[take effect] {v. phr.} 1. To have an unexpected or intended result; cause a change. * /It was nearly an hour before the sleeping pill took effect./ 2. To become […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

into effect

[into effect] {adv. phr.} Into use or operation. * /The new rule was put into effect at once./ * /The judge ordered the old suspended penalty into effect./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

to that effect

[to that effect] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} With that meaning. * /She said she hated spinach, or words to that effect./ * /When I leave, I will write you to […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

to the effect that

[to the effect that] {adj. phr.} With the meaning or purpose; to say that. * /He made a speech to the effect that we would all keep our jobs even […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

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 […]