B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[bread]
See:
[HALF A LOAF is BETTER THAN NONE],
[KNOW WHICH SIDE ONE'S BREAD IS BUTTERED ON],
[TAKE THE BREAD OUT OF ONE'S MOUTH].
[bread and butter] (1) {n. phr.}
The usual needs of life; food, shelter, and clothing.
Ed earned his bread and butter as a bookkeeper, but added a little jam by working with a dance band on weekends.
[bread and butter] (2) {adj.}
Thanking someone for entertainment or a nice visit; thank-you.
After spending the weekend as a guest in the Jones' home, Alice wrote the Joneses the usual bread-and-butter letter.
See: [BREAD AND BUTTER LETTER].
[bread and butter] (3) {interj.}, {informal}
Spoken to prevent bad luck that you think might result from some action.
We'd say "Bread and butter!" when we had passed on opposite sides of a tree.
[bread-and-butter letter] {n.}
A written acknowledgment of hospitality received.
Jane wrote the Browns a bread-and-butter letter when she returned home from her visit to them.
[break away] or [break loose] {v. phr.}
To liberate oneself from someone or something.
Jane tried to break loose from her attacker, but he was too strong.
[break camp] {v. phr.}
To take down and pack tents and camping things; take your things from a camping place.
The scouts broke camp at dawn.
[break down] {v.}
(stress on "down")
1. To smash or hit (something) so that it falls; cause to fall by force.
The firemen broke down the door.
2. To reduce or destroy the strength or effect of; weaken; win over.
* /By helpful kindness the […]