Get documents about "a babe in arms
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a baby, a child who is wet Dar was just a babe in arms when
a babe in arms
behind the ears we emigrated to Canada.
a babe in the a defenseless person; a He's just a babe in the woods. He
woods naive, young person needs someone to protect him.
a feeling that something is I left the meeting with a bad taste in
a bad taste in
false or unfair, a feeling of my mouth. There was a lot of
my mouth
ill will dishonesty in the room.
a lot of teasing, a rough The class gave him a bad time
a bad time
time about his pink shorts.
a ball-park a number that is near the Fifty is a ball-park figure. It's close
figure total; approximate figure to our class size.
a person who often goes Every evening Penny goes to
a bar fly
to bars or lounges Lucifer's. She's quite a bar fly.
a girl who goes to bars to Lola was known as a bar star at
a bar star
drink and find friends Pinky's Lounge.
a bare-faced a deliberate lie, a planned His statement to the police was
lie lie false - a bare-faced lie.
an exciting game, a cliff- When the Flames play the Oilers
a barnburner
hanger it's a barnburner - a great game.
a barrel of a lot of fun, a person who Let's invite Chang to our party. He's
laughs makes you laugh a barrel of laughs.
a basket a person who is very If Gloria has one more crisis, she'll
case nervous, in bad shape be a basket case.
a scolding, a lecture, an When I forgot to do my chores Dad
a bawling out
earful, catch it gave me a bawling out.
a bed of an easy life, a pleasant Who said that retirement is a bed of
roses place to work or stay roses?
a bee in her upset, a bit angry, on Aunt Betsy was kind of cranky, like
bonnet edge she had a bee in her bonnet.
a beehive of a busy place, a room full The kids are making crafts. It's a
activity of working people beehive of activity in there!
a big truck, a semi-trailer Do you have a driver's license? Have
a big rig
truck you ever driven a big rig?
an important person, a On payday he spends money like a
a big shot
boss, a big wheel big shot, buying drinks for all.
a person with power, a big Bing has been acting like a big wheel
a big wheel
shot since he got promoted.
an important person, a Barry is a big wig in Gulf Oil - a vice
a big wig
president etc., VIP president or something.
a bimbo a foolish girl, an airhead Don't call any girl a bimbo, please.
a bird in the hand is When searching for a better
having one is better than
worth two in the job, remember A bird in the
seeing many
bush hand... .
He seems a bit at sea since his
a bit at sea a bit unsure, uncertain
brother died. They were close.
a bit dense (See dense)
not rational, unbalanced, Kate talks to the birds. Do you
a bit off/a bit mental
one brick short think she's a bit off?
a complaining woman, a What a bitch! She complains to
a bitch [B]
woman who nags us and criticizes her kids.
We can grab a bite to eat at the
a bite to eat a lunch, a snack
arena. They sell snacks there.
a negative event, a loss, Divorce is a bitter pill for her.
a bitter pill
a painful experience She believed in her marriage.
a mark beside your If you cause an accident, you
a black mark name means you are get a black mark beside your
bad name.
A blackout is intended to
refusal to broadcast an
a blackout (TV) encourage fans to attend an
event during that event
event.
Blackouts prevented bombers
a policy that requires
a blackout (war) from seeing their targets at
lights to be turned off
night.
eyes show that a person does When I called her name, she
a blank look not understand, the lights are gave me a blank look, as though
on but... she didn't know me.
a blast a great time, a lot of fun The students were having a blast
until the teacher walked in.
a blessing in a problem that becomes a The rainstorm was a blessing in
disguise benefit or advantage disguise. It stopped the fire.
a blow job giving oral sex to a man, If you want a blow job, you'll have
[B] fellatio to shower first.
to win by a large score, no "Did the Flames win?" "Ya, 11-2.
a blowout
contest It was a blowout."
a flat tire, a tire that breaks We were late because our van
a blowout
suddenly had a blowout on the freeway.
a bone to something to argue about, a Joe sounded angry when he said,
pick matter to discuss "I have a bone to pick with you."
a breath of a nice change, a new Having Lan around the house is a
fresh air presence breath of fresh air - she's so nice.
a breath of In the evening, the lake was calm.
a breeze, a light wind
wind There wasn't a breath of wind.
a dependable person, a friend Parveen helped me get through
a brick
who always helps my divorce. She's a real brick!
(See one brick short of a full
a brick short
load)
a budding a child who appears to be The newspaper described Pam as
genius very intelligent "a budding genius" on the violin.
a big, reckless person in a Imagine a 300-pound football
a bull in a
room full of fragile things; player at a tea party, and you have
china shop
cramp your style a bull in a china shop.
unfair blame, unjust It was a bum rap. Eddie didn't steal
a bum rap
sentence, take the rap those paintings.
"Somebody broke a window in his
an unfortunate event, bad
a bummer car and stole his stereo." "That's a
luck, too bad
bummer."
a bun in the Mabel has a bun in the oven. The
pregnant, expecting a baby
oven baby's due in April.
"Do you believe what the psychic
a bunch of an untrue story, a lot of bunk,
said about your future?" "No. It's a
malarkey bull
bunch of malarkey."
a bundle of a very nervous person; May has so many problems - she's
nerves uptight person just a bundle of nerves.
a card (See such a card)
Look at Bosnia. That's a case of
a case of an example of, it's a case of
ethnic civil war.
a bold or shocking person, She is a caution! She told the
a caution
no shrinking violet judge he was all wrong.
a person who gets drunk on Jo admits she's a cheap drunk.
a cheap drunk
one or two drinks Her limit is two drinks.
a doctor's examination, a If you aren't feeling well, go to the
a checkup
medical examination doctor for a checkup.
a chicken in enough food for every No one will be hungry if there's a
every pot family chicken in every pot.
The grandmothers were talking
a chin wag a conversation, a visit
happily - having a chin wag.
a chip off the a boy who is like his dad, Eric is a chip off the old block. He's
old block the apple doesn't... just like his dad.
a chunk of a large amount of money, a I bet that condo cost him a chunk
change few grand, big bucks o' change - 300 grand at least.
a clean bill of a good report from the You'll never get a clean bill of
health doctor, a good checkup health if you eat fat meat!
a game that is close until Every election in this town is a real
a cliff-hanger
the end, a barnburner cliff-hanger - a close race.
close to danger or an That was a close call. The train
a close call
accident nearly hit the bus!
very close to serious The old man described his fight
a close shave
injury or death with the bear as a close shave.
a clutch hitter a batter who hits when Joe's a clutch hitter. He's batting
(baseball) runners are on base .431 with runners on base.
a common an idea or theme that is There's a common thread in most
thread similar to others of Berton's stories.
a contract out a contract that pays to There's a contract out on Mike.
on have someone killed The boss doesn't like him.
We haven't been out to the coast
a coon's age many years, a dog's age
in a coon's age. It's been years.
a short course that has He took a crash course in cooking
a crash course
the main facts and skills and bought a cafe.
sudden feeling of love or Judy has a crush on Tim. See the
a crush on
romance way she looks at him.
It's a crying shame that they didn't
a crying shame a sad event, it is too bad
have fire insurance.
A scholar's work is a cut above. It's
a cut above superior, better
superior to the others.
a joker, a person who tells When Marsha goes to a party
a cut-up
jokes and has fun she's a real cut-up - a lot of fun.
a daring person, What a daredevil! She jumped
a daredevil
bodacious, take a chance across a ten-foot chasm!
a dead a clear signal, an obvious The smile on her face was a dead
giveaway sign giveaway that she got the job.
a race that finishes in a tie A photograph of the finish line
a dead heat
for first, dead even proved that it was a dead heat.
a complete loss, a write-off The spoiled meat was a dead loss.
a dead loss
(see write it off) We couldn't eat any of it.
a very close likeness, like Chad is a dead ringer for Mel
a dead ringer
a twin Gibson. They look like twins.
After the car slid in the ditch we had
a dickens of a a difficult task, a task with
a dickens of a time getting it back on
time problems, a hell of a time
the road.
a different A cult is not a religion. A cult is a
different, not the same
kettle of fish different kettle of fish entirely.
a manufactured penis, a
"When Ed's away I use a dildo."
a dildo [B] vibrator shaped like a
"Oh. That's interesting."
penis
a dime a very cheap, low priced, dirt He can remember when eggs were
dozen cheap cheap - a dime a dozen.
a long time, 10-15 years, a Mel! I haven't seen you for a dog's
a dog's age
coon's age age - at least ten years!
a dog's a mixture of many things, a This book is a dog's breakfast. It
breakfast hodgepodge contains a bit of everything.
a dog's life a poor life, hard times Without a job, it's a dog's life.
If we can't eat all the lobster, ask
a bag or container for food you
for a doggy bag and we'll take it
a doggy bag don't eat at the restaurant or
home. We can have it for lunch
café
tomorrow.
a double-
a device that can help you and Truth is a double-edged sword. It
edged
hurt you can imprison me or set me free.
sword
a downer a drug that relaxes you, a Before bedtime he took a downer
(drug) sedative to help him relax and sleep.
a downer an event or statement that News of the war was a downer.
(sadness) causes sadness Most of the people dreaded war.
Mary's party was a drag. We just
a drag a boring time, a yawner
sat around and talked.
a dressing a scolding, a lecture, a piece of Mother gave me a dressing down
down my mind when I said bad words.
a drop in the a small part, a tiny piece, the This donation is only a drop in
bucket tip of the iceberg the bucket, but it is appreciated.
an odd combination of things, a When Lynn opened the lid of the
a duke's strange mixture of items, a box she found a duke's mixture -
mixture dog's breakfast, Fibber everything from jewelry to
McGee's closet birdseed!
The boys argued and had a little
a dust-up a fight, a skirmish; set-to
dust-up, but no one got hurt.
The insurance company gave us
a fair deal, a just
a fair shake a fair shake - paid all our
settlement
damages.
a disagreement, a break in Guy and Jean had a falling out.
a falling out
friendship They argued about religion.
A man with a gun said, "If you
a wrong move, a
a false move make a false move, you're
threatening action
dead."
This is good sherry, but it's a far
a far cry not similar, very different
cry from the amontillado.
the eyes show thoughts of When I mention horses, you get
a faraway look
a distant place or friend a faraway look in your eyes.
a fart in a an act that has no effect, A letter to the editor of a paper is
windstorm an unimportant event like a fart in a windstorm.
a hit on the lip, an injured Stop bothering her or I'll give
a fat lip
lip you a fat lip. I'll hit you.
Because you are Karen's
a feather in your an honor, a credit to you,
teacher, her award is a feather
cap chalk one up for you
in your cap.
When Moe began eating bugs,
a few bricks short not sensible or logical, not
we knew he was a few bricks
of a full load all there
short.
The boys argued and had a little
a dust-up a fight, a skirmish; set-to
dust-up, but no one got hurt.
a fair deal, a just The insurance company gave us a
a fair shake
settlement fair shake - paid all our damages.
a disagreement, a break Guy and Jean had a falling out.
a falling out
in friendship They argued about religion.
a wrong move, a A man with a gun said, "If you
a false move
threatening action make a false move, you're dead."
This is good sherry, but it's a far
a far cry not similar, very different
cry from the amontillado.
the eyes show thoughts
When I mention horses, you get a
a faraway look of a distant place or
faraway look in your eyes.
friend
a fart in a an act that has no effect, A letter to the editor of a paper is
windstorm an unimportant event like a fart in a windstorm.
a hit on the lip, an injured Stop bothering her or I'll give you
a fat lip
lip a fat lip. I'll hit you.
a feather in your an honor, a credit to you, Because you are Karen's teacher,
cap chalk one up for you her award is a feather in your cap.
a few bricks
not sensible or logical, When Moe began eating bugs, we
short of a full
not all there knew he was a few bricks short.
load
a fifth wheel a useless object, an The team already had two guards,
unnecessary device so I felt like a fifth wheel.
a fair chance, a good If I can get a job interview, I'll have
a fighting chance
chance a fighting chance.
a full tank of gasoline, fill We got a fill-up before we left
a fill-up
her up Winnipeg. The truck needed gas.
a close relationship, not Sometimes there is a fine line
a fine line
much difference between love and lust.
a fine-toothed a careful search, a She read the file carefully - went
comb search for a detail over it with a fine-toothed comb.
a person who will The students in Grade 8 need a
a firm hand
discipline people teacher with a firm hand.
a person who does I'm looking for a steady worker,
a flash in the pan
superior work at first not a flash in the pan.
a very brief look, a quick A fleeting glance from Marilyn
a fleeting glance
glance would make his heart beat wildly.
able to hear and see
I'd like to be a fly on the wall in the
a fly on the wall what a fly would see and
Judge's chambers.
hear
a fool and his a fool will spend all his After he had spent his fortune, he
money are soon money quickly; easy remembered this saying: A fool
parted come, easy go and his money are soon parted.
a foregone a certain conclusion, a That he'll graduate is a foregone
conclusion predictable result conclusion. He is a good student.
complete authority, freedom The President gave Ms. Drake a
a free hand
to control free hand in choosing the colors.
a fight without rules, There was a free-for-all after the
a free-for-all
Donnybrook dance, and Brendan got hurt.
a stoppage; a decision to Right now there's a freeze on
a freeze on
stop spending, hiring etc. hiring at the plant - no hiring.
a fresh pair of a different reader, one who A fresh pair of eyes may find
eyes has not seen the writing many errors in this report.
In Canada, you will have a fresh
a fresh start starting again, a new life
start. You can begin a new life.
a full house a pair plus three of a kind, In our last game of poker, you
(cards) e.g., 2 kings and 3 aces dealt me a full house.
Nancy has a full plate these days.
a full plate a busy schedule, a lot to do
She has two jobs and three kids.
a gaggle of a flock of geese, a bunch of A gaggle of geese met us as we
geese geese drove into the farmyard.
a willing player, a rough and I can see that Bev's a game one.
a game one
ready person She plays hard and doesn't quit.
a ghost of a a poor chance, not likely to That car doesn't have a ghost of a
chance happen chance. It's too slow!
slightly drunk, tipsy, catch a When Myrna gets a glow on, she
a glow on
buzz likes to dance real close.
a go (See it's a go)
an aggressive employee, a What a go-getter! He finished the
a go-getter
hard worker, gung ho course a month before the others.
a going a busy person, an active At three years of age she was a
concern, enterprise, going great guns going concern - into everything!
a golden a good chance to succeed, The Royal Hotel is for sale. What
opportunity a good investment a golden opportunity!
something that is lost or I thought he was a goner, but the
a goner
beyond help cat came back. He's home.
the ability to throw a Doug is short, but he has a good
a good arm
baseball or football arm. He's an excellent passer.
a good-natured person, a Everybody likes Marsha. She's a
a good egg
good head good egg.
friendly, generous person; a Sean is a good head. He'll help at
a good head
good egg the food bank.
a person who is fair and What a good sport! You never
a good sport
friendly complain, even when you lose.
a grain of (See take it with a grain
salt of salt)
a grain of a bit of truth, take it with There's not a grain of truth in what
truth a grain... Brian says. It's all untrue.
a handful a child who is difficult to Jason is not easy to manage. He is a
manage real handful for his mother.
free food or money, I'm not asking for a handout. I'll pay
a handout
freeload you back when I find work.
a day full of hard work, You look tired, Dear. Did you have a
a hard day
put in a hard day hard day at the office?
a hard row a difficult task, many A single parent has a hard row to hoe,
to hoe problems working day and night.
teasing or bugging, a Ken will give you a hard time about
a hard time
bad time missing that free throw.
an erect penis, a hard When our dog gets a hard-on, he tries
a hard-on [B]
penis to crawl up my leg.
The tax form is a hassle this year. It's
a hassle a problem, a bother
difficult to understand.
a chance to start ahead of Give the smallest runner a head start.
a head start
the other runners etc. He can't run very fast.
At the end of a heavy day he likes to
a heavy day a busy day, a hard day
sit on the patio and read.
a heavy a person who can hurt Al is a heavy hitter. Don't try to cheat
hitter you, a heavyweight him.
a person with a lot of If you're promoted to vice-president,
a
power, a heavy hitter, a you'll be a heavyweight - a powerful
heavyweight
shogun, VIP person!
When he's drunk I have a hell of a
a hell of a a difficult task, an awful
time getting his car keys. He doesn't
time time, a dickens of a time
want to give me his keys.
a hell of a a great time, a wonderful "How was the party?" "I wish you had
time event, a blast come - we had a hell of a time!"
a helping help with a job or task, May was always ready with a helping
hand lend a hand hand.
a hill of The money he lost doesn't amount to
a small amount, very little
beans a hill of beans.
a popular song or movie, Remember the song Michelle? It was
a hit
an idea everybody likes quite a hit.
a hit a drug dose, drugs from a When she's depressed, she'll do
needle anything for a hit.
space for a lot of drink, Parl drank six bottles of beer. He
a hollow leg
room for a lot of beer must have a hollow leg!
To feed 20 people, you need a
a holy pile a lot, very much, tons
holy pile of spaghetti.
a time of laughter, a good Last night we went to Maude's
a hoot
time, a riot party. It was a hoot.
a horse of a a different matter, a If he wants to buy the land, that's
different color separate issue a horse of a different color.
a horse's ass After three drinks he was acting
a fool, a jerk
[B] like a horse's ass.
lucky in card games or at Walter's got a hot hand tonight.
a hot hand
gambling He's won four games of poker.
a couple (or topic) that Paul and Rita are a hot number
a hot number
everyone is talking about now. They're in love.
a popular item, a product Anything with James Dean's
a hot ticket
that people want picture on it is a hot ticket.
popular topic, the talk of Sex is a hot topic. Sex will get
a hot topic
the town their attention.
one who plays only for the Eddie was a hotdog - always
a hotdog
crowd, a show-off trying to excite the crowd.
a person who gets angry Phil, don't be such a hothead. Try
a hothead
easily; hot tempered to control your anger.
a person who displays; What a hotshot he is - showing
a hotshot
show-off, showboat everybody his new car.
a household a name everyone knows; Mario Lemieux, the hockey star,
name name of a famous person soon became a household name.
a howling a very bad snowstorm, a A howling blizzard delayed us. It
blizzard winter storm was snowing and blowing.
a beautiful car etc. a well- Dad, you should see this coupe.
a humdinger
designed product It's a humdinger!
a into g (See ass into gear)
a jim dandy a fine piece of work, a Mom, you should just see this
beautiful object saddle. It's a jim dandy!
something you want to keep "Do you like my leather jacket?"
a keeper
for a long time "Ya, man. It's a keeper!"
a woman who is paid to live I'm tired of being a kept woman. I
a kept woman
with a man want to be free of him.
handsome man; a man who "Liam Neeson! He's gorgeous!"
a lady-killer
charms the ladies; hunk she said. "What a lady-killer!"
If I take a night class, I'll have a
a leg up a start, a beginning, the first leg
leg up on my diploma.
a place where everyone has an A level playing field includes
a level
equal chance, level the playing equal pay for equal work for all
playing field
field men and women.
We don't have time to do a
a lick and a a hasty plan, a quick cleanup,
thorough cleaning. We'll just
promise give it the once-over
give it a lick and a promise.
When I need a lift, I watch
energy, a positive feeling, a shot
a lift Oprah. She makes me feel
in the arm
good.
"How did you know that I play
a little bird someone told me, one of your
chess?" "Oh, a little bird told
told me friends told me
me."
a little hair
(See hair off the dog)
off the dog
When Clem started eating
not quite sane, a bit crazy, one
a little off grass, we knew he was a little
brick short...
off.
The picture above the table is a
a little off not quite centered, not level
little off. Let's straighten it.
a little high in price, too much I'd like to buy that leather coat
a little steep
money to pay but the price is a little steep.
too much praise, too many nice His praise for the governor was
a little thick statements, kiss the blarney a little thick, a bit too much, I
stone, over the top think.
a long a poor chance of winning, a The Leafs winning the Stanley Cup -
shot slim chance now that's a long shot.
a loose unpredictable employee, one The President is sensible, but the
cannon who may embarrass Vice President is a loose cannon.
a losing losing several times in The Leafs are on a losing streak.
streak succession They've lost seven games!
a lost a goal or project that is not That video store is a lost cause. It
cause worth working for has never made a profit.
a lot of a lot of lies, a lot of bull, a The President's speech was a lot of
bunk pack of lies bunk. It contained no facts.
a lot of a lot of foolish talk, a lot of When you hear me speak Latin,
folderol bunk you'll think it's a lot of folderol.
a lot on Melvin may not look intelligent, but
intelligent, smart
the ball he's got a lot on the ball.
a gentle hit with the hand, a I didn't hit you very hard. It was just
a love tap
light push or bump a love tap.
a lucky good luck, good fortune, Finding that money was a lucky
break stroke of good luck break. It was our good fortune.
a lucky winning several times in Whenever I wear this ring, I have a
streak succession lucky streak. I win every game!
a poor credit rating from
The bank won't approve your loan if
a major a major credit card
you have a major.
company
a man of few a man who says little; Chung is a man of few words, but
words who uses few words when he speaks, people listen.
a man of the a minister, a priest, a Being a man of the cloth, he has
cloth clergyman studied the Bible.
a man can relax and I let Ron think he's king when he
a man's home
please himself in his comes home from work. He believes a
is his castle
own home man's home is his castle.
a person known for
a marked When they discovered I had been a
political beliefs or
man Nazi, I was a marked man.
criminal acts
a matter of life (See it's a matter of life
and death and death)
a mental a problem with learning I have a mental block when I try to do
block a subject or concept algebra. I can't think.
a month of a very long time, many It will take a month of Sundays to
Sundays days phone all the students in our school.
a necessary experience, If you like words, you need a
a must
a required item dictionary. It's a must!
exciting game or movie; Have you seen the movie The
a nail-biter
having much suspense Fugitive? It's a nail-biter.
a necktie If the men catch the outlaw, they
a hanging, a lynching
party want to have a necktie party.
an employee works hard on After my first day working for
a new broom
the first day or two, make a Grandfather, he said, "A new
sweeps clean
good impression broom sweeps clean."
a new lease a feeling that life will be The promotion gave him a new
on life better, a fresh start lease on life.
a notch That bicycle is a notch below the
inferior, not as good
below Peugeot. It's not quite as good.
a person who is crazy, If you go to work in pajamas,
a nut case
crackpot people will say you're a nut case.
What Gail is saying about Julie is
a pack of lies many lies, no truth to it
a pack of lies. It's not true.
a pain in the Fixing that car every day is a pain
a bother, a lot of trouble
ass [B] in the ass.
a pain in the a person who causes Hal keeps interrupting me. He's a
butt problems, a pain in the ass pain in the butt!
What did I pay for this painting? A
a small amount of money,
a paltry sum paltry sum - I bought it at a
chicken feed, peanuts
garage sale.
a series of memos or letters A business merger leaves a long
a paper trail
that record events paper trail - many documents.
a person who helps to Jane said she didn't want to be a
a party to that
do something bad party to computer theft.
a planned or memorized You won't get the job if you give a
a pat answer
answer, a canned pat answer to every question.
answer
a penny for your tell me what you are When I'm quiet, she will say, "A
thoughts thinking about penny for your thoughts."
a person you have
a perfect In New York, a perfect stranger
never seen, a total
stranger asked her to sleep with him.
stranger
something that gives me On a hot afternoon, a glass of iced
a pick-me-up
energy or new life tea is a great pick-me-up.
a picture is worth a picture is easier to Instead of more talk, I'll draw
a thousand understand than a report thousand words a diagram. A
words or essay picture is worth a thousand words.
a piece of ass If it's just a piece of ass you want,
sex, intercourse, nookie
[B] why don't you find a prostitute?
easy to do, a snap, no Solving the puzzle was easy. It was
a piece of cake
problem a piece o' cake.
a piece of my my criticism of what you If my son stayed out all night, I'd
mind did, a tongue-lashing give him a piece of my mind.
an easy task, an easy
Changing the oil? A piece o' piss -
a piece of piss thing to do, a piece of
I'll show you how.
cake
a piece of tail
(See a piece of ass)
[B]
a piece of the a share of the profit or prize Those who paid for the winning
action or loot ticket get a piece of the action.
a risk, a gamble, taking a
If you don't test drive the car,
a pig in a poke chance (see take a
you're buying a pig in a poke.
chance)
a pinch of very little or no value, That Rambler ain't worth a pinch o'
coon shit [B] worthless coon shit. It's a lousy car.
a bit of salt, the salt held Hector uses a pinch of salt when
a pinch of salt
between thumb and finger he makes chocolate fudge.
on your birthday, guests
a pinch to "Happy birthday, Sal. Here's a
pinch you to help you grow
grow an inch pinch to grow an inch!" "Ouch!"
taller
a pine float a glass of water with a "What's that?" "You ordered a pine
toothpick floating on the float - a toothpick floating in a glass
water of water!"
a play on a pun, a word or phrase When a man says he'll give you a
words that has two meanings ring, it may be a play on words.
a pocket of a small group resisting, a There's a pocket of resistance in
resistance few people not on side one district. A few disagree.
a face with no expression; Judge Brady has a poker face. He
a poker face
showing no emotion doesn't show his emotions.
"How much are the tickets?" "Fifty
a pop per person, per ticket
dollars a pop."
a pretty I bet she paid a pretty penny for that
a lot of money, a high price
penny coat. It looks expensive.
a question For them, it's a question of faith.
the important factor, the issue
of They believe in the Bible.
a person who tries to learn When my wife was elected to city
a quick
much in a short time, a crash council, I became a quick study in
study
course municipal politics.
a quick game or visit, a short I love to play chess. Do we have
a quickie
time of play time for a quickie before dinner?
an unfair contract, paying too If he's charging too much rent you're
a raw deal
much, taken in getting a raw deal.
a red- a special day, a memorable This is going to be a red-letter day. I
letter day day found my lost keys!
a person who is intolerant of If you ask a redneck he'll say, "Find
a redneck other opinions and cultures, a a job or starve - and if you don't like
bigot it, too bad."
a regular David? Well, he's honest and easy to
an average man, a good guy
guy live with - a regular guy.
a lot of fun, a good time, a You should've gone to Maude's
a riot
hoot party. It was a riot!
unfair price or rule, The price of drinks was a rip-off. A
a rip-off
priced too high small Coke cost $3!
a roll in the hay I asked her if she wanted a roll in the
making love, having sex
[B] hay, and she said, "Sure. Do you
have a condom?"
"Look at me. I have nothing to keep
a rolling stone a person who is always
me in one place." "Yes, but it seems
gathers no moving has few
you have always been a rolling
moss possessions
stone."
a lot of teasing, a lot of Did your friends give you a rough time
a rough time
bugging about your funny haircut?
a rough time of a time of stress or bad After the divorce he had a rough time
it luck, a tough time of it of it.
a feeling of irritation, a When he brags about his wealthy
a royal pain
pain in the ass family, he gives me a royal pain.
a run for your strong competition, an I should enter the election and give
money opponent him a run for his money.
a sack of a dead weight, a heavy Don't throw me in the lake! I'll sink like
hammers object a sack of hammers!
well-meaning, but "If you assign this task to Andy, it
a sad sack
unable to accomplish won't be done. He's a sad sack."
an evil story is being A scandal is brewing in the Pacific
a scandal is
told, there are rumors of Ocean. A whale and a shark are living
brewing
a scandal together without a marriage license!
a score to an argument to finish, a bone I have a score to settle with him.
settle to pick He owes me a month's rent.
Sometimes I think he has a
a little bit crazy, one brick
a screw loose screw loose - like when he eats
short...
paper.
a mockery or satire, a takeoff The speaker did a send-up of
a send-up
on the way Canadians talk.
a shadow of
much lighter than he was After twenty years in prison, he
his former
before, very thin and weak was a shadow of his former self.
self
Karly is a beautiful girl, but her
a sharp a tendency to reply sharply or
sharp tongue may be a
tongue sarcastically
problem.
an ability to say funny things at Mr. Mills is 85, but he still has a
a sharp wit
the right time sharp wit. His mind is quick.
Ray made a shitload of money
a lot, a large quantity, make a
a shitload at the races - thousands of
bundle, tons
dollars!
Mr. Fuji is a business magnate -
a powerful business person, a
a shogun a shogun - known for his
tycoon, a heavyweight
interest in robots.
the person/horse/team that is Ralph's a shoo-in to win the
a shoo-in
certain to win, a sure thing next election. He'll win easily.
a small drink, a small amount "Can I pour you a drink?" "Yes.
a short one
of liquor A short one, please."
a shot in the Billy Graham's sermon was
energy, encouragement, a lift
arm inspiring - a shot in the arm.
a shot in the a wild guess, a try, hazard a His answer was incorrect. It was a
dark guess shot in the dark.
a sick a building with polluted air or This is a sick building. The air
building insufficient oxygen contains toxic fumes.
a sight for something or someone you Well, my friend, you are a sight for
sore eyes are happy to see sore eyes. Good to see you!
a silver (See born with a silver spoon
spoon... in his mouth)
a sitting an easy target, a person who The old lady was a sitting duck for
duck is easy to deceive the salesman. It was an easy sale.
a slim very little chance, not likely "Is it going to rain today?" "Maybe.
chance to happen There's a slim chance."
a slip of the a spoken error or mistake, a I said brew instead of blue. It was a
tongue word that slips out slip of the tongue.
a slippery a path that leads to Nationalism is a slippery slope. It
slope problems, a risky plan often leads to racism.
not productive, not many Tuesday is a slow day in the car
a slow day
customers market - very few sales.
A slug of bats hung from a rock jutting
a slug a group, a bunch
out of the cave's ceiling.
a snap (See it's a snap)
a lot to smell or drink, When the coyotes get a snootful of
a snootful
get wind of our campfire, they'll run.
I knew it was a snow job. They said if
a false story, a phony
a snow job I ordered some pens, I'd receive a
deal, a rip-off
new TV.
a snowball's little or no chance to If I write the test now, I won't have a
chance in hell succeed snowball's chance in hell.
a person who will not Barry's a soft touch. Let's ask him for
a soft touch
refuse, an easy mark a loan.
a small cup of tea, a When I visit Mrs. Smith, we always
a spot of tea
drink of tea have a spot of tea.
(See it's not a state
a state secret
secret)
a bargain; purchased How much did I pay for my new coat?
a steal
for a very low price Very little. It was a steal.
(See keep a stiff upper
a stiff upper lip
lip)
a stitch in time a small repair may prevent I believe in maintenance. A stitch
saves nine a large repair in time saves nine.
a stitch of (See didn't have a stitch of
clothes clothes on)
a short distance, 25 A deer came into the yard, just a
a stone's throw
metres stone's throw from our door.
a sucker for one who allows himself to If I accept blame for a team loss,
punishment be hurt or blamed I'm a sucker for punishment.
a suicide pass a pass behind the player Older players always stop when
(hockey) causing him to look back receiving a suicide pass.
certain to win, a good The Lions are a sure bet in the
a sure bet
choice to bet on final game. They'll win easily.
a predictable result, sure For them, success is a sure
a sure thing
to happen thing. They plan for success.
a need to eat candy, a After dinner we'll serve mints.
a sweet tooth
craving for sugar Daddy has a sweet tooth, eh.
similar to, based on the The school play was a takeoff on
a takeoff on
same idea, a send-up Shakespeare's Hamlet.
a scolding, a personal If he has a poor attitude, Dan will
a talking to
lecture give him a talking to.
a large drink of liquor, a strong After he heard the bad news, he
a tall one
drink poured himself a tall one.
a tempest in a a lot of excitement about a The argument was over quickly.
teapot small problem It was a tempest in a teapot.
a thorn in my one who thwarts you, one who He's always been a thorn in my
side irritates you, bug side - always critical of me.
a person who needs three "What did he look like?" "He
a three-
bags over his head because was at least a three-bagger. He
bagger
he looks so scary also needed a bath."
a three-
a hit that allows the batter to Molitor hit a three-bagger in the
bagger
run to third base sixth game of the World Series.
(baseball)
a titch (See just a titch)
a token a small sign of thanks or To thank us, they put our names
gesture recognition in the paper - a token gesture.
a tongue- a scolding, a lecture, a talking When Sis came home drunk,
lashing to Dad gave her a tongue-lashing.
a total one you have never seen, a "Can I give you a ride home?"
stranger perfect stranger "No. You're a total stranger."
Mary's not feeling well today.
a touch of a little illness, minor symptoms
She has a touch of the flu.
a tough act a performance that is not Gail danced very well. That is a
to follow easy to equal tough act to follow.
a difficult decision, a hard Was the goal scored before the
a tough call
choice game ended? It's a tough call.
a tough row
(See a hard row to hoe)
to hoe
a tough time a time of stress or bad luck, When Bev left home she had a tough
of it a rough time of it time of it. She had no job.
When my parents were killed in an
a tower of a person who helps you
accident, Harry was a tower of
strength during a crisis, a brick
strength to me.
a wake-up a warning, a caution, wake "I got a D on my English test!" "Is it a
call up and smell the coffee wake-up call to work harder?"
not owing each other, You owe me $20, but you gave me a
a wash
even, square CD, so it's a wash, eh.
No one attended the concert. It was
a wash-out a failure, a lost cause
a wash-out.
a way with natural ability to speak, the Ask Viv to write the speech. She has
words gift of the gab a way with words.
a whale of a an exciting game, a cliff- When Canada played Sweden, it
game hanger was a whale of a game.
Oil exploration is sometimes a
a wild goose a waste of time, a long
wild goose chase. It's
chase chase without results
uncertain.
Sometimes a problem is
a window of an opportunity, a chance,
actually a window of
opportunity a golden opportunity
opportunity.
The priest looked harmless, but
a wolf in sheep's an evil person who looks
he was a wolf in sheep's
clothing innocent
clothing.
I can't discuss the plan, but a
a word to the wise a wise person understands
word to the wise is sufficient:
is sufficient when he hears a key word
progress.
a person who works with Ask Jan if it's colour or color.
a wordsmith
words, a writer or author She's a wordsmith.
a boring event, a book etc. I went to the movie, but it was a
a yawner
that is not interesting yawner so I left.
This restaurant is A-OK. The
A-OK fine, better than average
food and service are good.
William O'Connor - a.k.a. Wil,
also known as, alias, go by
a.k.a. (aka) Willie, Billy Boy - was born in
the name of
Ireland.
It's about time you got here.
about time nearly late, high time
We've been waiting a long
time.
above and beyond much more than expected, Her extra work was above and
the call of duty go the extra mile beyond the call of duty.
legal, not hidden, not Every action, every payment is
above board under the table, not above board. Customers respect
underhanded that kind of honesty.
not required to obey laws, Just because he's rich, he thinks
above the law
privileged he's above the law.
absence makes When she's away I'm very lonely.
when friends are apart
the heart grow Absence does make the heart
they like each other more
fonder grow fonder.
according to according to the rules, if According to Hoyle, it's your turn
Hoyle we follow the rules to deal the cards.
explain how or why,
How do you account for the
account for provide reasons, call into
missing money? Where did it go?
account
a hidden strength or Sam's ace in the hole is honesty,
ace in the hole
talent which his clients soon discover.
a weakness, a vulnerable Jewelry is my Achilles heel. I buy
Achilles heel
place too much jewelry.
acid test (See the acid test)
We want a salary increase
affecting all people,
across the board across the board - for all
applies to everything
positions.
explain by movement and Watch - I'll act out the meaning of
act out
gestures pacifist.
She said that Kim was acting up at
act up misbehave, do bad things
church - making noise.
not work right, give pain or My stomach is acting up today. I
act up
problems don't feel well.
actions speak people judge by actions Parents should remember that
louder than more than words, practice actions speak louder than words.
words what you preach Kids imitate their parents.
ad lib (ad improvise, create, at will, After I learn the melody I like to ad
libitum) off the cuff lib. I play what I hear in my head.
add fuel to the cause more anger, He's angry. Telling him bad news
fire aggravate a problem will add fuel to the fire.
add another negative, If you say his answer is wrong, and
add insult to
make it worse, put your then say he can't understand,
injury
foot in it you've added insult to injury.
sorry, but it is true; believe "Did he spend all of our money?"
afraid so
me, yeppers "Yes, 'fraid so."
after you consider all the Will you help me with English?
after all
facts, to be fair After all, I helped you with math.
against all not likely to happen, slim Against all odds - poor weather,
odds chance student pilot - we landed safely.
against the against the natural way, Some words go against the grain.
grain rub the wrong way Their spellings aren't natural.
She said that Kim was acting up at
act up misbehave, do bad things
church - making noise.
not work right, give pain or My stomach is acting up today. I
act up
problems don't feel well.
actions speak people judge by actions Parents should remember that
louder than more than words, practice actions speak louder than words.
words what you preach Kids imitate their parents.
ad lib (ad improvise, create, at will, After I learn the melody I like to ad
libitum) off the cuff lib. I play what I hear in my head.
add fuel to the cause more anger, He's angry. Telling him bad news
fire aggravate a problem will add fuel to the fire.
add another negative, If you say his answer is wrong, and
add insult to
make it worse, put your then say he can't understand,
injury
foot in it you've added insult to injury.
sorry, but it is true; believe "Did he spend all of our money?"
afraid so
me, yeppers "Yes, 'fraid so."
after you consider all the Will you help me with English?
after all
facts, to be fair After all, I helped you with math.
against all not likely to happen, slim Against all odds - poor weather,
odds chance student pilot - we landed safely.
against the against the natural way, Some words go against the grain.
grain rub the wrong way Their spellings aren't natural.
all around an indirect route, a roundabout When Celia is the driver,
Robin Hood's way, all the way to Egery and we go all around Robin
barn back, wild goose chase Hood's barn!
all decked out (See deck out)
When Dad mentioned
listening carefully, trying to hear
all ears hunting, I was all ears. I
everything
loved to hunt.
When the fire truck arrived,
all eyes watching carefully, staring
the children were all eyes.
Ian gets all fired up when
all fired up eager, enthused, gung ho he sees Kari. There's love
in his eyes.
all get-out (See as all get-out)
I hope all goes well for you
all goes well have good luck, have no problems at college. I hope you
succeed.
If a man buys things he
all hat and no pretending to be important and
can't pay for, he's all hat
cattle rich, all show
and no cattle.
When the fire alarm
all hell broke people did crazy things, everybody
sounded, all hell broke
loose was fighting
loose.
Dan talks to the door. I
all his marbles normal, sensible wonder if he's got all his
marbles.
very tired, exhausted, dog After the marathon, she was all in -
all in
tired, done in completely exhausted.
all in a day's not extra work, just part of She said, "Thanks for the help."
work my duties "All in a day's work," he replied.
generally, considering All in all, it was a good holiday. We
all in all
everything enjoyed our trip to Europe.
all it's cracked as good as the ads say, The new computer isn't all it's
up to be live up to the reports cracked up to be. It's not so hot.
all joking aside (See joking aside)
all over but the (See it's all over but the
shouting shouting)
all over hell's all over the place, I left the gate open, and the cows
half acre everywhere are all over hell's half acre.
"All set?" he asked, as she closed
all set ready, prepared to start
her suitcase.
all she wrote (See that's all she wrote)
Al gets all shook up when he sees
all shook up excited, nervous
Gina. He likes her a lot.
artificial, having little or no When he gets angry and yells at
all show
substance, put on airs us, it's all show, just to scare us.
all spruced clean and dressed in your best The young farmers got all
up clothes, dressed up spruced up for the dance.
He talks about doing everything,
all talk and a person who talks a lot but
but doesn't accomplish anything.
no action does very little, hot air
He's all talk and no action!
the golf ball is on the tee, The parade is ready to begin. It's
all teed up
everything is ready all teed up.
all related things, other similar They were talking about UFO's
all that jazz
topics and all that jazz.
When Horst sold his business he
all the bells a lot of extra features, lots of
bought a motorhome with all the
and whistles goodies, loaded
bells and whistles.
all the Our canary sings all the livelong
all day, lasting the whole day
livelong day day - from dawn to dusk.
all the How does it feel to be playing in
all the money, the top prize
marbles the final - for all the marbles?
all the tea in (See not for all the tea in
China China)
all the way to a long, indirect road; the long To get to the Halsteads, we
Egery and way; all around Robin Hood's have to go all the way to Egery
back barn, all over hell's half acre and back!
artificial, having little or no When he gets angry and yells at
all show
substance, put on airs us, it's all show, just to scare us.
all spruced clean and dressed in your best The young farmers got all
up clothes, dressed up spruced up for the dance.
He talks about doing everything,
all talk and a person who talks a lot but
but doesn't accomplish anything.
no action does very little, hot air
He's all talk and no action!
the golf ball is on the tee, The parade is ready to begin. It's
all teed up
everything is ready all teed up.
all related things, other similar They were talking about UFO's
all that jazz
topics and all that jazz.
When Horst sold his business he
all the bells a lot of extra features, lots of
bought a motorhome with all the
and whistles goodies, loaded
bells and whistles.
all the Our canary sings all the livelong
all day, lasting the whole day
livelong day day - from dawn to dusk.
all the How does it feel to be playing in
all the money, the top prize
marbles the final - for all the marbles?
all the tea in (See not for all the tea in
China China)
all the way to a long, indirect road; the long To get to the Halsteads, we
Egery and way; all around Robin Hood's have to go all the way to Egery
back barn, all over hell's half acre and back!
The teacher asked Jason to
explain the meaning of
Shakespeare's words:
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women
all the world's a the world is a stage; we
merely players.
stage are all performers
They have their exits and their
entrances;
And one man in his time plays
many parts,
His acts being seven ages."
all things being if things remain the same, All things being equal, we should
equal if no surprises occur sell all our bicycles by October.
all things to all satisfy everyone, live up Be yourself. Stop trying to be all
people to things to all people.
clumsy, unable to hold it, When I try to sew a button on my
all thumbs
fingers feel like thumbs shirt, I'm all thumbs.
all occupations and As a salesperson, you will meet
all walks of life
lifestyles people from all walks of life.
failed in business or Barry's all washed up. His
all washed up
career business is bankrupt.
mistaken, do not know
You're all wet! You can't grow
all wet what you are talking
bananas in Saskatchewan.
about
all work and no do not work too long, take When I picked up my overtime
play makes Jack time for recreation, take check, Karen reminded me that All
a dull boy time to smell... work and no play... .
depending on one plan or If you invest all your money in one
all your eggs in
one investment, hedge hotel, you'll have all your eggs in
one basket
your bets one basket.
there are no rules to When your girlfriend leaves you
all's fair in love
guide you in love or war, for your best friend, remember,
and war
that's life All's fair in love and war.
a happy ending is the Although we argued and fought,
all's well that ends
most important thing, the we are happy with the result.
well
end justifies... All's well that ends well!
We looked day and night for the
all-out all your effort, go all-out
lost girl. It was an all-out effort.
You've met the workers. This is
just a passenger, not a
along for the ride my nephew - he's just along for
helper, joyride
the ride.
similar, on the same topic, He wants a job in health care or
along those lines
in that vein nursing, along those lines.
American as (See as American as
apple pie apple pie)
an ace up your an important card to play, To survive, one needs an ace up
sleeve an important fact to reveal one's sleeve - a special talent.
Sally is such an airhead. She
a person who talks without
an airhead said that chicklets are baby
thinking, a fool
chickens.
an apple a day
eat one apple each day Mom gave me an apple, saying,
keeps the doctor
for good health "An apple a day... ."
away
a negative attitude, a poor If you don't do your work, they
an attitude
outlook will think you have an attitude.
a point to discuss or argue Jason had an axe to grind at the
an axe to grind
about meeting - job security.
a lecture, a scolding, a If Mom catches you smoking,
an earful
bawling out you'll get an earful.
one who can easily be Ask Charlie for a loan. He's an
an easy mark
persuaded, a soft touch easy mark.
We need a steady manager,
an even keel good balance, stability one who can keep an even
keel.
an eye for an eye equal punishment or Canadian laws do not demand
(a tooth for a tooth) revenge an eye for an eye.
an offer that contains a The border guards invited me to
an offer I couldn't
threat or force, a request stay for further questioning - it
refuse
that is a command was an offer I couldn't refuse.
Tom's an old hand at cribbage.
a person with a lot of
an old hand at He's played since he was a
practice or experience
boy.
a veteran, an old soldier, The band played marches and
an old warhorse
a classic story or tune overtures - the old warhorses.
an ounce of prevent a problem so you Forest fires deserve an ounce
prevention is worth don't have to solve it, a of prevention: public education
a pound of cure stitch in time... in campfire safety.
Amy is anal retentive. She
too concerned with detail,
anal retentive writes down everything the
pedantic
teacher says.
make you feel stable or When you have a crisis, your
anchor you
confident faith will anchor you.
and how very much The kids love pizza - and how!
and stuff and other things or We were watchin' TV an' stuff, just
activities, et cetera hangin' out.
that is final, that is the You will be home by 10 p.m., and
and that's that
way it will be done that's that!
with lots to spare, plus a We invited everybody in town - and
and then some
few more then some!
angels fear to (See where angels fear
tread to tread)
another nail in another cigarette; harmful Every cigarette he smoked was
your coffin substance another nail in his coffin.
put some money in the As the dealer shuffled the cards, he
ante up
center of the table said, "Ante up, boys."
When the teacher asks him a
any old thing any word, any answer
question, he says any old thing.
any way you (See no matter how you
slice it slice it)
any phone calls or letters, Any word from Dale? He should
any word
any reply have called us by now.
there are no rules;
Anything goes during Stampede
anything goes expect anything to
week. People do crazy things!
happen
(See an apple a day
apple a day...
keeps the doctor away)
apple of his (See the apple of his
eye eye)
very neat, well
apple-pie "Is your room in apple-pie order?"
organized, shipshape,
order "Yes, Mom. It is."
tickety-boo
prepared to fight or
armed to the By the time the trial began, the lawyer
defend, having lots of
teeth was armed to the teeth.
evidence
around Robin (See all around Robin
Hood's barn Hood's barn)
around the crazy or insane, off your If I had to listen to that noise all the
bend rocker time, I'd go around the bend.
around the twenty-four hours, Julie worked around the clock to finish
clock 'round the clock her sewing project.
The burrowing owl is a protected
as a matter of to state a fact, in fact, to
species. As a matter of fact, it's an
fact be perfectly honest
endangered species.
very much, a lot, like Tracy is not only beautiful. She's as
as all get-out
crazy, to the max talented as all get-out.
as American as very American, like an Jeans and T-shirts are American,
apple pie American custom as American as apple pie!
as busy as a very busy, working When the teacher returned, the
beaver steadily students were as busy as beavers.
The hen squeezed, and out
as clean as a without any dirt or marks,
popped an egg as clean as a
whistle smooth and clean
whistle.
You don't remember the party
as drunk as a very drunk, polluted,
because you were as drunk as a
skunk sloshed
skunk!
If your dog doesn't learn your
as dumb as a very dumb, ignorant,
tricks, who is as dumb as a sack of
sack of hammers dumbbell
hammers?
based on my knowledge, As far as I know, the company will
as far as I know
to the best of my... pay your travel expenses.
as full as a tick (See full as a tick)
As if we'd leave for Banff without
as if unlikely, unbelievable
you. We'd never do that!
as luck is sometimes
as luck would By the time we arrived, as luck
good and sometimes
have it would have it, the fight was over.
bad
like new, in mint For Sale: 1999 Mazda Miata, red,
as new
condition all options, low km, as new.
easy to see, clearly
I saw it, as plain as day - Bigfoot - not
as plain as day visible, in broad
twenty feet away!
daylight
as plain as the very easy to see or We have photos of the earth from
nose on your understand, very clear, outer space that prove the earth is
face crystal clear round. It's as plain as the nose on
your face!
as poor as a very poor, having little, How can they refuse to help her?
church mouse the wolf knocking... She's as poor as a church mouse.
as right as rain (See right as rain)
as scarce as rare, uncommon, not Country doctors are as scarce as
hen's teeth many of them hen's teeth.
very sick, very ill, as
as sick as a Barry can't come to practice. He's sick
sick as a parrot, in sick
dog as a dog!
bay
very, very sick; on your
as sick as a Samuel's voice sounds weird because
deathbed, sicker than a
parrot he's as sick as a parrot.
dog
as slow as a He writes as slow as a dead snail,
unbeatable in slowness
dead snail only a word or two per day!
as slow as
only a dead snail is The tortoise is very slow - as slow as
molasses in
slower molasses in January.
January
as solid as the "What is the foundation made of?"
very solid or stable, not
Rock of "Concrete - it's as solid as the Rock of
movable or wobbly
Gibraltar Gibraltar!"
certain to happen,
as sure as Robert will come, sure as shit. He
predictable, a foregone
shit comes every day.
conclusion
as the crow the shortest distance The farm is about ten miles
flies between two places northeast of town, as the crow flies.
not useful, not needed, I sat there watching the four of them
as useless as
redundant, (four wheels are play bridge, and feeling as useless
a fifth wheel
sufficient) as a fifth wheel.
as useless as not useful, not necessary, Our toenails are useless - as
tits on a boar having no function useless as tits on a boar.
When you called him a thief, you
ask for it invite or deserve an attack
asked for it. You made him mad.
ask for the ask for a lot, ask for more When we negotiate our salary let's
moon than you need or want try this strategy: Ask for the moon
and hope for a 10% raise.
a starting price, a price to The asking price for the lot was
asking price
begin negotiations $29,500. It sold for $28,000.
asleep at the not alert, not watching, not If you're asleep at the switch, you
switch paying attention won't learn much in class.
Don't be an ass, Duddy. Stay in
ass fool, dipstick, jerk
school and get your diploma.
After holidays, I'll get my ass into
ass into gear moving, working, doing
gear and paint the house.
be accountable for an I sent the package Overnight Air Mail,
ass on the
error or failure, take the because my ass is on the line if it
line
rap arrives late.
ass over falling over backwards, The cowboy knocked him off his feet -
teakettle head over heels ass over teakettle!
Those jeans fit you, but they're a little
ass [B] buttocks, backside, butt
tight around the ass.
with one look, a quick I could see at a glance that the car
at a glance
look was unsafe. A wheel was loose.
When you passed us you were going
at a good clip fast, at a high speed
at a pretty good clip.
at a loss for unable to think of a reply When he asked why I wanted the
words or something to say vase, I was at a loss for words.
at a
with little warning, on We may call you at a moment's notice
moment's
short notice - whenever we need help.
notice
at all in any way, in the least "Are you sleepy?" "No. Not at all."
at a distance, away from The smoke keeps the mosquitoes at
at bay
you bay. They don't like smoke.
at death's dying, near death, brush Poor Sarah! She has lung cancer and
door with death I fear she's at death's door.
stand at ease, do not The lieutenant said, "At ease,
at ease
stand at attention, relax soldier. We're not on duty."
at face value the value shown by the At face value, this car appears to be
surface, what you see ... in good condition.
caused the problem, to The judge will decide who's at fault -
at fault
blame who caused the crash.
when you first see it, when At first glance, it looked like a cat - a
at first glance
you notice it large cat.
just before the sun rises, at At first light, the ducks would fly to
at first light
the crack of dawn the grainfields to feed.
with feeling for you, with Believe me, she has your needs at
at heart
you in mind heart. She cares about you.
That dog is at it again - barking in
at it again doing it again, back at it
the middle of the night.
not very much, very little to At least he could have phoned. He
at least
ask could have done that.
free to speak or act, Are you at liberty to tell us who won?
at liberty
allowed to speak Can you tell us?
at not agreeing, opposed to They're at loggerheads over who
loggerheads each other owns the farm. They don't agree.
at loose disorganized, unable to I was at loose ends when the kids
ends concentrate were fighting. I couldn't think.
at my wits' very tired and nervous, at the After a wedding and a funeral she
end end of my rope was at her wits' end.
Your testimony in court is at odds
not in agreement, opposed, at
at odds with the statement you gave to the
loggerheads
police. Why are they different?
at the same time, You can't do two things at once. You
at once
simultaneously can eat or talk, but not both.
Your mother said you should come
at once now, immediately
in at once - immediately.
at one fell
(See in one fell swoop)
swoop
At one time, the sun didn't seem so
at one in the past, during a time past,
hot. We didn't need sunscreen when
time once upon a time
we worked or played in the sun.
at peace feeling peaceful, without worry After talking about his problem he
was at peace with himself.
Tie these ropes while the boat is at
at rest stopped, not moving
rest - before it moves.
at sixes not in agreement, confused, in
Parents and teachers are at sixes
and a state of confusion, arguing,
and sevens over sex education.
sevens at loggerheads
at loose disorganized, unable to I was at loose ends when the kids
ends concentrate were fighting. I couldn't think.
at my wits' very tired and nervous, at the After a wedding and a funeral she
end end of my rope was at her wits' end.
Your testimony in court is at odds
not in agreement, opposed, at
at odds with the statement you gave to the
loggerheads
police. Why are they different?
at the same time, You can't do two things at once. You
at once
simultaneously can eat or talk, but not both.
Your mother said you should come
at once now, immediately
in at once - immediately.
at one fell
(See in one fell swoop)
swoop
At one time, the sun didn't seem so
at one in the past, during a time past,
hot. We didn't need sunscreen when
time once upon a time
we worked or played in the sun.
After talking about his problem he
at peace feeling peaceful, without worry
was at peace with himself.
Tie these ropes while the boat is at
at rest stopped, not moving
rest - before it moves.
at sixes not in agreement, confused, in
Parents and teachers are at sixes
and a state of confusion, arguing,
and sevens over sex education.
sevens at loggerheads
He shared his feelings, speaking at
at will freely, without restraint
will about his problems.
at your beck serving you, doing You don't have to be at his beck and
and call everything for you call, doing whatever he asks.
at your easy to find, ready to When I repair a car, I like to have all
fingertips use my tools at my fingertips.
attaboy (that a good work, well done, 'at Whenever I win, Don says, "Attaboy!
boy) a boy Good game!"
attagirl (that a good work, well done, 'at When Judy gets good grades, her
girl) a girl mom says, "Attagirl, Judy!"
away out (See way out)
away out of
(See way out of line)
line
away to the going without a problem, When they approve our business
races smooth sailing loan, we'll be away to the races.
great, super, bonzer, We had an awesome time in Rome! It
awesome
totally awesome was a great trip!
axe to grind (See an axe to grind)
"Hi, babe. Want to sit with me?"
babe darling, honey, girlfriend
"Sure, honey. I'd love to."
babe in
(See a babe in arms)
arms
babe in the
(See a babe in the woods)
woods
feeling sad when you are After seven months, Karly had the
baby blues
pregnant baby blues. She was feeling sad.
baby a person born during the Baby boomers will retire in the first
boomer decade after World War II decade of the 21st century.
having returned to a past habit "I was so glad to hear George quit
back at it
or occupation, at it again drinking." "Well, he's back at it."
I wish you the same as you "Merry Christmas, Val." "Back at
back at ya
wished me, ditto, same to you ya, Wayne."
yield, not challenge, not stand Ole won't back down from you.
back down
up to He's ready to fight.
do not come closer, do not Back off, you animal! Don't touch
back off
touch me me!
back on feeling better, recovered from When you're back on your feet, we
your feet an illness want you to return to work.
decide not to do it, change If you sign your name, you can't
back out
your mind back out. You have to pay.
back teeth are Please watch for a rest room.
have to urinate, need to pee
floating My back teeth are floating.
back to square back to the first step, start If you forget to do one of the
one from scratch steps, it's back to square one.
back to the back to the beginning, back If this plan fails, it's back to the
drawing board to square one drawing board. We start again.
back to the return to the job, go back to After New Year's, it's back to
grind work the grind - the old routine.
go backwards, drive in I'll back up the truck so we can
back up
reverse load it.
support your decision, sign His brother will back him if he
back you
your application needs financing.
back yourself put yourself in a bad position, If you buy what you can't afford
into a corner have no escape you back yourself into a corner.
backpack support, be the parent First, GM backpacked Saab.
(business) company Then they bought the company.
men who play poker and When the police raided Gino's
backroom boys smoke in a room at the back they arrested four of the
of the store backroom boys.
When I was learning to skate, I fell
backside buttocks, bum, buns
a lot. My backside was sore!
saving information on a Don't forget to make a backup disk
backup
computer disk of all your computer files.
He's the bad apple in that group.
bad apple bad one, rotten one
He's always in trouble.
bad feelings, a negative John and Fred are bitter enemies.
bad blood
relationship There's bad blood between them.
unpleasant smell from the I've been eating garlic, so I may
bad breath
mouth, jungle mouth have bad breath.
a man who beats a Viki had another bad date. A guy
bad date
prostitute, john beat her and took her clothes.
bad news troublemaker, someone Don't hire him. Everybody says
who causes problems he's bad news.
bad taste in (See a bad taste in my
my mouth mouth)
criticize, say bad things Don't badmouth employers. Don't
badmouth
about, put down criticize your references.
confusing statements, There was a lot of bafflegab in the
bafflegab
jargon, political language speech, a lot of nonsense.
bag and everything you own, all of The next day, he moved into her
baggage one's possessions apartment - bag and baggage.
a lady who looks for food Behind the restaurant, a bag lady
bag lady
and bottles in the streets was digging in the garbage cans.
skills, methods, plans; You need a large bag of tricks to
bag of tricks
devices to entertain teach the Grade 8 class.
bag some sit or lie in the sunshine, While you're swimming, I'm going
rays have a sun bath to bag some rays.
bagel (See get bageled)
bah nonsense, it is not true Bah! There is no tooth fairy!
help me solve a problem, If they arrest me, will you bail me
bail me out
pay to get me out of jail out - pay the bail money?
Tom bailed out when Lan became
bail out quit, leave a project, resign
Project Manager.
balance of
(See the balance of power)
power
"Please switch off the talk show.
balderdash verbose nonsense
It's just balderdash."
have sex with her, lay "Hey, Ted. Did you ball her?" "No. All you
ball her [B]
her think about is sex!"
ball's in your (See the ball's in your
court court)
ball-park (See a ball-park
figure figure)
ballistic (See go ballistic)
false statements, bull, Most of what the speaker said is a lot of
baloney
bunk, hogwash baloney - untrue.
a word to describe a The car rolled down the hill and into the
bam
hit or collision, pow wall - bam!
very excited, nearly When we won the cup, the crowd went
bananas
crazy bananas.
mental capacity, We need a person with bandwidth,
bandwidth mental energy, brain someone who understands complex
cells management relationships.
bang for fun for your money, You get more bang for your buck at
your buck value for your dollar garage sales. They're fun!
exactly right, very Your answer to Question 3 was bang on.
bang on
true, correct, spot on It was correct.
"Did you bang her, Ted?" "If I did, I
bang [B] have sex with, lay
wouldn't tell you."
We were banking on more sales to pay
bank on depend on, count on
for our marketing costs.
provide the money to If you'll bankroll me, I'll open a bistro on
bankroll
begin, front me Mars.
harsh introduction, On my first day of football camp I had to
baptism
rigorous initiation, hit the tackle a 200-pound fullback charging
by fire
ground running straight at me. It was baptism by fire!
bar fly (See a bar fly)
drink at many bars in one Our wives were out late last night. They
bar hop
evening, pub crawl were bar hopping.
including all products or
bar none Apex is the best detergent, bar none.
people, no exceptions
bar star (See a bar star)
bare only the necessary things, ACTION CLEAN is a bare-bones
bones no extras, stripped operation - a family business.
bare your tell the public about your To write a good novel, you may have to
soul private experiences bare your soul.
bare-faced lie (See a bare-faced lie)
vomit, puke, hork, throw If I eat another hotdog, I'll barf. I'll be
barf
up sick.
he sounds angry but he
bark is worse Baxter sounds mad, but his bark is
is not; do not be afraid of
than his bite worse than his bite.
him
bark up the look in the wrong place, If you expect money from him,
wrong tree do not expect it you're barking up the wrong tree.
barnburner (See a barnburner)
a wild party, a party
"Did you go to Tina's party?" "Ya. It
bash where people are drunk
was a noisy bash."
and noisy
basket case (See a basket case)
stop the music, do not "Basta la musica!" Papa shouted.
basta la musica
play the music "It's too loud!"
hit every time at bat, win I've had two interviews and two
bat a thousand
every competition offers. I'm batting a thousand!
When they asked him about the
flinch or blink, show a
bat an eye crime, he didn't bat an eye. His
sign of guilt or shame
expression didn't change.
bat five hit half the times at bat, If you solve five problems out of ten,
hundred win half the competitions you're batting five hundred.
bat her blink the eyes, blink in a Verna just stood there batting her eyes,
eyes sexy way trying to look sexy.
bated
(See with bated breath)
breath
Marlene - that old battleaxe - is
battleaxe cranky woman, bitch
spreading lies about me.
batty (See drive me batty)
bawl me tell me I have been bad, If I fail math, Dad will bawl me out. He'll
out scold me give me a lecture.
be my have this chair, have that Be my guest. Sit here. I can find another
guest drink, help yourself chair.
be my be the cause of my Credit cards may be my undoing. My
undoing failure; my Achilles heel VISA balance is over $5000!
Be off, my dear, or you'll be late for
be off leave, go, off with you
work.
The captain of the hockey team shouted
be ready, be alert, up for
be there to his mates, "Be there, guys! We have
it
to win this game."
be there for help me when I need it, be "Will you be there for me?" she
me supportive, stand by me asked. "I need your support."
be there or if you do not come we will We're having a party at 7 on
be square think you are square Saturday. Be there or be square!
Don't worry about what to say at
be yourself be natural, behave normally
the party. Just be yourself.
trying to be too great, world The new manager thinks he's the
be-all, end-all
beater greatest - the be-all, end-all.
Carl is a bean pole - tall and
bean pole tall and thin, string bean
skinny - just like his father.
If you bear down a little, you can
bear down try harder, bite the bullet
graduate this year.
bear the accept the most blame or When we got in trouble, Ed bore
brunt responsibility the brunt of the blame.
beat a dead continue to ask or try when They won't refund your money.
horse there is no hope You're beating a dead horse.
beat a hasty When the boys heard the siren
run away from, leave quickly
retreat they beat a hasty retreat.
beat around talk without telling the main Politicians often beat around the
the bush point bush. They talk a lot but say little.
beat it go, get lost Beat it, kid! Get going! Leave!
beat the pants defeat by a large score, blow Ho plays table tennis very well;
off you away she'll beat the pants off you.
Every time the burglar was
have the charges removed or
beat the rap caught he was able to beat the
dropped, get off
rap.
She cared for him when he got
beat up hit and injure, defeat badly
beat up, trying to ease his pain.
"Why does he beat up on
hit and injure, defeat in a
beat up on people?" "Because his dad
fight
beat up on him."
beat your head
try an impossible task, work Preventing war is like beating
against a stone
on a futile project your head against a stone wall.
wall
take away your girlfriend or I can't believe that your friend
beat your time
boyfriend would beat your time.
Why does he drive that old
a car that is in poor
beater beater? He could buy a new
condition, clunker
car.
beauty is in the each person has a different To him, the statue is elegant; to
eye of the idea of what is beautiful, one me, it's ugly. Beauty is in the
beholder man's garbage... eye of the beholder!
do not judge a person by If you want to date a beauty
beauty is only
physical features, you can't queen, remember that beauty
skin deep
tell a book... is only skin deep.
(See at your beck and
beck and call
call)
What became of Ko after he
become of happen to, end up
moved? How's he doing?
looks good on you, is right That perfume becomes you. It
becomes you
for you, suits you smells good on you.
lie down and sleep, find a After grazing in the valley, the
bed down
place to sleep deer will bed down on the hill.
"Does this doll look like
add more bulk, increase
beef it up Santa?" "Yes, if you beef it up
the size
a little."
beehive of activity (See a beehive of activity)
beeline (See make a beeline)
experienced, not naive, Margo's been around; she can
been around
wasn't born yesterday work with the convicts.
cheated, swindled, taken If he paid a hundred dollars for
been had
in that radio, he's been had.
before you can say very quickly, in a split Before you could say Jack
Jack Robinson second, in no time Robinson, the ghost was gone!
ask to be excused from Some people volunteer to work and
beg off
duty, get out of a task then they beg off.
have a different opinion, When I stated the cause of the loss, he
beg to differ
disagree with said, "I beg to differ."
beg your excuse me, please do I beg your pardon, but I am using this
pardon not be offended phone booth.
what did you say? will
beg your Beg your pardon? Did you say you are
you repeat what you
pardon Paul Newman?
said?
beggars people who receive free When they complained about the
can't be things should not expect shabby coats, he said, "Beggars can't
choosers the best be choosers."
"That's a fine idea," said the Head
suggests this question,
begs the Mouse, "but it begs the question:
leaves this question
question Which one of us will put the bell on the
unanswered
cat?"
in jail, in prison, in the Behind bars, she didn't have much of a
behind bars
slammer social life.
having lower than
behind the average test scores, I was behind the curve when I wrote
curve having a low that test. I'll probably get a low grade.
performance
I'm behind the eight ball with the Tax
in a difficult position, in a
behind the Department. I deducted college tuition
predicament, between
eight ball fees from my taxable income, but I
the devil and...
didn't pay the fees!
This organization has many people
behind the out of sight, unnoticed,
who work behind the scenes helping us
scenes unsung hero
to succeed.
behind your where you cannot see, when He says nice things to you, but
back you are not here criticizes you behind your back.
being where good things Caleb seems to succeed by just
being there happen, being in the right being there. Good things happen
place at the right time to him wherever he is.
believe my
(See can't believe my ears)
ears
believe my
(See can't believe my eyes)
eyes
bells and (See all the bells and
whistles whistles)
not operating, bankrupt, tits Four car dealers went belly up
belly up
up during the recession.
belly up to sit close to the bar, find a Belly up to the bar, boys. I'd like to
the bar chair at the bar buy you a drink.
Don't bellyache about the referee.
bellyache complain, whine
Just play your best.
not earning enough to If husband and wife are earning
below the
survive, very poor, as poor as minimum wage, they're living
poverty line
a church mouse below the poverty line.
I should belt you for saying that
belt you hit you, punch you
my sister looks like a dog.
They'll bend over backwards to find
bend over do anything to help, try to
a room for you. They give excellent
backwards please, go the extra mile
service.
change the rules to help, Ed won't accept late reports. He
bend the rules
look the other way won't bend the rules.
ask you to listen, Carl, can I bend your ear for a
bend your ear
buttonhole you minute? I have some news.
bend your drink beer or liquor, tip a Your eyes look red and tired. Bend
elbow few your elbow last night?
benefit of the (See the benefit of the
doubt doubt)
very upset, very worried, She was beside herself with grief
beside myself
at loose ends when her sister died.
beside the off topic, not related, The brand of cigarette is beside the
point irrelevant point. Smoking is the issue.
best foot (See put your best foot
forward forward)
best interests thinking of a person's When I give low grades, I still have
at heart needs, in mind your best interests at heart.
best laid plans (See the best-laid plans)
best of both (See the best of both
worlds worlds)
I bet on the bay mare, and she
bet on place a bet, gamble
won! I bet $20 on her.
bet on a lame If you vote for that guy, you're
bet on a loser, fall for that
rooster betting on a lame rooster.
bet you
I will bet dollars, you bet Ben is the fastest runner. I'll bet
dollars to
donuts; give you odds you dollars to donuts he wins.
donuts
Bring your better half when you
better half spouse, wife or husband
visit us. We'd like to meet her.
better late it is better to arrive late than "You're an hour late," he said.
than never not to arrive "Better late than never," I replied.
in better conditions: Are you better off renting an
better off
healthier or wealthier etc. apartment than buying a house?
better than a better than punishment, not When I told him we had won $10
kick in the ass as bad as it could be, don't in the Lotto, he said, "It's better
[B] knock it than a kick in the ass."
better than very good, excellent, "Hey, James. How was skydiving?"
sex fantastic "Great! Better than sex!"
better the "Should we fire the coach?" "No -
a new devil could be worse
devil you better the devil we know than the
than the old devil
know... one we don't."
better to have (See it is better to have
loved... loved and lost...)
between a rock in a difficult position, If I told the truth, I would lose my
and a hard making a difficult friend. I was between a rock and a
place choice, Sophie's choice hard place.
between sixes (See at sixes and
and sevens sevens)
between the in a difficult position, no If he ran, they would shoot him; if he
devil and the place to go, between a stayed in the shop, the gas would kill
deep blue sea rock..., Sophie's choice him. He was between the devil and
the deep blue sea.
betwixt and not able to choose one Which should I choose - PC or Mac?
between or the other, ambivalent I'm betwixt and between.
bevy of a group of beautiful Mr. Gable returned to Hollywood and
beauties women, a few lovelies his bevy of beauties.
Some addicts are beyond help. They
beyond help lost, cannot be saved
don't want to be helped.
beyond me (See it's beyond me)
ruined, cannot be That copier is wrecked. It's beyond
beyond repair
repaired, a lost cause repair.
beyond the call (See above and beyond
of duty the call of duty)
beyond the beyond the limit, over the His comment went beyond the
pale boundary pale of respect. It was vulgar.
washroom, bathroom, the can, "Is there a biffy on the bus?" "Yes.
biff/biffy
the john, the loo There, at the back."
Big Apple (See The Big Apple)
powerful men in business, If you want to do business with the
big boys
moguls, big shots big boys, you need money.
She got her big break when a
big break big chance, a lucky break
talent scout heard her sing.
You'll pay big bucks to rent an
big bucks a lot of money, a high price
apartment near the university.
the boss, chief cook and bottle If you've got a complaint, see the
big cheese
washer, head honcho big cheese. He's our manager.
important event, major A small fire is a big deal because
big deal
happening it can cause a lot of damage.
big hairy not an important matter, do not "The teacher's coming!" "So big
deal make it an issue, big deal hairy deal!"
big picture (See the big picture)
big rig (See a big rig)
rich or important person, VIP, Randy's a big shot in the movie
big shot
big boys industry. He owns four studios.
You've helped me so much. I owe
big time a lot, very much, heavy duty
you big time.
big wheel (See a big wheel)
important persons: judges, We've asked the big wigs to
big wigs
presidents etc., VIP change their decision.
thinking that includes Yes, we need to make common-
big-sky
everything, from horizon to sense decisions, but first let's do
thinking
horizon; think outside the box some big-sky thinking.
a large ape-man living in the Gary told me he saw Bigfoot's
Bigfoot forests of western N. America; tracks in the sand along the
Sasquatch Kootenay River.
bigger fish more important people to meet Don't bother fighting with him.
to fry or do business with You've got bigger fish to fry.
bigger heroic: stronger, wiser, uglier; The characters in most novels
than life larger than life seem to be bigger than life.
bigger
(See the bigger they are...)
they are...
someone who talks too Every crowd has a bigmouth - some
bigmouth
loud, loud mouth guy who yells at the cops.
cheat, defraud, ripped He bilked me. I gave him $100 for the
bilk
off, taken tickets and he kept the change!
bimbo (See a bimbo)
a person who Some binners work in pairs. One guy
binner scavenges in garbage climbs into the bin and hands the
bins, Dumpster diving stuff to his partner waiting outside.
a person with a tiny Hey, birdbrain. Why are you throwing
birdbrain
brain, dumbo money in the river?
a bird watcher, one
Some birders were looking at an
birder whose hobby is
oriole in a poplar tree.
watching birds
birds of a
people with similar Art and Don are birds of a feather.
feather flock
feelings and attitudes They like cars and football.
together
"Do you wear pajamas in bed?" "No.
birthday suit naked, nude, in the buff
Just my birthday suit."
doing a small amount Bit by bit, they rebuilt a church that
bit by bit
each time, little by little was destroyed by bombs.
bit off (See a bit off)
He tells me I'm always bitching,
bitch complain, grouse
but I don't complain very much.
bitch [B] (See a bitch)
I have no respect for you, "Bite me! Take your list of
bite me [B]
kiss off, blow me whores and live with them!"
bite off more than begin more tasks than you When I took the night class, I bit
you can chew can complete off more than I could chew.
Bite the bullet during exam
bite the bullet try harder, be tougher
week. Don't party; just study.
Pete was 98 when he bit the
die, quit, lose, kick the
bite the dust dust. He lived for nearly a
bucket
century.
If you criticize your employer,
bite the hand that be unkind to the one who
you bite the hand that feeds
feeds you cares for you or pays you
you.
do not say that, you should When I mention Dad's temper
bite your tongue
not have said that Mom says, "Bite your tongue."
a rock that is touching the The Heidt rink is lying four - one
biter (curling)
twelve-foot circle is a biter.
small pieces, odds and Jack built our cabin with bits
bits and pieces
ends and pieces - leftover materials.
bitten by the have the same interest or My cousin and I were bitten by
same bug hobby the same bug. We collect coins.
bitter end (See the bitter end)
bitter pill (See a bitter pill)
I told you I like Kevin, and you
blab tell everybody, tell secrets
blabbed it to everybody.
blabbermouth a person who tells Sharon - that blabbermouth! She
everything, loud mouth told the whole class I love Bill.
an eye injury that causes "How'd you get the black eye?"
black eye
the skin to turn black "Fighting - in a hockey game."
the day the stock market In the 1980s, there were days to
Black Friday
crashed (failed) in 1929 remind us of Black Friday.
black mark (See a black mark)
become unconscious, If I bend over for a long time, I
black out
faint, pass out nearly black out when I stand up.
remove the nameplate James Dean drove a blacked-out
black out
and trim from a vehicle Merc in Rebel Without A Cause.
the bad one, the one who He's the black sheep in that family -
black sheep
does bad things always in trouble.
excluded, not be invited, Gore was black-listed because he led
black-listed
not allowed to join the demonstration.
blackout (See a blackout)
defeat by preventing any
blank In soccer, Italy blanked Ireland 2-nil.
goals, skunk
blast (See a blast)
Ms. Zank blasted me for using her
blast you scold you, yell at you
computer. She was angry.
dad-blamed, darn, Where's the blasted hammer? It's
blasted
doggone never here when I need it!
On her 40th birthday, she went to the
blasted drunk, loaded, plastered
bar and got blasted.
one who begs for Hector is a bleeding heart for wolves.
bleeding
sympathy for victims, "Save the wolves," he tells people in
heart
have a soft spot... his speeches.
blessing in (See a blessing in
disguise disguise)
going out with a boy or girl Kate met Jeff on a blind date. They
blind date
you have not met got married a year later.
blind leading (See the blind leading the
the blind blind)
blood from a (See get blood from a
stone stone)
blood is blood relationships are When my wife supported her dad in
thicker than stronger than a marriage a fight with me, I said, "So blood is
water ceremony thicker than water."
excited, angry, ready to Kerry is friendly, but when his blood
blood is up
fight is up, he's dangerous.
money paid to the relative The widow refused to take blood
blood money of a murdered person, dirty money from the men who murdered
money her husband.
He bloody well knows my name
bloody well very truly, damn well
because I bloody well told him.
After studying for twelve hours, she
blotto exhausted, bushed
was blotto - very tired.
blow a spend a lot of money, lose When Al went to Vegas, he blew a
bundle a lot of money gambling bundle - he lost a lot of money.
kiss your hand and blow Taea can blow a kiss, and she's
blow a kiss
across it, throw a kiss only eighteen months old!
Juan, my boy, if you go for a ride on that
puke, vomit, barf,
blow chunks Ferris wheel right after dinner, you'll blow
throw chunks
chunks!
cause a big mistake, Karen won't blow it this time. She'll skate
blow it
ruin it, screw up a perfect program.
exaggerate it, make it
blow it out of When Gretzky was traded, the media
bigger than it should
proportion blew it out of proportion.
be
throw it away, it is When I asked Jack about the leader's
blow it out
meaningless or latest statement, he said, "You can blow
your ear
worthless it out your ear. He's already changed it."
blow it up If you want to see details in the photo,
enlarge it, magnify it
(photo) blow it up.
blow job [B] (See a blow job)
blow me I am very surprised, I Well, blow me down, Olive. You can cook
down do not believe it spinach, too!
blow me over it is unbelievable; far He's over 50? Well, blow me over!
out
you are worth nothing, "You want me to support you by
blow me [B]
kiss my ass, fuck off stealing? Blow me!"
reveal my true
blow my With a false passport, I can enter Bali, if
identity, reveal my
cover nobody blows my cover.
hiding place
upset a lot of people, This government will blow sky high
blow sky high
cause a scandal or riot if people hear these tapes.
blow snakes play great jazz, improvise I went to hear jazz at the club, and
(music) creatively Guido was blowing snakes.
reveal a story, tell some When the defendant confessed, it
blow the lid off
news, break a story blew the lid off the murder trial.
blow the tell the teacher or the Jimmy knows we stole the keys, but
whistle police, squeal he won't blow the whistle.
blow them defeat them badly, kick The Russians blew them away in
away butt the first game of the series.
leave this building, quit I'm sick of playing billiards. Let's
blow this joint
this place blow this joint.
blow this leave this place, quit this What a boring town! Let's blow this
Popsicle stand place Popsicle stand!
blow to explode and destroy, There's enough gas in the well to
kingdom come blow up blow us kingdom come!
explode using a bomb or They plan to blow up that old
blow up
dynamite building because it's unsafe.
become angry, lose your If you criticize Al, he'll blow up. He's
blow up
temper very sensitive.
defeat you easily, beat the You're going to play chess with
blow you away
pants off Boris? He'll blow you away.
blow you out of If you challenge his leadership,
defeat you, humiliate you
the water he'll blow you out of the water.
blow your become very angry, shout, Don't blow your stack in front of
lid/stack/top lose your cool the kids. It's a bad example.
blow your mind amaze you, astound you, Watching films of the holocaust
shock you will blow your mind.
blow your stones There's more to it than blowing
ejaculate, come
[B] your stones. Sex is an art form.
He blew his wad on some
spend all your money, blow
blow your wad handmade boots. They cost
a bundle
$700!
blowout (See a blowout)
"Are you blue, Dear?" "Yes.
blue sad, depressed, down, low
Jack left me."
I called that dog until I was blue
weakened, tired after trying
blue in the face in the face. He would not come
many times
in.
rare event, unusual If he ever says thank you
blue moon happening, that'll be the there'll be a blue moon in the
frosty Friday sky!
We made T-shirts, and people
great opportunity, easy life,
blue sky loved them and bought them.
smooth sailing
From then on, it was blue sky!
blue-collar someone who works at a The blue-collar workers will vote
worker trade, e.g., a plumber for Ed. He's a tradesman.
say without thinking, reply "I did it!" the boy blurted out, and
blurt out
quickly he began to cry.
boarding checking into the boards, Boarding causes serious injuries
(hockey) chairman of the boards to hockey players.
no problem as "Bob," a When I asked her to give your
Bob's your
powerful friend or relative, will application to the president, she
uncle
do it or have it done said, "Bob's your uncle!"
bold, daring, defying the rules, He's bodacious alright. He rode his
bodacious
like a daredevil skateboard right through traffic!
body body movements that show Your body language tells me that
language feelings you're tense. Please relax.
boggle your confuse you, make your head These numbers boggle my mind. I
mind spin don't understand them.
buy one get one free, If you shop for bogof items you get
bogof
marketing method, loss leader two for the price of one!
very angry, very upset, By the time the car started, Emil
boiling mad
hopping mad was boiling mad.
bolt from the (See like a bolt from the
blue blue)
drive around, drive your "Where have you been?" "Bombin'
bomb around
car for fun, cruise around in Rod's car."
Most engineers say the electric car is
bomb out fail, not succeed
a failure. It bombed out.
drunk, hammered, Fay was bombed before she got to
bombed
sloshed to the gills the party. She was drunk.
very dry, as dry as an old Someone had drained the pool. It was
bone dry
bone bone dry.
bone of point of disagreement, Job security is the bone of contention
contention controversial point in our discussions.
(See a bone to pick with
bone to pick
you)
I have to bone up on my French if
bone up on study, learn, practise
we're going to Paris.
crazy, insane, nuts, If you watch professional wrestling
bonkers
wacko you must be bonkers!
good, fine, super, "Did you enjoy your holiday?" "It was
bonzer
awesome bonzer, mate! We had a great time!"
booboo (See make a booboo)
Okay, she has lovely boobs. What
boobs [B] breasts, tits
about her personality?
Let's boogie on down to the store and
boogie go, walk, drive
rent a video.
one who reads a lot, Sarah is quite a book worm. She
book worm
geek loves to read history books.
booked/booked no more space or The Royal Hotel is booked up. Every
up rooms, no vacancy room is reserved.
portable radio, ghetto We can have music at the beach if
boom box
blaster you bring your boom box.
In the oil business, it's boom or bust.
either large profits or
Some years it's worth more than gold;
boom or bust large losses, rich or
other years it isn't worth the cost of
poor, feast or famine
production!
drive fast, highball it, If you boot it, Betty won't ride with
boot it
pedal to the metal you. She hates going fast.
start or switch on a Wait until I boot up the Mac. Then we
boot up
computer can print your letter.
produced illegally, not If someone offers you bootleg
bootleg authorized, software software, don't accept it! You could be
piracy sued!
I think Gus has been drinking.
booze liquor, hooch, moonshine
His breath smells of booze.
friends who drink liquor In those days, Billy and I were
boozing buddies
and party together boozin' buddies - pals.
My dad says I was born tired.
tired since birth, always
born tired When the doctor slapped my
tired
bum, I just yawned!
born with a silver
born into a rich family, Jason won't look for a job; he
spoon in his
accustomed to wealth was born with a silver spoon... .
mouth
close friends, friends who Don't criticize Brad, eh. He's my
bosom buddy
grew up together bosom buddy.
When you bake bread for the
botch it ruin it, do it wrong, blow it
first time, it's easy to botch it.
going to houses asking for The bottle drive was a success.
bottle drive
pop and liquor bottles The girls earned $350.
a man who finds bottles in
The bottle man walked down the
bottle man garbage cans or
alley pushing a cart full of junk.
Dumpsters
not talk about, keep in Don't keep all those feelings
bottle up
your mind bottled up inside you. Talk!
bottom fell out (See the bottom fell out)
bottom the final number, the The bottom line is this: we can't afford
line conclusion to expand.
go down to the bottom, The recession will bottom out by the
bottom out
arrive at the low point end of the year.
bottom the first step, the lowest Jerry, my boy, in this company you
rung position start at the bottom rung.
bottoms finish your drinks, drink the "Bottoms up," said his friend. "It's time
up remainder to go."
bounce recover from failure or Lana has the flu, but she bounces
back sickness, try again back quickly.
resign so someone else can When Dad sees that I can manage
bow out
serve, step down the firm, he will bow out.
bowl me Well, bowl me over! You've done your
surprise me, blow me down
over homework!
boy, oh
wow, oh man, holy cow Boy, oh boy! I'm glad to see you!
boy
all boys are the same; boys When Steve came home with his shirt
boys will
are rough and noisy, a chip torn and nose bleeding, his father
be boys
off the old... said, "Boys will be boys."
a person who does unusual Lenny is kind of a bozo. He laughs at
bozo
things, a nerd the wrong time.
brain (See what a brain)
emigration of intelligent If Canada's best professors move
brain drain
people away, it's called a brain drain.
brain is very tired or After writing six exams, my brain was
brain is fried
ruined by drug abuse fried - too much studying!
think of ideas together, Our family decided to brain storm the
brain storm
think tank problem of wasting food.
thoughts and
I wish I could turn off my mind when
brain traffic information moving
brain traffic is too heavy.
through the brain
an office in another Please contact our branch office in
branch office
location or city your town or city.
open a second Business is very good. It may be time
branch out
office/store, expand a for us to branch out.
company
brand new/
not used at all, just off Imagine a brand new Mercedes in an
brand spanking
the assembly line accident. What a shame!
new
"Bravo! Bravo!" the audience roared.
great, wonderful, more,
bravo They loved Heppner's singing and
encore
were shouting for more.
Hey, man, we need more bread if
bread money, cash, dough
we're gonna buy cigarettes.
bread and the main product, the We sell a variety of parts, but the
butter source of profit oil filter is our bread and butter.
The ball hit him just below his chest
breadbasket stomach, belly
- right in the breadbasket.
an area that produces Saskatchewan is a major wheat
breadbasket
grain, wheatbelt producer: Canada's breadbasket.
stop doing a daily activity: Laurie can't seem to break her
break a habit
drinking coffee, smoking habit of writing on her hands.
good luck, have a good "Break a leg!" she whispered as he
break a leg
performance walked on the stage.
break a not do as you promised, go Trudy never breaks a promise. She
promise back on your word is very dependable.
cause a spell to stop, not be I was captivated by her until she
break a spell
under a spell smoked. That broke the spell.
be first to tell a story, be The London Times broke the story
break a story
first to tell some news of Charles's confessions.
begin to sweat or perspire, For exercise to be beneficial, the
break a sweat
work up a sweat athlete must break a sweat.
break and break a lock or window to They were charged with break and
enter enter illegally, B&E enter. They stole some cash.
move away, go away from, She tried to break away when the cult
break away
stop doing or using leader asked for her savings.
break stay out later than the rules If you break curfew, the coach will
curfew allow remind you of the rules.
fail, not operate, out of If that copier breaks down again I'm
break down
order going to give it away.
operate or drive slowly When I bought my first new car, Dad
break in
when it is new said to break it in carefully.
break a door or window to I couldn't believe that my son would
break into
enter, break and enter break into a store.
break into begin to sing suddenly, One of our teachers used to break
song sing without warning into song when he taught poetry.
tell a friend that you wish to She wonders if she should break off
break off
stop seeing him her relationship with Liam.
He was shot trying to break out of
break out escape, get away, bust out
prison - trying to escape.
A riot will break out if you don't talk to
break out happen suddenly, erupt
the strikers.
break out in have a rash appear on your When the temperature goes over 30°
a rash skin the baby breaks out in a rash.
break the spend all savings, leave no One more expense this month will
bank balance break the bank.
relieve the tension, put you at Andy likes to tell a joke to break
break the ice
ease the ice - to help everybody relax.
break the not obey the law, commit a If you rob a store, you are
law/rules crime breaking the law.
break the do better than the previous The coach believes Bev can
record record break the record in long jump.
When he accused us of the
break the talk about a secret, tell
crime, my brother broke the
silence people the truth
silence.
not date anymore, not be Lan and Chan broke up last night.
break up
lovers anymore, breakup They had a bad quarrel.
break your prevent serious injury when He fell from the roof, but a tree
fall you fall helped to break his fall.
break your cause you to feel very sad Marilyn broke my heart. She left
heart and lonely me for a younger man.
breakdown sudden health failure, fall After his breakdown, he found an
apart occupation with less stress.
separation, divorce, not Since their breakup, I don't know
breakup being partners anymore, where to send my Christmas
break up cards.
breath of fresh
(See a breath of fresh air)
air
breath of wind (See a breath of wind)
breathe a sigh feel relieved after a time When we saw the children were
of relief of worry safe, we breathed a sigh of relief.
breathe down watch everything I do, It's difficult to work with him
my neck follow me as I work breathing down my neck.
relax, breathe slower, Mother said, "I won't breathe easy
breathe easy
stop worrying until this plane is on the ground!"
brick (See a brick)
help people When the staff and the manager
bridge the gap
communicate, mediate fight, I try to bridge the gap.
I left the water running. That
bright intelligent, brainy, sharp
wasn't a very bright thing to do.
bright-eyed and Perry is bright-eyed and bushy-
frisky, lively, full of life
bushy-tailed tailed tonight. He looks rested.
bring an end to (See put an end to)
bring home bring home a paycheck, Stan is disabled, so Louise brings
the bacon support a family home the bacon.
manage it successfully, Don't worry about the project. Mr.
bring it off
carry it off Ho can bring it off.
bring the cause a lot of cheering or If Kurt skates well in Calgary he'll
house down applause or laughter bring the house down.
bring to a Now, to bring my presentation to a
conclude, finish, wrap up
close close, I'll tell you a story.
introduce, begin to talk Please bring up that point at the
bring up
about meeting. We can discuss it then.
Did the baby bring up his
bring up vomit, puke
breakfast? Let me wipe it up.
bring you up cause you to stop and When I began to criticize Jan,
short think, rebuke you Mother brought me up short.
"Where's Mark?" "Over there, with
broad girl, chick, prostitute
the broads, as usual."
broad
(See in broad daylight)
daylight
broke (See flat broke)
broken plans that did not work, Their divorce will mean broken
dreams hopes that died dreams for both of them.
broken
(See like a broken record)
record
shouting and fighting, After the dance, there was a
brouhaha
melee, Donnybrook brouhaha in the schoolyard.
force you to work, harass, He browbeats his employees. He
browbeat
hound, on my case shouts, "You! Get to work!"
brown nose try to please the manager, Some guys brown nose their way to
[B] suck up to success. But is it success?
unhappy, a little bit angry, Tran was browned off because we
browned off
ticked off were late. She didn't like that.
brownie points for doing extra work Bruno earns brownie points by
points for the manager offering to help the manager.
short, level haircut - like a Your brush cut looks great - nice and
brush cut
brush on top flat on top.
not let it bother you, not be When Erik criticizes my family, I just
brush it off
concerned brush it off and walk away.
review, relearn or practise; The teacher said I should brush up
brush up on
bone up on on my spelling - try to improve.
brush with nearly die, at death's door, After a close brush with death you'll
death on my deathbed think that life is precious.
brush with an illegal act, a minor Judd told me about his brush with the
the law crime law - a shoplifting charge.
(See give him the brush-
brush-off
off)
When I earn some bucks, I'm going to
buck dollar, greenback, loonie
buy a stereo.
nervous, unable to Every time I play in a competition I get
buck fever
perform well, choke buck fever. I get so nervous.
buck stops
(See the buck stops here)
here
Buck up, my friend. You will soon be
buck up be strong, be positive
finished with exams.
buckle work harder, try harder, Next term I'm going to buckle down
down bite the bullet and get good grades.
buckle We're losing, but we won't buckle
quit, lose, not try, give up
under under. We won't quit.
fasten your seat belt, Buckle up. Dad won't drive away until
buckle up
buckle your seat belt we fasten our seat belts.
brass marker placed on the When Ken wants to be
buckstop (military) wardroom table in a served he sits nearest the
warship buckstop.
budding genius (See a budding genius)
The director shouts a lot, but
buffalo frighten, bluff, intimidate
don't let him buffalo you.
That scraping noise bugs me.
bug (someone) bother, irritate, get to me
It's quite annoying.
nothing, diddly-squat, fuck "Hey Giulio, what did you
bugger all [B]
all win?" "Bugger all -nothing!"
If you're not an inventor, you
build a better
improve a common product try to build a better
mousetrap
mousetrap.
Talking with Rudy will build
build up increase, raise up your confidence. He's
positive.
built like a brick have a strong body, have a Tyronne plays football. He's
shithouse [B] sturdy build built like a brick shithouse.
bull in a china shop (See a bull in a china shop)
bull/bullshit/BS [B] a story that is not all true, His explanation is a lot of bull.
balderdash Don't believe it.
you were lucky, good for When I beat Ed at cribbage, he
bully for you
you says, "Bully for you!"
buttocks, backside, butt, "Why did she slap your face?"
bum
rear end "Because I pinched her bum."
bum rap (See a bum rap)
bum's rush (See the bum's rush)
bummer (See a bummer)
walk or dance in a sexy A seminude dancer was bumping
bump and grind
way and grinding under red lights.
bump and grind bump other players and To win hockey games we need
(hockey) work to get the puck players who bump and grind.
Do you know who I bumped into
bump into meet by chance, run into
yesterday? Larry Mason.
bumper to a lane of vehicles with the Traffic on Memorial Drive was
bumper bumpers nearly touching bumper to bumper at 4:30 today.
bun in the oven (See a bun in the oven)
bundle (See make a bundle)
bundle of nerves (See a bundle of nerves)
dress warmly, put on Be sure to bundle up if you go
bundle up
winter clothes, rug up skating on the lake. It's cold!
false statements, rumors, They claim that computers can
bunk
baloney, bull think, but that's a lot of bunk!
buns buttocks, bum Tony said Rita has great buns.
burbs (See the burbs)
burn a hole in feel that you have to If money burns a hole in your
your pocket spend your money pocket, invest it.
throw the ball hard to the My hand hurts when you throw so
burn it in
catcher, fastball hard. Don't burn it in, eh.
use too much emotional Working too hard can cause a
burn out
energy, breakdown person to burn out.
burn the work or study very late at To become a doctor, you have to
midnight oil night burn the midnight oil.
become angry, lose The coach was burned up when I got a
burn up
your cool penalty for holding.
burn your bother you, irritate You know what burns my ass? Doing my
ass [B] you, bug you income tax.
burn your resign without notice, He can't return to the company. He's
bridges leave no way to return burned his bridges.
convicted or punished
Tony got burned when he was a drug
burned while involved in
dealer. He went to jail.
crime
burning (See the burning
question question)
stop arguing or
bury the When will the English and the French
fighting, throw down
hatchet bury the hatchet?
your arms
bush street gossip, through Arne gets the news through the bush
telegraph the grapevine telegraph. People tell him.
After caring for five kids all day, Mom's
bushed very tired, worn out
bushed. She's exhausted.
When he stopped to camp by the stream,
stop you and rob you,
bushwhack two guys bushwhacked him - stole his
jump, mugged
money and horse.
business as everything is normal, The morning after the holdup, it was
usual nothing has changed business as usual at the bank.
bust my work very hard, work my She busts her butt to earn a good
butt fingers to the bone wage, and he spends it.
escape, get away, break Hey, man. I can bust out of here if
bust out
out you have a rope.
charged by the police, Shane got busted for trafficking. He
busted
arrested sold cocaine to some kids.
busy as a
(See as busy as a beaver)
beaver
but good completely, thoroughly, and If somebody hurts her, she'll get
how revenge, but good!
If you tell anybody that I like her, I'll
butt buttocks, backside, bum
kick your butt.
When a salesman butts in, tell him to
butt in intrude, interrupt
butt out.
butt of the
(See the butt of the joke)
joke
We asked him to butt out so we
butt out go away, beat it, get lost
could have a private talk.
butter unable to catch or hold, When Anna dropped the ball, Shelly
fingers cement hands said, "Butter fingers!"
Butter him up before you ask to
butter up be nice to, suck up to
borrow his car.
butter wouldn't he is very calm and clear,
When he's talking to voters,
melt in his he has an air of innocence,
butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
mouth cool, smooth talker
do not tell anyone, on the Button your lip about the
button your lip
QT speeding ticket. Don't tell Dad.
At the meeting, Al buttonholed
stop you and talk to you,
buttonhole you me and asked me to vote
corner you and bore you
Reform.
When Gina was born, I bought a
buy a drink for everyone at
buy a round round for the team. Every player
the table, this one is on me
had a drink to honor our baby.
believe and support, agree He will buy into our plan if the
buy into
to support, come onside money goes to needy children.
We knew his business was in
buy a business and all the
buy out debt, so we offered to buy him
inventory
out.
He says he went to see his
buy that believe that, eat that
friends at the park. I can buy that.
"Where's Henry?" "Oh, he bought
die, kick the bucket, pass
buy the farm the farm years ago - died of
away
cancer, eh."
buy time request time to plan, ask If we can just buy a little time,
for extra time maybe the price will go down.
buy all of a product or all At closing time, Abe comes in
buy up
the shares in a company and buys up the last shares.
The price of gold is low. It's a
a time when prices are low,
buyer's market buyer's market in precious
soft market
metals.
Next time he asks to borrow
buzz off go away, beat it, get lost
something, tell him to buzz off.
You buzz-kill! Don't talk about air
a person who stops the
buzz-kill disasters when I'm flying to
fun, party-pooper
Rome.
Jane got buzzed on fermented
buzzed slightly intoxicated, tipsy
coconut juice. She was happy!
new word or expression,
Internet, zero tolerance - these
buzzword the latest jargon, catch
were buzzwords of the 1990s.
phrase
by a country by a long distance, by a Black Beauty won the race by a
mile wide margin country mile. She was far ahead.
by a long shot (See not by a long shot)
By all means, come to the
by all means yes, please do it
Learning Skills Centre.
mostly, mainly, most of the By and large, chocolate is the
by and large
time favorite flavor.
He survived by any
by any
any way or method, by doing any job means when he first came
means
to Canada.
by any (See not by any stretch of the
stretch... imagination)
you listen to what I say, this is the truth,
by cracky by gosh This is serious, by cracky!
We're lost and we have no water!
By dint of her efforts
by dint of as a result of, because of alone, this family is happy
and healthy.
by golly I am surprised, impressed; by gosh By golly! She did it. She
made a cherry pie!
what an experience, this is interesting, Well, by gosh! This is my
by gosh
by golly first look at Niagara Falls!
How did I learn to speak
by guess or
any way that is possible, by chance French? By guess or by
by gosh
gosh, that's how.
Eva knew the speech by
by heart memorized every word, down pat heart. She didn't look at
her notes.
He'll get that car - by hook
by hook or
any way that is possible, by any means or by crook! He'll get it
by crook
somehow.
by its very because of its natural habits, because A dog, by its very nature,
nature it is that way is dependent on humans.
By jove! We reached our goal. We
by jove it happened, it is amazing
sold 15,000 tickets!
by leaps The population of Calgary has
by large amounts, by a lot
and bounds grown by leaps and bounds.
by no not in any way, not by any By no means is a car a good
means stretch... investment. It will depreciate.
by the by (See by the way)
by the same judging by the same rule, to By the same token, he should help
token be fair to both sides with the housework.
by the seat
with little money, without You can't operate a business by
of your
planning, a lick and a promise the seat of your pants.
pants
by the short (See got you by the short
hairs hairs)
by the skin
He won the election by one vote,
of their by a little, barely
by the skin of his teeth.
teeth
in addition to what I was By the way, I heard that Ed is
by the way
saying, incidentally resigning.
by word of by one person speaking to News of his birth traveled by word
mouth another, person to person, of mouth. Soon everyone knew
through the grapevine that Mary had a baby boy.
bye goodbye Bye, Mom. I love you.
goodbye but I will see you Bye for now. See you tonight at
bye for now
soon choir practice.
If you have bad luck some days,
c'est la vie that is fate, that's life
it's natural. C'est la vie!
a district in Toronto where Restaurants in Cabbagetown
Cabbagetown
European immigrants live serve European food.
feeling depressed
After three weeks of cold weather
cabin fever because you have to stay
we all had cabin fever.
inside
Look! This hen laid five
cackleberries eggs, chicken eggs
cackleberries!
say it in plain language;
call a spade a Kris will report the facts. She's not
straight from the shoulder,
spade afraid to call a spade a spade.
straight goods
ask you to read or notice, I would like to call attention to the
call attention to
draw attention to student parking problem.
This recipe calls for bee pollen.
call for require, ask for
Where can we get that?
challenge his story, give it When I called his bluff about low
call his bluff to me straight, put up or profits, he admitted that the
shut up company made 11 million.
http://www.english-idioms.net/wm/idiom.cgi
