Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)
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eagle eye
eagle eye {n.}
Sharp vision like that of an eagle; the ability to notice even the tiniest details.
The new boss keeps an eagle eye on all aspects of our operation.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
ear to the ground
ear to the ground {n. phr.}, {informal}
Attention directed to the way things are going, or seem likely to go, or to the way people feel and think.
The city manager kept an ear to the ground for a while before deciding to raise the city employees' pay.
Reporters keep an ear to the ground so as to know as soon as possible what will happen.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
eat crow
eat crow {v. phr.}
To admit you are mistaken or defeated; take back a mistaken statement.
John had boasted that he would play on the first team; but when the coach did not choose him, he had to eat crow.
Fred said he could beat the new man in boxing, but he lost and had to eat crow.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
fall back
fall back {v.}
To move back; go back. — Usually used with a group as subject.
The army fell back before their stubborn enemies.
The crowd around the hurt boy fell back when someone shouted "Give him air!"
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
fall due
To reach the time when a bill or invoice is to be paid.
Our car payment falls due on the first of every month.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
ham it up
ham it up {v. phr.}, {slang}
To do more than look natural in acting a part; pretend too much; exaggerate.
When Tom told the teacher he was too sick to do homework, he really hammed it up.
The old-fashioned movies are funny to us because the players hammed it up.
Compare: LAY IT ON.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
hand it to
hand it to {v. phr.}, {informal}
To admit the excellence of; give credit or praise to.
You have to hand it to Jim; he is very careful and hard-working in all he does.
The teacher said, "I hand it to Jane for the way she managed the Music Club."
Syn.: TAKE OFF ONE'S HAT TO.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
jump the track
jump the track {v. phr.}
1. To go off rails; go or run the wrong way.
The train jumped the track and there was a terrible accident.
The pulley of the clothesline jumped the track and Mother's washing fell down.
2. {informal}
To change from one thought or idea to another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are talking about to something different.
Bob didn't finish his algebra homework because his mind kept jumping the track to think about the new girl in class.
Compare: OFF THE TRACK.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
just the other way
just the other way or the other way around {adv. phr.}
Just the opposite.
One would have thought that Goliath would defeat David, but it was the other way around.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
lash out
lash out {v.}
1. To kick.
The horse lashed out at the man behind him.
2. To try suddenly to hit.
The woman lashed out at the crowd with her umbrella.
3. To attack with words.
The senator lashed out at the administration.
The school newspaper lashed out at the unfriendly way some students treated the visiting team.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms