical  instrument)  to  make  the
right sound. * /Before he began to play, Harry tuned  up  his  banjo./
1b. To adjust a musical instrument or a group of  musical  instruments
to the right sound. * /The orchestra came in and began to tune up  for
the concert./ 2. To adjust many parts of (car engine) which must  work
together so that it will run properly. *  /He  took  his  car  to  the
garage to have the engine tuned up./

   [tune-up] {n.} 1. The adjusting or fixing of something (as a motor)
to make it work safely and well.  *  /Father  says  the  car  needs  a
tune-up before winter begins./  2.  Exercise  or  practicing  for  the
purpose of getting ready; a trial before something. * /The  team  went
to  the  practice  field  for  their  last  tune-up  before  the  game
tomorrow./ Syn.: WARM UP.

   [turkey] See: TALK TURKEY.

   [turn] See: AT EVERY TURN, BLOOD RUN COLD or BLOOD TURNS TO ICE, BY
TURNS, CALL THE TURN at CALL ONE'S  SHOTS(2),  EVERY  TIME  ONE  TURNS
AROUND, IN TURN, NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN, OUT OF TURN, TAKE A TURN,
TAKE TURNS, TO A T or TO A TURN.

   [turn a blind eye] {v.  phr.}  To  pretend  not  to  see;  not  pay
attention. * /The corrupt police chief turned a blind eye to the  open
gambling in the town./ * /Bob turned a blind eye to the  "No  Fishing"
sign./ Compare: CLOSE ONE'S EYES.

   [turn a cold shoulder] See: COLD SHOULDER.

   [turn a deaf ear to] {v. phr.} To pretend not to  hear;  refuse  to
hear; not pay attention. * /Mary turned a deaf ear to Lois's asking to
ride her bicycle./ * /The teacher turned a deaf ear to Bob's  excuse./
Compare: COLD SHOULDER.

   [turn a hand] {v. phr.} To do anything to help. - Usually  used  in
the negative. * /When we were all hurrying to get the house ready  for
company, Mary sat reading and wouldn't turn  a  hand./  Syn.:  LIFT  A
FINGER.

   [turn an honest penny] {v. phr.} To realize a good profit.  *  /Tom
turned an honest penny in  the  soybean  trading  business./  Compare:
PRETTY PENNY.

   [turn back the clock] See: PUT BACK THE CLOCK.

   [turn color] {v. phr.} To become a different color. * /In the  fall
the leaves turn color./ * /When the dye was added the solution  turned
color./

   [turn down] {v.} 1. To reduce the loudness,  brightness,  or  force
of. * /The theater lights were turned down./ * /Turn down that  radio,
will you?/ * /The hose was throwing too much water so  I  turned  down
the water a little bit./ 2.  To  refuse  to  accept;  reject.  *  /His
request for a raise was turned down./ * /If she offers to  help,  I'll
turn her down./ * /Many boys courted Lynn, but  she  turned  them  all
down./

   [turn for the worse] See: FOR THE WORSE.

   [turn in] {v.} 1. or [hand in]  To  give  to  someone;  deliver  to
someone. * /I want you to turn in a good history paper./ *  /When  the
football season was over, we turned in our uniforms./ 2. To inform on;
report. * /She turned them in to the police for  breaking  the  street
light./ 3. To give in return for something. * /They  turned  in  their
old money for new./ * /We turned our car in on  a  new  model./  Syn.:
TRADE IN. 4. {informal} To go to bed. * /We were tired, so  we  turned
in about nine o'clock./ Contrast: TURN OUT(4).

   [turn in one's grave] or [turn over in one's grave] {v. phr.} To be
so grieved or angry that you would not rest quietly in your  grave.  *
/If your grandfather could see what you're doing now,  he  would  turn
over in his grave./

   [turn loose] See: LET LOOSE(1a).

   [turn off] {v.} 1. To stop by  turning  a  knob  or  handle  or  by
working a switch; to cause to be off. * /He turned the water  off./  *
/He turned off the light./ 2. To leave by turning right or  left  onto
another way./ * /Turn off the highway at exit 5./ *  /The  car  turned
off on Bridge Street./ 3. {slang} To disgust, bore, or repel (someone)
by  being   intellectually,   emotionally,   socially,   or   sexually
unattractive. * /I won't date Linda Bell anymore - she just  turns  me
off./ Contrast: TURN ON.

   [turn of the century] {n. phr.} The time at the end of one  century
and the beginning of the next century; {especially}: The time when the
1800's became the  1900's;  the  early  1900's.  *  /Automobiles  were
strange things to see at the turn of the century./

   [turn on] {v.} 1. To start by turning a knob or handle or working a
switch; cause to be on. * /Jack turned on the water./  *  /Who  turned
the lights on?/ 2. {informal} To put forth or succeed with  as  easily
as turning on water. * /She really turns on the charm  when  that  new
boy is around./ 3. To attack. * /The lion tamer was afraid  the  lions
would turn on him./ * /After Joe fumbled the ball  and  lost  the  big
game, his friends turned on him./ 4. {slang} The opposite  of  turning
someone off; to become greatly  interested  in  an  idea,  person,  or
undertaking; to arouse the senses pleasantly. * /Mozart's music always
turns me on./ 5. Introducing someone to a new experience,  or  set  of
values. * /Benjamin turned me on  to  transcendental  meditation,  and
ever since I've been feeling great!/ Contrast: TURN OFF.

   [turn on a dime] {v. phr.} To be able to turn in a very narrow spot
comparable to a small coin. * /This new  sports  car  can  turn  on  a
dime./

   [turn one around one's little finger] See: TWIST ONE  AROUND  ONE'S
LITTLE FINGER.

   [turn one's back on] {v.  phr.}  To  refuse  to  help  (someone  in
trouble or need.) * /He turned his back on his own  family  when  they
needed help./ * /The poorer nations are often  not  grateful  for  our
help, but still we can not turn our back on them./  Compare:  GO  BACK
ON(1).

   [turn one's hand to] See: PUT ONE'S HAND TO.

   [turn one's head] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make you lose your  good
judgment. * /The first pretty girl he saw turned his head./ * /Winning
the class election turned his head./

   [turn one's nose up at] {v. phr.} To  scorn;  snub;  look  down  at
somebody or something. * /I don't understand why Sue has to  turn  her
nose up at everyone who didn't go to an Ivy League college./

   [turn one's stomach] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make you feel sick. *
/The smell of that cigar was enough to  turn  your  stomach./  *  /The
sight of blood turns my stomach./

   [turn on one's heel] {v. phr.} To turn  around  suddenly.  *  /When
John saw Fred approaching him, he turned on his heel./ * /When  little
Tommy's big brother showed up, the bully turned on his heel./

   [turnout] {n.} The number of people in attendance at a gathering. *
/This is a terrific turnout for Tim's poetry reading./

   [turn out] {v.} 1. To make leave or go away. * /His  father  turned
him out of the house./ * /If you don't  behave,  you  will  be  turned
out./ Compare: THROW OUT. 2. To turn inside out; empty. *  /He  turned
out his pockets looking for the money./ * /Robbers turned out all  the
drawers in the house in a search for jewels./ 3. To make;  produce.  *
/The printing press turns out a thousand books an hour./ * /Sally  can
turn out a cake in no time./ * /Martin turns out a poem each week  for
the school paper./ 4. {informal} To get out of bed.  *  /At  camp  the
boys had to turn out early and go to bed early  too./  Contrast:  TURN
IN(4). 5. {informal} To come or go out  to  see  or  do  something.  *
/Everybody turned out for the big parade./ * /Many boys turned out for
football practice./ Compare: FALL OUT. 6. To prove to be;  be  in  the
end; be found to be. * /The noise  turned  out  to  be  just  the  dog
scratching at the door./ * /Her guess  turned  out  to  be  right./  *
/Everything turned out all right./ 7. To make  (a  light)  go  out.  *
/Please turn out the lights./ Syn.: TURN OFF(1).

   [turnover]  {n.}  1.  The  proportion  of  expenditure  and  income
realized in a business; the volume of traffic in a  business.  *  /Our
turnover is so great that in two short years we tripled  our  original
investment and are expanding at a great  rate./  2.  Triangular  baked
pastry filled with some fruit. * /John's  favorite  dessert  is  apple
turnovers./ 3. The number of employees coming and going in a  company.
* /The boss is so strict in our office that the turnover in  personnel
is very large./

   [turn over] {v.} 1. To roll, tip, or turn  from  one  side  to  the
other; overturn; upset. * /He's going to turn over the page./  *  /The
bike hit a rock and turned over./ 2,  To  think  about  carefully;  to
consider. * /He turned the problem over in his  mind  for  three  days
before he did anything about it./ 3. To give to  someone  for  use  or
care. * /I turned my library books over to  the  librarian./  *  /Mrs.
Jackson brought her boy to the school  and  turned  him  over  to  the
housefather./ * /Bob turns over most of the  money  he  earns  to  his
mother./ 4. Of an engine or motor; to start. * /The  battery  is  dead
and the motor won't turn over./ 5a. To buy and then sell to customers.
* /The store turned over $5,000 worth of skiing equipment in January./
5b. To be bought in large enough amounts; sell. * /In  a  shoe  store,
shoes of medium width turn over quickly, because many people wear that
size, but a pair of narrow shoes may not be sold for years./

   [turn over a new leaf] {v. phr.} To start afresh;  to  have  a  new
beginning. * /"Don't be sad, Jane," Sue said. "A divorce  is  not  the
end of the world. Just turn over a new leaf and you will soon be happy
again."/ Compare: CLEAN SLATE.

   [turn over in one's grave] See: TURN IN ONE'S GRAVE.

   [turn over in one's mind] {v. phr.} To  carefully  consider.  *  /I
will have to turn it over in my mind whether to  accept  the  new  job
offer from Japan./

   [turn tail] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  run  away  from  trouble  or
danger. * /When the bully saw my big brother, he turned tail and ran./

   [turn the clock back] {v. phr.} To return to an earlier  period.  *
/Mother wished she could turn the clock back to the  days  before  the
children grew up and left home./ * /Will repealing  the  minimum  wage
for workers under age eighteen turn the clock back to  the  abuses  of
the last century?/

   [turn the other cheek] {v. phr.} To let someone do something to you
and not to do it in return; not hit back when  hit;  be  patient  when
injured or insulted by someone; not try to get even. * /Joe turned the
other cheek when he was hit with a snowball./

   [turn the scales] {v. phr.} To affect the balance in favor  of  one
party or group against the other. * /It could well be that the  speech
he made turned the scales in their favor./

   [turn the tables] {v. phr.}  To  make  something  happen  just  the
opposite of how it is supposed to  happen.  *  /The  boys  turned  the
tables on John when they took his squirt gun away and squirted him./

   [turn the tide] {v. phr.} To change what  looks  like  defeat  into
victory. * /We were losing the game until Jack got there.  His  coming
turned the tide for us, and we won./ Compare: TIP THE SCALES.

   [turn the trick] {v. phr.}, {informal} To bring  about  the  result
you want; succeed in what you plan to do. * /Jerry wanted to win  both
the swimming and diving contests,  but  he  couldn't  quite  turn  the
trick./ Compare: DO THE TRICK.

   [turn thumbs down] {v. phr.} To disapprove or  reject;  say  no.  -
Usually used with "on". * /The  company  turned  thumbs  down  on  Mr.
Smith's sales plan./ * /The men turned thumbs down on a strike at that
time./

   [turn to] {v.} To begin working with much energy. * /All  the  boys
turned to and cleaned the cabin in a few minutes./ * /Mary  turned  to
and studied for the test./ Syn.: FALL TO.

   [turn turtle] {v. phr.} To turn upside down. * /The car skidded  on
the ice and turned turtle./

   [turn up] {v.} 1. To find; discover. *  /The  police  searched  the
house hoping to turn up more clues./ 2. To appear or be found suddenly
or unexpectedly. * /The missing boy turned up an hour later./ * /A man
without training works at whatever jobs turn up./ Compare: SHOW UP(3).

   [turn up one's nose at] {v. phr.}  To  refuse  as  not  being  good
enough for you. * /He thinks he should only get steak, and he turns up
his nose at hamburger./

   [turn up one's toes] {v. phr.}, {slang} To die. * /One morning  the
children found that their pet mouse had turned up his  toes,  so  they
had a funeral for him./ Compare: PUSH UP THE DAISIES.

   [turtle] See: TURN TURTLE.

   [tut-tut] {interj.}, {informal} Used to express mild disapproval. *
/"Tut-tut," said the teacher. "You shouldn't cross the street  without
looking."/ * /Tut-tut, put that piece of candy  back.  You've  already
had three pieces./

   [twice] See: BIG AS LIFE(2), LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE  IN  THE
SAME PLACE, THINK TWICE, ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY and BURNT CHILD DREADS
THE FIRE.

   [twice as natural] See: BIG AS LIFE or BIG AS  LIFE  AND  TWICE  AS
NATURAL.

   [twiddle one's thumbs] {v. phr.} To do nothing;  be  idle.  *  /I'd
rather work than stand around here twiddling my thumbs./

   [twist one around one's little finger] also [turn one around  one's
little finger] or [wrap one around one's finger]  {v.  phr.}  To  have
complete control over; to be able to make (someone)  do  anything  you
want. * /Sue can twist any of the  boys  around  her  little  finger./
Compare: JUMP THROUGH A HOOP.

   [twist one's arm] {v. phr.}, {informal} To force someone;  threaten
someone to make him do something. - Usually used jokingly. * /Will you
dance with the prettiest girl in  school?  Stop,  you're  twisting  my
arm!/ * /I had to twist Tom's arm to make him eat the candy!/

   [two] See: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA or  BETWEEN  TWO
FIRES, TWO CENTS, BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH, CUT  BOTH
WAYS or CUT TWO WAYS, HAVE TWO STRIKES AGAINST ONE, IN TWO,  KILL  TWO
BIRDS WITH ONE STONE, NO TWO WAYS ABOUT IT, PUT TWO AND TWO  TOGETHER,
STAND ON ONE'S OWN FEET or STAND ON ONE'S OWN TWO FEET, TELL  A  THING
OR TWO, THING OR TWO.

   [two bits] {n.}, {slang} Twenty-five cents; a quarter of a  dollar.
* /A haircut only cost two bits when Grandfather was young./  Compare:
FOUR BITS, SIX BITS.

   [two cents] {n.} {informal} 1.  Something  not  important  or  very
small; almost nothing. * /Paul was so angry that he said for two cents
he would quit the team./ *  /When  John  saw  that  the  girl  he  was
scolding was lame, he felt like two cents./ 2. or  [two  cents  worth]
Something you want to say; opinion. - Used with a possessive.  *  /The
boys were talking about baseball, and  Harry  put  in  his  two  cents
worth, even though he didn't know much about baseball./ * /If we  want
your two cents, we'll ask for it./

   [two-faced] {adj.} Insincere; disloyal; deceitful. * /Don't confide
too much in him as he has the reputation of being two-faced./ Compare:
SPEAK WITH A FORKED TONGUE.

   [two's company; three's a crowd]  An  informal  way  to  express  a
situation when two people desire privacy and a third one is present. -
A proverb. * /Beth and Carl wanted to be alone so when  Maggie  joined
them they said, "Two's company; three's a crowd."/

   [two  strikes   against   one]   {n.   phr.}-From   baseball.   Two
opportunities wasted in some undertaking, so that only one  chance  is
left. * /Poor John has two strikes against him when it  comes  to  his
love for Frances: first, he is too fat, and, second, he is bald./

   [two-time] {v.}, {slang} To go out with a second boy or  girlfriend
and keep it a secret from the first. * /Joan was two-timing  Jim  with
Fred./ * /Mary cried when she found  that  Joe  was  two-timing  her./
Compare: DOUBLE-CROSS.

   [two to one] See: TEN TO ONE.

   [two ways about it] See: NO TWO WAYS ABOUT IT.





   [U.F.O.] {n. phr.} Unidentified Flying Object. * /Some people think
that the U.F.O.s are extraterrestrial  beings  of  higher  than  human
development who pay periodic  visits  to  Earth  to  warn  us  of  our
self-destructive tendencies./

   [ugly duckling] {n.} An ugly or plain child  who  grows  up  to  be
pretty and attractive. * /Mary was the ugly duckling  in  her  family,
until she grew up./

   [uh-huh] or [um-hum] {adv.}, {informal} Yes. - Used only in  speech
or when recording dialogue. * /Are you going to the Fair?  Uh-huh./  *
/We were in Alaska, um-hum, but that was long before the earthquakes./
* /When I asked for an appointment, the nurse said, "Um-hum, I have an
opening at four o'clock on Friday."/ Contrast: HUH-UH.

   [um-hum] See: UH-HUH.

   [unbosom oneself] {v. phr.} To confess one's personal  thoughts  or
feelings; disclose private information to a confidante.  *  /Once  she
was at home  with  her  mother,  she  unbosomed  herself  of  all  her
troubles./

   [uncertain] See: IN SO MANY WORDS(2). or IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS.

   [uncle] See: SAY UNCLE also CRY UNCLE.

   [under] See: CUT THE GROUND FROM UNDER, GO UNDER, OUT  FROM  UNDER,
SNOW UNDER.

   [under a bushel] See: HIDE ONE'S LIGHT UNDER A BUSHEL.

   [under a cloud] {adj. phr.} 1.  Under  suspicion;  not  trusted.  *
/Joyce  has  been  under  a  cloud  since  her   roommate's   bracelet
disappeared./ * /The butcher is under a cloud because  the  inspectors
found his scales were not honest./ 2. Depressed, sad,  discouraged.  *
/Joe has been under a cloud since his dog died./

   [under age] {adj. phr.} Too young; not old enough; below legal age.
* /He could not enlist in the army because he was under age./ *  /Rose
was not allowed to enroll in the Life Saving Course  because  she  was
under age./ Contrast: OF AGE(1).

   [under arrest] {adj. phr.} Held by the police. * /The man  believed
to have robbed the bank was placed under arrest./ *  /The  three  boys
were seen breaking into the school building and soon found  themselves
under arrest./

   [under construction] {adv. phr.} In the process of being  built  or
repaired. * /It is a good idea to take the train  to  work  while  the
expressway is under construction./

   [under cover] {adv.} or  {adj.  phr.}  Hidden;  concealed.  *  /The
prisoners escaped under cover of darkness./ * /He kept  his  invention
under cover until it was patented./ Compare: UNDER WRAPS.

   [under false colors] See: SAIL UNDER FALSE COLORS.

   [under fire] {adv. phr.} Being shot at or being  attacked;  hit  by
attacks or accusations; under attack. * /The soldiers stood firm under
fire of the enemy./ * /The principal was under fire  for  not  sending
the boys home who stole the car./

   [under  lock  and  key]  {adv.  phr.}  Secured;  locked  up;   well
protected. * /Dad keeps all his valuables under lock and key./

   [under one's belt] {adv. phr.},  {informal}  1.  In  your  stomach;
eaten; or absorbed. * /Once he had a good meal under his belt, the man
loosened his tie and fell asleep./ * /Jones is talkative when he has a
few  drinks  under  his  belt./  2.  In  your  experience,  memory  or
possession; learned or  gotten  successfully;  gained  by  effort  and
skill. * /Jim has to get a lot of algebra under his  belt  before  the
examination./ * /With three straight victories under their belts,  the
team went on to win the championship./

   [under one's breath] {adv. phr.} In a whisper; with a low voice.  *
/The teacher heard the boy say something  under  his  breath  and  she
asked him to repeat it aloud./ *  /I  told  Lucy  the  news  under  my
breath, but Joyce overheard me./

   [under one's hat] See: KEEP UNDER ONE'S HAT.

   [under one's heel] {adv. phr.} In one's power or control. * /If one
marriage partner always wants to keep the other person  under  his  or
her heel, it is not a happy or democratic arrangement and may lead  to
a divorce./

   [under one's nose] or [under the nose of] {adv.  phr.},  {informal}
In sight of; in an easily seen  or  noticeable  place.  *  /The  thief
walked out of the museum with the painting, right under  the  nose  of
the guards./ * /When Jim gave up trying to find a pen,  he  saw  three
right under his nose on the desk./

   [under one's own  steam]  {adv.  phr.},  {informal}  By  one's  own
efforts; without help. * /The boys got to Boston under their own steam
and took a bus the rest of the way./ * /We didn't think  he  could  do
it, but Bobby finished his homework under his own steam./

   [under one's skin] See: GET UNDER ONE'S SKIN.

   [under one's spell] {adv. phr.} Unable to resist one's influence. *
/From the first moment they saw each other, Peter  was  under  Nancy's
spell./

   [under one's thumb] or [under the  thumb]  {adj.}  or  {adv.  phr.}
Obedient to you; controlled by you; under your  power.  *  /The  Jones
family is under the thumb of the mother./ * /Jack is a bully. He keeps
all the younger children under his thumb./ * /The mayor is so  popular
that he has the whole town under his thumb./ Compare: JUMP THROUGH THE
HOOP.

   [under one's wing] {adv. phr.} Under the care or protection  of.  *
/Helen took the new puppy under her wing./ * /The boys stopped teasing
the new student when Bill took him under his wing./ Compare: IN TOW.

   [under orders] {adv. phr.} Not out of one's own desire or one's own
free will; obligatorily; not freely. * /"So you  were  a  Nazi  prison
guard? " the judge asked. "Yes, your Honor," the man answered, "but  I
was acting under orders and not because I wished to harm anyone."/

   [under pain of] See: ON PAIN OF also UNDER PAIN OF.

   [under protest] {adv. phr.}  Against  one's  wish;  unwillingly.  *
/"I'll go with you all right," she said to the kidnapper, "but I  want
it clearly understood that I do so under protest."/

   [understand] See: GIVE ONE TO UNDERSTAND.

   [under the circumstances] also [in the circumstances]  {adv.  phr.}
In the existing situation; in the present condition; as things are.  *
/In the circumstances, Father couldn't risk  giving  up  his  job./  *
/Under the circumstances, the stagecoach passengers had  to  give  the
robbers their money./

   [under the collar] See: HOT UNDER THE COLLAR.

   [under the counter] {adv. phr.},  {informal}  Secretly  (bought  or
sold). * /That book has been banned, but there is one  place  you  can
get it under the counter./ *  /The  liquor  dealer  was  arrested  for
selling beer under the counter to teenagers./  -  Also  used  like  an
adjective, with hyphens. * /During World  War  II,  some  stores  kept
scarce things hidden for under-the-counter-sales to good customers./

   [under the hammer] {adv. phr.} Up  for  sale  at  auction.  *  /The
Brights auctioned off the entire contents of their home.  Mrs.  Bright
cried when her pewter  collection  went  under  the  hammer./  *  /The
picture I wanted to  bid  on  came  under  the  hammer  soon  after  I
arrived./

   [under the nose of] See: UNDER ONE'S NOSE.

   [under the sun] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} On earth;  in  the  world.  -
Used for emphasis. * /The President's assassination  shocked  everyone
under the sun./ * /Where under the sun could I have put my purse?/

   [under the table] See: UNDER THE COUNTER.

   [under the thumb of] See: UNDER ONE'S THUMB.

   [under the weather] {adv. phr.} In bad health  or  low  spirits.  *
/Mary called in today asking for a  sick  day  as  she  is  under  the
weather./

   [under the wire] {adv. phr.} With a narrow time limit; in the  last
minute. * /The journalist's new lead article  on  Russia  was  due  in
press at 5 P.M., and he got it in at 4:57, just under the wire./

   [underway] {adv. phr.}  In  progress;  in  motion.  *  /The  yearly
fund-raising campaign for the renovation of our university  campus  is
already underway./

   [under wraps] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} Not allowed to  be  seen  until
the right time; not allowed  to  act  or  speak  freely;  in  secrecy;
hidden. - Usually used with "keep". * /We have a new  player,  hut  we
are keeping him under wraps until the game./ * /What the President  is
planning will be kept under wraps until tomorrow./ * /The spy was kept
under wraps and not allowed to talk to newspapermen./  Compare:  UNDER
COVER.

   [unknown quantity]  {n.}  Someone  or  something  whose  value  and
importance are not known, especially in a certain situation,  time  or
place; a new and untested person or thing. * /What we would find if we
could fly to the moon is an unknown quantity./ * /The  new  player  is
still an unknown quantity. We'll find out how good he is in the game./

   [unseen] See: SIGHT UNSEEN.

   [until all hours] {adv. phr.} Until very late at night. * /He is so
anxious to pass his exams with flying colors that he stays up studying
until all hours./

   [until hell freezes over] {adv.  phr.},  {slang}  Forever,  for  an
eternity. * /He can argue until hell freezes over; nobody will believe
him./ Contrast: WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER.

   [until the last gun is fired] See: TILL THE LAST GUN IS FIRED.

   [unturned] See: LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED.

   [up against] {prep. phr.} Blocked or threatened  by.  *  /When  she
applied to medical school, the black woman wondered whether she was up
against barriers of sex and race prejudice./

   [up  against  it]  {adj.  phr.},  {informal}  Faced  with  a  great
difficulty or problem; badly in  need.  *  /The  Smith  family  is  up
against it because Mr. Smith cannot find a job./ *  /You  will  be  up
against it if  you  don't  pass  the  test.  You  will  probably  fail
arithmetic./ Compare: HARD UP, END OF ONE'S ROPE, BACK TO THE WALL(2).

   [up and about] or [around] {adv. phr.} Recovered and able  to  move
about; once again in good health after an illness. *  /My  sister  was
ill for several weeks, but is now up and about again./

   [up and at them] 1. {adv. phr.} Actively engaged in a  task  as  if
doing combat. * /"You want to know whether he  will  make  a  diligent
worker?" Dick asked. "Well, I can tell you that most of the time he is
up and at them like no one else I  know."/  2.  {v.  phr.}  To  become
aggressively engaged in doing something; (useable  as  a  command).  *
/Come on, up and at them, you guys. We still have a lot of work to get
done./

   [up-and-coming] {adj. phr.} Bound toward success; upwardly  mobile;
progressive; ambitious. * /The  newly  elected  state  senator  is  an
up-and-coming young politician who is expected to be highly successful
in national politics in the future./

   [up a stump] {adj. phr.}, {slang} Stumped;  blocked;  mixed  up  or
confused in what you are trying to do. * /Jimmy knows how to  add  and
subtract but fractions have him up a stump./

   [up a tree] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Hunted or chased into a  tree;
treed. * /The dog drove the coon up a tree so the hunter  could  shoot
him./ 2. {informal} in trouble; having problems; in a difficulty  that
it is hard to escape or think of a way out of. *  /John's  father  has
him up a tree in the checker game./ Compare: UP THE CREEK.

   [up for grabs] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Available for anyone to  try
to get; ready to be competed for; there for the taking.  *  /When  the
captain of the football team moved out of town, his place was  up  for
grabs./

   [up front(1)] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The managerial section of a
corporation or firm. * /Joe Catwallender finally made it (with the) up
front./

   [up front(2)] {adj.}, {slang},  {informal}  Open,  sincere,  hiding
nothing. * /Sue was completely up front about why she didn't  want  to
see him anymore./

   [up in arms] {adj. phr.} 1. Equipped with guns or weapons and ready
to fight. *  /All  of  the  colonies  were  up  in  arms  against  the
Redcoats./ Syn.: IN ARMS. 2.  Very  angry  and  wanting  to  fight.  *
/Robert is up in arms  because  John  said  he  was  stupid./  *  /The
students were up in arms  over  the  new  rule  against  food  in  the
dormitory./

   [up in the air] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. {informal} In great  anger
or excitement. * /My father went straight up in the air when he  heard
I damaged the car./ * /The Jones family are all up in the air  because
they are taking a trip around the world./ Compare:  HIT  THE  CEILING,
BLOW A FUSE. 2. also [in midair] Not settled; uncertain; undecided.  *
/Plans for the next meeting have been left up in the  air  until  Jane
gets better./ * /The result of the game was  left  hanging  in  midair
because it rained before the finish./ Compare: LEAVE HANGING.

   [up one's alley] See: DOWN ONE'S ALLEY.

   [up one's sleeve] or [in one's sleeve] {adv. phr.} 1. Hidden in the
sleeve of one's shirt or coat and ready for secret or wrongful use.  *
/The crooked gambler hid aces up his sleeve during the  card  game  so
that he would win./ 2. {informal} Kept secretly ready  for  the  right
time or for a time when needed. * /Jimmy knew that his father had some
trick up his sleeve because he  was  smiling  to  himself  during  the
checker game./ Compare: CARD UP ONE'S SLEEVE. 3. See: LAUGH  UP  ONE'S
SLEEVE.

   [upon oneself] See: TAKE ON ONESELF also TAKE UPON ONESELF.

   [upon one's head] See: ON ONE'S HEAD.

   [upon the spot] See: ON THE SPOT(1).

   [upper] See: KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP, ON ONE'S UPPERS.

   [upper  crust]  {n.},  {informal}  The  richest,  most  famous,  or
important people in a certain place; the highest class.  *  /It  is  a
school that only the children of the upper crust can afford./

   [upper hand] or [whip hand] {n.} Controlling  power;  advantage.  *
/In the third round the champion got the upper hand over his  opponent
and knocked him out./ * /The cowboy trained the wild horse so that  he
finally got the whip hand and tamed the horse./

   [upper story] {n.} 1. A floor or level  of  a  building  above  the
first floor. * /The apartment house where Gene lives is  five  stories
high and he lives in one of the upper stories./ 2. {slang} A  person's
head or brain. * /Lulu has nobody home in the upper story./ *  /Bill's
sister says he is weak in the upper story./

   [Upsadaisy!] or [Upsee-daisy!] or [Upsy-daisy!]  {adv.  phr.}  -  A
popular  exclamation  used  when  just  about  anything   is   lifted,
particularly a small child raised to his or her highchair  or  bed.  *
/"Upsee-daisy!" the nurse said with a smile on her face, as she lifted
the baby from its bed./

   [ups and downs] {n. phr.} Vicissitudes; alternating periods between
good and bad times; changes in fortune. * /He is now a  wealthy  stock
trader, but at the beginning of his career he, too, had many  ups  and
downs./

   [upset  the  applecart]  or  [upset  one's  applecart]  {v.  phr.},
{informal} To ruin a plan or what is being done, often by surprise  or
accident; change how things are or are being done, often unexpectedly;
ruin or mix up another person's success or plan for success.  *  /John
upset the other team's applecart by hitting a home  run  in  the  last
inning and we won the game./ * /We are planning a surprise  party  for
Bill, so don't let Mary upset the applecart by telling him before  the
party./ * /Frank thinks he is going to be the boss, but I'll upset his
applecart the first chance I get./ Compare: ROCK THE BOAT.

   [upside down] {adv. phr.} Overturned so that the bottom is  up  and
the top is down. * /The ladybug lay upside down in the  sand  and  was
unable to take  off./  *  /The  problem  with  this  company  is  that
everything is upside down; we need a new C.E.O./

   [upstairs] See: NOBODY HOME UPSTAIRS.

   [up the creek] or [up the creek  without  a  paddle]  {adj.  phr.},
{informal} In trouble or difficulty and unable to  do  anything  about
it; stuck. * /Father said that if the car ran out of gas in the middle
of the desert, we would be up the creek without a paddle./ * /I'll  be
up the creek if I don't pass this history test./ Compare: DEEP  WATER,
IN THE SOUP, UP A TREE, OUT OF LUCK.

   [up  tight]  or  [uptight]  {adj.},  {slang},  {informal}  Worried,
irritated, excessively eager or anxious. * /Why  are  you  so  uptight
about getting that job? The more you worry, the less you'll succeed./

   [up to] {prep.} 1. As far, as deep, or as high as. * /The water  in
the pond was only up to John's knees./ * /Mary is small and just comes
up to Bill's chest./ * /The shovel sank in the soft mud all the way up
to the handle./ 2. Close to; approaching. * /The team did not play  up
to its best today./ * /Because of the rain, the number  of  people  at
the party didn't come up to the number we expected./ 3.  As  high  as;
not more than; as much or as many as. * /Pick any number up to ten./ *
/There were up to eight fire engines at the fire./ 4. or [up till]  or
[up until] - Until; till. * /Up to her fourth birthday, the baby slept
in a crib./ * /Up to now I always thought John was honest./ * /We went
swimming up till breakfast time./ * /Up until last  summer  we  always
went to the beach for our vacation./ 5. Capable of; fit for; equal to;
strong or well enough for. * /We chose Harry to be captain because  we
thought he was up to the job./ * /Mother is sick and not up  to  going
out to the store./ 6. Doing or planning secretly; ready for  mischief.
* /What are you up to with the matches, John?/ * /Mrs. Watson was sure
that the boys were up to no good, because they ran when they  saw  her
coming./ 7. Facing as a duty; to be chosen or  decided  by;  depending
on. * /It's up to you to get to school on time./ * /I don't care  when
you cut the grass. When you do it is up to you./

   [up-to-date] {adj.} Modern; contemporary; the latest that technology
can offer. * /"I want an up-to-date dictionary  of  American  idioms,"
Mr. Lee said, "that has all the latest Americanisms in it."/ Contrast:
STATE-OF-THE-ART.

   [up to  no  good]  {adv.  phr.}  Intending  to  do  something  bad;
perpetrating an illicit act. * /We could tell from the look on  Dennis
the Menace's face that he was once again up to no good./

   [up to one's  ears]  {adv.  phr.}  Immersed  in;  covered  with.  *
/"Around final examination time," Professor  Brown  explained,  "I  am
always up to my ears in work."/

   [up to one's neck] {adv. phr.} Overwhelmed with;  submerged  in.  *
/"During the summer season in our cottage by  the  lake,"  the  Allens
complained, "we are usually up to our  necks  in  uninvited  guests."/
Compare: UP TO ONE'S EARS.

   [up to par] or {informal} [up to  scratch]  or  {informal}  [up  to
snuff] 1. In good or normal health or physical condition. * /I have  a
cold and don't feel up to par./ * /The boxer is training for the fight
but he isn't up to scratch yet./ 2. or [up to the  mark]  As  good  as
usual; up to the usual level or quality. * /The TV program was not  up
to par tonight./ * /John will have to work hard to bring his grades up
to snuff./ Compare: MEASURE UP.

   [up to scratch] See: UP TO FAR.

   [up to snuff] See: UP TO PAR.

   [up to the chin in] or  [in  ---  up  to  the  chin]  {adj.  phr.},
{informal} Used also with "ears", "elbows", "eyes" or "knees"  instead
of "chin", and with a possessive instead of "the". 1. Having a big  or
important part in; guilty of; not innocent of; deeply in. *  /Was  Tom
mixed up in that trouble last night? He was up to his ears in  it./  *
/Mr. Johnson is up to the eyes in debt./ * /Mrs. Smith is in  debt  up
to her chin./ Compare: TO THE HILT. 2. Very busy  with;  working  hard
at. * /Bob is up to his neck in homework./ * /They  are  up  to  their
elbows in business before Christmas./ 3. Having very much or many  of;
flooded with. * /Mary was up to her knees  in  invitations  to  go  to
parties./ Compare: KNEE-DEEP.

   [up to the hilt] See: TO THE HILT.

   [up to the last minute] {adv. phr.} Until the last possible moment;
until the very end. * /When I try to send in an  important  eyewitness
report from the scene of a major accident, I must keep working  up  to
the last minute./ Compare: TO THE BITTER END, UNDER THE WIRE.

   [up to the mark] See: UP TO PAR(2).

   [up-to-the-minute] See: UP-TO-DATE.

   [urban homesteading] {n.},  {informal}  Renovation  and  occupation
through cooperative ownership by tenants of previously abandoned  city
apartment buildings. * /Urban homesteading is on the rise in many  big
American cities these days./

   [use] See: NO USE, PUT TO USE.

   [used to(1)] {adj. phr.} In  the  habit  of  or  familiar  with.  *
/People get used to smoking and it  is  hard  for  them  to  stop./  *
/Farmers are used to working outdoors in the winter./ * /After my eyes
became used to the dim light in the cave, I saw an old shovel  on  the
ground./ * /On the hike Bob soon got tired, but Dick did  not  because
he was used to walking./

   [used to(2)] or [did use to] {v. phr.} Did  formerly;  did  in  the
past. - Usually used with an infinitive to tell about something  past.
* /Uncle Henry used to have a beard, but he shaved  it  off./  *  /Did
your father use to work at the bank?/  *  /People  used  to  say  that
tomatoes were poison./ - Sometimes used without the infinitive.  *  /I
don't go to that school any more, but I used to./ *  /We  don't  visit
Helen as much as we used to./ * /I used to go to the movies often. Did
you use to?/

   [used to be] or [did use to be] {v. phr.} Formerly or once  was.  *
/Mary used to be small; but she has grown up./ * /Dick used to be  the
best pitcher on the team last year; now two other pitchers are  better
than he is./

   [use every trick in  the  book]  {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To  avail
oneself of any means at all  in  order  to  achieve  one's  goal,  not
exclusive of possibly immoral or illegal acts. * /Algernon used  every
trick in the book to get Maxine to go  out  with  him,  but  she  kept
refusing./

   [use one's head] or {slang} [use one's bean] or {slang} [use  one's
noodle] or {slang} use [one's noggin] {v. phr.} To use your  brain  or
mind; think; have common sense. - Often used as a command. *  /If  you
used your bean you wouldn't be in trouble now./ * /Never point  a  gun
at anybody, John. Use your head!/

   [use up] {v. phr.} 1. To  use  until  nothing  is  left;  spend  or
consume completely. * /Don't use up all the soap.  Leave  me  some  to
wash with./ * /Jack used up  his  last  dollar  to  see  the  movies./
Compare: GIVE OUT(5). 2. {informal}  To  tire  completely;  make  very
tired; exhaust; leave no strength or force in. - Usually used  in  the
passive. * /After rowing the boat across the  lake,  Robert  was  used
up./ Compare: GIVE OUT(4), WEAR OUT.

   [utility room] {n.} A room in a house or building for machinery and
other things important in the daily use of the building and  the  work
of the people in it. * /There is a utility room upstairs where  Mother
does the laundry./ * /The oil burner is kept in the  utility  room  in
the basement./





   [vain] See: IN VAIN, TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN.

   [valor] See: DISCRETION IS THE BETTER PART OF VALOR.

   [value] See: FACE VALUE.

   [vanish into thin air] See: DISAPPEAR INTO THIN AIR.

   [vanishing cream] {n.} A cosmetic cream for the skin that  is  used
chiefly before face powder. * /Mrs. Jones spread  vanishing  cream  on
her face before applying her face powder./

   [vanity  case]  {n.}  1.  A  small  case  containing  face  powder,
lipstick, and other things and usually carried in a woman's handbag; a
compact. * /She took out her vanity case and put lipstick  on./  2.  A
handbag or a small bag carried by a woman and holding  various  toilet
articles. * /She had the porter carry her big  bags  and  she  herself
carried her vanity case./

   [variety show] {n.} A program that includes several different kinds
of entertainment (as songs, dances, comic skits and little dramas).  *
/Jane's father was the master of ceremonies of a variety show on TV./

   [variety store] {n.} A store that sells  many  different  kinds  of
things, especially items that are fairly small and in everyday use.  *
/I went into a variety store and bought some paint./  *  /Five-and-ten
cent stores are a kind of variety store./

   [vein] See: FREEZE ONE'S BLOOD or FREEZE THE BLOOD IN ONE'S  VEINS,
FREEZE ONE'S VEINS.

   [verbal  diarrhea]  {n.  phr.}  The  inability  to   keep   silent;
over-talkativeness. * /Archibald is a nice guy  but  he's  got  verbal
diarrhea and he can't shut up for a single minute./

   [very] See: ALL VERY WELL.

   [very well] {interj.}, {formal} Agreed; all right. - Used  to  show
agreement or approval. * /Very well. You may go./ * /Very well, I will
do as you say./ Compare: ALL RIGHT(2).

   [vibrations] or [vibes] {n.} Psychic emanations radiating  from  an
object, situation, or person. * /I don't think this relationship  will
work out - this guy has given me bad vibes./

   [vicious circle] {n. phr.} A kind of circular or chain reaction  in
which one negative thing leads to another. * /Some people take so many
different kinds of medicine to cure an illness that they develop other
illnesses from the medicine and are thus caught in a vicious circle./

   [Vietnam syndrome]  {n.},  {informal}  An  attitude  in  government
circles  that  diplomacy  may  be  more  effective  in  solving  local
political problems in other countries than the use of military  force,
stemming from  the  failure  of  the  U.S.  military  intervention  in
Vietnam. * /The pundits of Foggy Bottom display the  Vietnam  syndrome
these days when it comes to Iran./

   [view] See: IN VIEW, IN VIEW OF, TAKE A DIM VIEW OF.

   [vine] See: DIE ON THE VINE or WITHER ON THE VINE, CLINGING VINE.

   [virtue] See: BY VIRTUE OF, MAKE A VIRTUE OF NECESSITY.

   [visiting nurse] {n.} A nurse who goes from  home  to  home  taking
care of sick people or giving  help  with  other  health  problems.  *
/After John returned home from the hospital, the visiting  nurse  came
each day to change his bandages./

   [voice] See: AT THE TOP OF ONE'S VOICE, GIVE VOICE.

   [voice box] {n.} The part of the throat where  the  sound  of  your
voice is made; the larynx. * /Mr. Smith's voice box was taken  out  in
an operation, and he could not talk after that./

   [voiceprint]  {n.},  {technological},  {colloquial}   The   graphic
pattern derived from converting an individual's voice into  a  visible
graph  used  by  the  police  for  identification  purposes,  much  as
fingerprints. * /They have succeeded in identifying  the  murderer  by
using a voiceprint./

   [volcano] See: SIT ON A VOLCANO.

   [volume] See: SPEAK VOLUMES.

   [vote a straight ticket]  {v.  phr.}  To  not  differentiate  one's
ballot according to individual names and posts, but to  vote  for  all
candidates for all positions of the  same  party.  *  /"I  never  have
time.to study the ballot in detail," Marie said, "and  so  I  tend  to
vote a straight Republican ticket."/

   [vote in] {v. phr.} To elevate to the status of "Law of  the  Land"
by special or general ballot. * /Congress has  finally  voted  in  the
Brady Law that requires that prospective gun  owners  wait  a  special
period of time before making their purchase./

   [vote one out] {v. phr.}  To  terminate  one's  elected  office  by
casting a negative vote about that person (judge, congressman,  etc.),
mostly so  that  someone  else  might  occupy  the  same  position.  *
/Congressman  Smith  was  voted  out  last  November   in   favor   of
Congresswoman Bradley./





   [wade in] or [wade into] {v.}, {informal} 1. To go busily to  work.
* /The house was a mess after the party, but Mother waded in and  soon
had it clean again./ 2. To  attack.  *  /When  Bill  had  heard  Jim's
argument, he waded in and took it apart./ * /Jack waded into the  boys
with his fists flying./

   [wade through]  {v.  phr.}  To  read  through  something  long  and
laborious. * /It took John six months to wade  through  Tolstoy's  War
and Peace in the original Russian./

   [wag] See: TONGUES TO WAG or TONGUES WAG.

   [wagon] See: FIX SOMEONE'S WAGON, HITCH ONE'S WAGON TO A STAR, JUMP
ON THE BAND WAGON, OFF THE WAGON, ON THE WAGON.

   [wag one's chin] See: BEAT ONE'S GUMS, CHEW THE FAT, CHEW THE  RAG,
SHOOT THE BREEZE.

   [wait] See: LIE IN WAIT.

   [wait at table] or [wait on table] or [wait  table]  {v.  phr.}  To
serve food. * /Mrs. Lake had to teach her new maid to  wait  on  table
properly./ * /The girls earn spending money by waiting at table in the
school dining rooms./

   [waiting list] {n.} A list of persons waiting to get into something
(as a school). * /The nursery school enrollment was complete,  so  the
director put our child's name on the waiting list./  *  /The  landlord
said there were no vacant apartments available, but that he would  put
the Rogers' name on the waiting list./

   [waiting room] {n. phr.} The sitting area in a doctor's,  lawyer's,
accountant's, etc. office, or in a hospital, or other workplace, where
people wait their  turn.  *  /Some  doctor's  offices  have  elegantly
furnished waiting rooms with magazines, newspapers, and coffee for the
patients./

   [wait on] or [wait upon] {v.} 1. To serve. * /Sue has a summer  job
waiting on an invalid./ * /The clerk in the store asked if we had been
waited upon./ 2. {formal} To visit as a courtesy or  for  business.  *
/We waited upon the widow out of respect for  her  husband./  *  /John
waited upon the President  with  a  letter  of  introduction./  3.  To
follow. * /Success waits on hard work./

   [wait on hand and foot] {v. phr.} To serve in every  possible  way;
do everything for (someone). * /Sally is spoiled  because  her  mother
waits on her hand and foot./ * /The gentlemen had a valet to  wait  on
him hand and foot./ Compare: HAND AND FOOT.

   [wait on table] See: WAIT AT TABLE.

   [wait up] {v. phr.} To not go to bed until a person one is  worried
about comes home (said by parents and marriage partners). * /My mother
always waited up for me when I went out as a young  student./  *  /She
always waits up for her husband when he's out late./

   [wait upon] See: WAIT ON.

   [wake] See: IN THE WAKE OF.

   [walk] See: WIN IN A WALK.

   [walk all over] See: WALK OVER.

   [walk a tightrope] {v. phr.}  To  be  in  a  dangerous  or  awkward
situation where one cannot afford to make a single mistake.  *  /"When
we landed on the moon in 1969," Armstrong explained, "we were  walking
a tightrope till the very end."/

   [walk away with] or [walk off with] {v.} 1. To  take  and  go  away
with; take away; often:  steal.  *  /When  Father  went  to  work,  he
accidentally walked off with Mother's umbrella./ * /How  can  a  thief
walk off with a safe in broad daylight?/  2.  To  take,  get,  or  win
easily. * /Jim walked away with all the honors on Class Night./ * /Our
team walked off with the championship./

   [walking dictionary] {n. phr.} A  person  highly  knowledgeable  in
matters of language use. * /If you want  to  know  what  "serendipity"
means, ask my Uncle Fred. He is a professor of English and is  also  a
walking dictionary./

   [walking encyclopedia] {n. phr.} A polymath;  a  person  very  well
versed in a  number  of  different  disciplines.  *  /My  uncle  is  a
veritable walking encyclopedia when it comes to the history  of  World
War II./ Contrast: WALKING DICTIONARY.

   [walking papers] or [walking orders] also  [walking  ticket]  {n.},
{informal} A statement that you are fired from your job; dismissal.  *
/The boss was not satisfied with Paul's work and gave him his  walking
papers./ * /George is out of work. He picked  up  his  walking  ticket
last Friday./

   [walk off with] See: WALK AWAY WITH.

   [walk of life] {n. phr.} Way of  living;  manner  in  which  people
live. * /Many rich people have yachts; people in their  walk  of  life
can afford them./ * /The banker did not want his son to marry  a  girl
in a different walk of life./ * /People from every walk of life  enjoy
television./ Compare: THE TRACKS.

   [walk on air] {v. phr.}, {informal} To feel happy  and  excited.  *
/Sue has been walking on air since she won the prize./ * /His father's
compliment left Jed walking on air./ Compare: ON CLOUD NINE, ON TOP OF
THE WORLD.

   [walk on eggs] {v. phr.} To act with utmost caution due to being in
a precarious position. * /Tom has been walking on eggs ever  since  he
started working for a new boss in Cincinnati./

   [walk out] {v.} 1. To go on strike. * /When the company  would  not
give them higher pay, the workers walked out./ 2. To  leave  suddenly;
especially to desert. * /He didn't say he wasn't coming back; he  just
walked out./ - Often used informally with "on". * /The man walked  out
on his wife and children./ Compare: LEAVE FLAT, LEAVE IN THE LURCH.

   [walk over] or [walk  all  over]  or  [step  all  over]  {v.  phr.}
{informal} To make (someone) do whatever you wish;  make  selfish  use
of; treat like a slave; impose  upon.  *  /Jill  is  so  friendly  and
helpful that people walk  all  over  her./  *  /We  wanted  the  man's
business, so we let him step all over us./ Compare: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF.

   [walk the chalk] or [walk the chalk line] or [walk the chalk  mark]
To act exactly as you are supposed to; behave properly; obey. *  /That
new teacher really makes the students walk  the  chalk./  *  /In  some
classes the students play and talk, but Mr. Parker makes them walk the
chalk./ * /That theater owner wants his place to be  orderly,  and  if
boys and girls don't walk the chalk, he puts them out./ (From the fact
that sailors used to be asked to walk a chalk line along the  deck  of
the ship to prove they were not drunk.) Compare: TOE THE MARK.

   [walk the floor] {v. phr.} To walk one direction and then the other
across the floor, again and again;  pace.  *  /Mr.  Black  walked  the
floor, trying to reach a decision./ * /The sick baby  had  his  mother
walking the floor all night./ * /Mrs. Black's toothache hurt  so  much
that she got up and walked the floor./

   [walk the plank] {v. phr.} 1. To walk off a board extended over the
side of a ship and be drowned. * /The pirates captured  the  ship  and
forced the crew to walk the plank./ 2. {informal} To resign from a job
because someone makes you do it. * /When a new owner bought the store,
the manager had to walk the plank./

   [wall] See: BACK TO THE WALL, BEAT ONE'S HEAD AGAINST A WALL, CLIMB
THE WALL, FORWARD WALL, HANDWRITING  ON  THE  WALL,  HOLE-IN-THE-WALL,
STONE WALL or BRICK WALL, TO THE WALL.

   [wallflower] {n.} A girl who has to sit out dances  because  nobody
is asking her to dance. * /"I used to be a wallflower during  my  high
school days," Valerie complained, "but my luck changed for better once
I got into college."/

   [wallop] See: PACK A PUNCH or PACK A WALLOP.

   [walls have ears] Sometimes one's most  confidential  conversations
are overheard. * /"Be careful what you say," he  whispered.  "Remember
that walls have ears."/

   [want ad] {n.} A  small  advertisement  on  a  special  page  in  a
newspaper that offers  employment  opportunities  and  merchandise.  *
/"You want a temporary job?" he asked the recent arrival in town.  "Go
and look at the want ads!"/

   [war] See: COLD WAR, TUG OF WAR.

   [war baby] {n.}, {informal} A person born  during  a  war.  *  /War
babies began to increase college enrollments early in  the  1960s./  *
/The war babies forced many towns to build new schools./

   [ward off] {v. phr.} To deflect; avert. * /Vitamin C  is  known  to
ward off the common cold./

   [warmer] See: BENCH WARMER.

   [warm one's blood] {v. phr.} To make you feel warm  or  excited.  *
/When the Bakers came to visit on a cold  night,  Mr.  Harmon  offered
them a drink to warm their blood./

   [warm the bench] {v. phr.}, {informal} To act as a substitute on an
athletic team. * /Bill has been warming the bench for  three  football
seasons; he hopes that the coach will  let  him  play  this  year./  -
[bench warmer] {n.}, {informal} A substitute player. * /Last year  Ted
was only a bench warmer, but this year he is the team's star pitcher./

   [warm up] {v.} 1. To reheat cooked food. * /Mr. Jones was  so  late
that his dinner got cold; his wife had to warm it  up./  *  /When  the
children had left for school, their mother  warmed  up  the  breakfast
coffee./ 2. To become friendly or interested. * /It takes an  hour  or
so for some children to warm up to strangers./ * /As he warmed  up  to
his subject, Tom forgot his bashfulness./ 3. To get ready for  a  game
or other event by exercising or practicing. * /The  dancers  began  to
warm up fifteen minutes before the performance./ * /The coach told  us
to warm up before entering the pool./

   [warm-up] {n.} A period of exercise or practice in preparation  for
a game or other event. * /During the warm-up the baseball players were
throwing the ball around and running up  and  down  the  side  of  the
field./ * /Before the television quiz program, there was a warm-up  to
prepare the contestants./

   [warpath] See: ON THE WARPATH.

   [warrant] See: SIGN ONE'S OWN DEATH WARRANT.

   [wash  and  wear]  {adj.}  Not  needing  to  be  ironed.  -  Refers
especially to synthetic and synthetic blend fabrics.  *  /Dick  bought
three wash and wear shirts to take on his trip./ * /Sally's  dress  is
made of a wash and wear fabric./

   [washed out] {adj.} Listless in appearance;  pale,  wan.  *  /Small
wonder Harry looks so washed out; he has  just  recovered  from  major
surgery./

   [washed up] {adj.} Ruined; finished; a failure. * /Harry is looking
awfully sad. I hear his business has collapsed and he  is  all  washed
up./

   [wash one's dirty linen in public] See: AIR ONE'S  DIRTY  LINEN  IN
PUBLIC.

   [wash one's hands of] {v. phr.} To withdraw from or  refuse  to  be
responsible for. * /We washed our hands of politics long ago./ *  /The
school washed its  hands  of  the  students'  behavior  during  spring
recess./

   [washout] {n.} A dismal failure. *  /As  far  as  investments  were
concerned, Dick and his precious advice  turned  out  to  he  a  total
washout./

   [wash out] {v. phr.} To disappear; vanish. *  /Do  you  think  this
stain will wash out?/

   [waste] See: GO TO WASTE, LAY WASTE.

   [waste away] {v.} To become more thin and weak every day.  *  /Jane
is wasting away with tuberculosis./ * /After  Mrs.  Barnes  died,  her
husband wasted away with grief./

   [waste one's breath] {v. phr.} To speak or to argue with no result;
do nothing by talking. * /The teacher saw that  she  was  wasting  her
breath; the children refused to believe her./ * /I know what  I  want.
You're wasting your breath./

   [watch] See: BIRD WATCHER, BEAR WATCHING, ON THE WATCH.

   [watched pot never boils] If you watch or wait for something to get
done or to happen, it seems to take forever. - A proverb. * /Jane  was
nine months pregnant and Tom hovered over  her  anxiously.  She  said,
"You might as well go away and play some golf.  A  watched  pot  never
boils, you know!"/

   [watcher] See: CLOCK WATCHER.

   [watch every penny] See: PINCH PENNIES.

   [watch it] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be careful. - Usually used as a
command. * /You'd better watch it. If  you  get  into  trouble  again,
you'll be expelled./ * /Watch it - the bottom stair is loose!/

   [watch one's dust] or [watch one's smoke]  {v.  phr.},  {slang}  To
notice your quick action; watch you do  something  quickly.  *  /Offer
Bill a dollar to shovel your sidewalk, and watch his smoke!/ * /"We'll
have your yard cleaned in a jiffy," the Boy Scouts  told  Mr.  Truitt.
"Watch our smoke!"/ * /"I can go to the store  and  be  back  in  five
minutes," bragged Tom. "Just watch my dust."/

   [watch one's language] {v. phr.} To be careful of how  one  speaks;
avoid saying impolite or  vulgar  things.  *  /"You  boys  watch  your
language," Mother said, "or you won't be  watching  television  for  a
whole week!"/

   [watch one's step] {v. phr.} To mend one's ways; exercise prudence,
tact, and care. * /I have to watch my step with the new boss as he  is
a very proud and sensitive individual./

   [watch out] See: LOOK OUT.

   [watch over] {v. phr.} To guard; take care of. * /The museum guards
carefully watch over the world-famous paintings./

   [water] See: BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER, COME HELL OR HIGH  WATER,
DEEP WATER, FISH OUT OF WATER, GO THROUGH HELL AND  HIGH  WATER,  HEAD
ABOVE WATER, HOLD WATER, HELL AND HIGH WATER, HOT WATER,  LIKE  WATER,
LIKE WATER OFF A DUCK'S BACK, MAKE ONE'S MOUTH  WATER,  OF  THE  FIRST
WATER, POUR OIL ON TROUBLED WATERS, THROW COLD WATER ON, TREAD WATER.

   [water down] {v.} To change and make weaker; weaken. * /The Senator
argued that the House should water down the bill before passing it./ *
/The African  American  did  not  accept  watered  down  Civil  Rights
legislation./  *  /After  talking  with  the  management  about  their
demands, the workers agreed to water them down./ * /The teacher had to
water down the course for a slow-learning class./

   [watered  down]  {adj.}  Weakened;  diluted.  *  /The  play  was  a
disappointing, watered down version of Shakespeare's Othello./

   [waterfront] See: COVER THE WATERFRONT.

   [watering hole] or [place] {n. phr.} A bar, pub, or nightclub where
people gather to drink and socialize. * /I like "The Silver Dollar"  -
it is my favorite watering hole in all of Sidney, Nebraska./

   [Waterloo] See: MEET ONE'S WATERLOO.

   [water over  the  dam]  or  [water  under  the  bridge]  {n.  phr.}
Something that happened in the past and cannot be  changed.  *  /Since
the sweater is too small already, don't  worry  about  its  shrinking;
that's water over the dam./ Compare: CRY OVER SPILLED MILK.

   [water under the bridge] See: WATER OVER THE DAM.

   [water wagon] See: ON THE WAGON.

   [way] See: ALL THE WAY or THE WHOLE WAY, BY THE  WAY,  BY  WAY  OF,
COME A LONG WAY, CUT BOTH WAYS or CUT TWO WAYS, EVERY WHICH WAY,  FROM
WAY BACK, GO OUT OF ONE'S WAY, HARD WAY, HAVE A WAY  WITH,  IN  A  BAD
WAY, IN A BIG WAY, IN A FAMILY WAY, IN A WAY, IN ONE'S WAY or  IN  THE
WAY, KNOW ONE'S WAY AROUND or KNOW ONE'S WAY ABOUT, LEAD THE WAY, MAKE
ONE'S WAY, MAKE WAY, NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN, NO TWO WAYS ABOUT IT,
ON THE WAY or ON ONE'S WAY, PARTING OF THE WAYS, PUT IN THE WAY OF  or
PUT IN ONE'S WAY, PUT OUT OF THE WAY, RUB THE WRONG WAY, SEE ONE'S WAY
CLEAR.

   [way off] {adj. phr.} At a great distance from a  particular  point
(said of a discrepancy). * /We were way off on our  calculations;  the
house cost us twice as much as we had thought./

   [wayside] See: FALL BY THE WAYSIDE.

   [way the wind  blows]  or  [how  the  wind  blows]  {n.  phr.}  The
direction or course something may go; how things are; what may happen.
* /Most senators find put which way the wind blows in their home state
before voting on bills in Congress./

   [ways and means] {n. plural} Methods of getting something  done  or
getting money; how something can be done and paid  for.  *  /The  boys
were trying to think of ways and means to go camping for the weekend./
* /The United States Senate has a committee on ways and means./

   [wear] See: IF THE SHOE FITS - WEAR IT, WASH AND  WEAR,  WORSE  FOR
WEAR.

   [wear and tear] {n.  phr.}  Deterioration  through  use.  *  /After
75,000 miles there is usually a lot of wear and tear on any car./

   [wear away] See: WEAR DOWN.

   [wear blinders] or [blinkers] {v. phr.} To refuse or be  unable  to
consider alternative ways  of  thinking  or  acting.  *  /Anybody  who
disputes the importance of learning languages is wearing blinders./

   [wear down], [wear off]  or  [wear  away]  {v.}  1.  To  remove  or
disappear little by  little  through  use,  time,  or  the  action  of
weather.  *  /Time  and  weather  have  worn  off  the  name  on   the
gravestone./ * /The eraser has worn off my pencil./ * /The  grass  has
worn away from the path near the house./ 2.  To  lessen;  become  less
little by little. * /The people went home as  the  excitement  of  the
fire wore off./ * /John could feel the pain  again  as  the  dentist's
medicine wore away./ 3. To exhaust; tire out, win over or persuade  by
making tired. * /Mary wore her mother down by begging so that she  let
Mary go to the movies./ Compare: DIE OUT.

   [wear on] {v.} 1. To anger  or  annoy;  tire.  *  /Having  to  stay
indoors all day long is tiresome for the children and wears  on  their
mother's nerves./ 2. To drag on; pass gradually or slowly; continue in
the same old way. * /Johnny tried to wait up for Santa  Claus  but  as
the night wore on, he couldn't keep his eyes open./ *  /As  the  years
wore on, the man in prison grew old./ * /The boys' quarrel wore on all
afternoon./

   [wear one's heart on one's sleeve] also [pin one's heart  on  one's
sleeve] {v. phr.} To show your feelings openly; show everyone how  you
feel; not hide your feelings. * /She wears her heart  on  her  sleeve.
It's easy to see if she is sad or happy./ * /Sometimes  it  is  better
not to pin your heart on your sleeve./ Compare: OPEN ONE'S HEART.

   [wear out] {v.} 1a. To use or wear until useless. *  /Bobby  got  a
toy truck that would run on a battery, and he used it so much that  he
soon wore it out./ * /The stockings are so worn out that they can't be
mended any more./ Compare: GIVE OUT(4), USE UP. 1b. To become  useless
from use or wear. * /The old clock finally wore out./ * /One shoe wore
out before the other./ 2. or [tire out] To make very tired; weaken.  *
/The children played inside when it rained, and  they  soon  wore  out
their mother./ * /When Dick got home from the long walk,  he  was  all
worn out./ - Often used with "oneself". * /Don't wear yourself out  by
playing too hard./ Compare:  GIVE  OUT(4).  3.  To  make  by  rubbing,
scraping, or washing. * /The waterfall has worn  out  a  hole  in  the
stone beneath it./

   [wear out one's welcome] {v. phr.}, {informal} To  visit  somewhere
too long or come back too often so that you are not welcome any  more.
* /The Smith children have worn out their welcome at our house because
they never want to go home./ * /This hot  weather  has  worn  out  its
welcome with us./

   [wear the trousers] or [wear the pants] {v.  phr.},  {informal}  To
have a man's authority; be the boss of a family or household.  *  /Mr.
Wilson is henpecked by his  wife;  she  wears  the  trousers  in  that
family./ * /Mrs. Jones talks a lot but Mr. Jones wears  the  pants  in
their house./ Compare: RULE THE ROOST.

   [wear thin] {v.} 1. To  become  thin  from  use,  wearing,  or  the
passing of time. * /My old pair of pants has worn thin at the  knees./
* /This old dime has worn  very  thin./  2.  To  grow  less,  or  less
interesting; decrease. * /The joke began to wear thin when  you  heard
it too many times./ * /The teacher's patience began to wear thin  when
he saw that no one knew the lesson./

   [wear well] {v.} 1. To continue  to  be  satisfactory,  useful,  or
liked for a long time. * /My old  overcoat  has  worn  very  well./  *
/Their marriage has worn well./ * /That author wears  well./  Compare:
STAND UP(2). 2. To  carry,  accept,  or  treat  properly  or  well.  *
/Grandfather wears his years well./ * /Tommy has won many  honors  but
he wears them well./

   [weasel out] {v. phr.} To renege on a previous promise; not keep an
obligation for some not always straight reason.  *  /I'm  so  tired  I
think I am going to weasel my way out of going to  that  meeting  this
afternoon./

   [weasel word] {n.}, {informal} A  word  which  has  more  than  one
meaning and may be used to deceive others. * /When the thief was being
questioned by the police, he tried to fool them with weasel words./

   [weather] See: FAIR-WEATHER FRIEND.

   [weather eye] {n.} 1. Eyes that can tell what the weather will  be.
* /Grandfather's weather eye always tells him when it will  rain./  2.
Eyes ready or quick to see; careful watch. - Usually used  in  phrases
like "keep a weather eye on", "open", or "out for". * /Mrs. Brown kept
a weather eye on the children so they wouldn't  hurt  each  other./  *
/Keep a weather eye out for Uncle George at  the  store./  *  /Keep  a
weather eye open for deer./ * /The police have a weather eye  out  for
the robbers./ Compare: LOOK OUT.

   [weather the storm] {v. phr.} To survive  some  disaster.  *  /When
Peter and Sue started their business they had very little  money,  but
in a year they weathered the storm./

   [wedge] See: FLYING WEDGE.

   [wedlock] See: BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK.

   [wee hours] The crack of dawn, or just before it, usually between 1
A.M. and 4 A.M. or 2 A.M. and 5 A.M. * /He stayed up  all  night  when
they were expecting their first child; finally, a boy was born in  the
wee hours of the morning./ Compare: SMALL HOURS.

   [weeper] See: FINDERS KEEPERS or FINDERS KEEPERS LOSERS WEEPERS.

   [weed out] {v.} 1. To remove what is unwanted, harmful, or not good
enough from. * /Mother weeded out the library because there  were  too
many books./ * /Many colleges and universities weed out their freshman
classes to make room for better students./ 2. To  take  (what  is  not
wanted) from a collection or group; remove (a part) for the purpose of
improving a collection or group; get rid of. * /The coach  is  weeding
out the weak players this week./ * /The teacher told Elizabeth to read
over her English composition and weed out every sentence that was  not
about the subject./

   [wee folk] or [little folk] or  [little  people]  {n.  phr.}  Fairy
people; brownies; elves; fairies; or goblins.  *  /Mother  read  me  a
story about the wee folk who lived in  the  forest  and  came  out  at
night./ * /There are many stories about little people dancing  in  the
moonlight./

   [week in, week out] See: DAY IN, AND DAY OUT.

   [week of Sundays] {n. phr.} A long time; seven weeks. * /I  haven't
seen them in a week of Sundays./

   [weigh anchor] {v. phr.} To set sail; get going. * /After a week in
Hawaii, we weighed anchor and sailed south toward Tahiti./

   [weigh down] also [weight down] 1. To make heavy; cause to go  down
or bend with weight; overload. * /The evergreens are weighed  down  by
the deep snow./ - Often used with "with" or "by". * /There are so many
children in the back seat that they are weighing down the back of  the
car./ 2a. To overload with care or worry; make sad or low in  spirits.
- Usually used in the passive.  *  /The  family  is  weighed  down  by
sorrow./ * /The company is weighed down by debt./ 2b. To  make  heavy,
hard, or slow; make dull or uninteresting. - Often in the passive used
with "by" or "with". * /The book is weighted down with  footnotes./  *
/The TV program is weighed down by commercials./

   [weigh in] {v.} 1a. To take the weight of; weigh. * /The man at the
airport counter weighed in our bags and took our plane tickets./ *  /A
doctor weighed in the wrestlers./ 1b. To have  yourself  or  something
that you own weighed. - Often used with "at". * /I weighed in  at  100
pounds on the scale today./ * /We took our bags to the airport counter
to weigh in./ 1c. To have yourself weighed as a boxer or wrestler by a
doctor before a match. - Often used with "at". * /The champion  didn't
want to weigh in at more than 160  pounds./  2.  {slang}  To  join  or
interfere in a fight, argument, or discussion. * /We told Jack that if
we wanted him to weigh in with his opinion we would ask him./ Compare:
TAKE PART.

   [weigh on] or [weigh upon] {v.} 1. To be a weight or  pressure  on;
be heavy on. * /The pack weighed heavily on the soldier's back./ 2. To
make sad or worried; trouble; disturb; upset. *  /Sadness  weighed  on
Mary's heart when her kitten died./ * /John's wrongdoing weighed  upon
his conscience./ * /The teacher's advice weighed upon Tom's mind./  3.
To be a burden to. * /His guilt weighed heavily upon him./

   [weigh on one's mind] See: WEIGH ON(2).

   [weigh one's words] {v. phr.} To choose your  words  carefully;  be
careful to use the right words.  *  /When  a  teacher  explains  about
religion, he must weigh his words because his pupils may be of several
different faiths./ * /When old Mr. Jones talked to the students  about
becoming teachers, he spoke slowly,  weighing  his  words./  *  /In  a
debate, a political candidate has little time to weigh his words,  and
may say something foolish./

   [weight] See: PULL ONE'S WEIGHT, SWING ONE'S  WEIGHT,  THROW  ONE'S
WEIGHT AROUND.

   [weight down] See: WEIGH DOWN.

   [weight of the  world  on  one's  shoulders]  or  [world  on  one's
shoulders] or [world on one's back] {n. phr.} A  very  heavy  load  of
worry or  responsibility;  very  tired  or  worried  behavior,  as  if
carrying the world; behavior as if you are very  important.  *  /Don't
look as if you had the weight of the world on your  shoulders,  Henry,
just because you have to mow the lawn./ * /John acts  as  if  he  were
carrying the world on his back because he has a paper route./

   [weigh upon] See: WEIGH ON.

   [welcome] See: WEAR OUT ONE'S WELCOME.

   [welcome mat] {n.} 1. A mat for wiping your shoes  on,  often  with
the word "welcome" on it, that is placed in front of a door. * /Mother
bought a welcome mat for our new house./ 2. {informal} A warm welcome;
a friendly greeting. - Used in such phrases as  "the  welcome  mat  is
out" and "put out the welcome mat". * /Our welcome mat is  always  out
to our friends./ * /Spread out  the  welcome  mat,  children,  because
Uncle Bill is visiting us tonight./ Syn.:  LATCH  STRING(2).  Compare:
ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET, WITH OPEN ARMS.

   [welcome with open arms] See: WITH OPEN ARMS.

   [well] See: ALL VERY WELL, AS WELL, AS WELL AS,  HAIL  FELLOW  WELL
MET, LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE, PLAY ONE'S CARDS RIGHT or PLAY ONE'S CARDS
WELL, VERY WELL, WEAR WELL.

   [well and good] {adj. phr.} Good; satisfactory. * /If  my  daughter
finishes high school, I will call that well and good./  -  Often  used
without a verb to show agreement or understanding. * /Well and good; I
will come to your house tomorrow./ Compare: ALL RIGHT, ALL VERY  WELL,
VERY WELL.

   [well-heeled] {adj.}, {slang} Wealthy; having plenty  of  money.  *
/Bob's father, who is well-heeled, gave him a sports car./ Compare: IN
CLOVER, ON EASY STREET.

   [well-off] {adj. phr.} 1. Rich. * /They may  not  be  millionaires,
but they are sufficiently well-off./ 2. In  good  condition;  free  of
problems or difficulties./ * /He  is  pleased  that  his  business  is
well-off./

   [well put] {adj. phr.} Well expressed or defined.  *  /His  remarks
about too much violence on television were extremely well put./

   [well-to-do]  {adj.}  Having  or  making  enough  money   to   live
comfortably; prosperous. * /John's  father  owns  a  company  and  his
family is well-to-do./ - Often used with "the" like a plural  noun.  *
/This is the part of town where the well-to-do live./ Compare: IN  THE
LAP OF LUXURY, IN THE CHIPS, ON EASY STREET.

   [wet] See: ALL WET, GET ONE'S FEET WET, MAD AS A WET HEN,  WRINGING
WET.

   [wet behind the ears] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Not experienced;  not
knowing how to do something; new in a job or place. * /The new student
is still wet behind the ears; he has not yet learned the  tricks  that
the boys play on each other./ Compare: DRY BEHIND THE EARS.

   [wet blanket] {n.}, {informal} A person or thing that keeps  others
from enjoying life. * /The teenagers don't invite Bob to their parties
because he is a wet blanket./ * /The weatherman throws a  wet  blanket
on picnic plans when he forecasts rain./ Compare: CREPE HANGER.

   [wet one's whistle] {v. phr.}, {slang} To have a drink,  especially
of liquor. * /Uncle Willie told John to  wait  outside  for  a  minute
while he went in to the cafe to wet his whistle./

   [whack] See: OUT OF WHACK.

   [whale away] {v.}, {informal} 1. To beat or hit hard; strike  again
and again. - Often used with "at". * /The boxer is whaling away at his
opponent with both fists./ 2. To attack severely or again  and  again;
go on without stopping or with great force; pound away.  *  /Mary  has
been whaling away on the typewriter for an hour./ -  Often  used  with
"at". * /During the election the Mayor whaled away at the other  party
in his speeches./

   [whale the --- out of] See: BEAT THE --- OUT OF.

   [what] See: COME WHAT MAY, GET WHAT'S COMING TO ONE, I'LL TELL  YOU
WHAT, JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED, SO WHAT.

   [what about] {interrog.} 1. About or concerning what; in connection
with what. - Often used alone as a question. * /"I  want  to  talk  to
you." "What about?"/ Compare: WHAT FOR. 2. See: WHAT OF  IT.  3.  See:
HOW ABOUT.

   [what about that] See: HOW ABOUT THAT.

   [What a pity!] How unfortunate! What a shame! * /What a  pity  that
he couldn't join us on our Hawaiian trip./

   [what for(1)] {interrog.} For what reason; why? * /I told Mary what
I was going to town for./ * /What are you running for?/ -  Often  used
alone as a question. * /Billy's mother told him to wear his hat. "What
for?" he asked./ Compare: HOW COME.

   [what  for(2)]  {n.  phr.},  {informal}  A   scolding,   or   other
punishment. - Usually used with "get" or "give". * /Tom got  what  for
from his father for answering him rudely, and I heard  him  crying  in
the house./ * /The teacher gave me what for because I was late./

   [what have you] or [what not] {n. phr.},  {informal}  Whatever  you
like or want; anything else like that. * /The store  sells  big  ones,
small ones, medium ones, or what have you./ * /We found suits,  coats,
hats and what not in the closet./ Syn.: AND SO FORTH.

   [what if] What would, or will, happen if; what  is  the  difference
if; suppose that. * /What if you go instead of  me?/  *  /What  if  we
paint it red. How will it look?/ * /"You can't go  now"  said  mother.
"What if I do?" Dick asked./ * /What if Jack scores a touchdown?/

   [what is what] See: WHAT'S WHAT.

   [what of it] or [what about it] {interj.}, {informal} What is wrong
with it; what do you care. * /Martha said "That boy is wearing a green
coat." Jan answered, "What of it?"/ * /"John missed the bus." "What of
it?"/ Syn.: SO WHAT.

   [what not] See: WHAT HAVE YOU.

   [what's cooking] See: WHAT'S UP.

   [what's doing] See: WHAT'S UP..

   [what's sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander] What goes for
the one, also goes for the other. - A  proverb.  *  /If  Herb  gets  a
speeding ticket, so should Erica, who was right behind him; after all,
what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander./

   [what's the big idea] or [what's the idea] {informal} What  is  the
purpose; what do you have in mind; why did you do that; what  are  you
doing; how dare you. - Often used to  question  someone  or  something
that is not welcome. * /The Smith  family  painted  their  house  red,
white, and blue. What's the big idea?/ * /What's the idea of coming in
here after I told you not to?/ * /I  heard  you  are  spreading  false
rumors about me, what's the big idea?/

   [what's the idea] See: WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA.

   [what's up] or [what's cooking] also [what's doing] {slang} What is
happening or planned; what is wrong. - Often used  as  a  greeting.  *
/"What's up?" asked Bob as he joined his friends. "Are  you  going  to
the movies?"/ * /What's cooking? Why is the crowd in  the  street?/  *
/What's doing tonight at the club?/ * /Hello Bob, what's up?/ Compare:
WHAT'S WITH.

   [what's what] or [what is what] {n. phr.}, {informal} 1. What  each
thing is in a group; one thing from another.  *  /The  weeds  and  the
flowers are coming up together, and we can't tell what  is  what./  2.
All that needs to be known about something;  the  important  facts  or
skills. * /Richard did the wrong thing, because he  is  new  here  and
doesn't yet know what's what./ * /When Bob started  his  new  job,  it
took him several weeks to learn what was what./ * /When  it  comes  to
cooking, Jenny knows what's what./ * /Harold began to tell the teacher
how to teach the class, and the  teacher  told  him  what  was  what./
Compare: WHICH IS WHICH, WHO'S WHO.

   [what's with] or [what's up with] also [what's by] {slang} What  is
happening to; what is wrong; how is everything; what can you  tell  me
about. * /Mary looks worried. What's with her?/ * /What's with our old
friends?/ * /I'm fine. What's with you?/

   [what with] {prep.} Because; as a result of. *  /I  couldn't  visit
you, what with the snowstorm and the cold I had./ * /What with  dishes
to wash and children to put to bed, mother was late to  the  meeting./
Compare: ON ACCOUNT OF.

   [wheel] See: BIG CHEESE or BIG WHEEL, GREASE THE WHEELS, PUT  ONE'S
SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL.

   [wheel and deal] {v. phr.}, {slang}  To  make  many  big  plans  or
schemes; especially with important people in government and  business;
in matters of money and influence; handle money or power for your  own
advantage; plan important matters in  a  smart  or  skillful  way  and
sometimes in a tricky, or not strictly honest way. * /Mr. Smith made a
fortune by wheeling and dealing on the stock market./ *  /The  senator
got  this  law  passed  by  wheeling  and  dealing  in  Congress./   -
[wheeler-dealer] {n. phr.}, {slang} A person with power and control. *
/The biggest wheeler-dealer in the state  has  many  friends  in  high
places in business and government and is a rich man himself./

   [wheelhorse] {n. phr.} A reliable and industrious  worker  on  whom
one may depend. *  /Jake  is  such  a  good  worker  that  he  is  the
wheelhorse of our tiny firm./

   [when hell freezes  over]  {adv.  phr.},  {slang}  Never.  *  /I'll
believe you when hell freezes  over./  Contrast:  UNTIL  HELL  FREEZES
OVER.

   [when it comes to] See: COME TO(4).

   [when one's ship comes in] See: SHIP COME IN.

   [when push comes to  shove]  {adv.  phr.}  A  time  when  a  touchy
situation becomes actively hostile or a quarrel turns into a fight.  *
/Can we count on the boss' goodwill, when push comes to shove?/

   [when the chips are down] {adv. cl.}, {informal}  When  the  winner
and loser of a bet or a game are decided; at  the  most  important  or
dangerous time. * /Tom hit a home run in the last inning of  the  game
when the chips were down./ *  /When  the  chips  were  down,  the  two
countries decided not to have war./ (From the fact  that  in  gambling
games, a person puts chips or money down in front of him to show  that
he is willing to risk an amount in a bet.)

   [where] See: TELL ONE WHERE TO GET OFF or TELL ONE  WHERE  TO  HEAD
IN.

   [wherefore] See: WHY AND WHEREFORE.

   [where it's at] {adv. phr.}, {informal} That  which  is  important;
that which is at  the  forefront  of  on-going  social,  personal,  or
scientific undertakings. * /Young, talented and  black,  that's  where
it's at./ * /We send sophisticated machines to Mars instead of people,
that's where it's at./

   [where the shoe pinches] {n. phr.}, {informal} Where  or  what  the
discomfort or trouble is. * /Johnny thinks the job  is  easy,  but  he
will find out where the shoe pinches when he tries it./ *  /The  coach
said he wasn't worried about any position except quarterback; that was
where the shoe pinched./

   [whether one is coming or going] See: KNOW  IF  ONE  IS  COMING  OR
GOING.

   [whether --- or] or [whether --- or  whether[]  1.  {coord.  conj.}
Used to introduce an indirect question. * /You must decide whether you
should go or stay./ * /I don't know whether Jack or Bill is  a  better
player./ Compare: EITHER --- OR(2). Used to show a choice  of  things,
or that different things are possible. * /Whether the bicycle was blue
or red, it didn't matter to Frank./

   [which] See: GAME AT WHICH TWO CAN PLAY.

   [which is which] {n. phr.} Which is one person or thing  and  which
is the other;  one  from  another;  what  the  difference  is  between
different ones; what the name of each one is. * /Joe's coat  and  mine
are so nearly alike that I can't tell which is which./ *  /Mr.  Hadley
hadn't seen his friend's  daughters  in  such  a  long  time  that  he
couldn't remember which was which./ Compare: WHAT'S WHAT, WHO'S WHO.

   [which was which] See: WHICH is WHICH.

   [while] See: AFTER A WHILE or IN A WHILE, ALL  THE  TIME(1),  EVERY
NOW AND THEN or EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, ONCE IN A WHILE.

   [while ago] {adv.} At a time several minutes in  the  past;  a  few
minutes ago; a short time ago. - Used with "a". * /I laid  mv  glasses
on this table a while ago; and now they're gone./ * /A while ago, Mary
was tired and wanted to go home; now she's dancing with Bob as if  she
could dance all night./ Compare: JUST NOW(2).

   [while away] {v.} To make time go by pleasantly  or  without  being
bored; pass or spend. * /We whiled away the time that we were  waiting
by talking and playing cards./ * /We whiled away the  summer  swimming
and fishing./

   [while back] {adv.} At a time several weeks or months in the  past.
- Used with "a". * /We had a good rain a while back, but we need  more
now./ * /Grandfather is well now, but a  while  back  he  was  in  the
hospital for three weeks./ See: CRACK THE WHIP.

   [whip hand] See: UPPER HAND.

   [whipping boy] {n. phr.} The person who gets punished  for  someone
else's mistake. * /"I used to be the whipping boy during my early days
at the company," he musingly remembered./

   [whip up] {v.}, {informal} 1. To make or do quickly  or  easily.  *
/Mary whipped up a lunch for the picnic./ * /The reporter whipped up a
story about the fire for his  paper./  2.  To  make  active;  stir  to
action; excite. * /The girls are trying to  whip  up  interest  for  a
dance Saturday night./ Compare: STIR UP, WHOOP IT UP(2).

   [whispering campaign] {n.} The spreading of false rumors, or saying
bad things, about a person or group, especially in politics or  public
life. * /A bad man has  started  a  whispering  campaign  against  the
mayor, saying that he isn't honest./

   [whistle] See: BLOW THE WHISTLE ON, WET ONE'S WHISTLE.

   [whistle a different tune] See: SING A DIFFERENT TUNE.

   [whistle for] {v.}, {informal} To try to get (something) but  fail;
look for (something) that will not come. * /Mary didn't even thank  us
for helping her, so the next time she needs help she can  whistle  for
it./

   [whistle in the dark] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try  to  stay  brave
and forget your fear. * /Tom said he could fight the  bully  with  one
hand, but we knew that he was just whistling in the dark./  (From  the
fact that people sometimes whistle when walking in a dark, scary place
to keep up their courage.)

   [whistle-stop] {n.} A small town where the trains only  stop  on  a
special  signal.  *  /President  Truman  made  excellent  use  of  the
whistle-stop during his 1948 campaign for the presidency./

   [white] See: BLACK AND WHITE, IN BLACK AND WHITE.

   [white around the gills] See: GREEN AROUND THE GILLS.

   [white-collar workers] {n. phr.} Workers employed in offices and at
desks as opposed to those who  work  as  manual  workers;  the  middle
class. * /It is a well-known fact that white-collar workers  are  less
well organized than unionized manual  workers./  Contrast  BLUE-COLLAR
WORKERS.

   [white elephant] {n. phr.} Unwanted property, such as real  estate,
that is hard to sell. * /That big house of theirs on the  corner  sure
is a white elephant./

   [white lie] {n. phr.} An innocent social excuse. * /I am  too  busy
to go to their house for dinner tonight. I will call them and  tell  a
little white lie about having the flu./

   [white sale] {n.} The selling, especially at lower prices, of goods
or clothing usually made of white cloth. * /Mother  always  buys  many
things at the January white sale to save money./

   [whitewash]  {n.},  {informal}  A  soothing  official  report  that
attempts to tranquilize the public. * /Some people  believe  that  the
Warren  Commission's  report  on  the  Kennedy  assassination  was   a
whitewash./

   [whitewash something] {v.}, {informal} To explain a major, national
scandal in soothing official terms so as to  assure  the  public  that
things are under control and there is no need to panic. * /Many people
in the United States believe that  President  Kennedy's  assassination
was whitewashed by the Warren Commission./ See: WHITEWASH.

   [whiz] See: GEE WHIZ.

   [who] See: SAYS WHO.

   [whodunit] {n.} A detective story; a murder story;  a  thriller.  *
/Agatha Christie was a true master of the whodunit./

   [who is who] See: WHO'S WHO.

   [who laughs last laughs best] See: HE LAUGHS BEST WHO LAUGHS LAST.

   [whole] See: ALL THE WAY or THE WHOLE WAY, GO THE WHOLE HOG, ON THE
WHOLE, WITH A WHOLE SKIN or IN A WHOLE SKIN.

   [whole cheese] {slang} or {informal} [whole show] {n.},  {informal}
The only important person; big boss. * /Joe thought he was  the  whole
cheese in the game because he owned the ball./ * /You're not the whole
show just because you got all A's./ Compare: BIG CHEESE.

   [whole hog] See: GO THE WHOLE HOG.

   [whole lot] See: A LOT.

   [whole show] See: WHOLE CHEESE.

   [whoop it up] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To make a loud  noise;  have  a
noisy celebration; enjoy yourself noisily. * /The team whooped  it  up
after winning the game./  2.  To  praise  something  enthusiastically;
encourage enthusiasm or support. - Often used with  "for".  *  /Father
wanted to go to the country, but the children whooped it  up  for  the
beach./

   [who's who] or [who is who] {informal} 1. Who this one is  and  who
that one is; who the different ones in a group of people are  or  what
their names or positions are. * /It is hard to tell who is who in  the
parade because everyone in the band looks alike./ * /It took  the  new
teacher a few days to remember who was who  in  the  class./  Compare:
WHICH IS WHICH. 2. Who  the  important  people  are.  *  /John  didn't
recognize the champion on television. He doesn't know who  is  who  in
boxing./ * /After about a year, Mr. Thompson had lived  in  this  town
long enough to know who was who./ Compare: WHAT'S WHAT.

   [why and wherefore] {n.} The  answer  to  a  question  or  problem.
Usually used in the plural. * /Father told him not to always  ask  the
whys and wherefores when he was told to do something./

   [wide] See: FAR AND WIDE, GIVE A WIDE BERTH.

   [wide-eyed] See: ROUND-EYED.

   [wide of the mark] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Far from the target  or
the thing aimed at. * /James threw a stone at the cat but it went wide
of the mark./ 2. Far from the truth; incorrect. * /You  were  wide  of
the mark when you said I did it, because Bill did it./  Contrast:  HIT
THE BULL'S-EYE, HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD.

   [widow] See: GOLF WIDOW.

   [wiener roast] or [hot dog roast] {n.} A party  where  frankfurters
are cooked and eaten over an outdoor fire. * /For his birthday  party,
John had a wiener roast in his backyard./ * /Mary's Girl  Scout  troop
had a hot dog roast on their overnight hike./

   [wig] See: BIG CHEESE or BIG WIG.

   [wild] See: RUN WILD, SOW ONE'S WILD OATS.

   [wildcat strike] {n.}, {informal} A strike not ordered by  a  labor
union; a strike spontaneously arranged by a group of workers.  *  /The
garbage collectors have gone on a wildcat strike,  but  the  union  is
going to stop it./

   [wild goose chase]  {n.  phr.}  An  absurd  and  completely  futile
errand. * /I was on a wild goose chase when I was sent to find  a  man
who never really existed./

   [wild pitch] {n.} A pitch in baseball that is so high, so  low,  or
so far from the plate that the catcher cannot  catch  it  and  a  base
runner can move to the next base. * /The runner went to second base on
a wild pitch./

   [will] See: AT WILL, OF ONE'S OWN ACCORD or OF ONE'S OWN FREE WILL.

   [will not hear of] {v. phr.} Will not  allow  or  consider,  refuse
attention to or permission for. * /I want to go to the  show  tonight,
but I know my mother will not hear of it./ * /Mary needs  another  day
to finish her book report, but the teacher won't hear of any delay./ *
/John's father told him he would not hear of his having a car./

   [win] See: HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE.

   [wind] See: GET WIND OF, GOD TEMPERS THE WIND TO  THE  SHORN  LAMB,
GONE WITH THE WIND, IN THE WIND, IT'S AN ILL WIND  THAT  BLOWS  NOBODY
GOOD, SECOND WIND, STRAW IN THE WIND,  TAKE  THE  WIND  OUT  OF  ONE'S
SAILS, THREE SHEETS IN THE WIND or THREE SHEETS  TO  THE  WIND,  THROW
CAUTION TO THE WIND, WAY THE WIND BLOWS or HOW THE WIND BLOWS.

   [windbag] {n.} Someone who talks  too  much;  a  boring  person.  *
/Uncle Joe goes on and on; he is a boring windbag./

   [windfall] {n.} An unexpected gift or gain of sizeable  proportion.
* /The unexpected retroactive pay raise was a most welcome windfall./

   [window] See: GO OUT THE WINDOW.

   [window  dressing]  {n.  phr.}  An  elaborate  exterior,  sometimes
designed to conceal one's real motives. * /All those fancy invitations
turned out to be nothing but window dressing./ * /All he really wanted
was to be introduced to my influential father-in-law./

   [wind up] {v.} 1. To tighten the spring of a machine;  to  make  it
work or run. * /Mary wound up the toy car and let it  run  across  the
room./ * /He doesn't have to wind up his watch because it is run by  a
battery./ 2. To make very excited, nervous, upset. - Usually  used  in
the past participle. * /The excitement of her birthday party got  Jane
all wound up so she could not sleep./ 3. {informal} To bring  or  come
to an end; finish; stop. * /John got two hits and wound his  afternoon
up with a home run./ * /Before Jim knew it, he had spent all his money
and he wound up broke./ * /The boys followed the path to the left  and
wound up where they started./ Syn.: END UP. Compare: FINISH OFF,  TURN
OUT(6). 4. To put  (your  business  or  personal  affairs)  in  order;
arrange; settle. * /Fred wound up his business  and  personal  affairs
before joining the Navy./ 5. To swing your  arm  with  the  ball  just
before pitching to a batter. * /The pitcher wound up quickly and  then
threw a curve./

   [wing] See: CLIP ONE'S WINGS, LEFT-WING, ON THE  WING,  RIGHT-WING,
UNDER ONE'S WING.

   [win hands down] {v. phr.} To win conclusively and without external
help. * /The opposition was so weak that Dan won  the  election  hands
down./

   [win in a walk] or [win in a breeze] {v. phr.}, {informal}  To  win
very easily; win without having to try hard.  *  /Joe  ran  for  class
president and won in a walk./ * /Our team won the game in  a  breeze./
Compare: HANDS DOWN.

   [wink] See: FORTY WINKS, SLEEP A WINK.

   [wink at] {v.} To allow and pretend not to know about  (a  rule  or
law being broken). * /John was not allowed to stay out late at  night,
but his parents winked at his being five minutes  late./  *  /A  judge
should never wink at any law-breaking./

   [winning streak] {n.} A series of several wins one after the other.
* /The team extended their winning streak to ten./

   [win one's spurs] {v. phr.} 1. In old times, to be named  a  knight
with the right to wear little sharp spikes on your heels. *  /A  young
squire won his spurs in battle./ 2. To win fame or honor. * /The young
lieutenant won his spurs by leading an attack on enemy machine  guns./
* /Edison won his spurs as an inventor while rather young./ * /He  has
yet to win his spurs as a big league ball player./

   [win out] {v. phr.} To win after a rather  protracted  struggle.  *
/The lawsuit lasted a long time, but we finally won out./

   [win over] {v. phr.} To convert to one's position or point of view.
* /The Democrats offered him a high-level executive position and  thus
way won him over to their side./

   [wipeout] {n.} A total failure. * /The guy is so  bad  at  his  job
that he is a total wipeout./

   [wipe out] {v.} 1. To remove or erase by wiping or rubbing. *  /The
teacher wiped out with an eraser what she had written on  the  board./
Compare:  RUB  OUT.  2.  {informal}  To  remove,  kill,   or   destroy
completely. * /The earthquake wiped out  the  town./  *  /Doctors  are
searching for a cure that will wipe out cancer./ * /The Indians  wiped
out the soldiers who were sent to stop their  attacks./  Compare:  RUB
OUT, STAMP OUT.

   [wipe out an old score] See: SETTLE A SCORE.

   [wipe the floor with] or [wipe up the  floor  with]  See:  MOP  THE
FLOOR WITH.

   [wire] See: ACROSS THE WIRE, DOWN TO THE WIRE, PULL STRINGS or PULL
WIRES.

   [wise] See: GET WISE, PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH, PUT  WISE,  THE
WISER.

   [wisecrack] {n.} A joke or witty remark  usually  made  at  someone
else's  expense.  *  /The  comedians  kept  up  a  steady  stream   of
wisecracks./

   [wise guy] {n. phr.}, {informal} A person who acts as  if  he  were
smarter than other people; a person who jokes or shows off too much  *
/Bill is a wise guy and displeases others by what he says./

   [wise up to] {v. phr.},  {slang}  To  finally  understand  what  is
really going on after a period of ignorance. * /Joe  immediately  quit
his job when he wised up to what was really going on./

   [wish on] {v.} 1. To use as a lucky charm while making  a  wish.  *
/Mary wished on a star that she could go to the dance./ * /Bob  wished
on his lucky rabbit's foot that he could pass the test./ 2.  or  [wish
off on] {informal} To get rid of (something unwanted) by passing it on
to someone else. * /Martha did not like to do the  dishes  and  wished
the job on to her little sister./ * /Tom got a very ugly tie  for  his
birthday and when Billy's birthday came, Tom wished  the  tie  off  on
Billy./

   [wit] See: AT ONE'S WITS' END, KEEP ONE'S HEAD or KEEP  ONE'S  WITS
ABOUT ONE, SCARE OUT OF ONE'S WITS.

   [witch-hunt] {n. phr.} A hysterical movement  during  which  people
are persecuted for having views (political  or  religious)  considered
different or unpopular. *  /During  the  McCarthy  era  many  innocent
Americans were accused of being Communists, as  Republican  patriotism
deteriorated into a witch-hunt./

   [with a free hand] See: FREE HAND.

   [with a grain of salt] or [with a pinch of salt] See: TAKE  WITH  A
GRAIN OF SALT.

   [with all one's heart] See: FROM THE BOTTOM OF ONE'S HEART.

   [with an eye to] See: EYE TO.

   [with a silver spoon in one's mouth] See: BORN WITH A SILVER  SPOON
IN ONE'S MOUTH.

   [with a whole skin] also [in a whole  skin]  {adv.  phr.}  With  no
injury; unhurt; safely. * /The boy was lucky to escape  with  a  whole
skin when the car went off the road./ * /Jack came  through  the  game
with a whole skin./ * /The horse threw him off, but he got away  in  a
whole skin./ Syn.: SAFE AND SOUND.

   [with bad grace] or [with a bad grace] {adv. phr.} In an unpleasant
or discourteous way;  unwillingly,  *  /Fred  takes  defeat  with  bad
grace./ * /Tom shouted "Hello" to Bill. Bill was in a  sour  mood  and
replied with a bad grace./ Contrast: WITH GOOD GRACE.

   [with bells on] {adv. phr.}, {informal} With enthusiasm;  eager  or
ready and in the best of spirits for an event. * /"Will  you  come  to
the farewell party I'm giving for Billy?" asked Jerry. "I'll be  there
with bells on," replied Ed./

   [with  child]  {adv.  phr.},  {literary}  Going  to  have  a  baby;
pregnant. * /The angel told Mary she was with child./  Compare:  IN  A
FAMILY WAY or IN THE FAMILY WAY.

   [wither on the vine] See: DIE ON THE VINE.

   [with fire] See: PLAY WITH FIRE.

   [with flying colors] {adv.  phr.}  With  great  or  total  success;
victoriously. * /Tow finished the race with flying  colors./  *  /Mary
came through the examination with flying colors./

   [with good grace] {adv. phr.} With pleasant and courteous behavior;
politely;  willingly;  without  complaining.  *  /The  boys  had  been
well-coached; they took the loss of the game with good grace./ *  /The
principal scolded Nora, who accepted his criticism with  good  grace./
Contrast: WITH BAD GRACE.

   [with heart and soul] See: HEART AND SOUL.

   [within an ace of] {informal} or [within an inch  of]  {adv.  phr.}
Almost but not quite; very close to; nearly. * /Tim came within an ace
of losing the election./ * /John was within an inch of drowning before
he was pulled out of the water./ Compare: BY THE SKIN OF ONE'S TEETH.

   [within an inch of one's life] {adv. phr.}  Until  you  are  almost
dead; near to dying. * /The bear clawed the hunter within an  inch  of
his life./ Often used after "to". * /The prize fighter was  beaten  to
within an inch of his life./

   [within bounds] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1.  Inside  of  the  boundary
lines in a game; on or inside of the playing field. *  /You  must  hit
the ball inside the lines of the tennis court or it will not be within
bounds./ * /If you kick the football over a side-line, it will not  be
in bounds./ 2. Inside of a place where one is allowed to go or  be.  *
/The soldiers are within bounds on one side of the city, but  are  out
of bounds on the other side./ 3. Inside  of  safe  or  proper  limits;
allowable. * /If you ask Father for a quarter, he  might  give  it  to
you, but a dollar would not be within  bounds./  *  /He  succeeded  in
keeping his temper within bounds./ Contrast: OUT OF BOUNDS.

   [within call] or [within hail] {adv. phr.} 1. Near enough  to  hear
each other's voices. * /When the two ships  were  within  hail,  their
officers exchanged messages./ *  /Billy's  mother  told  him  to  stay
within call because supper was nearly ready./ 2. In a place where  you
can be reached by phone, radio, or TV and be called. * /The  sick  man
was very low and the doctor stayed within call./ * /The soldiers  were
allowed to leave the base by day, but had to stay within call./

   [within reason] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} Within  the  limits  of  good
sense; in reasonable control or check; moderate. * /I want you to have
a good time tonight, within reason./ * /If Tom  wants  to  go  to  the
fair, he must keep his expenses within reason./ *  /Jean's  plans  are
quite within reason./

   [with it] See: GET WITH IT.

   [with might and main] {adv. phr.} With full  strength  or  complete
effort. * /The sailors pulled the rope with might and main./  *  /John
tried with all his might and main to solve the problem./

   [with one's boots on] See: DIE IN ONE'S BOOTS  or  DIE  WITH  ONE'S
BOOTS ON.

   [with one's pants down] See: CATCH ONE WITH ONE'S PANTS DOWN.

   [with open arms] {adv. phr.} 1.  With  the  arms  spread  wide  for
hugging or catching. * /When Father came home from work, little  Sally
ran out to meet him with open arms./ * /Dick stood  under  the  window
with open arms, and Jean dropped the bag of laundry down to  him./  2.
With words or actions showing  that  you  are  glad  to  see  someone;
gladly, warmly, eagerly. * /When  Grandmother  came  to  visit  us  at
Christmas, we welcomed her with open arms./ *  /After  his  pioneering
flight in the Friendship VII, Col. John Glenn was welcomed  with  open
arms' by the people of his hometown./

   [without] See: DO WITHOUT or GO WITHOUT, MAKE BRICKS WITHOUT STRAW,
RECKON WITHOUT.

   [without a paddle] See: UP THE CREEK or  UP  THE  CREEK  WITHOUT  A
PADDLE.

   [without batting an eye] or [without batting an eyelash]  See:  BAT
AN EYE.

   [without fail] {adv. phr.} Without failing to do it or  failing  in
the doing of it; certainly, surely. * /Be here  at  8  o'clock  sharp,
without fail./ * /Ben promised to return the bike at  a  certain  time
without fail./

   [without number] See: BEYOND NUMBER.

   [without rhyme or reason] See: RHYME OR REASON.

   [with reference to] See: IN REFERENCE TO.

   [with regard to] See: IN REFERENCE TO.

   [with relation to] See: IN RELATION TO.

   [with respect to] See: IN RESPECT TO.

   [with the best] or [with the best of them] {adv. phr.} As  well  as
anyone. * /Bob could horseback ride with the  best  of  them,  but  he
never boasted about it./ * /John can bowl with the best of them./

   [with the Joneses] See: KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES.

   [wolf] See: CRY WOLF, KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR, LONE WOLF, THROW
TO THE WOLVES.

   [wolf in sheep's clothing] {n. phr.} A person who  pretends  to  be
good but really is bad. * /Mrs. Martin trusted the  lawyer  until  she
realized that he was a wolf in sheep's clothing./  *  /Mr.  Black  was
fooled by the salesman's manners until he showed that he was really  a
wolf in sheep's clothing by selling Mr. Black a car that  was  falling
apart./

   [wonder] See: NO WONDER also SMALL WONDER.

   [woo] See: PITCH WOO.

   [wood] See: CAN'T SEE THE WOOD FOR THE TREES, KNOCK  ON  WOOD,  SAW
WOOD.

   [woodpile] See: NIGGER IN THE WOODPILE.

   [woods] See: BABE IN THE WOODS, CROW  BEFORE  ONE  IS  OUT  OF  THE
WOODS, NECK OF THE WOODS, TAKE TO THE WOODS.

   [wool] See: ALL WOOL AND A YARD WIDE,  PULL  THE  WOOL  OVER  ONE'S
EYES.

   [word] See: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS, AS GOOD AS ONE'S WORD,
BY WORD OF MOUTH, EAT ONE'S WORDS, FROM THE WORD "GO", GET A WORD  IN,
GET THE MESSAGE or GET THE WORD, HANG ON THE WORDS OF, IN BRIEF or  IN
A WORD, IN SO MANY WORDS, LAST WORD, MAN OF  FEW  WORDS,  MAN  OF  HIS
WORD, MUM IS THE WORD, PLAY ON WORDS, PUT WORDS INTO ONE'S MOUTH,  SAY
THE WORD, SWALLOW ONE'S WORDS, TAKE AT ONE'S WORD, TAKE THE WORDS  OUT
OF ONE'S MOUTH, WEASEL WORD, WEIGH ONE'S WORDS.

   [word for word] {adv. phr.} In exactly  the  same  words.  *  /Mary
copied Sally's composition  word  for  word./  *  /Joan  repeated  the
conversation word for word./ * /She learned the poem  many  years  ago
but she recited it word for word./

   [word of mouth] {n. phr.} Communication by oral rather than written
means. * /The merchant told us that the best  customers  he  had  were
recommended to him by word of mouth./

   [words of one syllable] {n. phr.} Language that makes  the  meaning
very clear; simple, or frank language. - Usually used  after  "in".  *
/Mary explained the job to Ann in words of one syllable  so  that  she
would be sure to understand./ * /Some people say that John is cute and
mischievous, but in words of one syllable, he's just a brat./ Compare:
IN SO MANY WORDS, SPELL OUT.

   [word to the wise] {n. phr.} A word of warning or advice which  the
intelligent person is expected to follow. - A proverb. * /I  had  once
spoken to him about being late all the time, and thought that  a  word
to the wise was enough./

   [work] See: ALL IN A DAY'S WORK, ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK  A
DULL BOY, AT WORK, BUSY WORK, IN THE WORKS, MAKE SHORT WORK  OF,  MANY
HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK, SHOOT THE WORKS, THE WORKS, IN THE WORKS.

   [work cut out] See: CUT OUT(2).

   [worked up] also [wrought up] {adj.}, {literary} Feeling  strongly;
excited; angry; worried. * /Mary was all worked up about the exam./  *
/John got worked up  when  they  blamed  him  for  losing  the  game./
Compare: ON EDGE.

   [work in] {v.} 1. To rub in. * /The nurse told  Mary  to  put  some
cream on her skin and to work it in gently with her  fingers./  2.  To
slip in; mix in; put in; * /When  Mary  was  planning  the  show,  she
worked a part in for her friend Susan./

   [working  girl]  {n.},  {slang}  1.   ({vulgar},   {avoidable})   A
prostitute. * /I didn't know Roxanne was a working girl./ 2.  A  girl,
usually single, who supports herself by working in an honest job, such
as in an office, etc. * /The average working girl can't afford such  a
fancy car./

   [work into] {v.} 1. Force into little by little. * /John worked his
foot into the boot by pushing and pulling./ 2. Put into; mix  into.  *
/Mary worked some blue into the rug she was weaving./

   [work off] {v.} To make (something) go away, especially by working.
* /John worked off the fat around his waist by  doing  exercise  every
morning./ * /Mr. Smith worked off his anger by chopping wood./

   [work on] also [work upon] {v.} 1. Have an effect on; influence.  *
/Some pills work on the nerves and make people feel more relaxed./  2.
To try to influence or convince. * /Senator Smith worked on the  other
committee members to vote for the bill./

   [work one's fingers to the bone] {v. phr.} To work very hard. * /"I
have to work my fingers to  the  bone  for  a  measly  pittance  of  a
salary," Fred complained./

   [workout] {n.} A physical exercise session. * /My  morning  workout
consists of sit-ups and push-ups./

   [work out] {v. phr.} 1. To find an answer to. *  /John  worked  out
his math problems all by himself./ * /Mary had trouble  getting  along
with her roommate, but they worked it out./ Compare: FIGURE OUT. 2. To
plan; develop. * /Mary worked out a beautiful design for a sweater./ *
/Alice worked out a new hair-do./ 3. To accomplish;  arrange.  *  /The
engineers worked out a system for getting electricity to the factory./
4. To be efficient; get results. * /If the traffic plan works out,  it
will be used in other cities too./ 5. To exercise. * /John  works  out
in the gym two hours every day./

   [work over] {v. phr.}, {slang} To beat someone up very  roughly  in
order to intimidate him or extort payment, etc. * /Matthew was  worked
over by the hoodlums in the park right after midnight./

   [work  through  channels]  {v.  phr.}  To  go  through  the  proper
procedures and officials. * /At a state university everybody must work
through channels to get things done./

   [work up] {v.} 1. To stir up; arouse; excite. * /I  can't  work  up
any interest in this book./ *  /He  worked  up  a  sweat  weeding  the
garden./ 2. To develop; originate. * /He worked up an interesting plot
for a play./

   [work upon] See: WORK ON.

   [world] See: COME UP IN THE WORLD or RISE IN THE WORLD, DEAD TO THE
WORLD, FOR ALL THE WORLD, IN A WORLD OF ONE'S OWN or  IN  A  WORLD  BY
ONESELF, IN THE WORLD, LOOK AT THE WORLD THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES,
NOT FOR THE WORLD, ON TOP OF THE WORLD or SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD,
OUT OF THIS WORLD, SET THE WORLD ON FIRE, THIRD WORLD.

