[quick on the trigger] or [trigger happy] {adj. phr.} 1. Ready to shoot without warning; fast with a gun. * /He's a dangerous criminal quick on the trigger./ 2. {informal} […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

touch to the quick

[touch to the quick] {v. phr.} To hurt someone's feelings very deeply; offend. * /His remark about her lack of education touched her to the quick./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

brown study

[brown study] {n. phr.} A time of deep thought about something; a deep thoughtful mood. * /When his wife found him, he had pushed away his books and was in […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Kingsley Amis

(1922-1995) English author It is no wonder that people are so horrible when they start life as children.

hell and high water

[hell and high water] {n. phr.} Troubles or difficulties of any kind. * /After John's father died he went through hell and […]

put someone on

[put someone on] {v.} To play a joke on someone by saying or doing things that are only pretense; kid. * /When the voice on […]