A
[a] <Entries beginning with a, an, or the are
alphabetized under the second word in
the entry. That means that a bed of
roses will appear in the Bs.>
an A for effort recognition for having tried
to do something even if it was not successful.
_ The plan didn’t work, but I’ll
give you an A for effort for trying so hard.
_ Bobby played his violin in the concert
and got an A for effort. It sounded terrible.
(a little) new to (all) this an apologetic
way of saying that one is experiencing
something new or participating in something
new and is therefore ineffective or
inept. _ I’m sorry I’m slow. I’m a little
new to all this. _ She’s new to this. She
needs practice.
abide by something to follow the rules of
something; to obey someone’s orders. _
John felt that he had to abide by his father’s
wishes. _ All drivers are expected to abide
by the rules of the road.
able to breathe (easily) again and able
to breathe (freely) again able to relax
and recover from a busy or stressful time;
able to catch one’s breath. (Also literal.
Able to can be replaced with can.) _ Now
that the lion has been caught, we’ll be able
to breathe freely again. _Now that the annual
sale is over, the sales staff will be able
to breathe again. _ Final exams are over,
so I can breathe easily again.
able to breathe (freely) again Go to able
to breathe (easily) again.
able to do something blindfolded and able
to do something standing on one’s head
able to do something easily and quickly,
possibly without even looking. (Informal.
Able to can be replaced with can.) _
Bill boasted that he could pass his driver’s
test blindfolded. _Mary is very good with
computers. She can program blindfolded.
_ Dr. Jones is a great surgeon. He can take
out an appendix standing on his head.
able to do something standing on one’s head
Go to able to do something blindfolded.
able to do something with one’s eyes closed
able to do something very easily, even
without having to think about it or look
at it. (Also literal. Also with can. Always
affirmative.) _ It’s easy. I can do it with
my eyes closed. _ I can clean the house
with my eyes closed! It’s easy!
able to fog a mirror alive, even if just
barely. (Usually jocular. Refers to the use
of a small mirror placed under one’s nose
to tell if one is breathing or not.) _ Look,
I don’t need an athlete to do this job. Anybody
able to fog a mirror will do fine! _
I’m so tired this morning, I feel like I’m
hardly able to fog a mirror.
able to make something able to attend an
event. (Also literal. Informal. Able to can
be replaced with can.) _ I don’t think I’ll
be able to make your party, but thanks for
asking me. _ We are having another one
next month. We hope you can make it
then.
able to take a joke to be able to accept
ridicule good-naturedly; to be the object
or butt of a joke willingly. (Able to can
be replaced with can.) _ Let’s play a trick
on Bill and see if he’s able to take a joke.
_ Better not tease Ann. She can’t take a
joke.
able to take just so much able to endure
only a limited amount of discomfort.
(Able to can be replaced with can.) _
Please stop hurting my feelings. I’m able to
1
McGraw-Hill's Terms of Use
take just so much before I get angry. _ I
can take just so much.
able to take something able to endure something;
able to endure abuse. (Often in the
negative. Able to can be replaced with
can. See also the previous entry.) _ Stop
yelling like that. I’m not able to take it anymore.
_ Go ahead, hit me again. I can
take it.
above and beyond (something) more than
is required. _ Her efforts were above and
beyond. We appreciate her time. _ All this
extra time is above and beyond her regular
hours.
(above and) beyond the call of duty in
addition to what is required; more than
is required in one’s job. _ We didn’t expect
the police officer to drive us home.
That was above and beyond the call of
duty. _ The English teacher helped students
after school every day, even though
it was beyond the call of duty.
above average higher or better than the
average. _ Max’s grades are always above
average. _ His intelligence is clearly above
average.
above par better than average or normal.
_ His work is above par, so he should get
paid better. _ Your chances of winning the
game are a little above par.
above reproach not deserving of blame or
criticism. _ Some politicians behave as
though they are above reproach. _ You
must accept your punishment. You are not
above reproach.
above suspicion honest enough that no
one would suspect you; to be in a position
where you could not be suspected. _
The general is a fine old man, completely
above suspicion. _ Mary was at work at
the time of the accident, so she’s above
suspicion.
aboveboard and honest and aboveboard;
open and aboveboard in the
open; visible to the public; honest. (Especially
with keep, as in the examples below.)
_ Don’t keep it a secret. Let’s make
sure that everything is aboveboard. _ You
can do whatever you wish, as long as you
keep it honest and aboveboard. _ The inspector
had to make sure that everything
was open and aboveboard.
absent without leave and AWOL absent
from a military unit without permission;
absent from anything without permission.
(AWOL is an abbreviation. This is
a serious offense in the military.) _ The
soldier was taken away by the military police
because he was absent without leave.
_ John was AWOL from school and got
into a lot of trouble with his parents.
according to all accounts and by all
accounts from all the reports; everyone
is saying. _ According to all accounts,
the police were on the scene immediately.
_ According to all accounts, the meeting
broke up over a very minor matter.
_ By all accounts, it was a very poor
performance.
according to Hoyle according to the rules;
in keeping with the way it is normally
done. (Refers to the rules for playing
games. Edmond Hoyle wrote a book
about games. This expression is usually
used for something other than games.) _
That’s wrong. According to Hoyle, this is
the way to do it. _ The carpenter said,
“This is the way to drive a nail, according
to Hoyle.”
according to one’s own lights according to
the way one believes; according to the
way one’s conscience or inclinations lead
one. (Rarely used informally.) _ People
must act on this matter according to their
own lights. _ John may have been wrong,
but he did what he did according to his
own lights.
according to someone or something as said or
indicated by someone or something. _
According to the weather forecast, this
should be a beautiful day. _ According to
my father, this is a very good car to buy.
_ It’s too cold to go for a walk, according
to the thermometer.
according to something in proportion to
something. _ You will get paid according
to the number of hours that you work. _
The doctor charges patients according to
their ability to pay.
able to take
accustomed to someone or something used to
or comfortable with someone or something;
accepting of someone or something
as common and usual. _ We were
accustomed to wearing shoes. _ They
aren’t accustomed to paying a visit without
bringing a gift. _ I’ll never become accustomed
to you.
[ace in the hole] Go to someone’s ace in the
hole.
an aching heart the feeling of distress because
of love that is lost or has faded
away, described as being in the heart,
where love is said to reside. _ I try to tell
my aching heart that I don’t love him. _
There is no medicine for an aching heart.
acid test a test whose findings are beyond
doubt or dispute. (Refers to a chemical
test that shows whether a metal is gold.)
_ Her new husband seems generous, but
the acid test will be if he lets her mother
stay with them. _ The senator isn’t very
popular just now, but the acid test will be
if he gets reelected.
acknowledge receipt (of something) to inform
the sender that what was sent was
received. (Commonly used in business
correspondence.) _ In a letter to a shoe
company, Mary wrote, “I’m happy to acknowledge
receipt of four dozen pairs of
shoes.” _ John acknowledged receipt of the
bill. _ The package hasn’t arrived, so I’m
unable to acknowledge receipt.
acknowledge someone to be right to admit
or state that someone is correct about
something. _ Mary acknowledged Bill to
be right about the name of the store. _ Bill
said that the car was useless, and the mechanic
acknowledged him to be right.
acquire a taste for something to develop a
liking for food, drink, or something else;
to learn to like something. _ One acquires
a taste for fine wines. _ Many
people are never able to acquire a taste for
foreign food. _ Mary acquired a taste for
art when she was very young.
across the board equally for everyone or
everything. _ The school board raised the
pay of all the teachers across the board. _
Congress cut the budget by reducing the
money for each department 10 percent
across the board.
act as someone to perform in the capacity of
someone, temporarily or permanently. _
I’ll act as your supervisor until Mrs. Brown
returns from vacation. _ This is Mr.
Smith. He’ll act as manager from now on.
act high-and-mighty to act proud and
powerful. (Informal.) _ Why does the
doctor always have to act so high-andmighty?
_ If Sally wouldn’t act so highand-
mighty, she’d have more friends.
an act of faith an act or deed demonstrating
religious faith; an act or deed showing
trust in someone or something. _ He
lit candles in church as an act of faith. _
For him to trust you with his safety was a
real act of faith.
an act of God an occurrence (usually an
accident) for which no human is responsible;
a dramatic act of nature such as a
storm, an earthquake, or a windstorm. _
My insurance company wouldn’t pay for
the damage because it was an act of God.
_The thief tried to convince the judge that
the diamonds were in his pocket due to an
act of God.
an act of war an international act of violence
for which war is considered a suitable
response; any hostile act between
two people. _ To bomb a ship is an act
of war. _ Can spying be considered an act
of war? _ “You just broke my stereo,”
yelled John. “That’s an act of war!”
act one’s age to behave more maturely; to
act as grown-up as one really is. (This is
frequently said to a child.) _ Come on,
John, act your age. Stop throwing rocks. _
Mary! Stop picking on your little brother.
Act your age!
act something out to perform an imaginary
event as if one were in a play. _ Bill always
acted his anger out by shouting and
pounding his fists. T The psychiatrist
asked Bill to act out the way he felt about
getting fired.
act up to misbehave; to run or act badly.
_ John, why do you always have to act up
when your father and I take you out to eat?
_My arthritis is acting up. It really hurts.
act up
_ My car is acting up. I could hardly get
it started this morning.
Actions speak louder than words. It is
better to do something about a problem
than just talk about it. (Proverb.) _Mary
kept promising to get a job. John finally
looked her in the eye and said, “Actions
speak louder than words!” _ After listening
to the senator promising to cut federal
spending, Ann wrote a simple note saying,
“Actions speak louder than words.”
add fuel to the fire and add fuel to the
flame to make a problem worse; to say
or do something that makes a bad situation
worse; to make an angry person even
more angry. (Also literal.) _ To spank a
crying child just adds fuel to the fire. _Bill
was shouting angrily, and Bob tried to get
him to stop by laughing at him. Of course,
that was just adding fuel to the flame.
add fuel to the flame Go to add fuel to
the fire.
add insult to injury to make a bad situation
worse; to hurt the feelings of a person
who has already been hurt. _ First,
the basement f looded, and then, to add insult
to injury, a pipe burst in the kitchen.
_My car barely started this morning, and
to add insult to injury, I got a f lat tire in
the driveway.
add up (to something) 1. to total up to a particular
amount. _ The bill added up to
$200. _ These groceries will add up to almost
sixty dollars. _ These numbers just
won’t add up. 2. to mean something; to
signify or represent something; to result
in something. _ All this adds up to trouble!
_ I don’t understand. What does all
this add up to? _ If you think about it
carefully, these facts add up perfectly.
address someone as something 1. to talk to or
write to a person, using a particular title.