   [world is one's oyster] Everything is possible for you;  the  world
belongs to you; you can get anything you want. * /When  John  won  the
scholarship, he felt as though the world was his oyster./ * /The  rich
girl acts as though the world is her oyster./

   [world on one's shoulders]  See:  WEIGHT  OF  THE  WORLD  ON  ONE'S
SHOULDERS.

   [world on one's back] See: WEIGHT OF THE WORLD ON ONE'S SHOULDERS.

   [world without end] {adv.  phr.},  {literary}  Endlessly;  forever;
eternally. * /Each human being has to die, but mankind goes  on  world
without end./

   [worlds  apart]  {adj.  phr.}  Completely   different;   in   total
disagreement. * /Jack and Al never agree on anything; they are  worlds
apart in their thinking./

   [worm] See: EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM  or  EARLY  BIRD  GETS  THE
WORM.

   [worm in] {v. phr.} To insinuate oneself;  penetrate  gradually.  *
/By cultivating the friendship of a few of  the  prominent  merchants,
Peter hoped to worm his  way  into  that  exclusive  elite  of  export
magnates./

   [worm may turn] Even the  meek  will  ultimately  rebel  if  always
maltreated. * /Sam may think that he  can  continue  to  mistreat  his
wife, but, knowing her, I think that some day the worm may turn./

   [warm out] {v. phr.} To learn through persistent questioning;  draw
out from. * /I finally wormed out of her the reason she broke off  her
engagement to Larry./

   [worn to a frazzle] {adj. phr.} To be  fatigued;  be  exhausted.  *
/I'm worn to a frazzle cooking for all these guests./

   [worrywart] {n. phr.} A person who always worries. *  /"Stop  being
such a worrywart," Bob said to  Alice,  who  was  constantly  weighing
herself on the bathroom scale./

   [worse] See: BARK WORSE THAN ONE'S BITE, FOR BETTER OR WORSE or FOR
BETTER OR FOR WORSE, FOR THE WORSE, GO FROM BAD TO WORSE.

   [worse for wear] {adj. phr.} Not as good as new; worn out;  damaged
by use. - Used with "the". * /Her favorite tablecloth was beginning to
look the worse for wear./ - Often used with "none" to mean: as good as
new. * /The doll was Mary's favorite toy but it was none the worse for
wear./

   [worst] See: GET THE WORST OF also HAVE  THE  WORST  OF,  IF  WORST
COMES TO WORST.

   [worth] See: BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH, FOR ALL ONE
IS WORTH, GAME IS NOT WORTH THE CANDLE, NOT  WORTH  A  TINKER'S  DAMN,
WORTH A CENT.

   [worth a cent] {adj. phr.} Worth anything; of any value. - Used  in
negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. *  /The  book  was
old and it was not worth a cent./

   [worth one's salt] {adj. phr.} Being a good worker, or a productive
person; worth what you cost. * /Mr. Brown showed that he was worth his
salt as a salesman when he got the highest sales record for the year./
- Often used with "not" or "hardly". * /When the basketball  team  did
so poorly, people felt that the coach  was  hardly  worth  his  salt./
Compare: PAY ONE'S WAY(2).

   [would-be] {adj.} Aspiring. * /The  Broadway  casting  offices  are
always full of would-be actors./

   [would that] or [I would that] or [would  God]  or  [would  heaven]
{literary} I wish  that.  -  Used  at  the  beginning  of  a  sentence
expressing a wish; followed by a verb in the subjunctive; found mostly
in poetry and older literature.  *  /Would  that  I  could  only  drop
everything and join you./ * /Would that my mother were alive to see me
married./ Syn.: IF ONLY.

   [wouldn't put it past one] {v. phr.} To think that someone is quite
capable or likely to have done something  undesirable  or  illegal.  *
/Congressman Alfonso is insisting that he didn't violate congressional
ethics,  but  knowing  both  his  expensive  habits  and  his  amorous
escapades, many of us wouldn't put it past  him  that  he  might  have
helped himself to funds illegally./

   [wrack] See: GO TO WRACK AND RUIN.

   [wrap] See: UNDER WRAPS.

   [wrap one around one's finger] See: TWIST ONE AROUND  ONE'S  LITTLE
FINGER.

   [wrapped up in] {adj. phr.} Thinking only of; interested only in. *
/John has no time for sports because he  is  all  wrapped  up  in  his
work./ * /Mary was so wrapped up in  her  book  she  didn't  hear  her
mother calling her./ * /Jean is so wrapped up in  herself,  she  never
thinks of helping others./ * /Mrs. Brown gave up  her  career  because
her life was all wrapped up in her children./ Compare: IN A  WORLD  OF
ONE'S OWN (2b).

   [wrap up] or [bundle up] {v. phr.} 1. To put on warm clothes; dress
warmly. * /Mother told Mary to wrap  up  before  going  out  into  the
cold./ 2. {informal} To finish (a job). * /Let's wrap up the  job  and
go home./ 3. {informal} To win a game. *  /The  Mets  wrapped  up  the
baseball game in the seventh inning./

   [wreak havoc with] {v. phr.} To cause  damage;  ruin  something.  *
/His rebellious attitude is bound to wreak havoc at the company./

   [wrench] See: THROW A MONKEY WRENCH.

   [wringing wet] adj. Wet through and through;  soaked;  dripping.  *
/He was wringing wet because he was caught  in  the  rain  without  an
umbrella./ * /He was wringing wet after working in the fields  in  the
hot sun./

   [write home about] {v. phr.} To become especially  enthusiastic  or
excited about; boast about. - Often used after "to". * /Mary's trip to
the World's Fair was something to write home about./ * /Joe did a good
enough job of painting but it was nothing  to  write  home  about./  *
/"That was a dinner worth writing home about!" said Bill coming out of
the restaurant./

   [write off] {v. phr.} 1. To remove  (an  amount)  from  a  business
record; cancel (a debt); accept as a loss. * /If a customer dies  when
he owes the store money, the store must often write it off./  Compare:
CHARGE OFF. 2. To accept (a loss or trouble)  and  not  worry  anymore
about it; forget. * /Mr. Brown had so much trouble with the new TV set
that he finally wrote it off and bought a new one./ *  /Jim's  mistake
cost him time and money, but he wrote it off to experience./  Compare:
CHARGE OFF(2). Contrast: CHALK UP(2). To  say  that  (something)  will
fail or not be good; believe worthless. * /Just because  the  boys  on
the team are young, don't write the team off./ Compare: COUNT OUT.

   [write-off] {n.} A loss. * /This last unfortunate business  venture
of ours is an obvious write-off./

   [writer's cramp] {n.} Pain in the fingers or  hand  caused  by  too
much writing. * /Holding your pencil too tightly for  too  long  often
gives you writer's cramp./ Often used humorously to  stress  the  idea
that you have been doing a lot  of  writing./  *  /By  the  time  Mary
finished her Christmas cards she complained of writer's cramp./

   [writer's block] {n. phr.} A condition of being unable to write;  a
period when the words just won't come.  *  /One  of  the  more  common
problems writers occasionally experience is a writer's block that  may
last a shorter or a longer time./ * /They  say  that  the  reason  for
Ernest Hemingway's suicide was a severe and seemingly endless writer's
block./

   [write-up] {n.} A report or story in a  newspaper  or  magazine.  *
/There was a write-up of the accident in the newspaper./ * /I read  an
interesting write-up about the President in a new magazine./

   [write up] {v.} 1. To write the story of; describe in writing; give
a full account of. * /Reporters from many newspapers are here to write
up the  game./  *  /The  magazine  is  writing  up  the  life  of  the
President./ 2. To put something thought or talked about into  writing;
finish writing (something). * /John took notes  of  what  the  teacher
said in class and he wrote them up when he got home./  *  /The  author
had an idea for a story when he saw the old house, and he wrote it  up
later./

   [writing] or [handwriting on the  wall]  {n.  phr.},  {literary}  A
warning; a message of some urgency. * /"This nuclear plant is about to
explode, I think," the chief engineer said. "We'd better  get  out  of
here in a hurry, the handwriting is on the wall."/

   [wrong] See: BARK UP THE WRONG TREE, BET ON THE  WRONG  HORSE,  GET
OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT, GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF  THE  BED,  IN  THE
WRONG, LAUGH ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH, RUB THE WRONG WAY.

   [wrong side of the tracks] See: THE TRACKS.

   [wrought up] See: WORKED UP.





   [x-double minus] {adj.}, {slang}, {informal} Extremely poorly done,
bad, inferior (said mostly about theatrical or musical  performances).
* /Patsy gave an x-double minus performance at the audition  and  lost
her chance for the lead role./

   [X marks the spot] An indication  made  on  maps  or  documents  of
importance to  call  attention  to  a  place  or  a  feature  of  some
importance. * /The treasure hunter said to his companion, "Here it is;
X marks the spot."/

   [x-rated]  {adj.},  {slang},  {informal}  Pertaining   to   movies,
magazines, and literature judged pornographic and therefore off limits
for minors. * /My son celebrated his 21st  birthday  by  going  to  an
x-rated movie./

   [x-raying machine] {n.}, {slang},  {citizen's  band  radio  jargon}
Speed detection device by radar used by the police. * /The smokies are
using the x-raying machine under the bridge!/





   [yak-yak] or [yakety-yak] or [yakib-yak] {n.},  {slang}  Much  talk
about little things; talking all the time about unimportant things.  *
/Tom sat behind two girls on the bus and he got tired of  their  silly
yak-yak./

   [year] See: ALONG IN YEARS or ON IN YEARS.

   [year in, year out] See: DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

   [year-round]  or  [year-around]  {adj.}   Usable,   effective,   or
operating all the year. * /Colorado is a year-round resort;  there  is
fishing in the summer and skiing in the winter./

   [yellow around the gills] See: GREEN AROUND THE GILLS.

   [yellow-bellied] {adj.}, {slang} Extremely timid, cowardly. *  /Joe
Bennett is a yellow-bellied guy,  don't  send  him  on  such  a  tough
assignment!/

   [yellow journalism]  {n.  phr.}  Cheap  and  sensational  newspaper
writing; inflammatory language designed to stir up  popular  sentiment
against another country. * /Yellow journalism  is  hardly  ever  truly
informative./

   [yellow-livered] {adj.} Cowardly. * /The young boy greatly resented
being called yellow-livered and started to fight right away./

   [yeoman service] {n. phr.} Help in time of  need;  serviceable  and
good assistance. * /Sam was pressed into yeoman service in  organizing
our annual fundraiser for cerebral palsy victims./

   [yes-man] {n.}, {informal} A  person  who  tries  to  be  liked  by
agreeing with everything said; especially, someone who  always  agrees
with a boss or the one in charge. * /John tries to get  ahead  on  his
job by being a yes-man./

   [yesterday] See: BORN YESTERDAY.

   [yon] See: HITHER AND THITHER or HITHER AND YON.

   [yoo-hoo] {interj.} - Used as an informal call or shout to a person
to attract his  attention.  *  /Louise  opened  the  door  and  called
"Yoo-hoo, Mother - are you home?"/ See: ALL RIGHT FOR YOU, I'M TELLING
YOU, SAYS WHO or SAYS YOU, THAT'S --- FOR YOU, WHAT HAVE YOU.

   [you bet] or [you bet your boots] or [you bet your life] {informal}
Most certainly; yes, indeed; without any doubt. - Used to declare with
emphasis that a thing is really so. * /Do I like to ski? You bet  your
life I do./ * /You bet I will be at the party./ * /You  can  bet  your
boots that Johnny will come home when his money is gone./ Compare: BET
ONE'S BOTTOM DOLLAR.

   [you can say that again] See: YOU SAID IT.

   [you can't teach an old dog new tricks] It is very hard  or  almost
impossible to train an older person to acquire some  new  skill.  -  A
proverb. * /You'll never teach your grandfather how to do  his  income
tax on a personal computer. You can't teach an old dog new tricks./

   [you don't say] {interj.}, {informal} - Used to  show  surprise  at
what is said. * /Your ring is a real diamond? You don't say!/ * /"Bill
and Jean are going to get married." "You don't say!"/ Syn.: DO TELL.

   [your] See: HANG ON TO YOUR HAT or HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT or HOLD YOUR
HAT, YOU BET YOUR BOOTS or YOU BET YOUR LIFE.

   [you're telling me] {interj.}, {informal} - Used  to  show  that  a
thing is so clear that it need not be said, or  just  to  show  strong
agreement. * /"You're late." "You're telling me!"/ Compare:  YOU  BET,
YOU SAID IT.

   [you said it] or [you can say that again] {interj.}, {slang} - Used
to show strong agreement with what another person has said.  *  /"That
sure was a good show." "You said it!"/ * /"It sure is hot!"  "You  can
say that again!"/ Compare: SAY A MOUTHFUL.

   [you tell 'em] {interj.}, {slang} - Used to agree with or encourage
someone in what he is saying.  *  /The  drunk  was  arguing  with  the
bartenders and a man cried, "You tell 'em!"/

   [yours truly] {adv. phr.} 1. Signing off at the end of  letters.  *
/Yours truly, Tom Smith./ 2. I, the  first  person  singular  pronoun,
frequently abbreviated as t.y. * /As t.y. has often pointed out.../  *
/T.y. is not really interested in the offer./

   [yum-yum] {interj.}, {informal} - Used usually by or  to  children,
to  express  great  delight,  especially  in  the  taste  of  food.  *
/"Yum-Yum! That pie is good!"/





   [zero hour] {n.} 1. The exact time when an attack or other military
action is supposed to start. * /Zero hour for the bombers to take  off
was midnight./ 2. The time when an important  decision  or  change  is
supposed to come; the time for a dangerous action. * /It was zero hour
and the doctor began the operation on the man./ * /On the day  of  the
championship game, as the  zero  hour  came  near,  the  players  grew
nervous./

   [zero in on] {v.} 1. To adjust a gun so that it will exactly hit (a
target); aim at. * /Big guns were zeroed in  on  the  enemy  fort./  *
/American missiles have been zeroed in on certain targets, to be fired
if necessary./ 2. {slang} To give  your  full  attention  to.  *  /The
Senate zeroed in on the Latin-American problems./ * /Let's zero in  on
grammar tonight./

   [zip one's lip] See: BUTTON ONE'S LIP.

   [zone defense]  {n.}  A  defense  in  a  sport  (as  basketball  or
football) in which each player has to defend a certain  area.  *  /The
coach taught his team a zone defense because he  thought  his  players
weren't fast enough to defend against individual opponents./

   [zonk out] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To fall  asleep  very  quickly.  *
/Can I talk to Joe? - Call back tomorrow, he zonked out./ 2.  To  pass
out from fatigue, or alcohol. * /You won't get a coherent word out  of
Joe, he has zonked out./

   [zoom in] {v. phr.} 1. To rapidly close in on  (said  of  airplanes
and birds of prey). * /The fighter  planes  zoomed  in  on  the  enemy
target./ 2. To make a closeup of someone or something with a camera. *
/The photographer zoomed in on the tiny colibri as it hovered  over  a
lovely tropical flower./

Last-modified: Tue, 03 Feb 2004 14:56:04 GMT