[check on someone/thing] or [check up on someone/thing] {v} To try to find out the truth or rightness of; make sure of; examine; inspect; investigate. * /We checked on Dan's […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

back-to-back

[back-to-back] {adv.} 1. Immediately following. * /The health clinic had back-to-back appointments for the new students during the first week of school./ 2. Very close to, as if touching. * […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

set back

[set back] {v.} 1. To cause to put off or get behind schedule; slow up; check. * /The cold weather set back the planting by two weeks./ 2. {informal} To […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

worth one's salt

[worth one's salt] {adj. phr.} Being a good worker, or a productive person; worth what you cost. * /Mr. Brown showed that he was worth his salt as a salesman […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Kingsley Amis

(1922-1995) English author It is no wonder that people are so horrible when they start life as children.

hell and high water

[hell and high water] {n. phr.} Troubles or difficulties of any kind. * /After John's father died he went through hell and […]

put someone on

[put someone on] {v.} To play a joke on someone by saying or doing things that are only pretense; kid. * /When the voice on […]