_ They addressed Abraham Lincoln as
“Mr. President.” _ A physician is usually
addressed as “Doctor.” 2. to treat a person
you are talking with in a particular
manner. _ You should address him as
your equal. _ Do not address me as your
superior.
advanced in years Go to up in years.
advise against something to suggest that
something not be done. _ I advised
against quitting work early. _ Lisa always
advises against hasty actions.
advise someone against doing something to
supply someone with a suggestion of not
doing something. _ I advised Bill against
quitting his job. _ Lisa advised Tom
against doing it.
an affinity for someone or something a strong
preference for something; a strong liking
for something. _ Cats have an affinity for
seafood. _ Mary’s affinity for classical
music accounts for her large collection of
recordings.
afraid of one’s own shadow easily frightened;
always frightened, timid, or suspicious.
_ After Tom was robbed, he was
even afraid of his own shadow. _ Jane has
always been a shy child. She has been
afraid of her own shadow since she was
three.
after a fashion in a manner that is just
barely adequate; poorly. _ He thanked
me—after a fashion—for my help. _ Oh,
yes, I can swim, after a fashion.
after all 1. anyway; in spite of what had
been decided. (Often refers to a change
in plans or a reversal of plans.) _ Mary
had planned to go to the bank first, but she
came here after all. _It looks like Tom will
go to law school after all. 2. remember;
consider the fact that. _ Don’t punish
Tommy! After all, he’s only three years old!
_ After all, we really didn’t hurt anyone!
after all is said and done when everything
is settled or concluded; finally. (See
also when all is said and done.) _ After
all was said and done, it was a lovely party.
_ After all is said and done, it will turn
out just as I said.
after hours after the regular closing time;
after any normal or regular time, such as
one’s bedtime. _ John was arrested in a
bar after hours. _ The soldier was caught
sneaking into the barracks after hours. _
John got a job sweeping f loors in the bank
after hours.
after the fact after something has happened;
after something, especially a
Actions speak louder than words.
4
crime, has taken place. (Primarily a legal
phrase.) _ John is always making excuses
after the fact. _ Remember to lock
your car whenever you leave it. If it’s
stolen, there is nothing you can do after the
fact.
after the fashion of someone or something in
the manner or style of someone or something.
(See also after a fashion.) _ She
walks down the street after the fashion of
a grand lady. _ The church was built after
the fashion of an English cathedral.
again and again repeatedly; again and
even more. _I like going to the beach, and
I will go back again and again. _ He
knocked on the door again and again until
I finally answered.
against someone’s will without a person’s
consent or agreement. _ You cannot force
me to come with you against my will! _
Against their will, the men were made to
stand up against the wall and be searched.
against the clock in a race with time; in
a great hurry to get something done before
a particular time. (See also race
against time.) _ Bill set a new track
record, running against the clock. He lost
the actual race, however. _ In a race
against the clock, they rushed the special
medicine to the hospital.
ahead of one’s time having ideas or attitudes
that are too advanced to be acceptable
to or appreciated by the society
in which one is living. _ People buy that
artist’s work now, but his paintings were
laughed at when he was alive. He was
ahead of his time. _ Mary’s grandmother
was ahead of her time in wanting to study
medicine.
ahead of schedule having done something
before the time listed on the schedule.
_ I want to be able to finish the job
ahead of schedule. _We don’t have to rush
because we are ahead of schedule.
ahead of the game being early; having an
advantage over a situation; having done
more than necessary. (Informal or slang.)
_ Whenever we go to a movie, we show up
ahead of the game and have to wait. _Bill
has to study math very hard to keep ahead
of the game. _ Bob does extra work so he’s
always ahead of the game.
ahead of time beforehand; before the announced
time. _ If you show up ahead of
time, you will have to wait. _ Be there
ahead of time if you want to get a good
seat.
aid and abet someone to help someone; to
incite someone to do something that is
wrong. _ He was scolded for aiding and
abetting the boys who were fighting. _ It’s
illegal to aid and abet a thief.
aim to do something to mean to do something;
to intend to do something in the
future. (Folksy.) _ I aim to paint the
house as soon as I can find a brush. _ He
aims to take a few days off and go fishing.
Ain’t it the truth? Isn’t that just the way it
is?; I agree with you completely. (Informal.)
_A: Things aren’t the way they used
to be in the good old days. B: Ain’t it the
truth? _ A: You just can’t buy good shoes
anymore. B: Ain’t it the truth?
air one’s dirty linen in public and wash
one’s dirty linen in public to discuss private
or embarrassing matters in public,
especially when quarreling. (This linen
refers to sheets and tablecloths or other
soiled cloth.) _ John’s mother had asked
him repeatedly not to air the family’s dirty
linen in public. _ Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
are arguing again. Why must they always
air their dirty linen in public? _ Jean will
talk to anyone about her financial problems.
Why does she wash her dirty linen in
public?
air one’s grievances to complain; to make
a public complaint. _ I know how you
feel, John, but it isn’t necessary to air your
grievances over and over. _ I know you’re
busy, sir, but I must air my grievances. This
matter is very serious.
air something out to freshen up something
by placing it in the open air; to freshen
a room by letting air move through it. _
It’s so stale in here. Mary, please open a
window and air this place out. _ Please
take this pillow outside and air it out.
T I’ll have to air out the car. Someone has
been smoking in it.
air something out
alive and kicking and alive and well well
and healthy. (Informal.) _ JANE: How is
Bill? MARY: Oh, he’s alive and kicki ng. _
The last time I saw Tom, he was alive and
well.
alive and well Go to alive and kicking.
alive with someone or something covered with,
filled with, or active with people or
things. _ Look! Ants everywhere. The
f loor is alive with ants! _ When we got to
the ballroom, the place was alive with
dancing. _ The campground was alive
with campers from all over the country.
all and sundry everyone; one and all.
(Folksy.) _ Cold drinks were served to all
and sundry. _ All and sundry came to the
village fair.
all around Robin Hood’s barn going
somewhere not by a direct route; going
way out of the way [to get somewhere];
by a long and circuitous route. _We had
to go all around Robin Hood’s barn to get
to the little town. _ She walked all around
Robin Hood’s barn looking for a shop that
sold Finnish glassware.
all at once 1. suddenly. _ All at once the
chair broke, and Bob fell to the f loor. _ All
at once she tripped on a stone. 2. all at the
same time. _ The entire group spoke all
at once. _ They were trying to cook dinner,
clean house, and paint the closet all
at once.
(all) at sea (about something) confused; lost
and bewildered. _Mary is all at sea about
getting married. _ When it comes to
higher math, John is totally at sea.
(all) balled up troubled; confused; in a
mess. (Slang.) _ Look at you! You’re really
all balled up! _ John is all balled up because
his car was stolen. _ Of course this
typewriter won’t work. It’s all balled up.
(all) beer and skittles all fun and pleasure;
easy and pleasant. (Skittles is the
game of ninepins, a game similar to
bowling.) _ Life isn’t all beer and skittles,
you know! _ For Sam, college was beer
and skittles. He wasted a lot of time and
money.
all better now improved; cured. (Folksy or
juvenile.) _ My leg was sore, but it’s all
better now. _ I fell off my tricycle and
bumped my knee. Mommy kissed it, and
it’s all better now.
all day long throughout the day; during
the entire day. _We waited for you at the
station all day long. _ I can’t keep smiling
all day long.
all dressed up dressed in one’s best
clothes; dressed formally. _ We’re all
dressed up to go out to dinner. _ I really
hate to get all dressed up just to go somewhere
to eat.
all for something very much in favor of
something. (For is usually emphasized.)
_ Bill is all for stopping off to get ice
cream. _ Mary suggested that they sell
their house. They weren’t all for it, but they
did it anyway.
(all) for the best good in spite of the way
it seems now; better than you think. (Often
said when someone dies after a serious
illness.) _I’m very sorry to hear of the
death of your aunt. Perhaps it’s for the best.
_ I didn’t get into the college I wanted, but
I couldn’t afford it anyway. It’s probably all
for the best.
all gone used up; finished; over with. _
Oh, the strawberry jelly is all gone. _ We
used to have wonderful parties, but those
days are all gone.
all in tired; exhausted; all tuckered out. _
I just walked all the way from town. I’m
all in. _ “What a day!” said Sally. “I’m all
in.”
all in a day’s work part of what is expected;
typical or normal. (Also literal.)
_ I don’t particularly like to cook, but
it’s all in a day’s work. _ Putting up with
rude customers isn’t pleasant, but it’s all
in a day’s work. _ Cleaning up after other
people is all in a day’s work for a chambermaid.
all in all considering everything that has
happened; in summary and in spite of
any unpleasantness. _ All in all, it was a
very good party. _ All in all, I’m glad that
I visited New York City.
alive and kicking
6
all in good time at some future time; in
good time; soon. (This phrase is used to
encourage people to be patient and wait
quietly.) _ When will the baby be born?
All in good time. _ MARY: I’m starved!
When will Bill get here with the pizza?
TOM: All in good time, Mary, all in good
time.
(all) in one breath spoken rapidly, usually
while one is very excited. (Also literal.)
_ Ann said all in one breath,
“Hurry, quick! The parade is coming!” _
Jane was in a play, and she was so excited
that she said her whole speech in one
breath. _ Tom can say the alphabet all in
one breath.
all in one piece safely; without damage.
(Informal.) _ Her son come home from
school all in one piece, even though he had
been in a fight. _ The package was handled
carelessly, but the vase inside arrived
all in one piece.
(all) in the family restricted to one’s own
family, as with private or embarrassing
information. (Especially with keep.) _
Don’t tell anyone else. Please keep it all in
the family. _ He only told his brother because
he wanted it to remain in the family.
(all) joking aside and (all) kidding aside
being serious for a moment; in all seriousness.
_ I know I laugh at him but, joking
aside, he’s a very clever scientist. _ I
know I threatened to leave and go round
the world, but, joking aside, I need a
vacation.
(all) kidding aside Go to (all) joking aside.
all kinds of someone or something a great
number of people or things; a great
amount of something, especially money.
(Informal. Also literal, meaning “all
types.”) _ There were all kinds of people
there, probably thousands. _ The Smith
family has all kinds of money.
all manner of someone or something all types
of people or things. _We saw all manner
of people there. They came from every
country in the world. _ They were selling
all manner of things in the country store.
all night long throughout the whole night.
_ I couldn’t sleep all night long. _ John
was sick all night long.
all of a sudden suddenly. _ All of a sudden,
lightning struck the tree we were sitting
under. _ I felt a sharp pain in my side
all of a sudden.
all or nothing 1. everything or nothing at
all. _ Sally would not accept only part of
the money. She wanted all or nothing. _
I can’t bargain over trif les. I will have to
have all or nothing. 2. time to choose to
do something or not to do it. _ It was
all or nothing. Tim had to jump off the
truck or risk drowning when the truck
went into the water. _ Jane stood at the
door of the airplane and checked her parachute.
