Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)
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edge out
edge out {v.}
To defeat in competition or rivalry; take the place of; force out.
Harry edged out Tom for a place in Mary's affections.
Signal lights on cars have gradually edged out hand signals.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
end of the road
end of the road or end of the line {n. phr.}
The final result or end (as of a way of action or behavior); the condition that comes when you can do no more.
He had left a trail of forgery and dishonesty across seven states; he had got out of each trouble with a new trick. Now the police had caught up with him, and it was the end of the road.
"When I get to the end of the line," Jones thought, "I'd like my children to like and respect me still."
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
every which way
In all directions.
Bricks and boards were scattered in confusion on the ground every which way, just as they had fallen after the tornado.
Compare: HELTER-SKELTER.
Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
make much of
make much of {v. phr.}
To make something seem of more worth or importance than it really is; praise.
Visitors made much of the new collie.
The boy made much of the hard things of his mountain climb.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
make little of
make little of {v. phr.}
To make (something) seem unimportant; belittle.
Mary made little of Jane's new bicycle because she was jealous.
Tom made little of his saving the drowning boy.
Contrast: MAKE MUCH OF.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
make the most of
make the most of {v. phr.}
To do the most you can with; get the most from; use to the greatest advantage.
She planned the weekend in town to make the most of it.
George studied hard. He wanted to make the most of his chance to learn.
The teacher went out of the room for five minutes and some bad boys made the most of it.
Bill liked Mary; he would do anything for her, and Mary made the most of it.
Compare: MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
make up
make up {v.} (stress on "up")
1. To make by putting things or parts together.
A car is made up of many different parts.
2. To invent; think and say something that is new or not true.
Jean makes up stories to amuse her little brother.
3a. To do or provide (something lacking or needed); do or supply (something not done, lost, or missed); get back; regain; give back; repay.
I have to make up the test I missed last week.
I want to go to bed early to make up the sleep I lost last night.
We have to drive fast to make up the hour we lost in Boston.
Vitamin pills make up what you lack in your diet.
The toy cost a dollar and Ted only had fifty cents, so Father made up the difference.
- Often used in the phrase "make it up to".
Uncle Fred forgot my birthday present but he made it up to me by taking me to the circus.
Mrs. Rich spent so much time away from her children that she tried to make it up to them by giving them things.
Compare: MAKE GOOD.
3b. To do what is lacking or needed; do or give what should be done or given; get or give back what has been lost, missed, or not done; get or give instead; pay back. — Used with "for".
We made up for lost time by taking an airplane instead of a train.
Saying you are sorry won't make up for the damage of breaking the window.
Mary had to make up for the time she missed in school when she was sick, by studying very hard.
The beautiful view at the top of the mountain makes up for the hard climb to get there.
4. To put on lipstick and face paint powder.
Clowns always make up before a circus show.
Tom watched his sister make up her face for her date.
5. To become friends again after a quarrel.
Mary and Joan quarreled, but made up after a while.
Compare: BURY THE HATCHET.
6. To try to make friends with someone; to win favor. — Followed by "to".
The new boy made up to the teacher by sharpening her pencils.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
make a face
make a face {v. phr.}, {informal}
To twist your face; make an ugly expression on your face (as by sticking out your tongue).
The boy made a face at his teacher when she turned her back.
The sick boy swallowed the medicine and made a face.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
jump at
jump at {v.}
To take or accept quickly and gladly.
Johnny jumped at the invitation to go swimming with his brother.
Compare: TAKE UP (7).
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
jump down one's throat
jump down one's throat {v. phr.}
To suddenly become very angry at someone; scold severely or angrily.
The teacher jumped down Billy's throat when Billy said he did not do his homework.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms