Reading set "Random idioms flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)
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cold turkey
cold turkey {adv.}, {slang}, {informal}
1. Abruptly and without medical aid to withdraw from the use of an addictive drug or from a serious drinking problem.
Joe is a very brave guy; he kicked the habit cold turkey.
2. {n.}
An instance of withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.
Joe did a cold turkey.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
talk turkey
talk turkey {v. phr.}, {informal}
To talk about something in a really businesslike way; talk with the aim of getting things done.
Charles said, "Now, let's talk turkey about the bus trip. The fact is, it will cost each student $1.50."
The father always spoke gently to his son, but when the son broke the windshield of the car, the father talked turkey to him.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
come hell or high water
come hell or high water {adv. phr.}, {informal}
No matter what happens; whatever may come.
Grandfather said he would go to the fair, come hell or high water.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
coming and going
coming and going or going and coming {adv. phr.}
1. Both ways; in both directions.
The truck driver stops at the same cafe coming and going.
John was late. He got punished both going and coming; his teacher punished him and his parents punished him.
2. Caught or helpless; in your power; left with no way out of a difficulty. — Used after "have".
If Beth stayed in the house, Mother would make her help with the cleaning; if she went outside, Father would make her help wash the car — they had her coming and going.
Uncle Mike is a good checker player, and he soon had me beat coming and going.
Compare: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
dead ahead
dead ahead {adv.}, {informal}
Exactly in front; before.
The school is dead ahead about two miles from here.
Father was driving in a fog, and suddenly he saw another car dead ahead of him.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
down the drain
down the drain {adj.} or {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Wasted; lost.
It is money down the drain if you spend it all on candy.
Our plans to go swimming went down the drain when it rained.
Compare: GO BY THE BOARD.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
go down the drain
go down the drain {v. phr.}
To be lost or wasted forever.
If he doesn't pass the bar examination tomorrow, his best efforts to become a lawyer will go down the drain.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
every now and then
At fairly regular intervals; fairly often; repeatedly.
John comes to visit me every now and then.
It was hot work, but every so often Susan would bring us something cold to drink.
Compare: NOW AND THEN.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
every time one turns around
every time one turns around {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Very often.
Mr. Winston must be rich. He buys a new suit every time he turns around.
No, Charles — I can't drive you to the park every time I turn around.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
for love or money
for love or money {adv. phr.}
For anything; for any price. Used in negative sentences.
I wouldn't give him my dog for love or money.
Compare: FOR ALL THE WORLD (1).
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms