[stake a claim] {v. phr.} 1. To claim ownership of land by driving stakes to show boundaries. * /The gold hunters staked claims in the West./ 2. {informal} To claim […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in check

[in check] {adv. phr.} In a position where movement or action is not allowed or stopped; under control; kept quiet or back. * /The boy was too small to keep […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

blank check

[blank check] {n.} 1. A bank check written to a person who can then write in how much money he wants. * /John's father sent him a blank check to […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Duncan Spaeth, Princeton professor

I know why the sun never sets on the British Empire: God wouldn't trust an Englishman in the dark.

come to the point

[come to the point] or [get to the point] {v. phr.} To talk about the important thing; reach the important facts of the […]

strike one funny

[strike one funny] {v. phr.} To appear or seem laughable, curious, ironic, or entertaining. * /"It strikes me funny," he […]

P.J. O'Rourke

(1947--) U.S. humorist Never wear anything that panics the cat.

Adminisphere

[Adminisphere] The rarified organizational layers above the rank and file that makes decisions that are often profoundly […]

around the clock

[around the clock] also [the clock around] {adv. phr.} For 24 hours a day continuously all day and all night. * /The factory […]

wear thin

[wear thin] {v.} 1. To become thin from use, wearing, or the passing of time. * /My old pair of pants has worn thin at the […]