Dhariwal English

14/09/2026

Expectant mother
Definition:
A pregnant woman.
Example:
There are many good tips for expectant mothers in this little book.

== go batsh*t
Definition:
(idiomatic, slang) To become completely irrational; to react in an irrationally extreme manner.
Example:
When I told him about the latest numbers, he went batsh*t.

soapbox
Definition:
(figuratively, idiomatic) A talk about one's pet topic (or the topic itself), especially when only tangentially relevant to an ongoing discussion.
Example:
The madman obtained a soapbox which he stood on at the corner of Broadway and Wall street, to shout out his prophesy of the end of the world.
2013, Robert F. Ely, Candidate for President (ISBN 148175582X), page 25
Bernhard's last appearance on a late-night talk show was a handy soapbox to expound on his political message of patriotism, nationalism, and populism.
He's been on his soapbox all day about the new football coach.
A soapbox car.
==

cross out
Definition:
(idiomatic) To strike out; to draw a line through.
Example:
If you make a mistake, just cross it out.

==

the cat's out of the bag
Definition:
(idiomatic) It’s too late.
Example:

14/09/2026

for the birds
Definition:
(idiomatic) Worthless; useless; pointless; not deserving serious consideration.
Example:
1946, "Radio: Early Bird," Time, 2 Sept.:
Says he: "This gettin' up at 5 o'clock is something for the birds."
2004, Colin Brown, "Council tax to be replaced by new levy on incomes," telegraph.co.uk, 15 Feb. (retrieved 4 Aug. 2009):
One ally of the Deputy Prime Minister said: "This is blue-sky thinking, but it is strictly for the birds. It is going to cost billions."
2015, "Saints, Pelicans owner Tom Benson confident as trial closes," ESPN:
When asked if the trial has taken a lot out of him, Benson said, "Ahh, no, man. You know, it's not fun, it's not any fun. To have your kids turn against you, that's for the birds."

==everything but the kitchen sink
Definition:
(idiomatic) Almost everything, whether needed or not.
Example:
She must have brought everything but the kitchen sink along on the trip, and how she lifted her suitcase, I do not know.

== hear things
Definition:
(idiomatic) To have auditory hallucinations.
Example:
You didn't hear that? Am I hearing things?

== in a walk
Definition:
(idiomatic, colloquial) Easily; without difficulty.
Example:
1844, The New sporting magazine‎, page 301:
... Underhand has done at Newcastle what Vampyre just failed to do at Ascot; and both the Two Thousand and the Thousand have been absolutely won in a walk. ‎
==

pick apart
Definition:
(idiomatic, transitive) To criticise (especially small details).
Example:
Used other than as an idiom: see pick,‎ apart.

Latest news, business, sport, comment, lifestyle and culture from the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph newspapers and video from Telegraph TV.

12/09/2026

get lost
Definition:
(idiomatic, colloquial, dismissal) Used to tell somebody to go away or leave one alone.
Example:

== sleep with
Definition:
(idiomatic) To have sexual in*******se with.
Example:
To share a bed or bedroom with.
My daughter has to sleep with her teddy bear or she gets scared.
Derek's a lovely guy, but I would never sleep with him.

== I could eat a horse
Definition:
(idiomatic, hyperbolic) I am very hungry; short form of "I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse."
Example:

== name and shame
Definition:
(idiomatic, transitive) To publish the name of (a person or organization that has committed some transgression) so as to single them out for individual blame and censure.
Example:

== see through
Definition:
(transitive, idiomatic) To constitute ample supply for one for
Example:
Their fabric is so thin that I can see through these curtains.
We saw through the water with ease; it was as clear as glass.
I'm surprised she doesn't see through his lies.
I can see through his poker face, he isn't fooling anyone.
In that moment, I saw right through her; this petition drive had nothing to do with her love for animals, and everything to do with impressing Michael, the cute intern.
And may we all, citizens the world over, see these events through.
Despite her health problems, Madame Prime Minister saw the project through.
Those chocolates should see us through the holiday season.

12/09/2026

barn find
Definition:
(idiomatic) A valuable item recovered from an undeserving storage, usually in the countryside, where it lay more or less forgotten, especially vintage automobiles (Ferrari, Porsche, etc.)
Example:

==bear up
Definition:
(idiomatic, transitive) To support; to keep from falling or sinking.
Example:
Addison
Religious hope bears up the mind under sufferings.

== sleep camel
Definition:
(slang, idiomatic) A person who habitually does with little to no sleep during the week and then makes up by sleeping a lot during the weekend.
Example:
2001, Charles B. Handy, The Elephant and the Flea: Reflections of a Reluctant Capitalist, Harvard Business School Press (2002), ISBN 9781578518227, page 100:
No wonder, then, that so many take their laptops to the beach or that 'sleep camels', as they call them in Silicon Valley, those who sleep only at weekends, are becoming more common.
2001, Richard Reeves, Happy Mondays: Putting the Pleasure Back Into Work, Pearson Education Limited (2001), ISBN 9780738206592, unnumbered pages:
Silicon Valley has bred 'sleep camels', who store up sleep at the weekends then work long hours all week.
2014, Rocky F. Catman, Meet Me at the Riverside, Lulu (2014), ISBN 9781483412238, page 198:
Sheila told her that John said musicians were like sleep camels when it came to that. They could stay awake for days when they had to.
For more examples of usage of this term, see Citations:sleep camel.

== gloss over
Definition:
(transitive, idiomatic) To treat something with less care than it deserves; to skimp.
Example:
They glossed over the problem, hoping that the customers wouldn't notice.
This book only glosses over quantum mechanics, and doesn't go into detail.

== on one's tod
Definition:
(idiomatic, chiefly Northern England) on one's own, alone
Example:

11/09/2026

get into the wrong hands
Definition:
(idiomatic) To fall into the wrong hands.
Example:

==talk over someone's head
Definition:
(idiomatic) To communicate something beyond the level of comprehension of the target.
Example:
2001, Dan Brown, Deception Point, Pocket Books (2001), ISBN 0743475437, unnumbered page:
NASA was often accused of talking over the public's head.

== stone's throw
Definition:
(idiomatic) A short distance, roughly equivalent to how far a person can throw a stone.
Example:
1874, Thomas Hardy, Far From the Madding Crowd, ch. 31,
He came on looking upon the ground, and did not see Bathsheba till they were less than a stone's throw apart.

== wave the white flag
Definition:
(figuratively) To yield, give up, or quit.
Example:
1900, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Great Boer War, ch. 30:
Then it was seen how perilous was the situation of the Boer snipers. . . . There was no escape for them save across the open. It says much for their courage that they took that perilous choice rather than wave the white flag, which would have ensured their safety.
1911, O Henry, "The Day We Celebrate" in Sixes and Sevens:
I started in with a fine left-hander on his right eye. Liverpool had been a fighter once, but dissipation and bad company had taken the nerve out of him. In ten minutes I had him lying on the sand waving the white flag.
1951 May 21, "The Press: Fog Cutter," Time (retrieved 25 April 2014):
Last week the Herald waved the white flag, editorialized: "In view of the Professor's unfortunate exposé of Boston newspaper punditing, we have little alternative but to follow his advice."
2014 Feb. 24, "Bobby Jindal After Meeting With Obama" (video), New York Times (retrieved 25 April 2014):
The Louisiana governor accused the president of “waving the white flag” on the American economy.

== buy straw hats in winter
Definition:
(idiomatic) Of stocks, to buy when both demand and price is low, sell when demand and price is high.
Example:

11/09/2026

fall into one's lap
Definition:
(idiomatic) Of something desirable, to be received by someone with little or no effort or by chance
Example:

== swan song
Definition:
(idiomatic) A final performance or accomplishment, especially one before retirement.
Example:

== have the floor
Definition:
(idiomatic) To have permission or time to speak, especially in a formal situation.
Example:
The representative from New Hampshire has the floor.

