Flashcards based on "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" set

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1 of 10
Obedient to you; controlled by you; under your power.
Compare: [JUMP THROUGH THE HOOP].
Categories: adjective adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10

under one's thumb

[under one's thumb] or [under the thumb]  {adj.} or  {adv. phr.}
Obedient to you; controlled by you; under your power.
The Jones family is under the thumb of the mother.
Jack is a bully. He keeps all the younger children under his thumb.
The mayor is so popular that he has the whole town under his thumb.
Compare: [JUMP THROUGH THE HOOP].
Categories: adjective adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
Under the care or protection of.
Compare: [IN TOW].
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10

under one's wing

[under one's wing]  {adv. phr.}
Under the care or protection of.
Helen took the new puppy under her wing.
The boys stopped teasing the new student when Bill took him under his wing.
Compare: [IN TOW].
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
In one's power or control.
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10

under one's heel

[under one's heel]  {adv. phr.}
In one's power or control.
If one marriage partner always wants to keep the other person under his or her heel, it is not a happy or democratic arrangement and may lead to a divorce.
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame.
Contrast: [LOSE FACE].
- [face-saver]  {n.}
- [face-saving]  {adj.}
- [face-saving]  {n.}
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10

save face

[save face]  {v. phr.}
To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame.
The policeman was caught accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was money owed to him.
Bill would not play in the game because he knew he could not do well and he wanted to save face.
The colonel who lost the battle saved face by showing his orders from the general.
Contrast: [LOSE FACE].
- [face-saver]  {n.}
The shop teacher's note was a face-saver when another teacher thought John and Bill were playing hookey in town.
- [face-saving]  {adj.}
The note was a face-saving idea.
- [face-saving]  {n.}
Face-saving is not helped by too many invented excuses.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
To search for; look around.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10

scout around

[scout around]  {v. phr.}
To search for; look around.
When we first came to town, we had to scout around for a suitable apartment.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
Later, at some time in the future; after a time that is not short and not long.
Syn.: [BY AND BY]. Contrast: [RIGHT AWAY].
Categories: adverb informal time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10

after a while

[after a while]  {informal} or [in a while]  {adv. phr.}
Later, at some time in the future; after a time that is not short and not long.
"Dad, will you help me make this model plane?" "After a while, Jimmy, when I finish reading the newspaper."
The boys gathered some wood, and in a while, a hot fire was burning.
Syn.: [BY AND BY]. Contrast: [RIGHT AWAY].
Categories: adverb informal time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
1. As a change in plans; anyway. — Used with emphasis on "after".
2. For a good reason that you should remember. — Used with emphasis on "all".
Categories: adverb emphasis
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10

after all

[after all]  {adv. phr.}
1. As a change in plans; anyway. — Used with emphasis on "after".
Bob thought he couldn't go to the party because he had too much homework, but he went after all.
2. For a good reason that you should remember. — Used with emphasis on "all".
Why shouldn't Betsy eat the cake? After all, she baked it.
Categories: adverb emphasis
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
Very active; vigorous; full of energy.
Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10

alive and kicking

[alive and kicking]  {adj. phr.}
Very active; vigorous; full of energy.
Grandpa was taken to the hospital with pneumonia, but he was discharged yesterday and is alive and kicking.
Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
Finally decided or won; brought to an end; not able to be changed.
Categories: adjective informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10

all over but the shouting

[all over but the shouting]  {adj. phr.}  {informal}
Finally decided or won; brought to an end; not able to be changed.
After Bill's touchdown, the game was all over but the shouting.
John and Tom both tried to win Jane, but after John's promotion it was all over but the shouting.
Categories: adjective informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
I'm finished with you! That ends it between you and me! — Used by children.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10

all right for you

[all right for you]  {interj.}
I'm finished with you! That ends it between you and me! — Used by children.
All right for you! I'm not playing with you any more!
A Dictionary of American Idioms