[by fits and starts] or [jerks] {adv. phr.} With many stops and starts, a little now and a little more later; not all the time; irregularly. * /He had worked […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

if the shoe fits, wear it

[if the shoe fits, wear it] If what is said describes you, you are meant. - A proverb. * /I won't say who, but some children are always late. If […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

give fits

[give fits] {v. phr.} {informal} To upset; bother very much. * /Paul's higher grades give John fits./ * /The short guard gave his tall opponent fits./ Compare: [GIVE A HARD […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

shoe

[shoe] See: [COMFORTABLE AS AN OLD SHOE], [COMMON AS AN OLD SHOE], [FILL ONE'S SHOES], [IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT], [IN ONE'S SHOES], [SHAKE IN ONE'S SHOES], [SADDLE SHOE], […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

Napoleon Bonaparte

You can stop while you are raising, but not when you are falling.

many hands make light work

[many hands make light work] If many people work together, even a hard job becomes easier. - A proverb. * /Come on boys, […]

up and at them

[up and at them] 1. {adv. phr.} Actively engaged in a task as if doing combat. * /"You want to know whether he will make a […]

Deborah Love, poet, Annaghkeen

For an Irishman, talking is a dance.

George Carlin - Importance of our "Stuff"

George Carlin's classic standup routine about the importance of "Stuff" in our lives.

Accent Reduction - Word Stress Lesson

Introductory lesson from Lynn Bo - an American speech therapist. In this video you will learn how a stress can change the word […]

put aside

[put aside] {v. phr.} 1. To save; put something aside for a special purpose. * /Peter puts $100 aside every week./ 2. To […]

talk back

[talk back] also [answer back] {v.} {informal} To answer rudely; reply in a disrespectful way; be fresh. * /When the teacher […]