[straighten up] {v.} To put in order; make neat. * /Vic had to straighten up his room before he could go swimming./ * /Mrs. Johnson straightened up the house before […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

square away

[square away] {v. phr.} 1. To arrange the sails of a ship so that the wind blows from behind. * /The captain ordered the crew to square away and sail […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

do up

[do up] {v.} 1a. To clean and prepare for use or wear; launder. * /Ann asked her mother to do up her dress./ 1b. To put in order; straighten up; […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

get off on the wrong foot

[get off on the wrong foot] {v. phr.} To make a bad start; begin with a mistake. * /Peggy got off on the wrong foot with her new teacher; she […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

Andy Rooney

(1919--) U.S. broadcaster Go to bed. Whatever you're staying up late for isn't worth it.

do to death

[do to death] {v. phr.} To overdo; do something so often that it becomes extremely boring or tiresome. * /The typical car […]

have a care

[have a care] {v. phr.}, {formal} To be careful what you do. * /Jane, have a care what you're doing with that valuable […]