T
Idioms beginning with "T"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
Categories:
Contents of T:
[take to task] {v. phr.}
To reprove or scold for a fault or error.
He took his wife to task for her foolish wastefulness.
The principal took Bill to task for breaking the window.
[take to the cleaners] {v. phr.}, {slang}
1. To win all the money another person has (as in poker).
Watch out if you play poker with Joe; he'll take you to the cleaners.
2. To cheat a person out of his money and possessions by means of a crooked […]
[take to the woods] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To run away and hide.
When John saw the girls coming, he took to the woods.
Bob took to the woods so he would not have to mow the grass.
Compare: [HEAD FOR THE HILLS].
[take turns] {v. phr.}
To do something one after another instead of doing it all at the same time.
In class we should not talk all at the same time; we should take turns.
Jean and Beth took turns on the swing.
* /The two boys took turns at […]
[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 take up dirt from the rug.
2. To fill or to occupy.
All his evenings were taken up with study.
* /The […]
[take up arms] {v. phr.}, {literary}
To get ready to fight; fight or make war.
The people were quick to take up arms to defend their freedom.
The President called on people to take up arms against poverty.
Contrast: [LAY DOWN ONE'S ARMS].
[take up the cudgels for] {v. phr.}, {literary}
To come to the defense of; to support or fight for.
He was the first to take up the cudgels for his friend.
Compare: [STAND UP FOR].
[take up with] {v.}
To begin to go around with (someone); see a lot of.
Frank has taken up with Lucy lately.