==on someone's account
Definition:
(idiomatic) For someone's sake.
Example:

== A woman's work is never done
Definition:
The proverb a woman's work is never done means that a woman often works longer hours than a man because the housework and raising children are jobs that never end.

The origin of the saying comes from an old rhymed couplet:

Man may work from sun to sun,
But woman's work is never done.

Example:
"A woman's work is never done!", said Leila. She added: "As soon as I finish washing the breakfast dishes, it's time to start preparing lunch. Then I have to go shopping and when the kids are back home I have to help them with their homework."

10/09/2026

cry down
Definition:
(archaic, transitive, idiomatic) To decry
Example:

== batten down the hatches
Definition:
(idiomatic) To prepare for trouble.
Example:

== a cut above
Definition:
(followed by a noun phrase) Superior to.
Example:
Superior to the norm.
In his speaking he is a cut above.
He is a cut above the rest in his public speaking.

== creep into
Definition:
(idiomatic, transitive) To enter surreptitiously.
Example:
To enter something or somewhere by creeping.

== a quick drop and a sudden stop
Definition:
(idiomatic) A fall to one’s death, especially by hanging.
Example:
2005 January 8, “Bookman”, alt.fan.heinlein (Google group): Clarke Survives Tsunamis:
> But, yeah, the death penalty is a little stiff just for pretentious writing.
> Punning now… it’d be a capital idea, there.
Let’s not start _that_ row. Give it a quick drop and a sudden stop, rather than letting them hang…
2006, John Hirchak, Ghosts of Old Wilmington, page 27 (The History Press; ISBN 1596291508, 9781596291508):
If you were lucky enough to survive all this lunacy, you always risked capture. There your story would end with a quick drop and a sudden stop, for piracy was punishable by hanging.

10/09/2026

blue devils
Definition:
(idiomatic) low spirits; depression
Example:

===spick-and-span
Definition:
(idiomatic) Clean, spotless; original sense “like new”.
Example:
I mopped up the kitchen floor so it was spick-and-span.

===hoof it
Definition:
(idiomatic) To walk, especially when as a result of regular transportation being unavailable.
Example:

===hand waving
Definition:
(idiomatic) Discussion or argumentation involving approximation, vagueness, educated guessing, or the attempt to explain or excuse vagaries.
Example:
The sales pitch sounded good, but there was a lot of hand waving about the price.

===two-fisted drinker
Definition:
(figuratively, idiomatic) Someone who can handle their liquor well
Example:
A person clutching a drink in each hand.
Are you holding that for your girlfriend, or are you a two-fisted drinker tonight?

09/09/2026

melt into
Definition:
(transitive, idiomatic) To disappear into.
Example:
2004 April 11, Ron Feinberg, “CLIMBING MASADA”, Atlanta Journal Constitution:
The Roman Empire has melted into history.
2005 October 1, Jennifer Eccleston[1], CNN_LiveSat:
Either they melted into society or they swept through to there [sic] villages
2006, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Never a lady:
"The spirits are calling, I must go," she said to Lady Miranda, then executed a quick turn and melted into the crowd with an expertise born of years of practice.
2008 July 17, Sabrina Tavernise and Richard A. Oppel Jr., “Foreign Desk”, New York Times:
A tough Iraqi general, a former special operations officer with a baritone voice and a barrel chest, melted into smiles when asked about Senator Barack Obama.

===by the numbers
Definition:
(idiomatic) to do something exactly, precisely, or in a formulaic way.
Example:

===zero in on
Definition:
(idiomatic) To aim precisely at a target
Example:
The pilot zeroed in on the bunker and launched a guided missile.
To successfully narrow down a search
We have zeroed in on the source of the problem.
See if you can zero in on the caller.
To concentrate or focus one's attention on at task
One member of the check fraud team will zero in on the fingerprints.
To converge on something
At the spring sale, everyone zeroed in on the bargain clothes.

===cross out
Definition:
(idiomatic) To strike out; to draw a line through.
Example:
If you make a mistake, just cross it out.

===heavy hitter
Definition:
(idiomatic) A person of considerable importance who is a major decision maker or capable achiever; an especially significant organization or an especially functional object.
Example:
1991 Nov. 20, Claire Smith, "On Baseball: Bonilla Barnstorming In Search of Best Deal," New York Times (retrieved 20 Aug 2014):
This year's heavy hitter is Bobby Bonilla, the Pirates' slugger who's seeking to hit the biggest home run of his life.
2010 Dec. 30, Associated Press, "MLB Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew has esophageal cancer," New York Daily News (retrieved 20 Aug 2014):
The congenial heavy hitter is one of the most beloved players in Twins history, as much for his gentle and approachable nature off the field as for the towering home runs he hit during his playing days.
1967 Nov. 6, Hector (Toe) Blake, "Keep Your Eye On An Exciting Game," Sports Illustrated (retrieved 20 Aug 2014):
On defense I always try to pair a good body-checker with a sound, steady player; for example, Ted Harris, a heavy hitter, with J. C. Tremblay, a clever defenseman.
2009 July 1, Alan Burge, "Two Texans players on list of the 50 top-earning American athletes," AXS Entertainment Sports (retrieved 20 Aug 2014):
This is a heavy hitter list including the likes of Tiger Woods, LeBron James, and Alex Rodriguez.
1993 Jan. 28, Rupert Cornwell, "Hillary called to cure ills of US health system," Independent (UK) (retrieved 20 Aug 2014):
Even Mrs Clinton, the heavy hitter, will need every ounce of her formidable powers.
2013 Feb. 20, Sean Williams, "3 Stocks to Get on Your Watchlist," Seattle Post-Intelligencer (retrieved 20 Aug 2014):
For Yamana, its El Penon mine in Chile is its heavy hitter, with production expectations of 450,000 to 500,000 ounces per year.
2014 Feb. 15, John L. Allen Jr., "Legionaries are Pope Francis’ problem now," Boston Globe (retrieved 20 Aug 2014):
Müller used this speech, delivered in the presence of Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milan, another heavy-hitter in the Catholic world, to draw some lines in the sand.

09/09/2026

throw caution to the wind
Definition:
(idiomatic) To do something despite the risks.
Example:
1998, Mariah Carey, "The Roof":
I couldn't bear to let you go yet
So I threw caution to the wind
And started listening to my longing heart
And then you softly pressed your lips to mine
And feelings surfaced I'd suppressed
For such a long time.

===keep quiet
Definition:
(idiomatic) To refrain from talking about something; to keep a secret.
Example:
To remain silent.
Granny is asleep, so keep quiet while you play.
Remember it's a surprise party, so keep quiet about it.

===straighten out
Definition:
(transitive) To tidy, neaten, or organize.
Example:
Straighten out your necktie and comb your hair.
1900, L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
"Then bring them to me," she said. And when the tinsmiths came, bringing with them all their tools in baskets, she inquired, "Can you straighten out those dents in the Tin Woodman, and bend him back into shape again, and solder him together where he is broken?"
I hope they can straighten out the problem with my bill soon.
As soon as I straighten out which of the twins is which, I'll start calling them by their names.
1960, P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing, chapter XIII:
“What have they done to stir him up?” “It's this book Daddy wrote about preparatory schools. He wrote a book about preparatory schools. Did you know he had written a book about preparatory schools?” “Hadn't an inkling. Nobody tells me anything.” “Well, he wrote this book about preparatory schools. It was about preparatory schools.” “About preparatory schools, was it?” “Yes, about preparatory schools.” “Thank God we've got that straightened out at last. I had a feeling we should get somewhere if we dug long enough. And – ?”
It is not enough to stand aside and hope problems straighten out on their own.

===wait upon hand and foot
Definition:
(idiomatic, formal) Alternative form of wait on hand and foot
Example:

===have a say
Definition:
(idiomatic) To voice one's opinion
Example: