Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)
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chisel
chisel or muscle in on {v. phr.}
To illegitimately and forcefully intrude into someone's traditional sales or professional arena of operation.
Tim has a good sales territory, but he is always afraid that someone might chisel in on it.
Las Vegas casino owners are concerned that the Mafia might muscle in on their territory.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
sales talk
sales talk {n.}
A speech made to point out all the good reasons why the sale would help someone who might buy the product.
Mrs. Goldsmith gave the man a good sales talk about the new house.
The coach gave a sales talk on exercise in the school assembly.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
pep talk
pep talk {n.}, {informal}
A speech that makes people feel good so they will try harder and not give up.
The football coach gave the team a pep talk.
Mary was worried about her exams, but felt better after the teacher's pep talk.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
talk up
talk up {v.}
1. To speak in favor or support of.
Let's talk up the game and get a big crowd.
2. To speak plainly or clearly.
The teacher asked the student to talk up.
Syn.: SPEAK UP.
3. {informal}
To say what you want or think; say what someone may not like.
Talk up if you want more pie.
George isn't afraid to talk up when he disagrees with the teacher.
Syn.: SPEAK UP.
Compare: SPEAK OUT.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
gut talk
gut talk {n. phr.}
Sincere, honest talk.
We admire people who speak gut talk and tell exactly what they think and feet.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
double-talk
double-talk {n.}
1. Something said that is worded, either on purpose or by accident, so that it may be understood in two or more different ways.
The politician avoided the question with double-talk.
2. Something said that does not make sense; mixed up talk or writing; nonsense.
The man's explanation of the new tax bill was just a lot of double-talk.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
do a double take
do a double take {v. phr.}, {informal}
To look again in surprise; suddenly understand what is seen or said.
John did a double take when he saw Bill in girls' clothes.
When Evvie said she was quitting school, I did a double take.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
double duty
double duty {n.}
Two uses or jobs; two purposes or duties.
Matthew does double duty. He's the janitor in the morning and gardener in the afternoon.
Our new washer does double duty; it washes the clothes and also dries them.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
heavy-duty
heavy-duty {adj.}
Made for long or hard use; very strong.
The lumberman used heavy-duty trucks for hauling logs down the mountains.
The workers in the steel mill have heavy-duty gloves for handling hot steel.
Mrs. Carlson bought a heavy-duty cleanser to clean her greasy oven.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
heavy-handed
heavy-handed {adj.}
1. Not skillful or graceful; clumsy.
George is heavy-handed and seldom catches the ball.
My sister plays the piano badly; she is too heavy-handed.
Tim told a heavy-handed joke about the principal's baldness that embarrassed everyone.
2. Likely to hit or punish hard; harsh or cruel in making (someone) obey.
Years ago many fathers were heavy-handed bosses in their homes.
Many American colonists believed that the English tax collectors were too heavy-handed.
3. See: HAM-HANDED.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms