[take up] {v.} 1. To remove by taking in. * /Use a blotter to take up the spilled ink./ * /When the vacuum cleaner bag is full, it will not […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

break out

[break out] {v.} 1. To begin showing a rash or other skin disorder. - Often used with "with". * /He broke out with scarlet fever./ 2. To speak or act […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in the wind

[in the wind] {adj. phr.} Seeming probable; being planned; soon to happen. * /Changes in top management of the company had been in the wind for weeks./ * /Tom's close […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

wind up

[wind up] {v.} 1. To tighten the spring of a machine; to make it work or run. * /Mary wound up the toy car and let it run across the […] 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 […]