[play on] or [play upon] {v.} 1. To cause an effect on; influence. * /A heavy diet of television drama played on his feelings./ 2. To work upon for a […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

gild the lily

[gild the lily] also [paint the lily] {v. phr.} To add unnecessarily to something already beautiful or good enough. * /To talk about a beautiful sunset is to gild the […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

little theater

[little theater] {n.} A theater, usually with nonprofessional actors and actresses, which presents plays more for personal pleasure and practice than for profit. * /Little theater groups are active in […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

make out

[make out] {v.} 1. To write the facts asked for (as in an application blank or a report form); fill out. * /The teacher made out the report cards and […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

Napoleon Bonaparte

You can stop while you are raising, but not when you are falling.

many hands make light work

[many hands make light work] If many people work together, even a hard job becomes easier. - A proverb. * /Come on boys, […]

up and at them

[up and at them] 1. {adv. phr.} Actively engaged in a task as if doing combat. * /"You want to know whether he will make a […]

Deborah Love, poet, Annaghkeen

For an Irishman, talking is a dance.

George Carlin - Importance of our "Stuff"

George Carlin's classic standup routine about the importance of "Stuff" in our lives.

Accent Reduction - Word Stress Lesson

Introductory lesson from Lynn Bo - an American speech therapist. In this video you will learn how a stress can change the word […]

put aside

[put aside] {v. phr.} 1. To save; put something aside for a special purpose. * /Peter puts $100 aside every week./ 2. To […]

talk back

[talk back] also [answer back] {v.} {informal} To answer rudely; reply in a disrespectful way; be fresh. * /When the teacher […]