E
Idioms beginning with "E"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of E:
[except for] or {formal} [but for] {prep.}
1. With the exception of; if (a certain person or thing) were left out; omitting.
Except for John, the whole class passed the test.
2. Without.
I'd have been lost but for you.
[exception proves the rule]
Something unusual that does not follow a rule tests that rule to see if it is true; if there are too many exceptions, the rule is no good. — A proverb.
* /Frank is very short but is a good basketball player. He is the […]
[excuse oneself] {v. phr.}
1. To think of reasons for not being to blame; think yourself not at fault.
John excused himself for his low grades on the ground that the teacher didn't like him.
2. To ask to be excused after doing something impolite.
[…]
[exert oneself] {v. phr.}
To make an effort; try hard; work hard.
Susan exerted herself all year to earn good marks.
Jerry exerted himself to please the new girl.
[explain away] {v.}
To explain (something) so that it does not seem true or important.
John explained away his unfinished homework by showing the teacher his broken arm in a cast.
* /It is hard to explain away Abraham Lincoln's dream about being […]
[explain oneself] {v. phr.}
1. To make your meaning plainer; make your first statement clear.
When we didn't understand Fritz, he went on to explain himself.
2. To give a good reason for something you did or failed to do which seems wrong.
* […]
[explode a bombshell] or [drop a bombshell] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To say something startling; suggest or show something astonishing or shocking.
* /The police exploded a bombshell when they arrested the kindly old banker for stealing money from the […]
[express oneself] {v. phr.}
To say what you think or feel; put your thoughts or feelings into words by speaking or writing.
The boy expressed himself well in debate.
The mayor expressed himself as opposed to any borrowing.