on someone's books

Don’t abuse a laborer who is destitute and needy, whether he is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner living in your land and in your city. Pay him at the end of each workday; he’s living from hand to mouth and needs it now. If you hold back his pay, he’ll protest to GOD and you’ll have sin on your books.

2018, “Deuteronomy 24”, in Eugene H. Peterson, transl., The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, →ISBN, page 196:

This forced the company to focus on developing advanced projects on its books. And fast. All too often, it ended up selling out at an early stage just to get money in to keep the show on the road.

2021 January 22, Joe Brennan, “Has Eddie O’Connor underestimated the value of his €1bn baby?”, in The Irish Times:


to God

I hope to God that ...

I wish to God that ...

(informal) Used as an intensifier: very much.


without tears

(figuratively) Presented so as to be easy to learn.


in another world

In a state of deep thought that makes the thinker appear disconnected from reality.


between you and I

Popularized by William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice, see quotations.

Sweet Baſſanio, My ſhips haue all miſcarried, my Creditors grow cruell, my eſtate is very low: my bond to the Iew is forfet, and ſince in paying it, it is impoſſible I ſhould liue, all debts are cleered betweene you and I if I might but ſee you at my death.

c. 1596–1598 (date written), W[illiam] Shakespeare, The Excellent History of the Merchant of Venice. […] (First Quarto), [London]: […] J[ames] Roberts [for Thomas Heyes], published 1600, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii]:

between you and me
between you and me#English

(proscribed) Alternative form of between you and me


in short pants

From an early 20th century practice of reserving short pants only for small children.

Dr. Smith said a moment ago that we are scientifically adult but spiritually in short pants.

1948, Albert Craig Baird, Lester Thonssen, Waldo Warder Braden, Owen Peterson, Representative American Speeches:


in midstream

The raft got stuck in midstream.

In the middle of a running body of water.

You can't abandon your hopes in midstream.

All political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs.

1998 February 12, Enoch Powell, quotee, “Obituary: Enoch Powell”, in The Economist, →ISSN:

Barclays UK chief quits in midstream [title]

2005 December 8, Jill Treanor, “Barclays UK chief quits in midstream”, in The Guardian:

Wait, **THAT** is the reason? I thought the other was the reason? Pouring out wrath and finger of God aren't the same thing. Even though I know you'll claim they are. You've just changed reasons in mid-stream.

2006 April 27, Steve Goldfarb, “Spilling out drops of wine at the Seder”, in soc.culture.jewish.moderated (Usenet):

(figurative) During the execution of (something); in the middle of (an activity).


at someone's throat

They were at each other's throats all evening.

Behaving very aggressively or snappishly toward someone.


in perspective

(also figurative) In correct proportion relative to other objects, contexts, etc.


in circles

(also figurative) moving along the same path


under one's arm

He held the dossier under his arm.

끼다 (kkida, literally “to take/hold under one's arms”)


like peas in a pod

like two peas in a pod
like two peas in a pod#English

Alternative form of like two peas in a pod


in the spotlight

(idiomatic) In the focus of attention, especially from the media.


other end of the ball

(literally) the opposite end or side of a ball.

They play well on offense, but on the other end of the ball they need work.

(idiomatic, sports) used after discussing either offense or defense to imply the other.


on the wrong foot

My relationship with my neighbours started off on the wrong foot, but we're very close now.

(especially in expressions such as 'start off on the wrong foot') In a state of misunderstanding or inadvertent poor relationship with someone.

In this legal battle we were on the wrong foot from the start.

In a disadvantaged situation, or following a mistaken course of action.


on the right foot

This season, the team needs to be on the right foot from the outset.

In a strong or advantageous position, or following a successful course of action.


like flies on pie

like white on rice
like white on rice#English


on equal footing

on an equal footing
on an equal footing#English


on the beat

bobby on the beat

From midsize departments like the one in Indianapolis to big-city forces like New York City's, from top commanders to officers on the beat, police officers nationwide were unprepared to calm the summer's unrest, and their approaches consistently did the opposite.

2021 March 20, Kim Barker, Mike Baker, Ali Watkins, “In City After City, Police Completely Mishandled Black Lives Matter Protests”, in The New York Times:

(law enforcement) Of a police officer: patrolling his or her assigned area; on duty.

Well if she did blend in, she easily looked like the oldest prostitute on the beat.

2020, Mark Hughes, A Greater Passion: Lessons on Living Large in Life and Love:

(slang, euphemistic) Synonym of on the game (“working as a prostitute”)


at the door

Colette had met them at the door and told them what they owed and they laughed at her.

2021, Michael Farris Smith, chapter 40, in Nick, New York, Boston, London: Little, Brown and Company, page 205:

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see at, the, door.

The delivery man is at the door.

Ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door.

You can buy tickets at the door, but they will be pricier.

At the first threshold of the event itself rather than in advance.


on one's side

He was sleeping on my side of the bed.

She was on her side and the pale light lay draped across the curve of her body.

2021, Michael Farris Smith, chapter 40, in Nick, New York, Boston, London: Little, Brown and Company, page 207:

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, side.

No matter what happens, we will always be on your side.

Time is not on our side.

Helping to succeed; acting as an advantage.


to one's feet

He sprang to his feet like a good soldier.

2021, Michael Farris Smith, chapter 41, in Nick, New York, Boston, London: Little, Brown and Company, page 211:


in anyway, shape, or form

in any way, shape, or form
in any way, shape, or form#English

Misspelling of in any way, shape, or form.


on the hunt

Police are on the hunt for the suspect.

(typically with for) In aggressive pursuit; searching relentlessly.


in the meanwhile

From Middle English in the meene while, in þe mene while.


in the interim

The office will be closed for a while, but in the interim, you can just email us.

And it gets worse. Barcelona will have to pay even more if he is fired in the interim. Last week, TV3 reported that a high severance payment - amounting to a total of about 12m euros - is on the table.

2021 September 22, Guillem Balagué, “Barcelona: The toxic battle ripping apart a European giant”, in BBC Sport:

While WMRE makes clear that electrification is the only credible option to decarbonise, it says that bi-mode trains could be used in the interim.

2022 December 28, Philip Haigh, “Building the case for West Midlands rail improvements”, in RAIL, number 973, page 25:


in the arms of Murphy

Humorous corruption of in the arms of Morpheus.


in silhouette

But even in silhouette Nick thought that the figure seemed to hold some magical stature, as if a fairytale were being whispered into his ear and his mind creating the vision for it.

2021, Michael Farris Smith, chapter 59, in Nick, New York, Boston, London: Little, Brown and Company, page 292:


for all of someone

They can hang him for all of me!

1916 March 11, Charles E. Van Loan, “His Folks”, in Saturday Evening Post:

So far as someone is concerned; in someone's view. (Often in hyperbolic constructions.)


in profile

Suthep claimed that, on the night of the coup, the King had resisted meeting with the Generals who overthrew Thaksin. In the end, the King gave in to the entreaties of Queen Sirikit, but he publicly signaled her role in the coup by approving the release of a photograph of that audience which showed the King, casually dressed, in profile, while the Queen faced the camera.

2007 April 24, Boyce, R. L., “Democrat Official Warns of Sonthi’s Ambitions, Surayud’s Weakness”, in The Public Library of US Diplomacy, WikiLeaks, retrieved 2021-08-28:

(chiefly of someone's face) Seen from the side.


on the edge

Our job as social workers is to help families on the edge.

In a precarious position, with one's recourses nearly exhausted.

living on the edge

You know, flying a chopper, a helicopter, it's just natural for me. Maybe... just a little exciting? Yes, man. It's great. There's nothing like it. It's on the edge.

In a state of excitement due to taking risks.

The stock market was on the edge of collapse.

on the edge of lunacy

(with of) With figurative or temporal proximity to (an event, state of mind, etc.).


in session

Court is now in session, all rise!

Ready to conduct a meeting or direct an assembly of people. (of an institution, place, etc.)


upon my sivvy

Sivvy is a clipped corruption of asseveration.

(UK, obsolete, slang) Upon my soul or honour; used to underline the truth of what one is saying.


above one's huckleberry

above one's bend
above one's bend#English

(idiomatic, US, dated) Synonym of above one's bend (“beyond one's power or ability”)


by a long way

“Now this won’t do - not by a long way”.

1863 Hedderwick's miscellany of instructive and entertaining literature, ed. by J. Hedderwick. (1863). United Kingdom: (n.p.).p.180

(idiomatic) To a considerably large extent, easily. Typically used in the negative to indicate something far removed and not easily altered.


with good reason

Based on sound judgment and reasonable inference; with one's proper justifications; on good grounds.


were it not for

if it were not for
if it were not for#English


if it were not for

If a certain condition were not met; used to indicate that a particular person, event, etc. prevented a certain outcome.


without a word of a lie

(chiefly Ireland) With no falsehood at all; emphasizes that one is telling the absolute truth.


in the sack

I'm pooped—I'll be in the sack if anyone needs me.

Her girlfriend was amazing in the sack.

I'm sorry for all those things I said to you last night. You're not the worst fuck I ever had. Believe me, I've had worse. You don't puff or snorkel and make death-like rattles. As a matter of fact, you're rather serene in the sack.

1976, Paddy Chayefsky, Network, spoken by Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway):

(idiomatic, slang) In bed (either literally or figuratively), especially with reference to sexual intercourse.


on the debit side

On the debit side, I do not recommend the room service.

(idiomatic, British) On the negative or bad side of things.


on a collision course

collision course
collision course#English

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, a, collision course.

The government is putting us on a collision course with nuclear disaster.

(figurative, by extension) (typically with with) Dangerously and imminently approaching (a negative condition, result, etc.).

in rotta di collisione

dangerously approaching a negative result


in a bad way

We have seen that the Delhi empire was in a pretty bad way. Indeed, one could almost say that, as an empire, it was in no way at all.

1934-5, Jawaharlal Nehru, Glimpses of World History, Penguin (2004), p. 372

Doing badly; in a state of ill health or misfortune.


without trace

It's true that NR did submit plans for Castlefield to DfT, but that was back in 2015 and they have sunk without trace.

2021 May 5, Philip Haigh, “I think we need better than this from the rail industry”, in RAIL, number 930, page 51:


up close and personal

With intimate detail and from a perspective of closeness, sometimes with the implication of intrusiveness or invasion of privacy.


on a silver platter

The plainest and simplest is that it is "up to" the automobile workers themselves. Quite obviously, "nothing is going to be handed to them on a silver platter!" Their intelligence, courage and solidarity must answer the question which modern industry puts to them.

1908, Pamphlets on Trade Unions - Volume 1, page 56:

On the other hand, the youth should not wait for an invitation to be active and for readymade programs and plans of actions presented to them on a silver platter. The youth themselves should demonstrate initiative..

1973, United States Joint Publications Research Service, Translations on Near East and North Africa - Issues 878-886, Joint Publications Research Service, page 73:

It is such awkward moves that create frustration within the coalition and, at the same time, present the arguments to the Opposition on a silver platter.

1990, Foreign Broadcast Information Service, Daily Report. West Europe, Foreign Broadcast Information Service, page 41:

Even as the investigator was handing Dartmouth over to him on a silver platter, Goody was whining and complaining, defending himself against the constant and wholly imaginary threat of being taken advantage of.

2012, Gar Anthony Haywood, It's Not a Pretty Sight, Open Road Media, →ISBN, page 32:

(being given something) too easily, more than one deserves


in one piece

Dr. Carlyle: Cavalry to the rescue. Nice to see you guys.
Ryder: You too, Harry. How is everyone?
Cora: Still in one piece. You got here just in time.

2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Habitat 7:

(informal) Uninjured, unhurt, undamaged.


through the hawsehole

(nautical, slang) Of an officer: having risen from the grade of an ordinary seaman, whose original position in the vessel was forward, before the mast.


before the fact

Coordinate term: after the fact

accessory before the fact

Coordinate term: after the fact

Feminism envisaged as a 'home' insists on commonality before the fact, pushing aside all those who would trouble its domestic idyll.

2021, Amia Srinivasan, “Preface”, in The Right to Sex, Bloomsbury:

Assumed prior to factual study; ipso facto true, good, or correct; a priori.


in the twinkling of a bedpost

in the twinkling of a bedstaff
in the twinkling of a bedstaff#English

Alternative form of in the twinkling of a bedstaff


like one o'clock

Brought up as a gentleman, he was, if ever a man was. Ed’cated at no end of expense. Went into the Marshal’s house once to try a new piano for him. Played it, I understand, like one o’clock—beautiful! As to languages—speaks anything.

1855 December – 1857 June, Charles Dickens, Little Dorrit, London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1857, →OCLC:

I went over the fence like a shot, and ran like one o'clock for the trap, cussing and swearing as I went.

1899, H. G. Wells, Mr. Brisher's Treasure:

(UK, simile, slang, obsolete) Very quickly or vigorously.


without recourse

For the first time in many decades... those convicted under rules found not to produce fair and reliable verdicts will be left without recourse in federal courts.

2021, Edwards v. Vannoy (U.S. Supreme Court No. 19–5807), Justice Kagan dissenting

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see without, recourse.

bill of exchange
bill of exchange#English

(finance) Written on a bill of exchange to indicate that the buyer might not be paid back.


on the bum

I ask, how many of these hobos, who are on the bum, have the courage to ask for the drink?

1870, M.P. Murphy, Iron Molders' Journal, volume 32, Iron Molders' Union of North America, page 518:

Even now, though it was December, a few poor draggled old wrecks were settling down on the benches, tucking themselves up in sort of parcels of newspaper. Gordon looked at them callously. On the bum, they called it.

1936, George Orwell, Keep the Aspidistra Flying:

(US, slang) Living as a vagrant; homeless.

My typewriter's on the bum—and I'm just lost. One gets so used to one that you're very dependent.

(chiefly US, slang) Not working; out of order.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, the, bum.


by the name of

A woman by the name of Jill.


in living color

The show will be broadcasted in living color.

The defendant is right here in front of you, in living color.

Some bulletin board subscribers can now dial up displays for their IBM PC or PC XT in living color—and see the results in less than a second.

1984 September 3, Judith Walters von Alten, “Color for Bulletin Boards”, in InfoWorld, volume 6, number 6, InfoWorld Media Group, →ISSN, page 35:


without incident

Without causing or experiencing difficulty; not encountering any impediments.


on credit

With an understanding that the money lent will be paid back.

nisyə

with an understanding that money will be paid back


in a vacuum

Speaking at a UN general debate on the Middle East in New York, Guterres created fury when he said: “It is important to … recognise the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation.”

2023 October 25, Patrick Wintour, quoting António Guterres, “Israel says it will ban UN staff after secretary general’s comments”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:

Divorced from its proper context and therefore suffering from incomplete analysis.


on form

Doing well; performing as well as would usually be expected.


on the way out

Quick! She's already on the way out!

He shook my hand on the way out.


upon the square

You must keep within the compass, and act upon the square with all mankind, for your masonry is but a dead letter if you do not habitually perform its reiterated injunctions.

1857, George Oliver, Signs & Symbols, illustrated & explained, page 190:


in circulation

The story has been in circulation for a while now.

Because of the Internet, there is a vast library of free video material in circulation.

Freely available; not restricted in access; in general use.


on contact

It explodes on contact.

Immediately after being impacted or touched by something.


on long-term sick

In receipt of benefits or allowances for sickness, disability or incapacity for a long period of time, see on the sick


on the sick

(UK, colloquial) In receipt of any of various current or former sickness, disability or incapacity benefits


since Hector was a pup

(Canada, US, colloquial) Since a very long time ago.


from the jump

(US, informal) from the start, from the word go, from the get-go, from the outset, at the outset (from the very beginning)


on the jump

Come on the jump. Bring the needful for first aid. It's a rifle shot through the lungs or heart or both.

1915, Jack London·, The Little Lady of the Big House:

Accordingly Sam Daniels was sent for and arrived on the jump.

2021, Peter B. Kyne, Cappy Ricks Retires:

Everybody was on the jump, and it was a furious crowd that went rushing down toward where the new shell had been laid, along the shore of the river, at a point where a little beach offered an ideal spot for launching.

2021, Allen Chapman, Fred Fenton on the Crew:

My cavalry is on the jump all the time and in every direction, as you know from having seen several detachments, and I will do my utmost to carry out orders and wishes of the authorities.

1892, E.V. Sumner, Annual Report of the Secretary of War, page 231:

Again she bemoans the inroad of interruptions, especially those of the "inexorable" telephone which keeps Polly on the jump.

1937, The New Outlook for the Blind - Volumes 31-32, page 198:

There were many other jobs to be done during the day, for the traditional smartness of a packet was maintained only by keeping the crews constantly on the jump at times when, on an ordinary freighter, they might be taking life more easily.

1938, Robert Greenhalgh Albion, Square-riggers on Schedule, page 142:

We have been kept on the jump to stabilize the situation and to maintain some mobile striking power as a general reserve both from defensive and local offensive affairs.

1999, Dwight David Eisenhower, Joseph P. Hobbs, George Catlett Marshall, Dear General: Eisenhower's Wartime Letters to Marshall, page 98:

(Canada, US, informal, dated) Very busy; fully engaged in energetic activity; on the go.


at bar

(law) Before the court; under consideration by the court.


in mind

He loaded the gun with bad intentions in mind.


in one's bones

The figurative sense has a linguistic life of its own as a metaphor comparable with others such as at the heart of it all, but it is also related to the literal theme that people with rheumatism can feel weather changes in their bones and joints.

He understood in his bones that the odds were not in his favor.

She could feel the rhythm in her bones.

(idiomatic, figurative) (of a feeling, belief, etc.) Derived from instinct, intuition, or an ingrained inclination.

luissaan

derived from instinct or ingrained attitude

As his aging hands became increasingly arthritic, he would often tell us that he could feel it in his bones when a snowstorm was coming.

She could feel the rhythm in her bones.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, one's, bones: especially, referring to rheumatic aches sensitive to atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity.


over the head

She hit me over the head with a baseball bat.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see over, the, head.

After I said that, they would not give me a break. They just kept beating me over the head with it.

Her exploration of emotion, too, is slightly muted. You have to stop and consult yourself. Pain — or joy or passion — creep up afterwards. These poems never hit you over the head.

1982 August 28, Andrea Loewenstein, “Becker's Experience Talks Back”, in Gay Community News, volume 10, number 7, page 11:


of the moment

We should not give in to the pressures of the moment, but instead think long-term.

That has fleeting significance; having heightened relevance or importance in the short-term.


across country

From one side of the country to the other.

From one side of the countryside to the other.

By a course going directly over the countryside rather than by roads.


like anything

I came here and worked like anything to be an example before them.

1999, Julia G. Crane, Statia Silhouettes, page 57:


like old boots

Well, I worked like old boots; and all through the beastly long term I went on steadily creeping ahead of those two.

1905, The Windsor Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly for Men and Women, page 639:

(UK, slang, archaic) Synonym of like anything (“with plenty of effort, speed, etc.”)


on one's own bat

I think you should go on your own bat—and I can get you some cash support.

1977, Lennard Bickel, Mawson's Will: The Greatest Survival Story Ever Written, page 37:

Have ye done it on your own bat or did he kick you out?

2003, Brian Penton, The Inheritors, page 149:

off one's own bat
off one's own bat#English


in open court

Being present during a public court session.


at a price

I will give you the secret plans, but at a price.

Requiring a great expense for something to be given over or conceded.

Winning the war came at a price.

He was grateful for the recognition, even though it was achieved at a price.

Gained at the cost of incurring unwelcome consequences.

a caro prezzo

gained at the cost of unwelcome consequences


in date

Check that your driving licence is still in date.

Is that tin of fruit still in date?

Not expired; still valid; still good to be used or eaten, according to a date-stamp.


with the best

with the best of them
with the best of them#English

Alternative form of with the best of them


in the lap of the gods

(UK) Up to chance; Outside of one's ability to control or affect the result.


out of someone's hands

ei voida asialle mitään

verb phrase; to be out of someone's (subject) hands


in the nature of things

The ordinary or expected course of events.

asian luonne (usually with kuulua + illative)


below the gangway

(UK politics) On the benches in the House of Commons located past the central aisle and relatively far from the Speaker, generally occupied by minority groups not belonging to either the government or the Shadow Cabinet.


on the phone

on the telephone
on the telephone#English

Talking to someone using a telephone; Synonym of on the telephone

(dated, UK) Connected to a telephone system or having a landline telephone in one's home.


to a first approximation

Originally from the scientific concept of order of approximation.

Used to indicate that a statement, though not necessarily entirely accurate or without exceptions, is good enough for basic or preliminary purposes; more or less; basically.


at the top of the heap

In the highest strata; at the height of status, success, etc.


in the palm of one's hand

The vamp melted into his sizzling hit, "Don't Stop," and in a matter of seconds the audience was in the palm of his hand.

1983 April 9, Charles Fuller Jr., “Sylvester Sparkles”, in Gay Community News, page 6:

Opinion polls in the wake of the interview showed support for the princess at 92 percent. She had the public in the palm of her hand.

April 5 2022, Tina Brown, “How Princess Diana’s Dance With the Media Impacted William and Harry”, in Vanity Fair:

Being fully controlled or influenced by something.


on the district

Midwives working on the district rarely saw women die because, on the whole, they would transfer to hospital any women with severe problems.

2013, Nicky Leap, Billie Hunter, The Midwife's Tale:

Pethidine, a synthetic opioid developed in Germany during the war, was used in 75 per cent of hospital labours by 1948. In contrast midwives working on the district were not able to offer it to their women until 1951.

2013, Tania McIntosh, A Social History of Maternity and Childbirth, page 96:

(UK, medicine, historical) Of a midwife: associated with a particular hospital, and travelling to attend patients in the nearby area.


by the lay

Sailors on whaling ships were traditionally shipped by the lay.

(nautical) Paid a portion of any profits from the voyage, rather than receiving wages.


past one's prime

"Perhaps it might be nearer realisation," growls the cynic, "if we could only produce men according to demand, as we do horses, and promptly send them to the slaughter-house when past their prime"—which, of course, is not to be thought of.

1890, William Booth, “The Submerged Tenth”, in In Darkest England and the Way Out, page 19:

[…]he saw the pretty face grow thin and white, the hair grow scanty, the pretty hands, worn down brutally by work, become like the claws of an old animal—then, when the man was past his prime, the difficulty of getting jobs, the small wages he had to take; […]

1915, W[illiam] Somerset Maugham, chapter CXIV, in Of Human Bondage, New York, N.Y.: George H[enry] Doran Company, →OCLC:

On Wednesday, Don Lemon, a co-host of “CNN This Morning,” is scheduled to return to the show, five days after apologizing on Twitter and internally for describing Nikki Haley on air last Thursday as “past her prime.”

2023 February 20, Vanessa Friedman, quoting Don Lemon, “Don Lemon, Nikki Haley and the Lessons of a Hoodie”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:


for lack of trying

The solution has not yet been found, and it has not been for lack of trying.

(chiefly in the negative) Due to a failure to make a significant enough effort.


into space

(of a person's gaze) Pointed directly in front of oneself, blankly.


at the invitation of

Due to having been asked or invited to do something.


at the money

(finance, securities) Of an option, having an underlying value approximately equal to its strike price: roughly, such that exercising it yields neither a profit nor a loss.


by all appearances

to all appearances
to all appearances#English


precious little

Sandbanks, marshes, forests, savages, - precious little to eat fit for a civilised man, nothing but Thames water to drink.

1899 February, Joseph Conrad, “The Heart of Darkness”, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, volume CLXV, number M, New York, N.Y.: The Leonard Scott Publishing Company, […], →OCLC, part I, page 195:

Then I hit the real world and in the next decade encountered precious little in the way of Twainesque romance or riches.

2007, Darryl Brock, If I Never Get Back, page 22:

(idiomatic) Almost nothing; hardly anything.


on the breadline

She wasn't on the breadline exactly, but she didn't have an awful lot of spare cash to throw around, and she always, always lived within her means.

2021 February 25, Lilac Mills, Sunset on the Square: Escape on a Spanish Holiday with this Heartwarming Love Story, London: Canelo, →ISBN, →OCLC, →ISBN:

This life continuously trapped on the breadline was not what I wanted, not forever.

2012 March 17, Russell M. Nash, Yellow Fever: An Englishman Falls Under the Spell of the Far East, Memoirs Publishing, →ISBN, →ISBN:

He was wearing a grubby white shirt, jeans and scuffed black slip-on shoes. Anyone would think he was on the breadline too.

2014 January 16, Veronica Henry, Love on the Rocks, London: Orion, →ISBN, →OCLC, →ISBN:

With capital of about £16,000 I wasn't exactly on the breadline.

2015, J. R. L. Anderson, Death on the Rocks: A Classic English Murder Mystery, London: Bonnier Publishing Fiction, →ISBN, →OCLC, →ISBN:

There were times where money was tight and we probably were on the breadline, but I still never really wanted for anything.

2012 September 20, Kevin Twaddle, Life on the Line: How to Lose a Million and So Much More, Edinburgh: Black & White Publishing, →ISBN, →OCLC, →ISBN:

Britain survived on the breadline.

1998, Keith Laybourn, Britain on the breadline: A social and political history of Britain 1918-1939, Gloucestershire: Sutton, →ISBN, →OCLC, →ISBN:

It is ridiculous to put our own people on the breadline by reducing their spending power by an enormous sum to save very much less in overseas funds.

1969, New Zealand. Parliament. House of Representatives, Parliamentary Debates, page 4044:

The alternative argument states that, for people living on the breadline where every penny counts, the loss of a job may be the last straw factor.

1993, Valerie Møller, Quality of Life in Unemployment: A Survey Evaluation of Black Township Dwellers, Pretoria: HSRC Publishers, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 70, →ISBN:

(idiomatic) In a situation of extreme poverty; relying on food donations or having only enough to survive.


on trial

Undergoing a trial in a court of law. (of a person)


off-camera

(especially attributive) Alternative form of off camera.


off camera

He would only talk to us off camera.

In a position or situation where one is not being photographed or filmed.

We have some of the best off-camera talent in the business.

(television, film) In or related to a role behind the cameras, e.g. in production, lighting, editing, etc.


to one's credit

At times, Swindon's penalty box resembled a pinball machine. To their credit, they never wavered and for that alone no one could begrudge them the points.

2000 March 12, Stuart Barnes, “Swindon stunner for Curbishley”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:

Although the Department for Transport (to its credit) wants the GBR legislation, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak does not. He doesn't see railways as a priority in the run-up to a General Election which the smart money says he will likely lose.

2023 May 31, Nigel Harris, “Comment: GBR now! We have no Plan B”, in RAIL, number 984, page 3:

Achieved by the operation of one's personal strengths and merits.


in a box

By virtue of the sonnet's many complications, Shakespeare put himself in a box when writing poetry.

(idiomatic) Under very restrictive limits or boundaries.


on one's ones

2013, [gang] Member 39, quoted in How Gangs Work: An Ethnography of Youth Violence by J. Densley
If you [are] on your ones and someone comes up to you, 'What you got for me bruv?', you look at them in the eye, talk to them straight in the eye, stand your ground[…]

I still don't know, still don't know what to do
I'm on my ones
I'm getting funds

2017, Mickz (lyrics and music), “C4ll M3”:

Charlie melts into his mattress
Watching Twin Peaks on his ones
Then his fingers find a bottle
When he starts to miss his mum

2020, Arlo Parks (lyrics and music), “Hurt”:


over the left

over the left shoulder
over the left shoulder#English

(obsolete, slang) Short for over the left shoulder.


on instruments

We were on instruments for the descent through the clouds.

(aviation) (Flying) by reference to one's flight instruments, rather than by visual contact with the ground.


on order

Having already been ordered for shipment, but not yet received from the supplier.

in ordinazione

having already been ordered but not yet received


by no stretch

An ellipsis of by no stretch of the imagination (“inconceivable”).

by no stretch of the imagination#English

(idiomatic) Alternative form of by no stretch of the imagination.


in key

(figurative) In harmony, accord, or sympathy (with); congruent.


out of key

It was a figure quite out of key with that lonely landscape, for it wore a panama hat and a neat dark suit, cut to the order of present day dandyism, which required coats to be tight-waisted up to the armpits and trousers belted in that they might bulge out into extra wide mathematically squared bags.

1938, Norman Lindsay, Age of Consent, 1st Australian edition, Sydney, N.S.W.: Ure Smith, published 1962, →OCLC, page 63:

(figurative) Not in harmony (with); at odds (with).


in one's infinite wisdom

(humorous) By relying too much on personal judgement or preference, without realizing the limitations of one's reasoning.


to a lesser extent

A variety of topics are included, but there seems to be a primary concentration on the study of athletes and to a lesser extent the growth and performance of children and youth.

1984, Jan Borms, Human growth and development, page 438:

In laboratory tray tests designed to simulate a field test, pheromones of A. diaperinus cause aggregation responses in adults and, to a lesser extent, larvae.

1986, Adejoju Ajoke Falomo, The Pheromone Biology of the Lesser Mealworm, Alphitobius Diaperinus (Panzer), (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), page 165:

Shanghai and, to a lesser extent, Taiwan, lack the transparency and level playing field of Hong Kong. Singapore, Shanghai, and, to a lesser extent, Sydney, lack the entrepreneurial drive found in Hong Kong.

1997, Michael J. Enright, Edith Elizabeth Scott, David Dodwell, The Hong Kong Advantage, page 274:

To what extent is the Middle Palaeolithic in Mediterranean France similar to, or different from, that found in southwestern France, (and to a lesser extent in other regions) and to what extent do the models of Mousterian variability developed in the classic area of southwestern France apply in Mediterranean France?

2003, Carolyn Szmidt, Mousterian in Mediterranean France, page iii:


of one's own making

It's a complete shambles - yet again - of the Government's own making.

2023 August 23, Nigel Harris, “Comment: End damaging drift at Euston”, in RAIL, number 990, page 3:

As the direct effect of one's actions, rather than those of others or of external events.


at a minimum

At the least; in order to achieve only the bare minimum.


with all the salt in the Dead Sea

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-with all the salt in the Dead Sea.wav

(informal, idiomatic) With much doubt and skepticism.


in reserve

The Schynige Platte Railway carries on its traffic with no more than four electric locomotives (with one steam locomotive in reserve).

1960 December, Voyageur, “The Mountain Railways of the Bernese Oberland”, in Trains Illustrated, page 755:

Stored and set aside for possible (future) use.


on the part of

Only one [tomb] stone was damaged (the Scaife one), and this took place on Friday, March 2, 1951, as a result of hooliganism on the part of two boys.

1951 October, “Notes and News: Bromsgrove Tombstone Damaged”, in Railway Magazine, page 709:


off-the-air

Alternative spelling of off the air, especially when used attributively.


off air

Channel 9 will be off air from 11 pm until 6 am.

The transmitter is off air after a fire.

Not broadcasting or transmitting on radio or television.

dark

of a TV or radio station that is shut down

After ten years, the TV series was taken off air.

Fortunately his offensive remarks were off air.

Not being, or so as not to be, broadcast or transmitted by radio or television.


at grips

No doubt of it, Edmund was at grips with that bumptious little hairy dog. They were going it at the very top note of sadistic fury, screaming and snip-snapping in such a lightning mixture of black and white murder that the eye could not follow it.

1938, Norman Lindsay, Age of Consent, 1st Australian edition, Sydney, N.S.W.: Ure Smith, published 1962, →OCLC, page 140:


in the bucket

If you find that you are only $500 dollars in the bucket, don't think you will only need $500 dollars in cash, either.

She said once they won a thousand, but by then they were already thirty thousand in the bucket.

(slang) Short of money, or in debt (by a specified amount).


on the fiddle

He can't possibly afford that house on his salary. He must be on the fiddle.

(slang) Engaged in financially dishonest behaviour.


in one's feelings

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-in one's feelings.wav

“Nigga please, yes you were. You love me. Been following me around, cashing out for months. Don't get in your feelings and start lying now.”
“I ain't in my feelings, and that money I spent wasn't shit. Best believe it ain't have nothing to do with loving your ass.”

2018, A'zayler, She Took My Heart and Went Crazy (volume 1)

I know now you're thinking Joseph was entirely too old to be marrying her anyway. Do you see how you just got into your feelings finding out that Joseph was potentially in his 90's?

