S
Idioms beginning with "S"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of S:
[spot check] {n. phr.}
A sample check or investigation.
Internal Revenue Service employees often conduct a spot check of individual returns when the figures don't add up.
[spread like wildfire] {v. phr.}
To spread uncontrollably and rapidly.
Bad news has a tendency to spread like wildfire.
[spread oneself too thin] {v. phr.}
To try to do too many things at one time.
As the owner, chef, waiter, and dishwasher of his restaurant, Pierre was spreading himself too thin.
[spring a leak] {v. phr.}
1. To develop a hole (said of boats) through which water can enter, threatening the boat to sink.
When our small boat sprang a leak, we rapidly returned to shore to fix it.
2. To be threatened by some oncoming danger.
* […]
[spring chicken] {n.}, {slang}
A young person. — Usually used with "no".
Mr. Brown is no spring chicken, but he can still play tennis well.
The coach is no spring chicken, but he can show the players what to do.
[spring on one] {v. phr.}
To approach someone unexpectedly with an unpleasant idea or project.
Our firm was merely six weeks old when they sprang the news on me that I had to go to Algiers to open a new branch there.
[spring up] {v. phr.}
To arise suddenly.
Small purple flowers were springing up all over our backyard.
[sprout wings] {v. phr.}
1. To enter the stage after a period of development when wings appear (said of larvae that turn into butterflies).
The dragonflies suddenly sprouted wings and are flying all about in the park.
2. To become good and […]