Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)
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lay down the law
lay down the law {v. phr.}
1. To give strict orders.
The teacher lays down the law about homework every afternoon.
2. To speak severely or seriously about a wrongdoing; scold.
The principal called in the students and laid down the law to them about skipping classes.
Compare: TELL ONE WHERE TO GET OFF.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
lay one's cards on the table
lay one's cards on the table or lay down one's cards or put one's cards on the table {v. phr.}, {informal}
To let someone know your position and interest openly; deal honestly; act without trickery or secrets.
In talking about buying the property, Peterson laid his cards on the table about his plans for it.
Some of the graduates of the school were unfriendly toward the new superintendent, but he put his cards on the table and won their support.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
lay up
lay up {v.}
1. To collect a supply of; save for future, use; store.
Bees lay up honey for the winter.
2. To keep in the house or in bed because of sickness or injury; disable.
Jack was laid up with a twisted knee and couldn't play in the final game.
3. To take out of active service; put in a boat dock or a garage.
Bill had to lay up his boat when school started.
If you lay up a car for the winter, you should take out the battery.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
have a heart
have a heart {v. phr.}, {informal}
To stop being mean; be kind, generous, or sympathetic.
Have a heart, Bob, and lend me two dollars.
Have a heart, Mary, and help me with this lesson.
He didn't know if the teacher would have a heart and pass him.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
heart of gold
heart of gold {n. phr.}
A kind, generous, or forgiving nature.
John has a heart of gold. I never saw him angry at anyone.
Mrs. Brown is a rich woman with a heart of gold.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
fair shake
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
fair-weather friend
fair-weather friend {n.}
A person who is a friend only when you are successful.
Everyone knows that John's only a fair-weather friend.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
fairy tale
fairy tale or story {n.}
An inaccurate, even false account of something; a result of wishful thinking.
Jeff said he was going to be promoted soon, but we all suspect that it is only one of his customary fairy tales.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
fall away
fall away {v. phr.}
To decline; diminish.
I was shocked to see how haggard Alan looked; he seems to be falling away to a shadow.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
far cry
far cry {n.}
Something very different.
His last statement was a far cry from his first story.
The first automobile could run, but it was a far cry from a modern car.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms