[chain-smoke] {v.} To smoke cigarettes or cigars one after another without stopping. * /Mr. Jones is very nervous. He chain-smokes cigars./ [chain smoker] {n.} * /Mr. Jones is a chain […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

chain gang

[chain gang] {n.} A group of convicts or slaves in the old South who were chained together. * /Chain gangs are no longer an acceptable way of punishment, according to […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

chain stores

[chain stores] {n.} A series of stores in different locations, joined together under one ownership and general management. * /The goods in chain stores tend to be more uniform than […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Logan Pearsall Smith

(1865-1946) U.S. essayistcritic, Afterthoughts, 1931 People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading.

party animal

[party animal] {n. phr.} 1. A person who loves parties. * /That kid is such a party animal. He takes every opportunity he […]

Listen to English - learn English!

The podcast website for people learning English The podcasts on this site will help you to improve your English vocabulary and […]

come down hard on

[come down hard on] {v.}, {informal} 1. To scold or punish strongly. * /The principal came down hard on the boys for […]

on the house

[on the house] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Paid for by the owner. * /At the opening of the new hotel, the champagne was on the […]

delta wave

[delta wave] {n.}, {informal}, {semi-technical} A brain wave 1-3 cycles per second, associated with very deep sleep. * /Good […]

on the air

[on the air] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Broadcasting or being broadcast on radio or TV. * /His show is on the air at six […]

Clare Booth Luce

(1903-1987) U.S. politician Men love putting women on a pedestal because it's so much more satisfying when they knock them […]