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

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1 of 10
A very sudden start from a still position; a very fast start from a stop.
Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10

jack-rabbit start

[jack-rabbit start]  {n.},  {informal}
A very sudden start from a still position; a very fast start from a stop.
Bob made a jack-rabbit start when the traffic light turned green.
Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
An idea, person, or object that one holds on to for psychological reassurance or comfort as infants usually hang on to the edge of a pillow, a towel, or a blanket.
Categories: colloquial noun slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10

security blanket

[security blanket]  {n.},  {slang},  {colloquial}
An idea, person, or object that one holds on to for psychological reassurance or comfort as infants usually hang on to the edge of a pillow, a towel, or a blanket.
Sue has gone to Aunt Mathilda for a chat; she is her security blanket.
Categories: colloquial noun slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
In sight of; in an easily seen or noticeable place.
Categories: adverb informal nose
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10

under one's nose

[under one's nose] or [under the nose of]  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
In sight of; in an easily seen or noticeable place.
The thief walked out of the museum with the painting, right under the nose of the guards.
When Jim gave up trying to find a pen, he saw three right under his nose on the desk.
Categories: adverb informal nose
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
A life of misery, poverty, and unhappiness.
Categories: life noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10

dog's life

[dog's life]  {n. phr.}
A life of misery, poverty, and unhappiness.
Diogenes, the Greek philosopher, lived a dog's life inside an empty barrel.
Categories: life noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
To have patience with; not get angry with.
Syn.: [PUT UP WITH]. Compare: [CARRY ONE'S CROSS].
Categories: formal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10

bear with

[bear with]  {v.},  {formal}
To have patience with; not get angry with.
Your little sister is sick. Try to bear with her when she cries.
It is hard to bear with criticism.
Syn.: [PUT UP WITH]. Compare: [CARRY ONE'S CROSS].
Categories: formal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
A police helicopter flying overhead watching for speeders.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10

bear in the air

[bear in the air] or [bear in the sky]  {n. phr.},  {slang},  {citizen's band radio jargon}
A police helicopter flying overhead watching for speeders.
Slow down, good buddy, there's a bear in the air.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
A slow moving vehicle.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10

dead pedal

[dead pedal]  {n.},  {slang},  {citizen's band radio jargon}
A slow moving vehicle.
Better pass that eighteen wheeler, Jack; it's a dead pedal.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
An unmarked police car.
See: [PLAIN WHITE WRAPPER].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10

brown paper bag

[brown paper bag]  {n.},  {slang},  {citizen's band radio jargon}
An unmarked police car.
The beaver got a Christmas card because she didn't notice the brown paper bag at her back door.
See: [PLAIN WHITE WRAPPER].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
Something one likes to hear.
Categories: music noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10

music to one's ears

[music to one's ears]  {n. phr.}
Something one likes to hear.
When the manager phoned to say I got the job, it was music to my ears.
Categories: music noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
Not experienced; not knowing how to do something; new in a job or place.
Contrast: [DRY BEHIND THE EARS].
Categories: adjective informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10

wet behind the ears

[wet behind the ears]  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Not experienced; not knowing how to do something; new in a job or place.
The new student is still wet behind the ears; he has not yet learned the tricks that the boys play on each other.
Contrast: [DRY BEHIND THE EARS].
Categories: adjective informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms