D
Idioms beginning with "D"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of D:
[draw a conclusion] {v. phr.}
To make an inference.
After he failed to keep an appointment with me for the third time, I drew the conclusion that he was an unreliable person.
[draw a line] or [draw the line] {v. phr.}
1. To think of as different.
The law in this country draws a line between murder and manslaughter.
Can you draw the line between a lie and a fib?
2. To set a limit to what will be done; say something […]
[draw a long breath] or [take a long breath] {v. phr.}
To breathe deeply when getting ready to speak or act.
Father asked who broke the window. Jim drew a long breath and admitted that he had done it.
* /The salesman took a long breath and started […]
[draw a parallel] {v. phr.}
To make a comparison.
It is easy to draw a parallel between the characters of Saint Francis of Assisi and Great Saint Theresa of Aquila, but this doesn't mean that all saints are alike.
[draw and quarter] {v. phr.}, {literary}
1. To execute someone in the barbaric medieval fashion of having him torn into four pieces by four horses tearing his body in four different directions.
* /The captured foreign marauders were drawn and quartered […]
[draw aside] {v. phr.}
To separate; take to one side.
He drew her aside and whispered into her ear, "Johanna, please marry me!"
[draw back] {v.}
To move back; back away; step backward; withdraw; move away from.
When the man spotted the rattlesnake, he drew back and aimed his shotgun.
The children drew back from the dog when it barked at them.
* /When the pitcher drew […]
[draw blood] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make someone feel hurt or angry.
If you want to draw blood, ask Jim about his last money-making scheme.
Her sarcastic comments drew blood.
[draw fire] {v. phr.}
1. To attract or provoke shooting; be a target.
The general's white horse drew the enemy's fire.
2. To bring criticism or argument; make people say bad things about you.
* /Having the newest car in your group is sure to […]