Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)
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get by
get by {v.}, {informal}
1. To be able to go past; pass.
The cars moved to the curb so that the fire engine could get by.
2. To satisfy the need or demand.
Mary can get by with her old coat this winter.
The janitor does just enough work to get by.
Syn.: GET ALONG (4).
3. Not to be caught and scolded or punished.
The soldier thought he could get by with his dirty rifle.
The boy got by without answering the teacher's question because a visitor came in.
Compare: GET AWAY WITH.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
take the rap
take the rap {v. phr.}, {slang}
To receive punishment; to be accused and punished.
All of the boys took apples, but only John took the rap.
Joe took the burglary rap for his brother and went to prison for two years.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
off one's head (or out of one's head)
Mad or delirious.
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Source: British slang (Wikipedia)
cheat on someone
cheat on someone {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be unfaithful (to one's wife or husband, or to one's sweetheart or fiancee).
It is rumored that Joe cheats on his wife.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
heavy-footed
heavy-footed {adj.}
1. Slow and clumsy in walking or movement; awkward in using your feet.
The fat man tried to dance, but he was too heavy-footed.
Martha is not fat, but she is heavy-footed and walks noisily.
2. Awkward in choice and order of words; not smooth and graceful; clumsy.
In Mary's compositions, the words seem to dance, but John's compositions are always heavy-footed.
3. or lead-footed {informal}
Likely to drive an automobile fast.
Jerry is a bad driver because he is too heavy-footed.
Compare: STEP ON IT.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
answer the call of nature
answer the call of nature or obey the call of nature {v. phr.}, {slang}
To go to the bathroom to relieve oneself by urinating or defecating.
Ted was hiking in the mountains when suddenly he had to answer the call of nature but since there was no bathroom in the woods, he excused himself and disappeared behind the bushes.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
hard sledding
Difficulty in succeeding or making progress.
Jane had hard sledding in her math course because she was poorly prepared.
When Mr. Smith started his new business, he had tough sledding for a while but things got better.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
in the dark
in the dark {adj. phr.}
In ignorance; without information.
John was in the dark about the job he was being sent to.
If the government controls the news, it can keep people in the dark on any topic it chooses.
Mary had a letter from Sue yesterday, but she was left in the dark about Sue's plans to visit her.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
control room
control room {n.}
A room containing the panels and switches used to control something (like a TV broadcast).
While a television program is on the air, engineers are at their places in the control room.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
hen party
hen party {n. phr.}, {informal}
A party to which only women or girls are invited.
The sorority gave a hen party for its members.
Contrast: STAG PARTY.
See: GO STAG.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms