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1 of 10
Say or write mean things about someone or to jump on and fight hard.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10

make the fur fly

[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
A man whose behavior has made him the object of suspicion; a man whose life may be in danger.
Categories: danger life noun suspicion
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10

marked man

[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
To marry a rich person.
Categories: money verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10

marry money

[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
To create; direct; invent the central plan for several individuals to follow.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10

mastermind

[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
Something that is really true; something that can be proved.
- Often used for emphasis in the phrase "[as a matter of fact]".
Compare: [FOR THAT MATTER], [IN FACT].
Contrast: [MATTER OF OPINION].
Categories: emphasis noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10

matter of fact

[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
Something that may or may not be true; something that people do not all agree on.
Compare: [MATTER OF FACT].
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10

matter of opinion

[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
1. Simply telling or showing the truth; not explaining or telling more.
2. Showing little feeling or excitement or trouble; seeming not to care much.
Categories: adjective feelings
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10

matter-of-fact

[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
8 of 10
In a very small space.
Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10

on a dime

[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
9 of 10
Accept in good spirit some derision directed at oneself.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10

take a joke

[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
To understand an allusion or a suggestion and behave accordingly.
Categories: behave verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10

take a hint

[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