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that night./ * /It was an exciting football game; every player was
really in the groove./
[in the hole] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1a. Having a score
lower than zero in a game, especially a card game; to a score below
zero. * /John went three points in the hole on the first hand of the
card game./ 1b. Behind an opponent; in difficulty in a sport or game.
* /We had their pitcher in the hole with the bases full and no one
out./ Compare: ON THE SPOT. 2. In debt; behind financially. * /John
went in the hole with his hot dog stand./ * /It's a lot easier to get
in the hole than to get out again./ Compare: IN A HOLE, IN THE RED.
Contrast: OUT OF THE HOLE.
[in the know] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Knowing about things that
most people do not know about; knowing secrets or understanding a
special subject. * /Tina helped Professor Smith make some of the exam
questions, and she felt important to be in the know./ * /In a print
shop, Mr. Harvey is in the know, but in a kitchen he can't even cook
an egg./ Compare: GET WISE. Contrast: IN THE DARK.
[in the lap of luxury] {adv. phr.} Well supplied with luxuries;
having most things that money can buy. * /Mike grew up in the lap of
luxury./ Compare: ON EASY STREET, WELL-TO-DO.
[in the lap of the gods] also [on the knees of the gods] {adv.
phr.}, {literary} Beyond human control; not to be decided by anyone. *
/Frank had worked hard as a candidate, and as election day came he
felt that the result was in the lap of the gods./ * /The armies were
evenly matched and the result of the battle seemed to be on the knees
of the gods./
[in the least] {adv. phr.} Even a little; in any degree or amount.
- Used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. * /Sue
did not understand physics in the least./ * /Are you in the least
interested in sewing?/ * /Mother won't be upset if you come for
supper; I'll be surprised if she cares in the least./ * /Mike was not
upset in the least by the storm./ * /It is no trouble to help you. Not
in the least./ Compare: AT ALL.
[in the line of duty] {adj. phr.} Done or happening as part of a
job. * /The policeman was shot in the line of duty./ * /The soldier
had to clean his rifle in the line of duty./
[in the long run] {adv. phr.} In the end; in the final result. *
/John knew that lie could make a success of the little weekly paper in
the long run./ * /You may make good grades by studying only before
examinations, but you will succeed in the long run only by studying
hard every day./
[in the lurch] See: LEAVE IN THE LURCH.
[in the main] {adv. phr.}, {formal} In most cases; generally;
usually. * /In the main, small boys and dogs are good friends./ * /In
the main, the pupils did well on the test./
[in the market for] {adj. phr.} Wishing to buy; ready to buy. *
/Mr. Jones is in the market for a new car./ * /People are always in
the market for entertainment./
[in the middle] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In between two sides of an
argument; caught between two dangers. * /Mary found herself in the
middle of the quarrel between Joyce and Ethel./ * /John promised Tom
to go fishing, but his father wanted him to help at home. John was in
the middle./
[in the middle of nowhere] {adv. phr.} In a deserted, faraway
place. * /When my car stopped on the highway in the middle of nowhere,
it took forever to get help./
[in the money] See: IN THE CHIPS.
[in the mood (for)] {adj. phr.} 1. Interested in doing something. *
/Sorry, I'm just not in the mood for a heavy dinner tonight./ 2.
Feeling sexy. * /I am sorry, darling, I am just not in the mood
tonight./
[in the mouth] See: LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH.
[in the neck] See: CATCH IT IN THE NECK or GET IT IN THE NECK.
[in the nick of time] {adv. phr.} Just at the right time; barely
soon enough; almost too late. * /The doctor arrived in the nick of
time to save the child from choking to death./ * /Joe saw the other
car in the nick of time./ Compare: IN TIME.
[in the pink] or [in the pink of condition] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
In excellent health; strong and well; in fine shape. * /Mr. Merrick
had aged well; he was one of those old men who always seem in the pink
of condition./ * /After a practice and a rubdown, Joe felt in the
pink./
[in the --- place] {adv. phr.} As the (first or second or third,
etc.) thing in order or importance; first, second, or third, etc. -
Used with "first", "second", "third", and other ordinal numbers. *
/No, you cannot go swimming. In the first place, the water is too
cold; and, in the second place, there is not time enough before
dinner./ * /Stealing is wrong, in the first place, because it hurts
others, and, in the second place, because it hurts you./ Compare: FOR
ONE THING.
[in the prime of life] {adv. phr.} At the peak of one's creative
abilities; during the most productive years. * /Poor John lost his job
due to restructuring when he was in the prime of his life./
[in the public eye] {adj. phr.} Widely known; often seen in public
activity; much in the news. * /The senator's activity kept him in the
public eye./ * /A big league ballplayer is naturally much in the
public eye./
[in the raw] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. In the simplest or most
natural way; with no frills. * /Henry enjoyed going into the woods and
living life in the raw./ 2. {informal} Without any clothing; naked. *
/In the summer the boys slept in the raw./
[in the red] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In an unprofitable
way; so as to lose money. * /A large number of American radio stations
operate in the red./ * /A rich man who has a farm or ranch often runs
it in the red, but makes his money with his factory or business./
Contrast: IN THE BLACK. (From the fact that people who keep business
records usually write in red ink how much money they lose and in black
ink how much money they gain.)
[in the right] {adj. phr.} With moral or legal right or truth on
your side; in agreement with justice, truth, or fact; correct. * /When
the cars collided, John was clearly in the right./ * /In going before
his wife down the stairs, Mr. Franklin was in the right./ * /In many
disputes, it is hard to say who is in the right./ Contrast: IN THE
WRONG.
[in the rough] See: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.
[in the running] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Having a chance to win; not
to be counted out; among those who might win. * /At the beginning of
the last lap of the race, only two horses were still in the running./
* /A month before Joyce married Hal, three of Joyce's boyfriends
seemed to be still in the running./ * /Al was in the running for the
trophy until the last hole of the golf tournament./ Contrast: OUT OF
THE RUNNING.
[in the saddle] adv. or {adj. phr.} In command; in control; in a
position to order or boss others. * /Mr. Park was in the saddle when
he had over half the company's stock./ * /Getting appointed chief
of police put Stevens in the saddle./
[in the same boat] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In the same trouble; in
the same fix; in the same bad situation. * /When the town's one
factory closed and hundreds of people lost their jobs, all the
storekeepers were in the same boat./ * /Dick was disappointed when
Fern refused to marry him, but he knew others were in the same boat./
[in the same breath] {adv. phr.} 1. At the same time; without
waiting. * /John would complain about hard times, and in the same
breath boast of his prize-winning horses./ * /Jane said Bill was
selfish, but in the same breath she said she was sorry to see him
leave./ 2. In the same class; in as high a group. - Usually used in
the negative with "mention", "speak", or "talk". * /Mary is a good
swimmer, but she should not be mentioned in the same breath with
Joan./
[in the same place] See: LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME
PLACE.
[in the sand] See: HIDE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND.
[in the second place] See: IN THE --- PLACE.
[in the short run] {adv. phr.} In the immediate future. * /We are
leasing a car in the short run; later we might buy one./ Contrast: IN
THE LONG RUN.
[in the soup] {adj. phr.}, {slang} In serious trouble; in
confusion; in disorder. * /When his wife overdrew their bank account
without telling him, Mr. Phillips suddenly found himself really in the
soup./ * /The police misunderstood Harry's night errand, and arrested
him, which put him in the soup with the boss./
[in the spotlight] {adv. phr.} In the center of attention, with
everybody watching what one is doing. * /It must be difficult for the
President to be in the spotlight wherever he goes./ Compare: IN THE
LIMELIGHT.
[in the swim] {adj. phr.} Doing the same things that other people
are doing; following the fashion (as in business or social affairs);
busy with what most people are doing. * /Jim found some college
friends at the lake that summer, and soon was in the swim of things./
* /Mary went to New York with introductions to writers and artists,
and that winter she was quite in the swim./ Contrast: OUT OF THE SWIM.
[in the third place] See: IN THE --- PLACE.
[in the till] See: ROB THE TILL or HAVE ONE'S HAND IN THE TILL.
[in the twinkling of an eye] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.
[in the wake of] {prep.}, {literary} As a result of; right after;
following. * /Many troubles follow in the wake of war./ * /There were
heavy losses of property in the wake of the flood./
[in the way] See: IN ONE'S WAY.
[in the way of] See: PUT IN THE WAY OF.
[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 friends knew that marriage was in the
wind./ Compare: IN THE AIR(1).
[in the works] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In preparation; being planned
or worked on; in progress. * /John was told that the paving of his
street was in the works./ * /It was reported that the playwright had a
new play in the works./ * /The manager told the employees that a raise
in wages was in the works./ Compare: UNDER WAY.
[in the world] or [on earth] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Of all
possible things; ever. - Usually used for emphasis after words that
ask questions, as "who", "why", "what", etc. * /Where in the world did
you find that necktie?/ * /The boys wondered how on earth the mouse
got out of the cage./ * /Betty could not understand what on earth the
teacher meant./
[in the wrong] {adj. phr.} With moral or legal right or truth
against you; against justice, truth, or fact; wrong. * /In attacking a
smaller boy, Jack was plainly in the wrong./ * /Mary was in the wrong
to drink from a finger bowl./ * /Since he had put pennies behind the
fuses, Bill was in the wrong when fire broke out./ Compare: OUT OF THE
WAY. Contrast: IN THE RIGHT.
[in time] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Soon enough. * /We got to
Washington in time for the cherry blossoms./ * /We got to the station
just in time to catch the bus./ * /John liked to get to work in good
time and talk. to the man who worked on his machine before him./ 2. In
the end; after a while; finally. * /Fred and Jim did not like each
other at first, but in time they became friends./ 3. In the right
rhythm; in step. * /The marchers kept in time with the band./ *
/Johnny didn't play his piano piece in time./
[into account] See: TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.
[into a nose dive] See: oo INTO A TAIL SPIN or GO INTO A NOSE DIVE.
[into a tail spin] See: GO INTO A TAIL SPIN.
[into commission] See: IN COMMISSION.
[into effect] {adv. phr.} Into use or operation. * /The new rule
was put into effect at once./ * /The judge ordered the old suspended
penalty into effect./
[into hot water] See: HOT WATER.
[into line] {adv. phr.} 1. Into agreement. * /The department's
spending was brought into line with the budget./ 2. Under control. *
/Independent congressmen were brought into line by warnings that jobs
for their friends would be kept back./ * /The players who had broken
training rules fell into line when the coach warned them that they
would he put off the team./
[into one's blood] See: IN ONE'S BLOOD.
[into one's head] See: BEAT INTO ONE'S HEAD, TAKE INTO ONE'S HEAD.
[into one's own] See: COME INTO ONE'S OWN.
[into one's own hands] See: TAKE THE LAW INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS.
[into one's shell] See: IN ONE'S SHELL.
[into one's shoes] See: STEP INTO ONE'S SHOES.
[into practice] See: IN PRACTICE.
[into question] {adv. phr.} Into doubt or argument. - Usually used
with "call", "bring" or "come". * /This soldier's courage has never
been called into question./ * /If a boy steals, his parents' teaching
comes into question./
[into the bargain] See: IN THE BARGAIN.
[into the fire] See: OUT OP THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE.
[into the ground] See: RUN INTO THE GROUND.
[into the hands of] See: PLAY INTO THE HANDS OF.
[into thin air] {adv. phr.} Without anything left; completely. *
/When Bob returned to the room, he was surprised to find that his
books had vanished into thin air./ Compare: OUT OF THIN AIR.
[in toto] {adv. phr.} As a whole; in its entirety; totally;
altogether. * /The store refused the advertising agency's suggestion
in toto./ * /They bought the newspaper business in toto./ * /The
paving job was accepted in toto./ (Latin, meaning "in the whole.")
[in touch] {adj. phr.} Talking or writing to each other; giving and
getting news. * /John kept in touch with his school friends during the
summer./ * /Police anywhere in the U.S. can get in touch instantly
with any other police department by teletype./ * /The man claimed to
be in touch with people on another planet./ Compare: KEEP TRACK.
Contrast: OUT OF TOUCH.
[in tow] {adj. phr.} 1. Being pulled. * /The tugboat had the large
ocean liner in tow as they came into the harbor./ * /An engine came
with a long string of cars in tow./ 2. Being taken from place to
place; along with someone. * /Janet took the new girl in tow and
showed her where to go./ * /Mrs. Hayes went to the supermarket with
her four little children in tow./
[in trust] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In safe care for another. * /The
money was held by the hank in trust for the widow./ * /At his death
Mr. Brown left a large sum in trust for his son until he was
twenty-five./
[in tune] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. At the proper musical pitch;
high or low enough in sound. * /The piano is in tune./ 2. Going well
together; in agreement; matching; agreeable. - Often used with "with".
* /In his new job, John felt in tune with his surroundings and his
associates./ Contrast: OUT OF TUNE.
[in turn] {adv. phr.} According to a settled order; each following
another. * /Each man in turn got up and spoke./ * /Two teachers
supervised the lunch hour in turn./ * /Two of the three boys tease
their younger brother - John, the biggest, teases Bob, the middle boy;
and Bob in turn teases Tim, the youngest./ Compare: IN ORDER.
[in two] {adv. phr.} Into two parts or pieces; into two divisions.
* /John and Mary pulled on the wishbone until it came in two./ *
/There was only one piece of cake, but we cut it in two./ Syn.: IN
HALF.
[in two shakes of a lamb's tail] {adv.}, {informal} Quickly; in no
time at all. * /I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail./
[in --- up to the] See: UP TO THE --- IN.
[in vain] {adv. phr.} 1. Without effect; without getting the
desired result; without success. * /The drowning man called in vain
for help./ * /To cry over spilled milk is to cry in vain./ Compare: GO
FOR NOTHING, NO USE. 2. See: TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN.
[in view] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In sight; visible. * /We came
around a bend and there was the ocean in view./ 2. As a purpose, hope,
or expectation. * /John had his son's education in view when he began
to save money./ * /The end that we must keep always in view is peace
with justice./ Compare: EYE TO.
[in view of] {prep.} After thinking about; because of. * /Schools
were closed for the day in view of the heavy snowstorm./ * /In view of
rising labor costs, many companies have turned to automation./ Syn.:
IN THE LIGHT OF.
[in virtue of] See: BY VIRTUE OF.
[in wait] See: LIE IN WAIT.
[in with] {prep.} In friendship, favor, or closeness with; in the
trust or liking of. * /We trusted on Byrd's being in with the mayor,
not knowing that the mayor no longer liked him./ * /It took the new
family some time to get in with their neighbors./
[I.O.U.] {adj. phr.} I owe you, abbreviated; a promissory note. *
/I had to borrow some money from John and, in order to remind both of
us, I wrote him an I.O.U. note for $250./
[Irish] See: GET ONE'S DANDER UP or GET ONE'S IRISH UP.
[iron horse] {n.}, {informal} A railroad locomotive; the engine of
a railroad train. * /In its first days, the iron horse frightened many
people as it roared across country scattering sparks./
[iron in the fire] {n. phr.} Something you are doing; one of the
projects with which a person is busy; job, * /John had a number of
irons in the fire, and he managed to keep all of them hot./ - Usually
used in the phrase "too many irons in the fire". * /"Ed has a dozen
things going all the time, but none of them seem to work out." "No
wonder. He has too many irons in the fire."/
[iron out] {v.}, {informal} To discuss and reach an agreement about
(a difference); find a solution for (a problem); remove (a
difficulty). * /The company and its workers ironed out their
differences over hours and pay./ * /The House and Senate ironed out
the differences between their two different tax bills./ Compare: MAKE
UP(5).
[is] See: SUCH AS IT IS, THAT IS.
[island] See: SAFETY ISLAND.
[issue] See: AT ISSUE, TAKE ISSUE.
[is that so] {informal} 1. Oh, indeed? That's interesting. - Used
in simple acceptance or reply. * /"The Republicans have pulled a trick
at city hall." "Is that so?"/ 2. Surely not? - Used in disbelief or
sarcasm. * /"The moon is made of green cheese." "Is that so?"/ * /"I'm
going to take your girlfriend to the dance," said Bob. "Oh, is that
so!" said Dick. "Try it and you'll be sorry."/
[itching palm] {n.}, {slang} A wish for money; greed. * /He was
born with an itching palm./ * /The bellboys in that hotel seem always
to have itching palms./
[I tell you] See: I'LL SAY.
[I tell you what] See: I'LL TELL YOU WHAT.
[item] See: COLLECTOR'S ITEM, CONSUMER ITEMS.
[it figures] {informal sentence} It checks out; it makes sense; it
adds up. * /It figures that Bob got the highest raise at our firm; he
is the most productive salesman./
[it is an ill wind that blows nobody good] No matter how bad a
happening is, someone can usually gain something from it. - A proverb.
* /When Fred got hurt in the game John got a chance to play. It's an
ill wind that blows nobody good./
[it never rains but it pours] One good thing or bad thing is often
followed by others of the same kind. - A proverb, * /John got sick,
then his brothers and sisters all got sick. It never rains but it
pours./
[it's a cinch] {informal sentence} It is very easy. * /"What about
the final exam?" Fred asked. "It was a cinch" Sam answered./ Compare:
PIECE OF CAKE.
[it's a deal] {informal sentence} Consider it done; OK; it is
agreed. * /"How much for this used car?" Bill asked. "Two thousand,"
the man answered. "I'll give $1,500," Bill said. "It's a deal!" the
owner answered as they sealed the transaction./
[it's been ---, it's been real] {informal} Shortened form for "it
has been real nice (being with you)" - used colloquially between very
close friends.
[itself] See: END IN ITSELF.
[it's high time] {informal sentence} It is overdue. * /It is high
time for John Browning to be promoted to full professor; he has
written a great deal but his books went unnoticed./
[Ivy League] {n.} A small group of the older and more famous
eastern U.S. colleges and universities. * /Several Ivy League teams
play each other regularly each year./ * /Harvard, Yale, and Princeton
were the original Ivy League./
[Jack] See: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY.
[jack] See: EVERY LAST MAN also EVERY MAN JACK.
[jack of all trades] {n.}, {informal} (Often followed by the words
"master of none.") A person who is knowledgeable in many areas. Can be
used as praise, or as a derogatory remark depending on the context and
the intonation. * /Peter is a jack of all trades; he can survive
anywhere!/ * /"How come Joe did such a sloppy job?" Mary asked. "He's
a jack of all trades," Sally answered./
[jackpot] See: HIT THE JACKPOT.
[jack-rabbit start] {n.}, {informal} A very sudden start from a
still position; a very fast start from a stop. * /Bob made a
jack-rabbit start when the traffic light turned green./
[Jack Robinson] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.
[jack up] {v.} 1. To lift with a jack. * /The man jacked up his car
to fit a flat tire./ 2. {informal} To make (a price) higher; raise. *
/Just before Christmas, some stores jack up their prices./
[jailbait] {n.}, {slang} A girl below the legal age of consent for
sex; one who tempts you to intimacy which is punishable by
imprisonment. * /Stay away from Arabella, she is a jailbait./
[jailbird] {n.}, {informal} A convict; someone who is in jail or
has been recently released from prison. * /Because Harry was a
jailbird, it was understandably hard for him to find a job after being
imprisoned./
[jake flake] {n.}, {slang} A boring person whose company is usually
not wanted. * /Please don't invite Turner, he is a jake flake./
[jar on] {v. phr.} To irritate. * /The constant construction noise
was beginning to jar on the nerves of the members of the meeting./
[jaw] See: GLASS JAW.
[jawbreaker] {n.} 1. A large piece of hard candy or bubblegum. *
/Billy asked his mother for a quarter to buy some jawbreakers and a
chocolate bar./ 2. [informal] A word or name that is hard to
pronounce. * /His name, Nissequogue, is a real jawbreaker./
[jaw drop] or [jaw drop a mile] {informal} Mouth fall wide open
with surprise. - Used with a possessive. * /Tom's jaw dropped a mile
when he won the prize./
[jaws tight] {adj.}, {slang}, {informal} Angry; uptight; tense. *
/Why are you getting your jaws so tight?/
[jazz up] {v.}, {slang} To brighten up; add more noise, movement,
or color; make more lively or exciting. * /The party was very dull
until Pete jazzed it up with his drums./
[Jehu] See: DRIVE LIKE JEHU.
[jerk] or [jerker] See: SODA JERK or SODA JERKER.
