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1 of 10


make the fur fly

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[make the fur fly] or [make the feathers fly]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
Say or write mean things about someone or to jump on and fight hard.
A man fooled Mr. Black and got his money. Mr. Black will really make the fur fly when he finds the man.
Mrs. Baker's dog dug holes in her neighbor's garden. The neighbor really made the fur fly when she saw Mrs. Baker.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


marked man

Categories: danger life noun suspicion
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[marked man]  {n. phr.}
A man whose behavior has made him the object of suspicion; a man whose life may be in danger.
When Dave dared to criticize the dictator openly, he became a marked man.
Categories: danger life noun suspicion
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


marry money

Categories: money verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[marry money]  {v. phr.}
To marry a rich person.
Ellen married money when she became Hal's wife.
Categories: money verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


mastermind

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[mastermind]  {v.}
To create; direct; invent the central plan for several individuals to follow.
Lenin masterminded the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


matter of fact

Categories: emphasis noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[matter of fact]  {n. phr.}
Something that is really true; something that can be proved.
The town records showed that it was a matter of fact that the two boys were brothers.
It is a matter of fact that the American war against England was successful.
- Often used for emphasis in the phrase "[as a matter of fact]".
I didn't go yesterday, and as a matter of fact, I didn't go all week.
Mary wasn't wearing a blue dress. As a matter of fact, she hasn't got a blue dress.
Compare: [FOR THAT MATTER], [IN FACT].
Contrast: [MATTER OF OPINION].
Categories: emphasis noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


matter of opinion

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[matter of opinion]  {n. phr.}
Something that may or may not be true; something that people do not all agree on.
Whether or not he was a good general is a matter of opinion.
Compare: [MATTER OF FACT].
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


matter-of-fact

Categories: adjective feelings
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[matter-of-fact]  {adj.}
1. Simply telling or showing the truth; not explaining or telling more.
The newspaper gave a matter-of-fact account of the murder trial.
2. Showing little feeling or excitement or trouble; seeming not to care much.
When Mary's father died she acted in a very matter-of-fact way.
He was a very matter-of-fact person.
Categories: adjective feelings
A Dictionary of American Idioms
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on a dime

Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[on a dime]  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
In a very small space.
Bob can turn that car on a dime.
Tom says his new sports car will stop on a dime.
Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
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take a joke

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[take a joke]  {v. phr.}
Accept in good spirit some derision directed at oneself.
My brother has a good sense of humor when teasing others, but he cannot take a joke on himself.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


take a hint

Categories: behave verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[take a hint]  {v. phr.}
To understand an allusion or a suggestion and behave accordingly.
"I don't like people who smoke," she said. "Can't you take a hint and either quit smoking or seeing me?"
Categories: behave verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms