Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)

Make flashcards from these items, print/use them as a reference, save/share your cart with everyone
Flashcards test for this set by: definition/description




ready money

ready money  {n. phr.}
Cash on hand.
Frank refuses to buy things on credit, but, if he had the ready money, he would buy that lovely old house.
Categories:hand money noun



leg to stand on

leg to stand on  {n. phr.}
A firm foundation of facts; facts to support your claim. — Usually used in the negative.
Jerry's answering speech left his opponent without a leg to stand on.
Amos sued for damages, but did not have a leg to stand on.
Categories:noun



as good as

as good as  {adv. phr.}
Nearly the same as; almost.
She claimed that he as good as promised to marry her.
He as good as called me a liar.
We'll get to school on time, we're as good as there now.
The man who had been shot was as good as dead.
- Often used without the first "as" before adjectives.
When the car was repaired, it looked good as new.
Categories:adverb



hats off to

hats off to or one's hat is off to  {truncated phr.},  {informal}
Used to recognize and praise a job well-done.
Hats off to anyone who runs the twenty-six mile race.
My hat is off to the chef who created this delicious meal.
Categories:informal



hang one's head

hang one's head  {v. phr.}
To bend your head forward in shame.
Johnny hung his head when the teacher asked him if he broke the window.
Compare: HIDE ONE'S HEAD.
Categories:verb



in a circle

in a circle or in circles  {adv. phr.}
Without any progress; without getting anywhere; uselessly.
The committee debated for two hours, just talking in circles.
If you don't have a clear aim, you can work a long time and still be going in circles.
He seemed to be working hard, but was just running around in circles.
Categories:adverb time



of sorts

of sorts or of a sort  {adj. phr.}
Not especially good; not very good; of common quality.
Joel was a magician of sorts, and popular at parties.
Categories:adjective



hither and thither

hither and thither or hither and yon  {adv. phr.},  {literary}
In one direction and then in another.
Bob wandered hither and thither looking for a playmate.
Compare: HERE AND THERE.
Categories:adverb literary



second-best

second-best  {adj.}
Next to best; second in rank.
Mary wore her second-best dress.
Bob was the second-best player on the team.
"I am the second-best student in this school because I was second best in the Milwaukee competition."
Categories:adjective



eat dirt

eat dirt  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To act humble; accept another's insult or bad treatment.
Mr. Johnson was so much afraid of losing his job that he would eat dirt whenever the boss got mean.
Categories:informal insulting verb