It was all or nothing now. She had
to jump or be looked upon as a coward.
an all-out effort a very good and thorough
effort. (See also make an all-out effort.)
_ We need an all-out effort to get this job
done on time. _The government began an
all-out effort to reduce the federal budget.
all-out war total war, as opposed to small,
warlike acts or threats of war. _ We are
now concerned about all-out war in the
Middle East. _ Threats of all-out war
caused many tourists to leave the country
immediately.
all over 1. finished; dead. (Compare this
with (all) over with.) _ Dinner is all over.
I’m sorry you didn’t get any. _ It’s all over.
He’s dead now. 2. everywhere. (See also
all over the earth.) _ Oh, I just itch all
over. _ She’s spreading the rumor all over.
(all) over again starting over completely
again; going through something completely
yet another time. _ Do I have to
go through this all over again? _ Please
start over again for those who came in late.
all over but the shouting essentially decided
and concluded. (An elaboration of
all over, which means “finished.”) _ The
last goal was made just as the final whistle
sounded. Tom said, “Well, it’s all over
but the shouting.” _ Tom worked hard in
college and graduated last month. When
he got his diploma, he said, “It’s all over
but the shouting.”
all over but the shouting
7
all over the earth and all over the world
everywhere. _ Grass grows all over the
earth. _ It’s the same way all over the
world.
all over the place everywhere; in all parts
of a particular location. _Tom, stop leaving
your dirty clothes all over the place. _
We keep finding this kind of problem all
over the place.
all over the world Go to all over the earth.
all over town 1. everywhere in town. _
Our dog got loose and ran all over town.
_ Jane looked all over town for a dress to
wear to the party. 2. known to everyone.
_ Now keep this a secret. I don’t want it
all over town. _ In a short time the secret
was known all over town.
(all) over with finished. (See also all over.)
_ His problems are all over with now. _
After dinner is all over with, we can play
cards.
all right 1. well, good, or okay, but not excellent.
(Informal. This phrase has all the
uses that okay has.) _ I was a little sick,
but now I’m all right. _ His work is all
right, but nothing to brag about. _ All
right, it’s time to go. 2. beyond a doubt;
as the evidence shows. _ The dog’s dead
all right. It hasn’t moved at all. _ The
train’s late all right. It hasn’t been late in
months. 3. hooray. (An exclamation of
joy or encouragement.) _The Bears won!
All right! _ All right! That’s the way to do
it!
Midwest .
All right for you! That’s it for you!; That’s
the last chance for you! (Juvenile and informal.
Usually said by a child who is angry
with a playmate.) _ All right for you,
John. See if I ever play with you again. _
All right for you! I’m telling your mother
what you did.
all right with someone agreeable to someone.
_ If you want to ruin your life and
marry Tom, it’s all right with me. _ I’ll see
if it’s all right with my father.
all set ready to begin; okay. (See also (all)
set to do something.) _ TOM: Is everything
all right? JANE: Yes, we are all set. _ We
are ready to leave now. Are you all set?
(all) set to do something prepared or ready
to do something. (See also all set.) _ Are
you set to cook the steaks? _ Yes, the fire
is ready, and I’m all set to start.
(all) shot to hell totally ruined. (Informal.
Use caution with hell.) _ My car is all
shot to hell and can’t be depended on. _
This knife is shot to hell. I need a sharper
one.
(all) skin and bones Go to nothing but
skin and bones.
all sweetness and light very sweet, innocent,
and helpful. (Perhaps insincerely
so.) _ She was mad at first, but after a
while, she was all sweetness and light. _
At the reception, the whole family was all
sweetness and light, but they argued and
fought after the guests left.
all systems (are) go everything is ready.
(Informal. Originally said when preparing
to launch a rocket.) _ The rocket is
ready to blast off—all systems are go. _
TOM: Are you guys ready to start playing?
BILL: Sure, Tom, all systems go.
all talk (and no action) talking about doing
something, but never actually doing
it. _ The car needs washing, but Bill is all
talk and no action on this matter. _ Bill
keeps saying he’ll get a job soon, but he’s
all talk and no action. _ Bill won’t do it.
He’s just all talk.
All that glitters is not gold. Many attractive
and alluring things have no value.
(Proverb.) _ The used car looked fine but
didn’t run well at all. “Ah, yes,” thought
Bill, “all that glitters is not gold.” _ When
Mary was disappointed about losing Tom,
Jane reminded her, “All that glitters is not
gold.”
all the livelong day throughout the whole
day. (Folksy.) _ They kept at their work
all the livelong day. _ Bob just sat by the
creek fishing, all the livelong day.
all the rage in current fashion. _ A new
dance called the “f loppy disc” is all the
rage. _ Wearing a rope instead of a belt
is all the rage these days.
all the same and just the same nevertheless;
anyhow. _ They were told not to
all over the earth
8
bring presents, but they brought them all
the same. _ His parents said no, but John
went out just the same.
all the same (to someone) and just the
same (to someone) of no consequence to
someone; immaterial to someone. _ It’s
all the same to me whether we win or lose.
_ If it’s just the same to you, I’d rather
walk than ride. _ If it’s all the same, I’d
rather you didn’t smoke.
all the time 1. throughout a specific period
of time. _Bill was stealing money for
the last two years, and Tom knew it all the
time. _ Throughout December and January,
Jane had two jobs all the time. 2. at
all times; continuously. _ Your blood
keeps f lowing all the time. _ That electric
motor runs all the time. 3. repeatedly; habitually.
