NTCs thematic dictionary of american idioms

NTC's Thematic Dictionary of American Idioms Richard A Spears, Ph.D JS^ NTC Publishing Group N l C NTC/Contemporary Publishing Company Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Spears, Richard A NTC's thematic dictionary of American idioms / Richard A Spears p cm Includes index ISBN 0-8442-0830-2 English language—United States—Idioms—Dictionaries Figures of speech—Dictionaries Americanisms—Dictionaries I Title PE2839.S66 123'.1—dc21 1997 97-2440 CIP Interior design by Terry Stone Published by NTC Publishing Group An imprint of NTC/Contemporary Publishing Company 4255 West Touhy Avenue, Lincolnwood (Chicago), Illinois 60646-1975 U.S.A Copyright © 1998 by NTC/Contemporary Publishing Company All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of NTC/Contemporary Publishing Company Manufactured in the United States of America International Standard Book Number: 0-8442-0830-2 BC Introduction List of Themes v vii Idioms, Thematically Arranged Idioms Index 355 l Most of the world's languages have phrases or sentences that cannot be understood literally Even if you know all the words in a phrase and understand all the grammar of the phrase completely, the meaning may still be elusive A phrase or sentence of this type is said to be idiomatic Many proverbs, informal phrases, and common sayings are idiomatic, and offer special problems to readers, writers, and language learners This dictionary is a collection of the idiomatic phrases and sentences that occur frequently in American English The idiomatic expressions in this dictionary are arranged according to theme There is a list of themes on page vii Writers and students seeking an idiomatic way of expressing something can easily find likely candidates by using the themes to locate a selection of expressions There is an index on page 355 that allows the user to find a particular idiom by showing the theme under which the idiom is listed v The following is a list of the 900 themes used to classify the idiomatic expressions found in this dictionary The themes are also used as guide words at the top of each page in the dictionary Use this list to explore the various themes conveniently ABANDONMENT ABILITY ABILITY - LACKING ABSENCE ABUNDANCE ABUSE ACCEPTANCE ACCIDENT ACCOMPANIMENT ACCOMPLISHMENT ACCOUNTING ACCURACY ACHIEVEMENT ACQUISITION ACTIVITY ACTUALLY ADDITIONALLY ADEQUACY ADEQUACY - LACKING ADMISSION ADVANCEMENT ADVANTAGE ADVANTAGE - GAIN 10 ADVANTAGE -TAKE 10 AFFINITY 11 AGE 11 AGE - OLD 11 AGE - YOUTH 12 AGREEABLE 12 AGREEMENT 12 ALERTNESS 13 ALERTNESS - LACKING 14 ALMOST 14 ALONE 14 ALOOF 14 ALTERNATIVES 15 ALWAYS 15 AMAZING 16 AMOUNT 16 AMOUNT- LARGE 16 AMOUNT- MANY 17 AMOUNT- MAXIMUM 17 AMOUNT- MORE 17 AMOUNT- MUCH 17 AMOUNT-NONE 18 AMOUNT- RARE 18 AMOUNT- SMALL 18 ANGER 19 ANGER- RELEASE 19 ANNOYANCE 20 ANNOYANCE - DELIBERATE 22 ANNOYANCE - RIDDANCE 23 ANXIETY 23 ANXIETY - ANTICIPATION 24 ANXIETY - REPRESSED 24 ANXIETY - SEVERE 24 ANYWAY 24 APPEARANCE 24 APPEARANCE - EVIDENCE 24 APPEARANCE - IMPRESSION 25 APPEARANCE - LOOKS 25 APPEARANCE - PUBLIC 25 ARGUMENT 25 ARGUMENT - SETTLE 27 ARRANGEMENT 27 ARRANGEMENT - WRONG 28 ARREST 28 ARRIVAL 28 ARROGANCE 28 ASPIRATION 28 ASSISTANCE 29 ATTACK 30 ATTENDANCE 31 ATTENTION 32 ATTRACTION 32 AVAILABILITY 33 AVAILABILITY - LACKING 33 AVIATION 33 AVOIDANCE 33 AWAKEN 34 AWARENESS 35 AWARENESS - LACKING 35 AWKWARDNESS 35 BAD 36 BALANCE 36 BALANCE - PHYSICAL 37 BARGAIN 37 BASEBALL See SPORTS BASEBALL 306 BASIC 37 BATHROOM 37 BECAUSE 37 BEGINNINGS 38 BEGINNINGS - AGAIN 40 BEGINNINGS - ASSIST 40 BEGINNINGS - CAUTIOUS 40 BEGINNINGS - EARLY 40 BEGINNINGS - EFFORT 40 BEGINNINGS - FAST 41 BEGINNINGS - INITIAL 41 BEHAVIOR 41 BEHAVIOR - CHANGE 42 BEHAVIOR - IMPROPER 42 BEHAVIOR - IMPROVEMENT 43 BEHAVIOR - WILD 43 BELIEF 43 BELIEF - GULLIBILITY 44 BENEFIT 44 BEST 45 BETTER 45 BETTER - LOCATION 45 BETWEEN 45 BIRTH 45 BLAME 45 BOASTING 46 BOASTING - CONCEIT 46 BOREDOM 46 BOTHER See ANNOYANCE 20 BRAVERY See COURAGE 86 BREATH 47 BRIBERY 47 BROADCASTING 47 BUILDINGS 47 BUILDINGS - EXCAVATION 48 BURDEN 48 BUSINESS See COMMERCE 64 BUSY 49 CALCULATION 50 CALMNESS 50 CAREFREE 51 CARELESSNESS 51 VII NTC'S THEMATIC DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN CARING - LACKING 51 CASUAL 52 CATCHING 52 CAUSES 52 CAUTION 53 CELEBRATION 53 CERTAINTY 54 CERTAINTY - LACKING 55 CHALLENGE 55 CHANCE 56 CHANGE 57 CHANGE - LACKING 58 CHEAPNESS 58 CHILDHOOD 58 CHILDREN 58 CHOICE 58 CHOICE - LAST 59 CHOICE - TASTE 59 CLARITY 59 CLARITY - LACKING 60 CLEANING 60 CLEVERNESS 60 CLOSE See PROXIMITY 259 CLOTHING 61 CLOTHING - LAUNDRY 61 COERCION 62 COLDNESS 62 COLLAPSE 62 COLLECT 62 COLLEGE 62 COMBINATION 62 COMFORT 63 COMFORT - LACKING 63 COMMENTS 63 COMMERCE 64 COMMERCE - DEBT 66 COMMERCE - PROFIT 66 COMMUNICATION 66 COMMUNICATION KEYBOARD 68 COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES 68 COMMUNICATION - PUBLIC 68 COMMUNICATION - SWEAR 68 COMMUNICATION TELEPHONE 69 COMMUNICATION - VERBAL 69 COMMUNICATION - WRITTEN 71 COMPARISON 72 COMPASSION 73 COMPETITION 73 COMPLAINT 73 COMPLETELY 74 COMPLETION 74 COMPLIMENT 76 VIII IDIOMS COMPROMISE 77 CONCISENESS 7 CONFESSION 77 CONFIDENCE 77 CONFIDENCE - MUCH 77 CONFORMING 7 CONFRONTATION 77 CONFUSION 78 CONFUSION - EMOTIONAL 79 CONGESTION 80 CONSCIENCE 80 CONSEQUENCES 80 CONSIDER 80 CONSPICUOUS 81 CONSTRUCTION 81 CONSUME 81 CONTINUATION 81 CONTINUOUSLY 82 CONTROL 82 CONTROL - DIMINISH 84 CONTROL - END 84 CONTROL - LACKING 84 COOL 85 COOPERATION 85 CORE 85 CORRECTNESS 85 COUNTING 86 COURAGE 86 CRAZINESS 87 CREATION 88 CRIME 88 CRITICISM 89 CRUELTY 90 CRYING 90 CURRENT See FASHION 152, NOW DANGER 91 DARKNESS 91 DAYDREAM See IMAGINATION 186 DEATH 91 DEATH - KILLING 94 DECAY See DETERIORATION 104 DECEPTION 94 DECISION 98 DEED 98 DEFENSE 99 DEGRADATION 99 DELAY 99 DEMANDS 100 DEPART 100 DEPART- EXIT 101 DEPART- FAST 101 DEPENDABILITY 102 DEPRESSION 102 DEPTH 102 DESCRIPTION 102 DESIRE 103 DESTRUCTION 103 DETAILS 103 DETERIORATION 104 DETERMINATION 104 DEVELOPMENT 104 DIFFERENCE 105 DIFFICULTY 105 DIGESTION 107 DILUTION 107 DIMINISHING 107 DIRECTION 108 DIRECTION - DISTANCE 109 DIRECTION -WRONG 109 DISAGREEMENT 109 DISAPPEARANCE 110 DISBELIEF 1 DISCOURAGEMENT 1 DISCOVERY 110 DISCUSSION 1 DISGUST 1 DISLIKE 1 DISMISSAL 1 DISMISSAL- EJECT 1 DISMISSAL - EMPLOYMENT 113 DISORDER 1 DISPLAY 1 DISPLEASURE 1 DISPLEASURE- FROWN 1 DISPOSAL 1 DISREGARD 114 DISSUADE 114 DISTANCE 114 DISTRACTION 114 DISTURBANCE 114 DIVERSION 1 DIVISION 115 DOMINATION 1 DOMINATION - DIMINISH 116 DOMINATION - END 116 DOOM 1 DOUBT 1 DRINKING 1 DRUNK 1 DRYNESS 118 EAGERNESS 1 EARLY 120 EASY 120 EATING 122 EATING - DIET 123 EATING - ENTERTAINMENT 123 EATING - FAST 123 EATING - ILLNESS 123 EATING - LITTLE 123 EATING - M U C H 124 EATING - NIBBLE 124 save something for a rainy day STORAGE see the last of someone or something DEPART save the day RESULTS save up (for something) MONEY saved by the bell RESCUED saving grace SURVIVAL say a mouthful WISDOM say something in a roundabout way MEANING see the light (at the end of the tunnel) FORESIGHT see the light (of day) BUSY see the light UNDERSTANDING see the sights VISITING see through someone or something PERCEPTION say something (right) to someone's face CONFRONTATION say something under one's breath COMMUNICATION - VERBAL say the word AGREEMENT say uncle YIELDING scare someone or something up SEARCHING scare someone stiff FRIGHT - SEVERE scared stiff FRIGHT - SEVERE scrape something together COLLECT scrape the bottom of the barrel CHOICE see to someone or something ASSISTANCE see which way the wind is blowing OBSERVATION seeing is believing BELIEF seeing things IMAGINATION seize the opportunity OPPORTUNITY seize (up)on something FOCUS sell like hotcakes SALES sell someone a bill of g o o d s DECEPTION sell someone on something PERSUASION sell someone or something short scratch around (for something) SEARCHING scratch someone's back RECIPROCITY EVALUATION s e l l s o m e o n e o u t REVELATION scratch the surface EXAMINATION SALES sell something off scream bloody murder COMPLAINT screw someone or something up TROUBLE screw up one's courage COURAGE scrimp and save THRIFT seamy side of life LIFESTYLE second nature to someone EASY second to none BEST see a man about a dog DEPART see about something MONITORING see double VISION see eye to eye (with someone) (about something) AGREEABLE see fit (to something) DECISION see no objection (to something) AGREEABLE see one's way clear (to something) MANAGE see red ANGER see someone home ACCOMPANIMENT see something through COMPLETION see stars VIOLENCE see the color of someone's money MONEY see the (hand)writing on the wall PERCEPTION sell something for a song SALES sell something on credit SALES send one about one's business DISMISSAL - EJECT send someone or something up RIDICULE send someone (out) on a n errand ERRAND send someone packing DISMISSAL EJECT send someone to the showers DISMISSAL send someone up the river LEGAL send someone up the river PUNISHMENT send something C.O.D COMMERCE send up a trial balloon TEST separate the men from the boys SEPARATION separate the sheep from the goats DIVISION s e r v e a s a g u i n e a p i g TEST EXPERIMENT s e r v e n o t i c e COMMUNICATION - PUBLIC s e r v e s o m e o n e r i g h t FAIRNESS set a p r e c e d e n t RULES NTC'S THEMATIC DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN IDIOMS set eyes on someone or something VISION set fire to someone or something CRIME set foot somewhere ENTRANCE set forth (on something) BEGINNINGS set great store by someone or something EXPECTATION set in one's ways LIFESTYLE set in BEGINNINGS set in WEATHER set one back on one's heels SURPRISE set one's heart against something OPPOSITION set one's heart on something DETERMINATION set one's sights on something DETERMINATION set one's teeth on edge ANNOYANCE set sail (for somewhere) BEGINNINGS set someone back (some amount of money) MONEY set someone off INCITE - ANGER set someone straight EXPLANATION set someone up (as something) ESTABLISHMENT set someone up (in business) ESTABLISHMENT set someone up DECEPTION set someone's teeth on edge TASTE set something off BEGINNINGS - ASSIST set something right IMPROVEMENT set something straight EXPLANATION set something up CONSTRUCTION set something up ESTABLISHMENT set something up PLANNING set the stage for something PREPARATION set the table EATING - PREPARATION set set set set the world on fire EXCITEMENT tongues (a)wagging GOSSIP up shop somewhere ESTABLISHMENT upon someone or something ATTACK settle a score with someone SOLUTION settle down CALMNESS settle down LIFESTYLE settle for something ACCEPTANCE settle on something CHOICE settle someone's affairs MANAGE settle up with someone MONEY sew something up ENDINGS 406 shades of someone or something NOSTALGIA shake (hands) on something AGREEMENT shake hands (with someone) SOCIAL shake in one's boots FEAR shake someone down CRIME shake someone off ANNOYANCE RIDDANCE shake someone or something up MOVEMENT shake someone up ANNOYANCE shake something down TEST shake something off HEALTH shake something up ORGANIZATION Shame on someone SCOLDING shape someone up PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENT Shape up or ship out SCOLDING shape up IMPROVEMENT share and share alike EQUAL shed crocodile tears DECEPTION shed (some) light on something EXPLANATION shell something out PAYMENT shift for oneself INDEPENDENCE shine up to someone FLATTERY shipping and handling COMMERCE ships that pass in the night ENCOUNTER s h i r k one's d u t y RESPONSIBILITY s h o o k Up ANNOYANCE shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot from the hip FRANKNESS from the hip WEAPONS - GUNS one's mouth off BOASTING something out VIOLENCE the breeze COMMUNICATION - VERBAL shoot the bull COMMUNICATION VERBAL shoot the works COMPLETELY shop around (for something) COMMERCE short and sweet TIME - DURATION short of something AMOUNT - SMALL shot in the a r m ASSISTANCE shot in the dark RANDOMNESS shot through with something APPEARANCE shotgun wedding MARRIAGE should have stood in bed HIDING shoulder to shoulder TOGETHERNESS INDEX shove someone or something down someone's throat PERSISTENCE show of hands VOTING show one's hand REVELATION show one's (true) colors TRUTH show signs of something SIGNIFY show someone or something off DISPLAY show someone the ropes EXPLANATION show someone (to) the door DISMISSAL show someone up as something REVELATION show someone up COMPARISON show something to good advantage PROMOTION shuffle off this mortal coil DEATH shut someone up SILENCE shut the door on something STOP shy away (from someone or something) AVOIDANCE sick and tired of someone or something ANNOYANCE sick in bed SICKNESS side against someone OPPOSITION side with someone SUPPORT sight for sore eyes WELCOME sign on the dotted line LEGAL sign on (with someone) EMPLOYMENT sign one's own death warrant RUIN signed, sealed, and delivered LEGAL silly season TIME simmer down CALMNESS sing a different tune BEHAVIOR CHANGE sing someone's praises PRAISE s i n k i n UNDERSTANDING sink into despair DEPRESSION sink one's teeth into something EATING sink one's teeth into something OPPORTUNITY sink or s w i m SUCCESS sit at someone's feet RESPECT sit back and let something happen INACTION sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit bolt upright POSITION (idly) by INACTION in for someone SUBSTITUTION in (on something) OBSERVATION on its hands REFUSAL on one's hands INACTION on someone or something DELAY on the fence INDECISION something out INACTION sit through something MONITORING sit tight PATIENCE sit up and take notice ATTENTION sit up with someone ACCOMPANIMENT sitting on a powder keg DANGER (sitting) on top of the world HAPPINESS sitting pretty COMFORT sitting target VULNERABILITY six of one and half a dozen of the other CHOICE size someone or something up EVALUATION skate on thin ice DANGER skeleton in the closet SECRET skin someone alive SCOLDING skip out (on someone or something) ABANDONMENT Slack off DIMINISHING slap in the face INSULT slap someone down SCOLDING slated for something TIME slated to something TIME sleep in SLEEP sleep like a log SLEEP sleep on something DECISION sleep something off RECOVERY sleep with someone SEX slice of the cake PORTION slip away ESCAPE slip of the tongue COMMUNICATION VERBAL slip one's mind FORGETFULNESS Slip OUt REVELATION slip OUt SECRET slip through someone's fingers LOSS slip (up) ERROR Slow and steady w i n s the race DETERMINATION slow on the draw THOUGHT slow on the draw WEAPONS - GUNS slow someone or something up DIMINISHING slow(ly) but sure(ly) SLOWLY DELIBERATE smack-dab in the middle ARRANGEMENT smack-dab in the middle LOCATION small fry CHILDREN small fry PEOPLE - NEGATIVE small hours (of the night) TIME small print LEGAL small-time AMOUNT - SMALL 407 NTC'S THEMATIC DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN IDIOMS smell a rat SUSPICION smile on someone or something KINDNESS smoke and m i r r o r s DECEPTION smoke someone or something out REVELATION smooth something over CALMNESS snake in the grass DECEPTION snap out of something SUDDENNESS snap something up COMMERCE snap something up SPEED sniff someone or something out speak for itself CLARITY speak highly of someone or something PRAISE speak of the devil IDENTIFICATION speak off the cuff COMMUNICATION VERBAL speak one's mind FRANKNESS speak out of turn COMMUNICATIONVERBAL speak out (on something) FRANKNESS speak the same language SIMILARITY speak up for someone or something SUPPORT SEARCHING speak up COMMUNICATION - VERBAL So far, so good COMMENTS speak up OPINION S o it g o e s COMMENTS speak with a forked tongue DECEPTION spell something out EXPLANATION spell trouble TROUBLE spick-and-span CLEANING spin one's wheels WASTE - EFFORT spin something off CREATION spit (something) up VOMIT split hairs DISAGREEMENT split one's sides (with laughter) LAUGHTER split people up SEPARATION split the difference DIVISION split Up LOVE - END SO b e it ACTUALLY SO l o n g FAREWELL so much for someone or something ABSENCE so much the better BETTER so still you could hear a pin drop SILENCE SO tO s p e a k COMMUNICATION soaked to the skin WETNESS so-and-so PEOPLE - NEGATIVE sock something away SAVING (some) new blood PEOPLE - POSITIVE someone's bread and butter LIVELIHOOD something about someone or something UNUSUAL something else (again) DIFFERENCE something else AMAZING something of the sort SIMILARITY something or other SOMETHING something to that effect SIMILARITY something's up HAPPENING somewhere to hang (up) one's hat HOME SATISFACTORY sound off (about something) COMPLAINT sound someone out OPINION soup something up IMPROVEMENT sow one's wild oats LIFESTYLE spaced-out SILLINESS 408 RESERVING spook someone or something FRIGHT spoon-feed someone EASY sporting chance CHANCE spout off (about someone or something) OPINION spread like wildfire SPEED spread oneself too thin RESPONSIBILITY spring for something GENEROSITY spring something on someone SURPRISE son of a bitch DIFFICULTY son of a bitch PEOPLE - NEGATIVE son of a gun FRIENDS son of a gun PEOPLE - NEGATIVE sooner or later TIME sort of something ALMOST sort something out EXPLANATION SO-SO spoken for spruce someone or something up CLEANING square accounts (with someone) RECIPROCITY square deal HONESTY square meal EATING square off (for something) PREPARATION square peg in a round hole PEOPLE NEGATIVE square someone or something away ACCOMPLISHMENT square up to someone or something TRYING INDEX square up with someone EVEN squared away ARRANGEMENT squeak by (someone or something) MOVEMENT squirrel something away SAVING stab someone in the back DECEPTION stack something up ARRANGEMENT stack the deck (against someone or something) OPPOSITION stake a claim (to something) OWNERSHIP - CLAIM stall someone or something off DELAY stamp someone out DEATH stamp something out STOP stand a chance CHANCE stand and deliver REQUESTING stand behind someone or something SUPPORT stand by someone SUPPORT standby stand stand stand stand stand PATIENCE corrected ADMISSION for something ENDURANCE for something SIGNIFY for something SUPPORT in awe (of someone or something) OVERWHELM stand in (for someone) SUBSTITUTION stand in someone's way IMPEDIMENT stand on ceremony SOCIAL - FORMALITY stand on one's own two feet INDEPENDENCE stand one's ground STEADINESS stand out CONSPICUOUS stand over someone PROTECTION stand pat CHANGE - LACKING stand someone in good stead USEFULNESS stand someone to a treat GENEROSITY stand someone up SOCIAL - DATING stand still for something ENDURANCE stand to reason SENSIBLE stand up and be counted SUPPORT stark raving mad CRAZINESS start from scratch BEGINNINGS - INITIAL start off on the wrong foot BEGINNINGS start (off) with a clean slate BEGINNINGS - AGAIN start someone in (as something) EMPLOYMENT start something up BEGINNINGS start something DISAGREEMENT Stay put LOCATION - KEEP steal a base SPORTS - BASEBALL steal a march (on someone) CLEVERNESS steal someone's thunder DOMINATION DIMINISH steal the spotlight PERFORMANCE steamed up ANGER steer clear (of someone or something) AVOIDANCE step down (from something) WITHDRAW step into someone's shoes SUBSTITUTION step into (the breach) SUBSTITUTION step on someone's toes OFFENSIVE step on the gas SPEED step out of line BEHAVIOR - IMPROPER step (right) up MOVEMENT step something up SPEED step-by-step AMOUNT - SMALL stew in one's own juice PUNISHMENT stick around LOCATION - KEEP stick by someone or something SUPPORT stick one's neck out (for someone or something) DANGER stick out like a sore thumb CONSPICUOUS stick someone or something up COMMUNICATION - PUBLIC stick someone or something up CRIME stick someone with someone or something BURDEN stick something out ENDURANCE stick to one's guns PERSISTENCE stick to one's ribs FOOD stick together COOPERATION stick up for someone or something SUPPORT stick-in-the-mud PEOPLE - NEGATIVE sticks and stones ENMITY stir someone up EXCITEMENT stir someone up INCITE stir something up TROUBLE stir up a hornet's nest TROUBLE stock up (on something) SAVING stoop to doing something DEGRADATION stop, look, and listen CAUTION stop at nothing DOMINATION stop by (some place) SOCIAL stop off (some place) TRAVEL stop over (some place) TRAVEL 409 NTC'S THEMATIC DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN IDIOMS stop short of (doing) something ALMOST BURDEN stop-and-go REPETITION straight and n a r r o w BEHAVIOR (straight) from the horse's mouth DEPENDABILITY straight from the shoulder FRANKNESS straighten someone or something up CLEANING straighten someone or something up POSITION straighten someone out IMPROVEMENT straighten someone out UNDERSTANDING straighten something out IMPROVEMENT straighten up BEHAVIOR - CHANGE straighten up POSITION strapped (for something) LACKING stretch a point EXAGGERATION stretch one's legs MOVEMENT stretch the truth LYING (strictly) on the up-and-up HONESTY strike a balance (between two things) COMPROMISE strike a bargain AGREEMENT strike a chord (with someone) NOSTALGIA strike a happy medium COMPROMISE strike a sour note DISPLEASURE strike it rich MONEY strike out at someone or something ATTACK strike out FAILURE Strike OUt SPORTS - BASEBALL strike someone funny LAUGHTER strike someone out SPORTS - BASEBALL strike someone's fancy INTEREST strike the right note CORRECTNESS strike up a conversation COMMUNICATION - VERBAL strike up a friendship FRIENDS strike while the iron is hot ACTIVITY string along (with someone) ACCOMPANIMENT string something out TIME - DURATION stroke of luck LUCK struggle to the death CHALLENGE strung out INTOXICATION ALCOHOL/DRUGS Strung OUt TIME - DURATION stuck on someone FONDNESS stuck on something STUBBORNNESS 410 stuck with someone or something stuff and nonsense NONSENSE stuff the ballot box VOTING stumble across someone or something DISCOVERY stumbling block IMPEDIMENT subject to something MEDICAL subscribe to something COMMERCE such and such FORGETFULNESS such as it is ACTUALLY suck someone in DECEPTION suit someone to a T SUITABLE suit yourself SATISFACTION s u m and substance SUMMARY sum something up SUMMARY Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes CLOTHING supply and demand COMMERCE surf and turf FOOD survival of the fittest SURVIVAL swallow one's pride HUMILITY swallow something, hook, line, and sinker BELIEF - GULLIBILITY swan song ENDINGS swear by someone or something PROMISES swear by something CONFIDENCE sweat blood ANXIETY sweat something out ENDURANCE sweep one off one's feet FORCE sweep one off one's feet OVERWHELM sweep something under the carpet DECEPTION sweet and low PLEASING sweet and sour TASTE sweet nothings FONDNESS sweet on someone FONDNESS sweet-talk someone PERSUASION swift and sure CERTAINTY swift and sure SPEED s w i m against the tide OPPOSITION swing something CAUSES tail wagging the dog DOMINATION take a backseat (to someone) CONTROL - DIMINISH take a bath (on something) LOSS take a bow take take take take FINANCIAL - GRATITUDE a break INACTION a chance CHANCE a chance RISK a crack at something TRYING take a dig at someone INSULT take a dim view of something SKEPTICISM take a fancy to someone or something FONDNESS take a gander (at someone or something) EXAMINATION take a hand in something ASSISTANCE take a hard line (with someone) DOMINATION take a hint UNDERSTANDING take a leaf out of someone's book BEHAVIOR take a look (at someone or something) EXAMINATION take a new turn BEGINNINGS take a powder DEPART take a punch at someone ATTACK take a spill ACCIDENT take a stand (against someone or something) OPPOSITION take a t r y at something TRYING take a turn for the better IMPROVEMENT take a turn for the worse WORSEN take a walk DEPART take a whack at someone ATTACK take a whack at something TRYING take advantage of someone or something EXPLOITATION take advantage of someone DECEPTION take after someone SIMILARITY take (a)hold of someone or something DOMINATION take aim (at someone or something) PREPARATION take an interest (in something) INTEREST take care of someone VIOLENCE take charge (of someone or something) DOMINATION take exception (to something) DISAGREEMENT take five INACTION take (great) pains (to something) TRYING take heart COURAGE take heed CAUTION take issue (with someone) ARGUMENT Take it away! BEGINNINGS take it easy (on someone or something) KINDNESS take it easy (on something) DIMINISHING Take it easy, FAREWELL take it or leave it CHOICE take it slow SPEED take kindly to something AGREEABLE take leave of one's senses CRAZINESS take liberties with someone or something ABUSE take no stock in something IGNORE take note (of something) MEMORY take notice (of something) OBSERVATION take off (after someone or something) PURSUIT take off (from work) LEISURE take off (on something) BEGINNINGS take off one's hat (to someone) PRAISE take off take off FLIGHT SUCCESS take offense (at someone or something) OFFENSIVE take office POLITICS take one at one's word BELIEF take one's cue from someone BEHAVIOR take (one's) leave (of someone) DEPART take one's medicine ACCEPTANCE take one's own life DEATH take one's time LEISURE take part (in something) JOINING take pity (on someone or something) SORROW take place HAPPENING take root BEGINNINGS take sick SICKNESS take sides CHOICE take someone apart ATTACK take someone down a peg (or two) SCOLDING take someone for a ride DECEPTION take someone for an idiot STUPIDITY take someone for someone or something IDENTIFICATION take someone into one's confidence TRUST take someone or something away REMOVAL take someone or something by storm OVERWHELM take someone or something by surprise SURPRISE take someone or something for granted GRATITUDE - LACKING 411 NTC'S THEMATIC DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN IDIOMS take someone or something in HOME take someone or something in OBSERVATION take someone or something into account CONSIDER take someone or something on RESPONSIBILITY take someone or something over CONTROL take someone or something wrong CONFUSION take someone out DEATH take someone out SOCIAL take someone out SPORTS - FOOTBALL take someone to task SCOLDING take someone to the cleaners ATTACK take someone under one's wing(s) MANAGE take someone up on something ADVANTAGE - TAKE take someone's breath away AMAZING take someone's breath away OVERWHELM take something amiss PERCEPTION take something at face value ACCEPTANCE take something back WITHDRAW take something in stride ACCEPTANCE take something in CONSUME take something lying down ACCEPTANCE take something on faith BELIEF take something on the chin SURVIVAL take something out on someone or something ANGER - RELEASE take something to heart SERIOUSNESS take something up (with someone) DISCUSSION take something up BEGINNINGS take something up CLOTHING take something (up)on oneself RESPONSIBILITY take something with a pinch of salt DISBELIEF take something ENDURANCE take steps (to prevent something) PREVENTION take stock (of something) CONSIDER take the bit in one's teeth CONTROL take the bitter with the sweet ACCEPTANCE take the bull by the horns DETERMINATION 412 take the cake WINNING take the day off LEISURE take the edge off (something) DIMINISHING take the law into one's own hands LEGAL take the liberty of doing something BEHAVIOR take the lid off something BEGINNINGS take the rap (for someone) RESPONSIBILITY take the rap (for something) RESPONSIBILITY take the stand LEGAL - COURTROOM take the starch out of someone EXHAUSTION take the starch out of someone HAUGHTINESS - REDUCE take the trouble (to something) TRYING take the wind out of someone's sails CHALLENGE take the words out of one's mouth COMMUNICATION - VERBAL take time off LEISURE take to one's heels DEPART - FAST take to someone or something FONDNESS take too much on BURDEN take turns ((at) doing something) COOPERATION take up a collection COLLECT take up arms (against someone or something) PREPARATION take up one's abode somewhere LIFESTYLE take up someone's time WASTE take up space SPACE take up time TIME - SPEND take up where one left off CONTINUATION take up with someone SOCIAL taken aback CONFUSION taken for dead DEATH talk a blue streak COMMUNICATION VERBAL talk back (to someone) RUDENESS talk big BOASTING talk down to someone INSULT talk in circles COMMUNICATION VERBAL talk of the town GOSSIP INDEX talk oneself out COMMUNICATION VERBAL talk shop COMMUNICATION - VERBAL talk someone down ARGUMENT talk someone down BARGAIN talk someone into (doing) something PERSUASION talk someone or something up SUPPORT talk someone out of (doing) something DISSUADE talk someone out of something DISSUADE talk someone's head off BOREDOM talk someone's head off COMMUNICATION - VERBAL talk something out DISCUSSION talk something over COMMUNICATION VERBAL talk through one's hat BOASTING talk turkey FRANKNESS talk until one is blue in the face COMMUNICATION - VERBAL talked out COMMUNICATION - VERBAL tamper with something MEDDLE tan someone's hide PUNISHMENT taper off (doing something) ENDINGS tar and feather someone PUNISHMENT tarred with the same brush SIMILARITY tax-and-spend POLITICS tea and crumpets SOCIAL teach someone a lesson EVEN team up with someone TOGETHERNESS tear into someone or something ATTACK tear into someone SCOLDING tear off DEPART - FAST tear one's hair (out) ANGER - RELEASE tear someone or something down CRITICISM tear someone up SADNESS - CAUSE tear something down DESTRUCTION tee someone off INCITE - ANGER tell it to the marines DISBELIEF tell its own story REVELATION tell on someone TATTLE tell one to one's face COMMUNICATION VERBAL tell tell tell tell tell people apart IDENTIFICATION someone a thing or two SCOLDING someone off SCOLDING tales out of school GOSSIP things apart IDENTIFICATION tell time TIME tempest in a teapot EXAGGERATION thank one's lucky stars GRATITUDE thanks to someone or something BECAUSE That ain't hay MONEY That makes two of us AGREEMENT That takes care of that ENDINGS That'll be the day DISBELIEF That's about the size of it ENDINGS That's all for someone, ENDINGS That's all she wrote, ENDINGS That's that ENDINGS That's the last straw FINALITY That's the ticket EXACTNESS That's the way the ball bounces HAPPENING - FATE (the) be-all and (the) end-all BEST the bottom line ENDINGS the bottom line FINANCIAL the cards are stacked against one LUCK - LACKING The coast is clear SAFETY the daily grind WORK The early bird gets the w o r m , EARLY The game is up ENDINGS the here and now NOW The honeymoon is over ENDINGS the in thing (to do) FASHION The j u r y is still out (on someone or something) INDECISION the likes of someone SOMEONE the more the merrier HAPPINESS the opposite sex SOCIAL the other side of the tracks LOCATION the other way round OPPOSITION The party's over ENDINGS the pits WORST The plot thickens INTEREST the point of no return LOCATION the same to you RECIPROCITY The shoe is on the other foot RECIPROCITY The sky's the limit LIMITATION the upshot of something CONSEQUENCES The w o r m (has) turned BEHAVIOR CHANGE the wrong side of the tracks LOCATION Them's fighting words FIGHTING then and there TIME There are plenty of other fish in the sea AVAILABILITY 413 NTC'S THEMATIC DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN IDIOMS there is no doing something PERMISSION - LACKING There will be the devil to pay TROUBLE There's more than one way to skin a cat ALTERNATIVES There's no accounting for taste CHOICE -TASTE thick and fast AMOUNT - LARGE thick-skinned FEELING - LACKING thin on top PHYSICAL Things are looking up IMPROVEMENT think a lot of someone or something OPINION think back (on someone or something) REMEMBER think better of something CONSIDER think little of someone or something OPINION think on one's feet THOUGHT think out loud COMMUNICATION VERBAL think someone or something fit for something OPINION think something out PREPARATION think something over CONSIDER think something up CREATION think the world of someone or something OPINION think twice (before doing something) CONSIDER thin-skinned SENSITIVE thither and yon LOCATION thrash something out DISCUSSION thrill someone to pieces EXCITEMENT thrilled to death EXCITEMENT through and through COMPLETELY through hell and high water DIFFICULTY through thick and thin TIME DURATION t h r o w a fit ANGER - RELEASE throw a monkey wrench into the works FRUSTRATION throw a p a r t y (for someone) CELEBRATION throw caution to the wind CARELESSNESS throw down the gauntlet CHALLENGE throw good money after bad WASTE throw in the towel STOP throw one's hands up in despair ENDINGS 414 throw one's hands up in horror SHOCK throw one's weight around DOMINATION throw oneself at someone ROMANCE throw oneself at someone's feet HUMILITY throw oneself on the mercy of the court LEGAL - COURTROOM throw someone throw someone BASEBALL throw someone throw someone throw someone a curve CONFUSION a curve SPORTS for a loop CONFUSION for a loss CONFUSION off the track CONFUSION throw someone DECEPTION throw someone throw someone EJECT throw someone throw someone off the track off CONFUSION out (of something) over ROMANCE - END to the wolves SACRIFICE throw someone CONFUSION throw someone's name around BOASTING throw something into the bargain COMMERCE throw something off SICKNESS throw something together CARELESSNESS throw something up to someone SCOLDING throw (something) up VOMIT throw the baby out with the bath (water) WASTE throw the book at someone LEGAL thrust and p a r r y CHALLENGE thumb a ride TRANSPORTATION thumb one's nose at someone or something INSULT thumb through something EXAMINATION thumbs down on someone or something OPPOSITION thumbs up on someone or something SUPPORT tickle someone pink PLEASING tickle someone's fancy INTEREST tickled pink PLEASING tide someone over ADEQUACY tie into something JOINING tie someone down BURDEN tie someone (up) in knots ANXIETY toe the m a r k tie someone up toing and froing (on something) BURDEN tie someone's hands PREVENTION tie something up ENDINGS tie the knot MARRIAGE tie traffic up TRANSPORTATION tied down BURDEN tied to one's mother's apron strings CONTROL tied up BUSY tighten one's belt FINANCIAL tightfisted (with money) MONEY tilt at windmills FIGHTING time after time TIME time flies TIME Time is money MONEY Time is money TIME Time is up TIME time out SPORTS time was (when) TIME Time will tell, TIME tip someone off COMMUNICATION tip the scales at something WEIGHT tits and ass PHYSICAL to a great extent AMOUNT - MUCH to and fro MOVEMENT to b o o t ADDITIONALLY to date NOW to hell and gone RUIN to no avail FAILURE to one's heart's content ABUNDANCE to put it mildly COMMUNICATION to say nothing of someone or something DISREGARD to say the least IGNORE to some extent PARTIALLY to someone's liking PLEASING to someone's way of thinking OPINION to the best of one's ability ABILITY to the best of one's knowledge KNOWLEDGE to the bitter end ENDINGS to the contrary OPPOSITION to the core COMPLETELY to the ends of the earth LOCATION to the last ENDINGS to the letter EXACTNESS to the nth degree AMOUNT - MAXIMUM to the tune of some amount of money MONEY To the victors belong the spoils WINNING to whom it may concern SOMEONE OBEDIENCE INDECISION tone something down DIMINISHING tongue-in-cheek FUNNY too big for one's britches ARROGANCE too close for comfort PROXIMITY too good to be true TRUTH Too many cooks spoil the stew CONTROL too much of a good thing AMOUNT LARGE toot one's own horn BOASTING CONCEIT top someone or something WINNING top something off (with something) ENDINGS top something off ADDITIONALLY toss one's cookies VOMIT toss one's hat into the ring POLITICS toss something off IGNORE toss something off MOVEMENT touch a sore spot SENSITIVE touch a n d go CERTAINTY - LACKING touch base (with someone) DISCUSSION touch on something DISCUSSION touch someone for something FINANCIAL touch someone off INCITE - ANGER touch something off BEGINNINGS touch something up RESTORE touched by someone or something EMOTION touched (in the head) CRAZINESS tOUgh a c t t o f o l l o w tough b r e a k PERFORMANCE LUCK - LACKING tOUgh it OUt ENDURANCE tough row to hoe DIFFICULTY tower of strength STRENGTH town-and-gown SOCIAL toy with someone MEDDLE toy with something MEDDLE trade on something ADVANTAGE - TAKE train of thought THOUGHT trial and error TRYING trials and tribulations DIFFICULTY tried-and-true RELIANCE trip someone up ACCIDENT trip someone up DIFFICULTY trot something out COMMUNICATION Trouble is brewing, TROUBLE trouble one's head about someone or something WORRY 415 NTC'S THEMATIC DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN IDIOMS trouble oneself about someone or something WORRY trouble oneself (to something) ANNOYANCE trouble someone for something REQUESTING trouble someone to something REQUESTING true to form TYPICAL true to one's word RELIANCE trumped-up DECEPTION truth will out TRUTH try one's hand (at something) TRYING try one's luck (at something) TRYING try out (for something) SUITABLE try (out) one's wings TRYING try someone's patience ANNOYANCE try something out on someone TRYING tuck into something EATING tune someone or something out IGNORE tune (something) in BROADCASTING turn a blind eye to someone or something IGNORE turn a deaf ear (to someone or something) IGNORE turn in SLEEP turn of the century TIME turn on a dime MOVEMENT turn on the waterworks EMOTION turn one's back (on someone or something) IGNORE turn one's nose up at someone or something REJECTION turn out (all right) ENDINGS turn over a new leaf BEGINNINGS AGAIN turn (over) in one's grave AMAZING turn over FUNCTIONING turn someone down REFUSAL turn someone off DISGUST turn someone on EXCITEMENT turn someone or something up DISCOVERY turn someone out EJECT turn someone's head DISTRACTION turn someone's stomach SICKNESS turn something down ARRANGEMENT turn something down DIMINISHING turn something out COMMERCE turn something to good account ADVANTAGE - TAKE 416 turn something to one's advantage ADVANTAGE - TAKE turn the clock back TIME turn the heat up (on someone) PERSUASION turn the other cheek IGNORE turn the tables (on someone) REVERSAL turn the tide REVERSAL turn thumbs down (on someone or something) REJECTION turn thumbs up (on someone or something) ACCEPTANCE turn to someone or something (for something) REQUESTING turn to BUSY turn turtle MOVEMENT turn up one's toes DEATH t u r n u p APPEARANCE - EVIDENCE t u r n u p ATTENDANCE twiddle one's thumbs TIME - WASTE twist someone around one's little finger MANIPULATION twist someone's arm PERSUASION two of a k i n d SIMILARITY two's company(, three's a crowd) PRIVACY two-time someone DECEPTION under a cloud (of suspicion) SUSPICION under construction BUILDINGS under fire ATTACK under one's own steam EFFORT under the aegis of someone CONTROL under the circumstances BECAUSE under the counter SALES - SECRET under the influence (of alcohol) DRUNK under the sun LOCATION under the table SECRECY under the weather SICKNESS under the wire TIME until all hours LATENESS (un)til the cows come home LATENESS up a blind alley LOCATION up a tree DIFFICULTY up against something STRUGGLE up and about HEALTH - RECOVERY up and around MOVEMENT up and at them BUSY up up up up and away FLIGHT for grabs AVAILABILITY in arms ANGER in arms WEAPONS up in the air (about someone or something) INDECISION up in years AGE - OLD up North LOCATION up the creek (without a paddle) TROUBLE up to no good BAD Up t o n o g o o d BEHAVIOR - IMPROPER up to one's neck (in something) INVOLVEMENT up to par SATISFACTORY up to snuff SATISFACTORY up to someone CHOICE up to something ABILITY up to something BEHAVIOR - IMPROPER up to something EQUAL up-and-coming ALERTNESS up-front SALES up-front SINCERITY PLEASING w a r m up to someone FRIENDS warts and all COMPLETELY wash a few things out CLOTHING LAUNDRY upper crust SOCIAL - UPPER ups and downs CHANCE upset the apple cart RUIN up-to-date NOW up-to-the-minute walk away with something THEFT walk away with something WINNING walk on air HAPPINESS walk on eggs CAUTION walk out on someone or something DEPART - EXIT walk out on someone ABANDONMENT walk the floor WAITING walk the plank PUNISHMENT Walls have ears, PRIVACY want for nothing WEALTH w a r m the bench SPORTS w a r m the cockles of someone's heart RECENTLY use every trick in the book EFFORT use one's head INTELLIGENCE use some elbow grease EFFORT use someone or something as an excuse BLAME use strong language COMMUNICATION SWEAR vale of tears LIFE vanish into thin air DISAPPEARANCE Variety is the spice of life VARIETY vent one's spleen ANGER - RELEASE verge on something ALMOST very thing EXACTNESS villain of the piece PEOPLE - NEGATIVE vim and vigor EXCITEMENT vote a straight ticket POLITICS vote with one's feet DISPLEASURE wade in(to something) BEGINNINGS wag one's chin COMMUNICATION VERBAL wait on someone hand and foot ASSISTANCE wait up (for someone or something) WAITING wait-and-see attitude INDECISION waiting in the wings PREPARATION READY walk a tightrope DIFFICULTY walk all over someone ABUSE wash one's hands of someone or something ABANDONMENT wash-and-wear CLOTHING washed-out EXHAUSTION washed-up ENDINGS waste one's breath BREATH waste someone MURDER watch one's step CAUTION watch someone or something like a hawk MONITORING water something down DILUTION water under the bridge HAPPENING PAST wax and wane ALTERNATIVES ways and means MONEY wear and tear (on something) DETERIORATION wear wear wear wear wear more than one hat ALTERNATIVES more than one hat RESPONSIBILITY off DIMINISHING on someone ANNOYANCE one's heart on one's sleeve EMOTION wear out one's welcome VISITING wear someone down PERSISTENCE wear someone out EXHAUSTION weasel out (of something) AVOIDANCE weave in and out (of something) MOVEMENT weed someone or something out OMISSION week in, week out ALWAYS weigh on someone's m i n d WORRY weigh someone down BURDEN weigh someone's words MEANING 417 NTC'S THEMATIC DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN IDIOMS welcome to something FREEDOM well up in years AGE - OLD well-heeled WEALTH w e l l - t o - d o WEALTH wet behind the ears AGE - YOUTH wet blanket PEOPLE - NEGATIVE wet someone's whistle DRINKING What are you driving at? MEANING what makes someone tick MOTIVATION What's done is done, ACCOMPLISHMENT What's keeping you? TIME What's the good of something? PURPOSE What's with someone? ANNOYANCE wheel and deal BARGAIN when all is said and done RESULTS When in Rome, as the Romans BEHAVIOR when it comes right down to it RESULTS when it comes to something REGARDING when least expected SURPRISE when one is good and ready PREPARATION - READY when push comes to shove DIFFICULTY When the cat's away, the mice will play BEHAVIOR - IMPROPER when the chips are down DIFFICULTY when the going gets tough DIFFICULTY when the time is ripe TIME where one is coming from VIEWPOINT Where there's a w i l l there's a way SOLUTION Where there's smoke there's fire EVIDENCE whet someone's appetite INTEREST while away the time TIME - SPEND whip something up CREATION white elephant USELESSNESS whole ball of wax COMPLETELY w h o o p it u p CELEBRATION whys and wherefores of something CAUSES wide of the mark ADEQUACY - LACKING wide of the mark WRONG wide-awake COMPLETELY wild about someone or something ENTHUSIASM Wild horses couldn't drag someone FORCE wild-goose chase FUTILITY will not hear of something PERMISSION 418 w i n by a nose WINNING w i n out (over someone or something) WINNING w i n someone over PERSUASION wind down DIMINISHING wind something up STOP wine and dine someone EATING ENTERTAINMENT wing it TRYING w i n k at something IGNORE wipe someone or something out DEATH wipe someone or something out MONEY - LACKING wipe someone's slate clean FORGIVENESS wipe something off CLEANING wipe the floor up with someone FIGHTING wise up (to someone or something) UNDERSTANDING wish something off on someone BURDEN wishful thinking HOPE with a heavy heart SADNESS with a view to doing something INTENTIONS with a will EAGERNESS with all one's heart and soul SINCERITY with bells on (one's toes) EAGERNESS with each passing day TIME with every (other) breath CONTINUOUSLY with flying colors EASY (with) hat in hand HUMILITY with it ALERTNESS - LACKING with it INVOLVEMENT - CURRENT with no strings attached UNCONDITIONALLY with one hand tied behind one's back EASY with the best will in the world EFFORT wither on the vine ENDINGS within a stone's throw (of something) PROXIMITY within an inch of one's life DEATH within hailing distance PROXIMITY within limits LIMITATION within reason REASON within someone's reach PROXIMITY without batting an eye CALMNESS without fail CERTAINTY without further ado NOW INDEX without question CERTAINTY without rhyme or reason RANDOMNESS without so much as doing something INACTION Woe is me! SADNESS wolf in sheep's clothing DECEPTION won't hold water ADEQUACY - LACKING woolgathering IMAGINATION word by word COMMUNICATION VERBAL word for word COMMUNICATION VERBAL word to the wise WISDOM words to that effect MEANING work like a horse EFFORT work on someone PERSUASION work on something WORK work one's fingers to the bone EFFORT work (one's way) into something ACCOMPLISHMENT work one's way through college WORK work one's way up ADVANCEMENT work out for the best ENDINGS work out EXERCISE work someone or something in ARRANGEMENT work someone over ATTACK work someone up PREPARATION work something off ELIMINATE work something out SOLUTION work something up PREPARATION work through channels COOPERATION work wonders (with someone or something) BENEFIT w o r m one's way out of something AVOIDANCE worm something out of someone INQUIRY w o r m something out of someone OBTAIN worth its weight in gold VALUE worth one's salt VALUE worth someone's while BENEFIT worthy of the name GOOD wouldn't dream of doing something NEGATION wouldn't touch something with a tenfoot pole AVOIDANCE wrap something up STOP wrapped up in someone or something INVOLVEMENT wreak havoc with something RUIN write someone or something off DISMISSAL write someone or something up COMMUNICATION - WRITTEN write someone up PREPARATION write something down COMMUNICATION - WRITTEN write something off FINANCIAL write something out COMMUNICATION WRITTEN wrote the book on something KNOWLEDGE X marks the spot LOCATION year in, year out ALWAYS yield the right-of-way YIELDING You bet (your boots)! CERTAINTY You can say that again! AGREEMENT You can't please everyone DISAGREEMENT You can't take it with you MONEY You can't teach an old dog new tricks AGE You can't teach an old dog new tricks LEARNING y o u k n o w AWARENESS You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours RECIPROCITY Your guess is as good as mine CERTAINTY - LACKING zero in on something FOCUS zonk out EXHAUSTION zoom in (on someone or something) MOVEMENT zoom in (on someone or something) PHOTOGRAPHY 419