2021, Dr. Lawrence V. Bolar, I’m Not Mad I’m Just in My Feelings: Study Guide:

(US, African-American Vernacular, jargon) Overreacting or having a strong emotional reaction; worked up.


out of keeping with

THE CONCISE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF WORLD RAILWAY LOCOMOTIVES. Edited by P. Ransome-Wallis. Hutchinson. 50s.
A gaudy jacket, remarkably out of keeping with the contents, camouflages the weightiest and meatiest work on a railway topic since the war.

1960 January, “New reading on railways”, in Trains Illustrated, page 26:


without a shadow of a doubt

beyond a shadow of a doubt
beyond a shadow of a doubt#English


beyond the shadow of a doubt

Alternative form of beyond a shadow of a doubt


at swordpoint

Being threatened with a sword; under coercion.


in and of themselves

by themselves; with respect to their intrinsic or inherent nature without consideration of extraneous factors; per se, intrinsically, inherently


for one's trouble

Here's a tip, for your trouble.

In exchange for one's effort; as a reward.


on trial for one's life

Undergoing a court trial in which the offender is likely to receive a death sentence if convicted.


to the touch

soft to the touch, smooth to the touch


off the rip

It was obvious Toi's new boyfriend had spent a lot of dough decorating her crib, which put me on alert, 'cause it ain't like he lived with her. So, off the rip I'm wondering what his crib looks like 'cause, unless he's the sweetest trick in the Dirty South, I figured he ain't done laced Toi's crib better than his own.

2009, CASH, Trust No Man: Loyalty To Those Who Are Loyal:

We've searched high and low for this dude and still can't get at him. And now you think you can come home and find him off the rip?

The guy who got shot wasn't my peoples, we had our little beefs and never really got along, but we were from the same hood, so I felt bad when he lost an eye over some Brooklyn dudes trying to invade our turf. We should have handled the intrusion off the rip.

2018, U-God [Lamont Hawkins], Raw: My Journey Into The Wu-Tang, New York, N.Y.: Picador, →ISBN, →OCLC, pages 116–117:

(African-American Vernacular, slang) From the very beginning; immediately; right away.


on the rail

(horse racing) Alternative form of on the rails


on the book

That was the “set-up” in the Venner Repertory Company, and I must state that they needed very few prompts, even on the first nights of which we had two a week! I was “on the book” , gave all the “lighting and effects signals” […]

1954, Harald Melvill, Theatrecraft: The A to Z of Show Business, page 103:

I was on the book in the prompt corner on stage right.

2004, Michael Hallifax, Let Me Set the Scene, page 340:


on someone's side

Don't count me out; I'm on your side.

Supporting someone's opinions or interests.


from soda to hock

In reference to the card game faro, in which the soda is the first card and the hock the last.

If two different juries that sat in on the court dealings from soda to hock can't see the same verdict, don't trust no cowhand seventy-one winters gone to judge him.

2008, Richard E. Baker, Letters from Across the Big Divide, page 56:


at one's feet

(idiomatic) At one's disposition; easily controlled by someone due to their power, affluence, charm, etc.


with one's own eyes

I had seen pictures of the Grand Canyon on the Internet, but I wanted to see it with my own eyes.

I watched his demise with my own eyes.

In real life as seen by oneself, as opposed to in a picture or according to someone else's description.


in the rattle

If you were in the rattle too often, you would be labeled a troublemaker. Once that happened, it was virtually impossible to get back into the Navy's good books, and the chances were high that they would find some way to get rid of you.

2005, Charles Gidley Wheeler, Jannaway's Mutiny:

(UK, naval, slang) Kept in confinement as a disciplinary measure.


with blackjack and hookers

From the 1999 episode "The Series Has Landed" of the American animated sitcom Futurama, which includes a running gag involving the robot character Bender stating that he will build his own versions of tourist attractions after being excluded from them, but "with blackjack and hookers" added.

2021, L.C. Mawson, Ember Academy for Young Witches: Books 1-6: The Complete Series, L.C. Mawson
You're suggesting that I start my own Themiscyra, with blackjack and hookers?” Maria frowned. “Well, you could have whatever you wanted. It would be your own island. Though, of course, I would argue for legalised sex work.” “You would?

(US, slang, humorous) Enhanced; improved. Said of a new competing product or service compared to an existing one.

Bender (Futurama)
Futurama
The Series Has Landed

I'm going to build my own X with blackjack and hookers! In fact


out of book

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-out of book.wav

(chess) No longer following commonly played theoretical lines analyzed in opening books; in territory unfamiliar to one or both of the players.


on the door

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, the, door.


above the rim

Basketball went from a game of set shots and long jumpers to a game played above the rim, characterized by earth-shattering dunks.

2003, Walter M. Kimbrough, Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs, and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities, Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press, →ISBN, page 111:

The same male-centric phenomenon takes place in basketball, where the “standard” version of the game is played above the rim while the “watered-down” female version is played below the rim (and with a smaller ball).

2017, Rick Eckstein, How College Athletics Are Hurting Girls' Sports: The Pay-to-Play Pipeline, Rowman & Littlefield, →ISBN, page 149:

Whereas Erving made his impact above the rim Curry is expanding what we never thought was expandable - the jump shot.

2021 December 13, Bob Padecky, “Stephen Curry has made jump shot an art form”, in The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California:

(basketball) [handing the ball] higher than the rim of the basket (such as during a slam dunk or alley oop)

I believe in playing above the rim on the court, and in my career.

1995 June, Lloyd Ward, quoted in Lloyd Gite, "Playing Above the Rim" Black Enterprise p. 214

Who can tell the fabric of state government stories better? Who can tell those fabric stories first? And who can do what I call playing above the rim, which is you're in such close contact with legislators and state officials that you can stay ahead of the news.

2004 Eileen N. Gilligan, Competing for News: Reporter's Use of Competition and Cooperation in the Production of News (Thesis, University of Wisconsin–Madison) p. 122

2021 February 16, Shawn Jefferson, quoted in Darren Urban, "Shawn Jefferson's Padded Resumé For Coaching Receivers" azcardinals.com
Jefferson, who once coached new Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson in Detroit, said DeAndre Hopkins is "probably the only one in the league I can compare to Calvin right now, has the skillset Calvin had, playing above the rim and in those competitive situations coming down with the ball."

(figuratively, Canada, US) at a high level of excellence


on the mop

(slang) Getting drunk; taking part in a session of drinking alcohol.


in the name of heaven

in heaven's name
in heaven's name#English


like one means it

You play like you mean it, they stay and listen.

2002, Drew Beisswenger, Fiddling Way Out Yonder: The Life and Music of Melvin Wine, page 88:

you need to put your back into it and dance like you mean it

2012, Ni-Ni Simone, Amir Abrams, Get Ready for War, page 312:

“Piano is fine, but you need a hobby that makes you strong, that makes you sweat. Teamwork, too. The team counts on you, so get out there and play like you mean it.”

2016, Jill Penrod, The Lion and the Ladybug, page 80:


FYSA

(military) Initialism of for your situational awareness.


out of sync

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see out, of, sync.

Working poorly together; disagreeing with each other.


in sync

The TV and the speakers are in sync.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, sync.

We / Used to be / Just like twins / So in sync

2008, Katy Perry, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, “Hot n Cold”, in One of the Boys, performed by Katy Perry:

Working well together; agreeing with each other.


from a standing start

From a standing start, the trains must achieve 360kph (225mph) and run 40km (25 miles) in 535 seconds (8mins 55secs).

2021 December 29, “Network News: HS2 rolling stock”, in RAIL, number 947, page 7:

From rest, a standstill or motionless state.


on that note

The idiom is likely from the musical sense of note.

I heard there's a lemon shortage. On that note, do we have any lemonade stocked up?

You've all done a very good job. I'd like to end the meeting on that note. See you Monday.

On the topic that was just previously mentioned.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, that, note.


over the fence

Look up the recommended speed for the landing pattern. You'll find tables for varying loads. Okay so far. Now, note that a speed is established for the approach phase and another slower one for over the fence.

1955, Flying Safety, volume 11, page 23:

You can usually wait until you are "over the fence" before you chop the power.

1966, FAA Aviation News, volumes 5-7, page 11:

(aviation) Entering, or having entered, the airfield in preparation for landing.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see over, fence.


on the ran tan

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-on the ran tan.wav

The proofreader had been evidently on the ran tan […]

1920, Dogdom: Monthly, volume 21, page 497:


below ground

The station has been refurbished both at ground level and below ground, where the wide, fluorescently lit platforms are an almost unrecognisable metamorphosis of the dingy, reeking Low Level of old.

1960 December, “The Glasgow Suburban Electrification is opened”, in Trains Illustrated, page 713:


in the pocket

The allure of all this athleticism at quarterback is very strong right now, but when push comes to shove, most of the people I talk to would go with the guy in the pocket. The scrambling quarterback is like a beautiful woman -- awfully enticing, but in the end she'll break your heart.

2001 Sept. 3, Brian Billick, quoted in "Run or Gun?", ESPN the Magazine, Vol. IV, No. 18

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, pocket.

Throughout The Late, Late Show, Staton is right on the money (or right in the pocket, as musicians say)...

2010, Will Friedwald, “Dakota Staton”, in A Biographical Guide to the Great Jazz and Pop Singers, page 448:

I've never thought that the groove was the beat; I always saw it as the space between the beats. I believe that's where the phrase "in the pocket" originated.

2013, Loren Weisman, The Artist's Guide to Success in the Music Business, page 229:

Musicians who play funk and Latin tunes refer to the groove as the sense of being "in the pocket," while jazz players refer to the groove as the sense that a song is really "cooking" or "swinging"... Historically speaking, the term pocket originated in the middle of the previous century, when a strong backbeat (the snare drum striking on beats 2 and 4) became predominant in popular music... Many people feel that the question is not so much what the pocket is as much as how you know when you're in it; I guarantee that you'll know it when you feel it, because the music feels as though it's playing itself. It feels as though everything has merged together, with all the rhythmic parts being played by one instrument.

2016, Bobby Owsinski, The Music Producer's Handbook, 2nd edition:

Use his approach for both songs to keep your rhythms in the pocket. You needn't be rigid; some stretching of the phrase is absolutely allowable for the sake of meaning. For the most part, however, ride the driving pulsations of the accompaniment with an equally grooving vocal approach.

2019, Joseph Church, Rock in the Musical Theatre, page 173:

...Iyer argues that the backbeat in much postwar African-American popular music is seldom precisely on the beat: it is slightly delayed, lending it a more 'laid back' feel. Again, as with swing, playing the backbeat 'in the pocket'—just slightly behind the beat—does not disrupt the regularity of the beat so much as demand that we hear (and feel) the rhythm in a more subtle and integrated way...

2020, Paul Thberge, “Click/Beat/Body: Thoughts on the Materiality of Time and Tempo”, in The Auditory Culture Reader, page 344:

Most musicians who play classical music usually play too "stiff" (rigidly) to perform on popular music recordings. All forms of popular music require musicians to feel the groove and to play in the pocket (playing within the feel of the rhythm section).

2021, Michael Zager, Music Production, page 97:

Hell yes, use that take. She was in the pocket.

(music slang) Alternative form of in the zone, playing perfectly in time, perfectly in sync with others, or with a perfect groove.

No, you can't count on him for the environmental bill. He's in the pocket of Big Oil.

(colloquial, derogatory) Alternative form of in one's pocket.


in conjunction with

The new shed, in conjunction with the existing multiple-unit shed, goes far to provide a complete diesel motive power depot at Stratford, [...].

1960 December, “New G.E. Line diesel loco maintenance depot at Stratford”, in Trains Illustrated, page 767:


like a demon

He drove like a demon.

Typically for the 'get-on-with-it' era, the railway and military worked like demons to restore the vital rail link. The crater was rapidly filled in and the earth tamped solid, the wreckage was removed by breakdown trains, new rails and sleepers were rushed forward by willing hands, and US Army bulldozers piled in. By 2020 on the same day, both tracks were open for traffic again where there had been a gaping pit just hours before.

2022 January 12, Benedict le Vay, “The heroes of Soham...”, in RAIL, number 948, page 43:

(idiomatic) In a very forceful, fierce, frenzied or skilful way.


par avion

Borrowed from French par avion (“by plane”), a phrase often printed or stamped on air mail envelopes.

bor+

I’ve written you before but I forgot to send it par avion and it probably won’t get there before Christmas.

1946 August 19, John Cheever, “[Letter to Don and Katrina Ettlinger]”, in The Letters of John Cheever, published 1989, →ISBN, page 119:

He was sent to Vietnam to kill people. Signed up for a stupor-second tour when the loved one repudiated him Par Avion.

2006, J. G. Hayes, A Map of the Harbor Islands, →ISBN, page 25:

I have vague memories of her writing on blue airmail stationery—delicate sheets that tuck into themselves—ready to be sealed, stamped, and sent par avion.

2021, Angela Mi Young Hur, Foklorn, →ISBN:


over the hump

(idiomatic) Past the most challenging part of something.


on Jah

Named for XXXTentacion's nickname Jah, a shortened form of his first name Jahseh, modeled after the adverb on God.

Oh, on Jah?


on God

How many times have you been all on God eating healthy, hour later you're stuffing donuts down like just today cause tomorrow is when it really starts.

2019, Justin Blackburn, The Bisexual Christian Suburban Failure Enlightening Bipolar Blues, page 31:

On God.

(African-American Vernacular, Internet slang, informal) With all honesty and seriousness; affirmatively


in a hen's hiney

(idiomatic, Southern US) Under no circumstances; absolutely not.


up to the mark

He is up to the mark in literature and the arts, in history, and in public affairs.

2008, D. G. Mulcahy, The Educated Person: Toward a New Paradigm for Liberal Education, page 37:


at the last

But at the Last will Māna-Yood-Sushāī forget to rest, and will make again new gods and other worlds, and will destroy the gods whom he hath made.

1905, Lord Dunsany [i.e., Edward Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany], The Gods of Pegāna, London: [Charles] Elkin Mathews, […], →OCLC:

(literary or archaic) In the end, after everything, ultimately.


on the turf

Are you sorry for the one who put you on the turf?

2013, David Bradshaw, Rachel Potter, Prudes on the Prowl, page 130:

And this in turn will surely not only cost her her job, but possibly also land her in jail or, at the best, put her out on the turf as a prostitute.

2016, Margot Norris, The Value of James Joyce, page 16:

(slang, euphemistic) Synonym of on the game (“working as a prostitute”)


in the racket

Their answer is that they are "put wise" by other girls already in the racket.

Many are literally being plundered by their landlord - sex capitalists who often specialize in letting out rooms, flats, or apartments to people in the racket.

1997, Lori Gruen, George E. Panichas, Sex, Morality, and the Law, page 99:

Janet R. is in her late twenties, and has been “in the racket”—prostitution, for twelve years; […]

2013, David P. Ausubel, Martin Meyer Grossack, Mental Health and Segregation, page 104:


in steam

Apart from brief intervals for watering and coaling, No. 2395 is continuously in steam each week from 4 a.m. on Monday until 3 a.m. on the following Sunday.

1942 March, “Notes and News: Locomotive Notes”, in Railway Magazine, page 93:

(of a steam locomotive) Having steam in its boiler and ready for work.


in the shitter

Boy...your chakras are in the shitter. That past life where you were a gimp for that Blacksmith, all in your auric field. You need Sweet Tea Psychic to clear it. Got eighty bucks on ya?

2019 December, Justin Blackburn, The Bisexual Christian Suburban Failure Enlightening Bipolar Blues, page 101:


near and dear

This bracelet is a gift from my spouse, who I hold near and dear.

Writing has been near and dear to me for a long time.

(idiomatic) Loved or cared about greatly.


dawn to dusk

from dawn to dusk
from dawn to dusk#English


out of the gate

Analogy from various sports and activities, such as hound racing and bull-riding.

If nicknames and partisan battles are inevitable, better to control branding out of the gate.

2022 November 12, Matteo Wong, “How Did America End Up With the Z.O.M.B.I.E. Act?”, in The Atlantic:

(idiomatic) At or from the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.


in shit

(vulgar, slang) in trouble, in a bad situation


in attendance

In the position of helping or serving someone


on tick

(dated, informal, British) bought with an agreement to pay later


in lesbians

A jocular replacement for love, from both lesbian(s) and love being l-words. Popularized if not coined by Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010).

Wallace Wells: If you want something bad, you have to fight for it. Step up your game, Scott. Break out the l-word.
Scott Pilgrim: Lesbian?
Wallace Wells: The other l-word.
Scott Pilgrim: ...Lesbians?
Wallace Wells: It's love, Scott.
[later, to Ramona]
Scott Pilgrim: I'm in lesbians with you.

"I'm in lesbians with you." She says. Yeah I guess using the term "Love" would be a bit too early still so I'll have to accept "lesbians" for now. "Well I'm totally in gayness with you? Does that work? Uh probably not, that's too weird."

2014, Cameron Sadler, Talk to You Tomorrow, Lulu Press, Inc, →ISBN:

The World demonstrated that when he professed his true feelings thusly: “I'm in lesbians with you.” It's just hard to put yourself out there like that. And it's even harder to do it in front of everyone you care you about […]

2017, James Scheibli, Movie Quotes for All Occasions: Unforgettable Lines for Life's Biggest Moments, Mango Media Inc., →ISBN:

Katie (Glass) 10/10/15 #5 Late Afternoon
Let me be in lesbians with you, Why do you have to be such? Let me get sexy with you, Can we at least touch?

2017, Alexander R. Korponay, PoemS 63 - [Heart]Ache, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 7:

(humorous, slang, uncommon) In love, or feeling affection or lust, especially if sapphic.


in the name of all that is holy

for the love of God
for the love of God#English


by return of post

In mercantile transactions an offer must as a rule be accepted by return of post, or at any rate by a letter posted on the day on which the offer was received.

1909, Hardinge Stanley Giffard, The Laws of England: Being a Complete Statement of the Whole Laws of England Whole, page 353:

B. Gilliat-Smith often said of Dr. Turrill that only two people ever replied to him by return of post, the two being Dr. Turrill, and his Bank Manager.

1973, Journal of the Gypsy Lore Society, page 115:

Osborn replied almost by return of post that he agreed with my suggestions if we could get together a competent group to do the work.

1987, Sir Frederick James Osborn, Arnold Whittick, F.J.O. - Practical Idealist: A Biography of Sir Frederic Osborn, page 76:

(UK) Replying in the next available mail delivery.


like atomic clockwork

(simile, uncommon) With absolute regularity and precision; faultlessly.


for all intense purposes

for all intents and purposes
for all intents and purposes#English

Eggcorn of for all intents and purposes.


by no stretch of imagination

(idiomatic) Alternative form of by no stretch of the imagination.


on the low

(US, slang) Alternative form of on the down-low


like a hot knife through butter

like a knife through butter
like a knife through butter#English


on the deck

The HAWK is one of the Army's newest air defense weapons. It is capable of carrying a modern warhead and of destroying attackers flying "on the deck" at such ranges as to insure effective protection of defended areas.

1961, United States. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services, Hearings ... on Sundry Legislation Affecting the Naval and Military Establishments (issues 10–32, page 1340)

The fighters were flying “on the deck” — as close to the water as possible — to avoid detection.

2008, Sydney Sharpe, Staying in the Game: The Remarkable Story of Doc Seaman, page 42:

(aviation) Flying at a very low altitude.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, the, deck.


in hock

Her necklace is in hock in order to cover some family expenses.

The wind doesn’t stop blowing because an autocrat has a tantrum; harnessing the solar radiation that bathes our world doesn’t leave us in hock to the House of Saud.

2022 June 5, Ezra Klein, “Your Kids Are Not Doomed”, in The New York Times:

(figurative, by extension) Indebted. [with to ‘someone’]


at a clip

(informal) Moving or occurring very quickly or rapidly.


in small doses

(informal) In small quantities or for short periods of time.


from the rooter to the tooter

Referring to a pig, with the rooter being the snout (with which pigs like to root), and the tooter being the anus.

(idiomatic, Southern US) From head to toe.

We use 'em from the rooter to the tooter — everything but the squeal!

(idiomatic, Southern US) To waste very little; to use all available resources.


off the tools

BRICKLAYERS. MEETING, MONDAY NIGHT, 17th. Those working in the Trade, and those in industry off the tools, are specially requested to attend re immediate work at the trade.

1943 May 15, The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Newcastle, NSW, page 5, column 1:

Working in a trade as a foreman, administrator, business owner, etc., rather than doing manual labour.


on the tools

The successful applicant will not be afraid to work with the men "on the tools", so that he knows them, can motivate them, and lead them by example.

1980 August 23, The Canberra Times, Canberra, page 26, column 6:

Doing manual labour as a tradesperson, as opposed to being a foreman, business owner, etc., in the industry.


at this rate

Near-synonym: the way things are going

At this rate, we'll never get the project done.

If one continues at the current pace or with the current actions.


between the pegs

(hunting) Designating the body length of a killed animal based on the distance between a peg placed near its nose and another near the end of its tail.


ingame

(humorous, Internet slang, neologism) Used as a protective measure to avoid legal liability for making a statement that could be interpreted as a threat.


on eternal patrol

(idiomatic, of a submarine) Lost at sea.


like one o'clock half struck

He stood for a few seconds like one o'clock half struck, then gave her a stupid grin, gulped awkwardly and walked away, face burning and tears of rage threatening to burst forth at any moment.

2003, Roy Cranley, Chip Chop Cherry, page 218:

Johan hesitated like one o'clock half struck, mumbled, and slurred to himself: […]

2013, Ian Thornton, The Great & Calamitous Tale of Johan Thoms, page 217:

(informal) In a state of indecision or hesitancy.


up to one's old tricks

(informal) Engaging in mischievous behavior considered typical of oneself.


out of a job

After the management automated the factory, the machinists were out of a job.


in Roblox

I’ll kill all of you … in Roblox!

(Internet slang, figurative, humorous, neologism) Used to keep oneself from becoming legally liable for making a certain statement that could be perceived as a threat, or that may otherwise pose a legal risk.


on all counts

A generalization of the legal phrase for when a defendant is found guilty or innocent on every count (charge) in a court case.

“Guilty, on all counts,” the foreman of the jury read.

2013, Gary Mercer, Guilty On All Counts:

(law) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see all, count.

Marketwise, they move with interest rates, and hence provide the maximum safety on all counts.

1965, Standard & Poor's Earnings and Ratings Bond Guide, page 2:

Moreover, the Duke, Lear, and Prospero are all put in positions where they must consider the choice between revenge and mercy; and on all counts the choice is for mercy.

1972, Shakespeare studies - Volume 6, page 182:

The WHO classification is satisfactory on all counts.

1977, Leslie J. DeGroot, Radiation-Associated Thyroid Carcinoma, page 46:

Edward VIII, the princess’s favourite uncle, precipitated the monarchy’s most severe constitutional crisis of the 20th century by abdicating the throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson, the twice divorced American regarded as unsuitable on all counts.

September 8 2022, Stephen Bates, “Queen Elizabeth II obituary”, in The Guardian:


for the fuck of it

for the hell of it
for the hell of it#English

(idiomatic, vulgar) Alternative form of for the hell of it


in bad bread

(obsolete, dated, UK) In a dilemma; in a state of difficulty.


in good bread

You are at present in good bread, but were you out of place, I could expect nothing from such a one as you, but to become a burden to my family.

1754, John Breues, Fortunate Lovers: Or, the Most Successful Arts Used in Honourable Courtship […], page 23:

By these Means I established myself in good Bread, and a numerous Set of good Acquaintance of both Sexes.

1755, Peter Drake, The Memoirs of Capt. Peter Drake: Containing, An Account of many Strange and Surprising Events […], volume 2, page 229:

This mode of life suited me exceedingly: I found myself in good bread, and resolved to go on; but the caprice of my stars never suffered me to be what I wished.

1791, [William Beckford], transl., Popular Tales of the Germans […], volume 2, page 176:

(obsolete, British, Ireland, slang) In a fortunate or favorable position.


in favour

Cardinal Pole, one of her chief counsellors, high in the Church of Rome, and in favour with the Pope, did all he possibly could to dissuade her from such proceedings

1829, Edward Stanley, A Few Words in Favour of Our Roman Catholic Brethren:

(British spelling) Standard spelling of in favor.


in the nick

And the two of you weren't swimming in the nick down at Mill Dam the other day, I suppose? 'No, we weren't exactly swimming...' You still got an eyeful of her in the altogether, though, didn't you?

1991, Knut Faldbakken, Insect Summer, Peter Owen Limited:

Belinda might be sensible but could any child resist such a tale – Mrs Sangster swimming in the nick? She put on the togs, wishing these little freedoms were not denied her. They made her buttocks feel as though set in cement.

2013 July 24, Maurice Gee, The Burning Boy (Penguin Award Winning Classics), Penguin Random House New Zealand Limited, →ISBN:

“Why don't you just swim in the nick?” Nick smiles at this play on his name. “There's no one to see you. Except me, of course.” He waggles his eyebrows suggestively. I laugh and hand Dom to him. “Okay. Just hold Dom while I get my kit off.”

2015 June 1, Pamela Power, Ms Conception, Penguin Random House South Africa, →ISBN:

“Thank ye kindly, doctor,” says he. “You came in in about the nick, I guess, for me and Hawkins. And so it’s you, Ben Gunn!” he added. “Well, you’re a nice one, to be sure.”

1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC:

in the nick of time
in the nick of time#English

(obsolete) Synonym of in the nick of time


for reasons

(idiomatic, sarcastic) For reasons that the speaker does not know or does not want to discuss; for no good reason.


at swords' points

Following the news over the past weeks and months was making me sad. It gave the impression of an America hopelessly hostile and divided by race, class and politics, at swords’ points over even the smallest disagreements, with a government that seemed unable to perform the simplest task effectively.

2017 September 5, Glenn Harlan Reynolds, “Hurricane Harvey revealed the awesome power of real America”, in USA Today:

The seven sisters, as if Sabine women out for revenge, vie with one another, exponentially expanding complications. As they do, Fillinger is looking to decimate Great White Way hilarity records. (She’s likely already breaking the vulgarity glass ceiling.) As the at-sword’s-point encounters mount, they women are frustrated but hardly lost for dirty words or actions.

2022 April 27, David Finkle, “POTUS: Foul-Mouthed Women on Comedy Rampage”, in New York Stage Review:

The US military is considering "moving aircraft carriers or sending fighter planes for close air support" as a measure to protect Pelosi's delegation, said Washington Post on July 23. China and the US are actually nearly at swords' points.

2022 July 31, Wang Yunfei, “Five possible ways the PLA could thwart Pelosi's Taiwan visit”, in Global Times:

For example, during his entire time in office (but especially after the Bay of Pigs debacle in 1961), Kennedy and the CIA were at sword’s point. Kennedy didn’t trust the CIA as far as he could throw Allen Dulles […] and the spooks out at Langley thought the president was callow and not up to the job of being butch with the Soviet Union and Fidel Castro.

2022 September 17, Charles P. Pierce, “The Republicans Built a Time Machine, Powered by Racism”, in Esquire:

In strong conflict with each other, ready to fight.


in the same shoes

How are you getting on with fronted adverbials? I only ask because my timeline on social media is suddenly full of parents telling me that they don’t know what these are and they don’t know why their children need to know them. […] Perhaps, as a parent, you are in the same shoes.

2021 January 23, Michael Rosen, “Dear Gavin Williamson, could you tell parents what a fronted adverbial is?”, in The Guardian:

The push-pull puts us more or less in the same shoes as protagonist Lucy (Grace Van Patten), who spends years wriggling on his hook before she’s finally able to cut herself free — and it’s that keen understanding of the psychology driving its central relationship that distinguishes Tell Me Lies from any number of dramas about steamy but doomed romances.

2022 September 6, Angie Han, “‘Tell Me Lies’ Review: Hulu’s Bad Romance Is Very Good”, in The Hollywood Reporter:

(idiomatic) In the same situation; having the same problems.


under one's hand

Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court...


on God's green earth

What was state of the art in 1912 has mostly fallen by the wayside. […] So why, oh why, on God’s green Earth are we still measuring chile pepper heat on the Scoville scale?

2022 August 31, Tamar Haspel, “Sorry, Scoville. Peppers deserve better than an archaic heat scale.”, in The Washington Post:

Expletive used for emphasis after an interrogative word.


from first to last

This was an emphatic performance and victory, the hosts controlling affairs from pretty much first to last in a display that suggested they are genuinely moving forward once again.

2022 October 1, Phil McNulty, “Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham: Gunners show identity & direction in outstanding derby win”, in BBC Sport:


at ten and two

Then why do they instruct new drivers to keep their hands at ten and two when they take the test for their driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles?

(jargon, uncommon) Referring to a type of driving, regarded as safe and conventional, where the positions of the hands on the steering wheel of a vehicle correspond to those of the hands of an analog clock at 10 o'clock (left hand) and 2 o'clock (right hand)


hard at it

Energetically engaged in or working on something; going at it.


hard at work

I'm sorry I can't make it to the party—I'm going to be hard at work all day.

Labouring with great effort and diligence; working hard.


in one's hip pocket

“Wyden right now is coming up with his own provisions that could fit into that” final legislation, said Nathan Dean, a government analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Think of this as something to have in his hip pocket when the Democrats start negotiating.”

2021 September 14, Sam Potter, Katherine Greifeld, Elaine Chen, “ETF Industry Risks Losing Key Tax Edge as Democrat Whets Knife”, in Bloomberg:

in one's back pocket
in one's back pocket#English

(idiomatic) Synonym of in one's back pocket.


for no good reason

Without any rightful cause or justification.


with reason

Having a justifiable or legitimate cause.


at a profit

to sell at a profit


until proven otherwise

In the absence of proof to the contrary; accepted by default.

dopóki wina nie zostanie udowodniona inaczej


without fear or favor

From the beginning of the Republic, the American people have rightly expected our courts to resolve disputes about their rights and duties under law without fear or favor to any party—the Executive Branch included.

2021, Buffington v. McDonough (U.S. Supreme Court No. 21–972), Justice Gorsuch dissenting from the denial of certiorari

without fear or favour
without fear or favour#English

Alternative form of without fear or favour


like a dog with two tails

In reference to a dog wagging its tail to express positive feelings.


on someone's doorstep

With ample supplies of these masks available and a more transmissible variant on our doorstep, there has never been a better time to up your mask game. I encourage people to go out and try a few different varieties, find what they like and what fits their face.

2021 December 27, Aaron Collins, “Some Covid masks are better than others. I know – I’m the Mask Nerd”, in The Guardian:


at someone's door

“What we are seeing in markets is the realisation that ECB tightening is at our door,” said Rohan Khanna, a fixed-income strategist at UBS.

2022 May 4, Tommy Stubbington, Martin Arnold, “ECB policy tightening sends eurozone borrowing costs soaring”, in Financial Times:

(idiomatic) Very nearby; close to someone.

“Absolutely those deaths are at the door of the Texas Department of Agriculture,” Gilbert spokesman Vince Leibowitz charges. “They should have noticed those problems and they should have done something about it. Clearly they didn’t and Todd Staples is the one who needs to be held accountable for it.”

2010 June 28, Reeve Hamilton, “TribBlog: Gilbert: Staples Has "Blood on His Hands"”, in The Texas Tribune:

(idiomatic) Being someone's fault or responsibility.


in prime twig

(UK, slang, obsolete) In good order and high spirits.


up a close

(Scotland, informal, archaic) Synonym of up a tree (“in a difficult situation”)


on level terms

Your Committee, having carefully considered the great volume of evidence placed before them, have come to the conclusion that the present condition of the Hop Industry is not merely one of temporary depression, but that, unless effective measures are taken to enable English growers to compete on level terms in their own market with their foreign competitors, the English industry will continue its rapid decline, and will ultimately be almost destroyed.

1908, Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons, Parliamentary Papers - Volume 8, page xlvi:

It fully typified the game plan, and boss Page will have been thrilled to remain on level terms.

2022 November 29, Ian Mitchelmore, “Wales put out of World Cup misery by England as sobering tournament must signal changing of the guard”, in WalesOnline:


by the Grace of Allah

By the Grace of Allah, we, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, [suffixes of various orders and medals], the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of the Sovereign State and Territory of Brunei Darussalam and all its Dependencies. To all to whom these presents shall come.

2016, Sultan of Brunei, “Proclamation and Notice under Article 52(2) (S 8/2016)”, in Brunei Durassalam Government Gazette:

By His Majesty His The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, by the Grace of Allah, Supreme Head of the States and Territories of Malaysia […]

2022, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia, “Proclamation—Summon Parliament (P.U. (A) 371/2022)”, in Federal Government Gazette, archived from the original on 2022-12-01:


from home

From Middle English fram home, from hame, from hom.

men are merriest when they are from home

c. 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act I, Scene 2:

the old Gentleman being from Home, or out of the way when my Messenger came, my Letter came directly to my Sons Hand

1722, Daniel Defoe, Moll Flanders, London: W. Chetwood and T. Edling, page 411:

I cannot bear the thoughts of a Christmas spent from home

1847, Anne Brontë, chapter 8, in Agnes Grey, volume 3, London: Thomas Cautley Newby, page 133:

He had excuses. His family difficulties, his long stay from home.

1969, John Fowles, chapter 21, in The French Lieutenant’s Woman, London: Panther, published 1971, page 156:

(idiomatic, dated, chiefly UK) Away from home, not at home; away, out.


for grins

Originally, for no other purpose but to make one smile.

(idiomatic) For no particular reason, just because it is fun or entertaining; or to relieve boredom.


for shits and giggles

From the act of shitting (i.e. farting) and then giggling as a result of it.

(idiomatic, vulgar) For no particular reason, just because it is fun or entertaining; or to relieve boredom.


at this point

At the current time or the time that was just described.


atp

The uncertainty surrounding the terms under which BTS would and would not be allowed to reunite as a group to perform while members are enlisted has fans and nonfans alike feeling uneasy. "Can they just leave them [to] serve in peace ffs💀 atp i feel bad for them," one user wrote on Twitter.

2022 October 19, Joely Chilcott, “BTS May Be Allowed to Perform as a Group While Serving in the Korean Military, but There's a Catch”, in PopSugar:

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of at this point; also ATP.


on the scrounge

"On the scrounge, are you?" said Gobling. "Shouldn't think you've ever done a day's work in your life."

1971, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle and the Magic Zodiac, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 94:


like a pakapoo ticket

(Australia, informal, simile) Very messily scrawled; illegible.


in bad repair

After the storm, many houses are in bad repair.


in line with

His behaviour was not in line with official policy.


in diapers

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: wearing a diaper, or needing to wear diapers.


in ruins

After being found guilty of animal abuse, her reputation was in ruins.

His finances were in ruins after spending all his inheritance on cars and drugs.


in debt

deeply in debt

fall in debt

up to one's eyeballs in debt

up to one's ears in debt


beyond a shadow of doubt

Alternative form of beyond a shadow of a doubt


in book

The Sicilian opening was wild, but the speed of play made it clear both players were "in book", up to a point.

2022 January 21, Colin McGourty, “Tata Steel 5: Rapport & Mamedyarov hit the front”, in chess24, archived from the original on 2022-05-19:

Wesley So had prepared a line with a temporary pawn sacrifice against Praggnanandhaa and both players appeared to be in book for a long time.

2023 January 19, Mark Crowther, “Giri overtakes Abdusattorov in a dramatic final round of the Tata Steel Masters to grab his first title”, in The Week in Chess, archived from the original on 2023-02-01:

(chess, uncommon) Of a chess player: following a main line ("a standard sequence of opening moves considered to be best play").


on shaky ground

But I actually believe the whole god-damn country is on shaky ground, and for me to be securing shit for the future might not do me a damn bit of good.

1989, Bob Blauner, Black Lives, White Lives:


in a minor key

(idiomatic) In a restrained manner; on a small or limited scale.


in a major key

(idiomatic) In an unrestrained manner; on a large or expansive scale.


in good season

We got up in good season and went to work.

The company launched its new product in good season, just before the holidays

The two young men desired to get back again in good season

1842 December – 1844 July, Charles Dickens, The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit, London: Chapman and Hall, […], published 1844, →OCLC:


to a great extent

to a large extent
to a large extent#English


under oath

to lie under oath

Having sworn or affirmed in a legally binding way to tell the truth.

onder ede

having sworn or affirmed in a legally binding way to tell the truth


to a large extent

Standard tests would at least eliminate that additional variable, teacher judgment, to a large extent.

1920, Francis Marion Garver, Misplacement of Children in Grades Six, Seven, Eight in a Large City School System, page 6:

When a business has grown to such an extent that it cannot be operated individually, one must confine initiative and talents to purely executive routine to a large extent.

1931, The Tea & Coffee Trade Journal - Volume 61, page 724:

However, it is interesting to note that the model of rules established for the harmonization was to a large extent inspired in the model of rules of origin which were being applied in preferential agreements.

1997, Paul Demaret, Jean-François Bellis, Gonzalo García Jiménez, Regionalism and Multilateralism After the Uruguay Round, page 358:


like speaking to a wall

like talking to a wall
like talking to a wall#English

Alternative form of like talking to a wall


fasho

I was like Aite, fasho, putting my hands up.

2022, Sean Thor Conroe, Fuccboi, Hachette, →ISBN:

Pronunciation spelling
pronunciation spelling

Pronunciation spelling of for sure, representing African-American Vernacular English.


in pursuit

pursuing or chasing (someone or something)


from memory

Without any mnemonic aids, such as a script or notes.


of value

Any items of value should be stored in the locker.


in trian aspect

Related to trine (“threefold”), Latin tria (trēs).

In trian aspect means between passant and affronty. [...] Gules, on a mount vert a stork in trian aspect to the sinister[…]

1894, Henry Gough, James Parker, A Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry, page 24:

4 The Byrd arms show three gold stags' heads cut off at the neck ('erased') and turned to the viewer's left ('in trian aspect'), on a black ('sable') field. 'Sable' is confirmed by College[…]

2016 February 17, John Harley, The World of William Byrd: Musicians, Merchants and Magnates, Routledge, →ISBN:

Supporters — Dexter, a sea-lion azure, mane and head in trian aspect argent, langued gules, crowned with a crown tridenty gold; sinister, a seahorse azure, head and neck argent and crowned also with a crown tridenty gold,[…]

2020 April 20, Susan Morris, Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage 2019, eBook Partnership, →ISBN, page 4685:

(heraldry, rare) Positioned at such an angle as to show three-fourths of the figure: in between affronté (facing forward) and in profile. (When applied to creatures, chiefly found in modern rather than medieval heraldry.)


on ones

(animation) Involving a separate drawing for each individual frame of film.


on the needle

(slang) In the habit of taking recreational drugs intravenously.


to the gunwales

Brand new diesel multiple units might seem attractive, but they could not reduce operational costs sufficiently on their own, even if they were packed to the gunwales some of the time.

2023 March 8, Howard Johnston, “Was Marples the real railway wrecker?”, in RAIL, number 978, page 51:


on the hurry up

'Read the CAD as you go – on the hurry up please. Need you there as soon as possible. Make sure you let Control know when you're on scene.'

2018, Alice Vinten, On the Line: Life – and death – in the Metropolitan Police:

(UK, law enforcement, slang) At top speed; as fast as possible.


on the sniff

But the fact that online “dating” was a euphemism for ACTION, the same way as walking into a bar is a sign that you're out on the sniff, suited me just fine.

2011, Autumn Stephens, Roar Softly and Carry a Great Lipstick, page 56:

Ed stayed leaning in and after signalling to the others to do the same, he inclined his head towards the girls at the adjacent table. 'West End's heaving with that sort on a Saturday night,' he said. 'Office girls out on the sniff.'

(UK, slang, vulgar) In search of a sex partner.


on the other bus

“He's a bit of a loner and I think he's on the other bus, if you know what I mean.” He added and waved a limp wrist over the bar. The other men reacted to the news that Blackman might be gay by shaking their heads in disgust […]

“So am I. C'mon you never noticed that he's on the other bus?” he said, and then thought that Valana probably didn't even know what a bus was. “He's well groomed, takes care of himself a bit too much, if that doesn't give you any clues, […]

2015, Don Galloway, Time Ryder Powerstone Book Two:


on the stand

(law) testifying at a trial; speaking as a witness during a court case


to reckon with

to be reckoned with
to be reckoned with#English


on the brew

"What do the Catholics do for work?"
"Go on the brew. You know the stayet. The Relief. Then they hang around the bars and the bookie shops. There's nothin' else they can do."

1969, New York Magazine, volume 2, number 11, page 31:

Lost her job like so many others. It's hard to get jobs in retail these days, there's a lot of shops closing down. Senga's signed on the brew, but hopefully something will come up.

2017, Lynda Collins, Jo Zebedee, M. Rush, Ghosts in the Glass and Other Stories, page 216:

unemployment benefit
unemployment benefit

(slang) On the dole; receiving unemployment benefit.


on the bung

[…] and on the way back home on the train, drinking white wine out of plastic cups, I had to take a call from someone whose sewage system had gone on the bung.

2021, Doddie Weir, Stewart Weir, Doddie's Diary:

(Australia, slang) Not working properly; kaput.


on everybody's lips

“We want to make history at the end of the season,” Míchel said. “Departing the Bernabéu top would be special too, it would leave Girona on everybody’s lips.[…]”

2024 February 9, Sid Lowe, quoting Míchel Sánchez, “Madrid v Girona is no clásico but promises to be a title-defining classic”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:

on everyone's lips
on everyone's lips#English


like the bottom of a birdcage

At ten to one, Sid slouched in with an overflowing briefcase in one hand and a basketball under his arm, complaining of a hangover. 'Mouth like the bottom of a birdcage.'

1999, Ray Smith, The Man who Loved Jane Austen, page 158:

Does the bottom of your mouth taste like the bottom of a birdcage? Did you make a fool of yourself last night? Or don't you remember?

2009, Elisabeth Blandford, How to Write the Best Research Paper Ever!, page 49:

(simile) Very foul-tasting; said of a person's mouth after heavy drinking etc.


off one's hinge

Why, Albro was quite off his hinge one time. They had to put him in a sanitarium.

1928, Chester K. Steele, The Great Radio Mystery, page 208:

“Oh, I see. The solitude has driven you off your hinge. Rather ironic, actually,” he added with a hollow chuckle.

1970, Keith Laumer, The World Shuffler, page 120:

“He's got a couple of hysterical people in there with him. The mother is right off her hinge. She's brought along her boyfriend. Chief is trying to calm them down.”

2001, Jon Redfern, The Boy Must Die, unnumbered page:

off one's hinges
off one's hinges#English

(idiomatic) Alternative form of off one's hinges.


off one's hinges

'She’s hysterical already,' he murmured gloomily. 'She'll fly off her hinges if you suggest it.'

1995, John Sherwood, Bones Gather No Moss, page 164:

“Yeah, I’m okay,” she answers with Zen calm, as if she wasn’t completely off her hinges a minute ago.

2008, Debbie Reed Fisher, Swimming with the Sharks, page 196:

Facing the business end of the large revolver was bad enough, but the man wielding the gun was off his hinges.

2012, George R. Appelt Jr., Shepherd's Fall, page 153:

(idiomatic) Unstable or irrational; crazy.


in quick succession

The scored two goals in quick succession


over the way

Along or across the road; situated nearby.


in the name of the law

The following passage from his autobiography is interesting, as showing the impression which the "barbarous deeds done in the name of the law" made upon his mind, even in boyhood: […]

1850, George Searle Phillips, The Life, Character and Genius of Ebenezer Elliot the Corn Law Rhymer, page 78:

Shouting "stop in the name of the law" is wasteful when a suspect obviously is fleeing the law.

1991 July, Francis A. Gilligan, Stephen D. Smith, “Criminal Law Division Notes”, in The Army Lawyer, page 52:

At the same time, once things are done in the name of the law, it no longer matters what they are, for they are legal, and any further scrutiny of their nature is unnecessary—indeed, may be construed as subversive.

1996, Omer Bartov, Murder in Our Midst, page 69:

Those soliciting, expediting, or executing arbitrary orders ought to be punished; but every citizen called or seized in the name of the law ought to obey instantly: one becomes guilty by resisting.

2021, Micah Alpaugh, The French Revolution: A History in Documents:


under one's very nose

under one's nose
under one's nose#English


on the instant

upon the instant
upon the instant#English


on the regs

That show came out when I was seven years old and I watched it on the regs.

2018, Phoebe Robinson, Everything's Trash, But It's Okay, page 81:


at a draught

I then made another ſign that I wanted Drink. They found by my eating, that a ſmall Quantity would not ſuffice me, and being a moſt ingenious People, they flung up with great dexterity one of their largeſt Hogſheads, then rolled it towards my Hand, and beat out the top; I drank it off at a Draught, which I might well do, for it did not hold half a pint, and taſted like a ſmall Wine of Burgundy, but much more delicious.

1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], “The Author Gives Some Account of Himself and Family, His First Inducements to Travel. […]”, in Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. […] [Gulliver’s Travels], volume I, London: […] Benj[amin] Motte, […], →OCLC, part I (A Voyage to Lilliput), page 13:

I emptied the glass at a draft, and another, and another. I felt disgusted with the world, and took another—to think that men will be so bamboozled—one more—when they can get the real thing, right on the spot, too—a sip—and no false bottom in the bot tle—madame's good health—wonder if she's not the daughter of the prince—sip, sip, sip—amazing large bottles, but the road long—vita brevis est—positively no more, Madame Metternich!

1857, [W. W. Wright], Doré by a Stroller in Europe, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, page 231:

The Time Traveler did not seem to hear. "Don't let me disturb you," he said, with a certain faltering articulation. "I'm all right." He stopped, held out his glass for more, and took it off at a draught.

1895 May 7, H[erbert] G[eorge] Wells, “The Time Traveler Returns”, in The Time Machine: An Invention, New York, N.Y.: Henry Holt and Company, →OCLC, page 36:

Lord Winchelmere said quietly: "We've been just striking a bargain, Geraldi, and I've given Mary Ingall the emerald . . . as duly agreed." Deliberately he reached down for the cup of coffee and drained it at a draft.

2000, Max Brand [pseudonym; Frederick Schiller Faust], The Bright Face of Danger: A James Geraldi Trio, Unity, M.E.: Five Star, →ISBN, page 154:


of the colours

CREST – Upon a torce of the colours, a swan's neck and breast, with wings displayed, proper.

1801, William Betham, The Baronetage of England, Or the History of the English Baronets, and Such Baronets of Scotland, as are of English Families: With Genealogical Tables, and Engravings of Their Armorial Bearings, page 306:

Crests - 1. on a wreath of the colours, a cock proper, charged with a crescent gules (Corry); 2. on a wreath of the colours, a garland between two laurel branches vert (Lowry)[…]

1910, Arthur Charles Fox-Davies, Armorial Families: A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-armour, page 1025:

The shield is ensigned by a helmet to dexter with mantlings or and gules, and surmounted by the crest; out of a torse of the colours a lion rampant issuant or.

1915, Rowland Winn St. Oswald (2d Baron of), Maurice Walter Brockwell, Catalogue of the Pictures and Other Works of Art in the Collection of Lord St. Oswald at Nostell Priory, page 290:

Unless other tinctures are specified, the torse, like the mantling, is of the colours, i.e. of the principal metal and the principal colour.

1983, Charles Boutell, Boutell's Heraldry, Frederick Warne Publishers, page 155:

(heraldry, of a wreath, torse, etc) Having, in alternating sections, the principal metal and principal colour of the associated arms.


in full aspect

Mexico - Arms : ar. upon a rock, issuant from the sea in base, the nopal or tuna plant, thereon an eagle in full aspect, wings expanded, the head towards the dexter, holding in the beak a snake or serpent bowed embowed, all ppr[…]

1828, William Berry, Encyclopaedia Heraldica: Or, Complete Dictionary of Heraldry, page 1:

Perch / Or an eagle in full aspect gu. standing on a perch issuing out of the sinister side arg.

1874, John Woody Papworth, An Alphabetical Dictionary of Coats of Arms Belonging to Families in Great Britain and Ireland, page 312:


like mushrooms

(simile) Very quickly and in great quantity.


to someone's face

to lie to someone's face

(figuratively) While looking into someone's eyes, in person; directly; brazenly, shamelessly.


in a flat spin

"I am in a flat spin!" Gaston Max declared.

1930, Sax Rohmer, The Day the World Ended, published 1969, page xix. 182:


by far and away

Humans are by far and away the greatest threat to wildlife in the northern forests.


between the sheets

Synonym of in the sack (“in bed, especially in the context of sexual intercourse”)


by return mail

by return of post
by return of post#English


by eye

Thus given a straight line it is very easy to construct a smaller or a greater than it by eye, not just because this is a broad sort of distinction, but because it also involves only one comparison.

1984, Andrew Barker, Greek Musical Writings: Volume 2, Harmonic and Acoustic Theory, page 277:

By estimation, based on a visual inspection, without accurate measurement.


beyond someone's grasp

City survived late anxiety, especially when Inter substitute Lukaku headed straight at Ederson with the goal at his mercy, but there was an explosion of joy on the pitch and in the stands at Ataturk Stadium as they finally secured the giant trophy that has remained so elusively beyond their grasp for so long.

2023 June 10, Phil McNulty, “Manchester City 1 - 0 Inter Milan”, in BBC Sport:

Out of reach; impossible for someone to achieve.

Too difficult or complex for someone to understand.


at the last moment

It had been intended to close the line to passengers at the end of September, and it was omitted from the winter timetables, but it was decided, at the last moment, to continue the services for another month.

1949 January and February, “Notes and News: Closing of the East Kent Railway”, in Railway Magazine, page 61:

at the last minute
at the last minute#English


on butt

The black girls yellin' "Ah, he's on butt!" / Pretty sure that that's ebonics for "Ah shucks, he's gone nuts"

2014 November 7, “Materialize” (track 2), in Jack Harlow (lyrics), Finally Handsome:

"et mfs rey get on butt so i'm rey shake" is the most louisville sentence one can conjure

2019 November 21, @OchoBuckets, Twitter:

not gonna lie, I'm on butt this month. 😭

2019 December 1, @UNSWEETICEDTEE, Twitter:

So yeah Ms. Monae was on butt when she made sure to single out black men in her rant.

(African-American Vernacular, Louisville slang) Acting in a strange or deranged manner; tripping out, wilding.

African-American Vernacular; Louisville slang; African-American Vernacular; Louisville slang


on the reggo

as a person who loses things on the reggo, people like you are my hero.

2018 October 9, Siân (Taylor’s Version) (@sianieay), Twitter:

Name someone famous who isn’t seen doing strength training on the reggo? We’ll wait. You'll see it mostly on the ‘gram with a few '💪💪💪' in the captions. Or maybe they’re making headlines for their new training routine, giving us all the #fitspo with their workouts.

2023 June 5, Rebecca Gillam, “18 celebs who swear by weight training, from Adele to Millie Mackintosh & Frankie Bridge”, in Women's Health:


from cradle to grave

from the cradle to the grave
from the cradle to the grave#English

Alternative form of from the cradle to the grave


in church every time the doors are open

at church every time the doors are open#English

Alternative form of at church every time the doors are open


like a kid on Christmas morning

like a kid at Christmas
like a kid at Christmas#English


like a kid at Christmas

(simile, informal) Very delighted and excited.

think all one's Christmases have come at once


in the frame

Colin just told me about some lad he played football with last night who beat Gerald up a month or so ago, but I don't think he's in the frame.

2021, Chris McDonald, Mistletoe and Crime:

(colloquial) Suspected by the police of having committed a crime.


all over the show

All over the place
all over the place#English


of consequence

a matter of consequence

an invention of great consequence


in the clouds

in one's own world
in one's own world#English


from A to Zee

He’s here to look good; if he does that he fills the bill from A to Zee.

1913, Oliver Onions, The Two Kisses: A Tale of a Very Modern Courtship, London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., page 170:

If it were a colonel’s daughter or someone of that sort, I’d know the psychology from A to Zee (as the English say).

1936 December, Richard Aldington, “To Patricia and A. S. Frere (privately held)”, in Norman T. Gates, editor, Richard Aldington: An Autobiography in Letters, The Pennsylvania State University Press, published 1992, →ISBN, page 143:

The business of all art, from A to Zee, as the Americans say, is to show things in their true relationships.

1985 [a. 1931?], D[avid] H[erbert] Lawrence, “‘Art and Morality’, First version”, in Bruce Steele, editor, Study of Thomas Hardy and Other Essays (The Cambridge Edition of the Works of D. H. Lawrence), Cambridge University Press, published 2002, →ISBN, page 236:

I was by now beginning to get used to “affirmatives”, “negatives”, “nixes” (strong negatives), “checks” (confirmations), and even beginning to think of things ranging from A to Zee.

1991, Gopal Baratham, chapter 6, in A Candle or The Sun, Serpent’s Tail, →ISBN, page 62:

I knew my French rock ’n’ roll from A to Zee via Salut Les Copains, the glossy colour music mag that took its pop as seriously as Cahiers du Cinéma did film.

2000, Andrew Loog Oldham, Stoned, London: Secker & Warburg, →ISBN, page 118:

(American spelling) Alternative form of from A to Z.


from A to Zed

As to plots, “there are only about a score in the world, and when you have used them all from A to Zed you can turn around and use them from Zed to A.”

Oh, I hate men. From all I’ve read, / Alone in bed, / From A to Zed / About ’em, / Since love is blind, / Then from the blind / All womankind / Should rout ’em, / But ladies, you / Must answer, too . . . / “What would we do / Without ’em?”

1954, Cole Porter, 103 Lyrics of Cole Porter, New York, N.Y.: Random House, pages 21–22:

I’ve learned from A to Zed about Dummerston.

1955, Frederic F[ranklyn] Van de Water, Wings of the Morning, New York, N.Y.: Ives Washburn, Inc., page 88:

And interrelationships are what we get in Pulp Fiction, fictions from A to Zed.

1998, Joseph Natoli, “Reality as Pulp Fiction”, in Speeding to the Millennium: Film & Culture 1993–1995, State University of New York Press, →ISBN, page 37: