[by fits and starts] or [jerks] {adv. phr.} With many stops and starts, a little now and a little more later; not all the time; irregularly. * /He had worked […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

if the shoe fits, wear it

[if the shoe fits, wear it] If what is said describes you, you are meant. - A proverb. * /I won't say who, but some children are always late. If […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

give fits

[give fits] {v. phr.} {informal} To upset; bother very much. * /Paul's higher grades give John fits./ * /The short guard gave his tall opponent fits./ Compare: [GIVE A HARD […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

shoe

[shoe] See: [COMFORTABLE AS AN OLD SHOE], [COMMON AS AN OLD SHOE], [FILL ONE'S SHOES], [IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT], [IN ONE'S SHOES], [SHAKE IN ONE'S SHOES], [SADDLE SHOE], […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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tongue

[tongue] See: [AT THE TIP OF ONE'S TONGUE], [CAT GET ONE'S TONGUE], [HOLD ONE'S TONGUE], [KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN ONE'S […]

Tom Masson

(1866-1934), writer There are seventy million books in American libraries, but the one you want is always out.

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blow up in one's face

[blow up in one's face] {v. phr.}, {informal} To fail completely and with unexpected force. * /The thief's plan to rob the […]

get up with the chickens

[get up with the chickens] or [rise with the chickens] {v. phr.} To rise very early in the morning. * /All the farmers in […]

hire out

[hire out] {v.}, {informal} 1. To accept a job; take employment. * /Frank hired out as a saxophonist with a dance band./ 2. […]

saber rattling

[saber rattling] or [sword rattling] {n.} A show of military strength usually to frighten; a threat of military force. * […]