_She keeps a handkerchief in her
hand all the time. _ She hums softly all
the time.
all the way from the beginning to the end;
the entire distance, from start to finish.
(See also go all the way (with someone).)
_ The ladder reaches all the way to the top
of the house. _ I walked all the way home.
all thumbs awkward and clumsy, especially
with one’s hands. _ Poor Bob can’t play
the piano at all. He’s all thumbs. _ Mary
is all thumbs when it comes to gardening.
all told totaled up; including all parts. _
All told, he earned about $700 last week. _
All told, he has many fine characteristics.
all to the good for the best; for one’s benefit.
_ He missed the train, but it was all
to the good because the train had a wreck.
_ It was all to the good that he died without
suffering.
(all) tuckered out tired out; worn out.
(Folksy.) _ Poor John worked so hard that
he’s all tuckered out. _ Look at that little
baby sleeping. She’s really tuckered out.
all walks of life all social, economic, and
ethnic groups. _ We saw people there
from all walks of life. _ The people who
came to the art exhibit represented all
walks of life.
(all) well and good good; desirable. _ It’s
well and good that you’re here on time. I
was afraid you’d be late again. _ It’s all
well and good that you’re passing English,
but what about math and science?
all wet mistaken; wrongheaded; on the
wrong track. (Also literal.) _ It’s not that
way, John. You’re all wet. _ If you think
that prices will come down, you’re all wet.
all wool and a yard wide genuine; genuinely
warmhearted and friendly. (Informal
and folksy. Refers to cloth that is 100
percent wool and exactly one yard wide.)
_ Old Bob is a true gentleman—all wool
and a yard wide. _ The banker, hardly all
wool and a yard wide, wouldn’t give us a
loan.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull
boy. One should have recreation as well
as work. (Proverb. Jack does not refer to
anyone in particular. The phrase can be
used for persons of either sex.) _ Stop
reading that book and go out and play! All
work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. _
The doctor told Mr. Jones to stop working
on weekends and start playing golf, because
all work and no play makes Jack a
dull boy.
(all) worked up (about something) Go to
(all) worked up (over something).
(all) worked up (over something) and (all)
worked up (about something) excited and
agitated about something. (See also get
worked up (over something).) _ Tom is all
worked up over the threat of a new war.
_Don’t get all worked up about something
that you can’t do anything about. _ Bill
is all worked up again. It’s bad for his
health.
(all) year round throughout all the seasons
of the year; during the entire year. _ The
public swimming pool is enclosed so that
it can be used all year round. _ In the
South they can grow f lowers all year
round.
allow for someone or something 1. to plan on
having enough of something (such as
food, space, etc.) for someone. _ Mary is
bringing Bill on the picnic, so be sure to allow
for him when buying the food. _ Allow
for an extra person when setting the
table tonight. 2. to plan on the possibilallow
for
9
ity of something. _ Allow for a few rainy
days on your vacation. _ Be sure to allow
for future growth when you plant the
rosebushes.
All’s well that ends well. An event that
has a good ending is considered good,
even if some things went wrong along the
way. (Proverb. This is the name of a play
by Shakespeare.) _ I’m glad you finally
got here, even though your car had a f lat
tire on the way. Oh, well. All’s well that
ends well. _ The groom was late for the
wedding, but everything worked out all
right. All’s well that ends well.
the almighty dollar the U.S. dollar, worshiped
as a god; money, viewed as more
important and powerful than anything
else. _Bill was a slave to the almighty dollar.
_ It’s the almighty dollar that drives
the whole country.
almost lost it having been so angry or distraught
as to nearly lose one’s temper,
composure, or control. (Also literal. Informal.)
_ I was so mad, I almost lost it.
_ When he saw the dent in his fender, he
almost lost it.
along in years Go to up in years.
along with someone or something in addition
to someone or something; together with
someone or something. _ Jane went to
the mall along with David. _ I ate some
chocolates along with some fruit.
alongside (of ) someone or something as compared
to a person or a thing. (Also literal.
Informal. The things being compared
need not be beside one another.) _ Our
car looks quite small alongside of theirs. _
My power of concentration is quite limited
alongside of yours.
alpha and omega both the beginning and
the end; the essentials, from the beginning
to the end; everything, from the beginning
to the end. (Refers to the first
and last letters of the Greek alphabet.) _
He was forced to learn the alpha and
omega of corporate law in order to even
talk to the lawyers. _ He loved her deeply;
she was his alpha and omega.
amount to something [for someone or something]
to be or to become valuable or
successful. _Most parents hope that their
children will amount to something. _I put
$200 in the bank, and I hope it will
amount to something in twenty years.
amount to the same thing and come to
the same thing to be the same as something;
to have the same effect as something.
_ Borrowing can be the same as
stealing. If the owner does not know what
you have borrowed, it amounts to the same
thing. _ Beer, wine. They come to the
same thing if you drink and drive.
[an] <Entries beginning with a, an, or the
are alphabetized under the second word
in the entry. That means that a bed of
roses will appear in the Bs.>
and change [some number of dollars] plus
between 1 and 99 cents more. _The book
cost $12.49. That’s twelve dollars and
change. _ Subway fare is now one dollar
and change.
and so forth continuing talking in the
same way; and so on. _ She told me
everything about her kids and so on and so
forth. _ I heard about problems at work
and so forth.
and something to spare and with something
to spare with extra left over; with more
than is needed. (With something, time,
room, money, plenty, etc.) _ I had as
much f lour as I needed with something to
spare. _ Fred said he should have enough
cash to last the week—with money to
spare.
and so on continuing on in the same way
[without saying all the details]; continuing
to talk, saying more and more. _ He
told me about all his health problems, including
his arthritis and so on. _ I need
some help getting ready for dinner, setting
the table, and so on.
and the like and similar things or people.
_ I eat hamburgers, hot dogs, and the like.
_ I bought shirts, pants, socks, and the
like.
and then some and even more; more than
has been mentioned. (Folksy.) _ John is
going to have to run like a deer and then
some to win this race. _ The cook put the
All’s well that ends well.
amount of salt called for into the soup and
then some.
and what have you and so on; and other
similar things. _ Their garage is full of
bikes, sleds, old boots, and what have you.
_ The merchant sells writing paper, pens,
string, and what have you.
angry enough to chew nails Go to mad
enough to chew nails.
another country heard from <a catch
phrase said when someone makes a comment
or interrupts.> _ Jane and Bill were
discussing business when Bob interrupted
to offer an opinion. “Another country
heard from,” said Jane. _ In the middle
of the discussion, the baby started crying.
“Another country heard from,” said Tom.
(another) nail in someone’s or something’s
coffin something that will harm or destroy
someone or something. _ Every
word of criticism that Bob said about the
boss was a nail in his coffin. _ Losing the
export order was the final nail in the company’s
coffin.
answer for someone or something [with something]
to assume responsibility for something.
(Also literal.) _John had to answer
for the theft of the bicycle since it was
found at his house. _ Someday we’ll all
have to answer for our wrongdoings.
answer someone’s purpose and serve someone’s
purpose to fit or suit someone’s
purpose. _This piece of wood will answer
my purpose quite nicely. _ The new car
serves our purpose perfectly.
answer the door [after hearing the doorbell
or a knock] to go to the door to see
who is there. _ Would you please answer
the door? I am busy. _ I wish someone
would answer the door. I can’t wait all day.
answer to someone to explain to someone;
to justify one’s actions to someone. (Usually
with have to.) _ If John cannot behave
properly, he’ll have to answer to me.
_ The car thief will have to answer to the
judge.
any number of someone or something a large
number; a sufficiently large number.
(Used when the exact number is not important.)
_ Any number of people can
vouch for my honesty. _I can give you any
number of reasons why I should join the
army. _ I ate there any number of times
and never became ill.
Any port in a storm. When one is in difficulties
one must accept any way out,
whether one likes the solution or not.
(Proverb.) _ I don’t want to live with my
parents, but it’s a case of any port in a
storm. I can’t find an apartment. _ He
hates his job, but he can’t get another. Any
port in a storm, you know.
appear as something to act a certain part in
a play, opera, etc. _ Madame Smith-
Franklin appeared as Carmen at the City
Opera last season. _ The actor refused to
appear as a villain in the play.
appear out of nowhere to appear suddenly,
without warning. (Almost the
same as come out of nowhere.) _ A huge
bear appeared out of nowhere and roared
and threatened us. _ A butler appeared
out of nowhere and took our coats.
the apple of someone’s eye someone’s favorite
person or thing; a boyfriend or a
girlfriend. _ Tom is the apple of Mary’s
eye. She thinks he’s great. _ John’s new
stereo is the apple of his eye.
apples and oranges a pair of people or
things representing two entities that are
not similar. _ You can’t talk about Fred
and Ted in the same breath! They’re apples
and oranges. _ Talking about her current
book and her previous best-seller is like
comparing apples and oranges.
arguing for the sake of arguing and
arguing for the sake of argument simply
arguing to be difficult or contrary. _
You are just arguing for the sake of arguing.
You don’t even know what the issue
is. _ He is annoying, because he is always
arguing for the sake of argument.
arguing for the sake of argument Go to
arguing for the sake of arguing.
arm in arm linked or hooked together by
the arms. _ The two lovers walked arm in
arm down the street. _ Arm in arm, the
line of dancers kicked high, and the audience
roared its approval.
arm in arm
armed and dangerous said of an armed
person who is suspected of a crime and
has not been captured and who is likely
to resist arrest. (This is a warning to police
officers.) _Max is at large, presumed
to be armed and dangerous. _ The suspect
has killed once and is armed and
dangerous.
armed to the teeth heavily armed with
deadly weapons. _ The bank robber was
armed to the teeth when he was caught.
_ There are too many guns around. The
entire country is armed to the teeth.
(a)round the clock continuously for
twenty-four hours at a time; all day and
all night. _ The priceless jewels were
guarded around the clock. _ Grandfather
was so sick that he had to have nurses
round the clock.
(a)round-the-clock constant; day and
night. (Adjective.) _ Grandfather required
around-the-clock care. _ I tuned
into the around-the-clock news station.
arrange something with someone 1. and
arrange to do something with someone to
plan an event so as to include another
person or persons. _ Jane arranged a
meeting with Ann. _ Bill arranged to go
to the station with Tom and Mary. 2. to
get someone’s consent for something. _
Mary arranged the entire affair with her
employer. _ The new mother arranged the
christening with the pastor.
arrange to do something with someone Go to
arrange something with someone.
arrive in a body Go to come in a body.
arrive on the scene Go to come on the
scene.
as a duck takes to water easily and naturally.
(Informal.) _ She took to singing
just as a duck takes to water. _ The baby
adapted to bottle-feeding as a duck takes
to water.
as a (general) rule usually; almost always.
_ He can be found in his office as a general
rule. _ As a general rule, Jane plays
golf on Wednesdays. _ As a rule, things
tend to get less busy after supper time.
as a last resort as the last choice; if everything
else fails. _ Call the doctor at home
only as a last resort. _ As a last resort, she
will perform surgery.
as alike as (two) peas in a pod very similar.
(Compare this with like (two) peas
in a pod.) _ The twins are as alike as two
peas in a pod. _ These two books are as
alike as peas in a pod.
as a matter of course normally; as a normal
procedure. _ The nurse takes your
temperature as a matter of course. _ You
are expected to make your own bed as a
matter of course.
as a matter of fact actually; in addition to
what has been said; in reference to what
has been said. (See also matter-of-fact.) _
As a matter of fact, John came into the
room while you were talking about him. _
I’m not a poor worker. As a matter of fact,
I’m very efficient.
as an aside as a comment; as a comment
that is not supposed to be heard by everyone.
_ At the wedding, Tom said as an
aside, “The bride doesn’t look well.” _ At
the ballet, Billy said as an aside to his
mother, “I hope the dancers fall off the
stage!”
as a result of something because of something
that has happened. _ As a result of
the accident, Tom couldn’t walk for six
months. _ We couldn’t afford to borrow
money for a house as a result of the rise
in interest rates.
as a token (of something) symbolic of something,
especially of gratitude; as a memento
of something. _ He gave me a rose
as a token of the time we spent together. _
Here, take this $100 as a token of my appreciation.
_ I can’t thank you enough.
Please accept this money as a token.
(as) awkward as a cow on a crutch and
(as) awkward as a cow on roller
skates very awkward. _ When Lulu was
pregnant, she was awkward as a cow on a
crutch. _ Tom will never be a gymnast.
He’s as awkward as a co w on roller skates!
(as) awkward as a cow on roller skates
Go to (as) awkward as a cow on a crutch.
armed and dangerous
(as) bad as all that as bad as reported; as
bad as it seems. (Usually expressed in the
negative.) _ Come on! Nothing could be
as bad as all that. _ Stop crying. It can’t
be as bad as all that.
(as) bald as a baby’s backside Go to (as)
bald as a coot.
(as) bald as a coot and (as) bald as a
baby’s backside completely bald. _ If
Tom’s hair keeps receding like that, he’ll
be bald as a coot by the time he’s thirty.
_ FRED: Now, I’ll admit my hair is thinning
a little on the top, but— JANE: Thinning?
You’re not thinning, you’re as bald as
a baby’s backside!
B
a babe in the woods a naive or innocent
person; an inexperienced person. _ Bill
is a babe in the woods when it comes to
dealing with plumbers. _ As a painter,
Mary is fine, but she’s a babe in the woods
as a musician.
back and fill to act indecisively; to change
one’s direction repeatedly; to reverse
one’s course. (Originally nautical, referring
to alternately filling the sails with
wind and releasing the wind.) _ The
president spent most of his speech backing
and filling on the question of taxation. _
The other candidate was backing and filling
on every issue, depending on whom she
was addressing.
back and forth backwards and forwards;
first one way and then another way.
(Compare this with to and fro.) _ The
young man was pacing back and forth in
the hospital waiting room. _ The pendulum
on the clock swung back and forth.
back down (from someone or something) and
back off (from someone or something) to
yield to a person or a thing; to fail to
carry through on a threat. _ Jane backed
down from her position on the budget. _
It’s probably better to back down from
someone than to have an argument. _
John agreed that it was probably better to
back down than to risk getting shot. _ Bill
doesn’t like to back off from a fight. _
Sometimes it’s better to back off than to get
hurt.
back East to or from the eastern United
States, often the northeastern or New England
states. (See also down South, out
West, and up North. This is used even by
people who have never been in the East.)
_ Sally felt that she had to get back East
for a few days. _ Tom went to school back
East, but his brother attended college in the
back in circulation 1. [for a thing to be]
available to the public again. (Said especially
of things that are said to circulate,
such as money, library books, and magazines.)
_ I’ve heard that gold coins are
back in circulation in Europe . _ I would
like to read War and Peace. Is it back in
circulation, or is it still checked out? 2. [for
a person to be] socially active again; dating
again after a divorce or breakup with
one’s lover. (Informal.) _ Now that Bill is
a free man, he’s back in circulation. _Tom
was in the hospital for a month, but now
he’s back in circulation.
back off (from someone or something) Go to
back down (from someone or something).
back of the beyond the most remote
place; somewhere very remote. (Informal.)
_ John hardly ever comes to the city.
He lives at the back of the beyond. _ Mary
likes lively entertainment, but her husband
likes to vacation in the back of the beyond.
back order something [for a merchant] to order
something that is not in stock and
then make delivery to the customer when
the goods become available. (The merchant
may hold your money until the order
is filled.) _ The store didn’t have the
replacement part for my vacuum cleaner,
so the manager back ordered it for me. _
The shop had to back order some of the
items on my list.
back out (of something) to withdraw from
something you have agreed to do; to
break an agreement. (Also literal.) _ The
buyer tried to back out of the sale, but the
seller wouldn’t permit it. _ Please don’t
back out of our date. _ Mary backed out
at the last minute.
