Flashcards based on "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" set
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1 of 10
[hold good] {v.}
1. To continue to be good; last.
The coupon on the cereal box offered a free toy, but the offer held good only till the end of the year.
Attendance at the basketball games held good all winter.
2. To continue; endure: last.
The demand for new houses held good all that year.
The agreement between the schools held good for three years.
See: [HOLD TRUE].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[hold on] {v.}
1. To keep holding tightly; continue to hold strongly.
As Ted was pulling on the rope, it began to slip and Earl cried, "Hold on, Ted!"
Syn.: [HANG ON].
2. To wait and not hang up a telephone; keep a phone for later use.
Mr. Jones asked me to hold on while he spoke to his secretary.
3. To keep on with a business or job in spite of difficulties.
It was hard to keep the store going during the depression, but Max held on and at last met with success.
4. {informal}
To wait a minute; stop. — Usually used as a command.
"Hold on!" John's father said, "I want the car tonight."
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[hold off] {v.}
1a. To refuse to let (someone) become friendly.
The president's high rank and chilly manner held people off.
Compare: [KEEP AT A DISTANCE].
1b. To be rather shy or unfriendly.
Perkins was a scholarly man who held off from people.
Compare: [KEEP AT A DISTANCE].
2. To keep away by fighting; oppose by force.
The man locked himself in the house and held off the police for an hour.
3. To wait before (doing something); postpone; delay.
Jack held off paying for the television set until the dealer fixed it.
Mr. Smith held off from building while interest rates were high.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[hot stuff] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
Coffee.
Let's stop and get some hot stuff.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[in the least] {adv. phr.}
Even a little; in any degree or amount. — Used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences.
Sue did not understand physics in the least.
Are you in the least interested in sewing?
Mother won't be upset if you come for supper; I'll be surprised if she cares in the least.
Mike was not upset in the least by the storm.
It is no trouble to help you. Not in the least.
Compare: [AT ALL].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[in the works] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
In preparation; being planned or worked on; in progress.
John was told that the paving of his street was in the works.
It was reported that the playwright had a new play in the works.
The manager told the employees that a raise in wages was in the works.
Compare: [UNDER WAY].
A Dictionary of American Idioms