[jerry-built] {adj.} 1. Built poorly or carelessly of cheap
materials; easily broken. * /That jerry-built cabin will blow apart in
a strong wind./ 2. Done without careful preparation or thought;
planned too quickly. * /When the regular television program didn't
come on, a jerry-built program was substituted at the last minute./
[Jesus boots] or [Jesus shoes] {n.}, {slang} Men's sandals,
particularly as worn by hippies and very casually dressed people. * /I
dig your Jesus boots, man, they look cool./
[jig's up] See: GAME'S UP.
[jim-dandy] {n.}, {slang} Something wonderful; something very good.
* /Tommy's new boat is really a jim-dandy! I wish I had one like it./
[jink] See: HIGH JINKS.
[job] See: DO A JOB ON, FALL DOWN ON THE JOB, LIE DOWN ON THE JOB,
ON THE JOB.
[Joe Doakes] {n.} A name used informally for the average man. *
/Let us say that Joe Doakes goes to the movies three times a year./
Compare: MAN IN THE STREET, SO-AND-SO.
[John Doe] {n.} A name used for an unknown person, especially in
police and law business. * /The alarm went out for a John Doe who
stole the diamonds from the store./
[John Hancock] or [John Henry] {n.}, {informal} Your signature;
your name in writing. * /The man said, "Put your John Hancock on this
paper."/ * /Joe felt proud when he put his John Henry on his very
first driver's license./
[Johnny-come-lately] {n.} Someone new in a place or group;
newcomer; also: a new person who takes an active part in group affairs
before tlie group has accepted him; upstart. * /Everybody was amazed
when a Johnny-come-lately beat the old favorite in the race./ * /When
it looked as though Mr. Brown had a good chance of winning, many
Johnny-come-latelies began to support him./
[Johnny-on-the-spot] {adj. phr.} At the right place when needed;
present and ready to help; very prompt; on time. * /A good waterboy is
always Johnny-on-the-spot./ * /The firemen were Johnny-on-the-spot and
put out the fire in the house soon after it started./ Compare: ON THE
JOB.
[John Q. Public] {n.} A name used informally for the average
citizen. * /It is John Q. Public's duty to vote at each election./
Compare: JOE DOAKES.
[join forces] or [join hands] {v. phr.} To get together for the
same aim; group together for a purpose; unite. * /The students and the
graduates joined forces to raise money when the gym burned down./ *
/The American soldiers joined hands with the British in the war
against Germany./ Compare: THROW IN ONE'S LOT WITH.
[join hands] See: JOIN FORCES.
[joint] See: CLIP JOINT, PUT ONE'S NOSE OUT OF JOINT.
[joke] See: CRACK A JOKE.
[joking apart] See: JOKING ASIDE.
[joking aside] or [joking apart] {v. phr.}, {informal} No fooling;
without exaggerating: seriously. * /Joking aside, although the
conditions were not very comfortable, we had a wonderful time./ *
/Joking apart, there must have been over a hundred people in the
room./
[Jones] See: KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES.
[jot down] {v. phr.} To quickly commit to writing; make a quick
note of something. * /Let me jot down your address so that I can send
you a postcard from Europe./
[judgment seat] {n.} A place where you are judged; a place where
justice and punishment are given out. * /Mrs. Smith is so bossy, she
always acts as though she is in the judgment seat./
[jug-eared] {adj.} With ears that stick out like the handles of a
jug. * /Tommy was a redheaded, freckle-faced, jug-eared boy./
[juice] See: STEW IN ONE'S OWN JUICE.
[juice dealer] {n.}, {slang} An underworld money lender who charges
exorbitant fees to his clientele and frequently collects payment by
physical force. * /No matter how broke you are, never go to a juice
dealer./
[jump] See: GET THE JUMP ON or HAVE THE JUMP ON, GO JUMP IN THE
LAKE, NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN or NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO JUMP.
[jump all over] See: JUMP ON.
[jump at] {v.} To take or accept quickly and gladly. * /Johnny
jumped at the invitation to go swimming with his brother./ Compare:
TAKE UP(7).
[jump bail] or [skip bail] {v. phr.}, {informal} To run away and
fail to come to trial, and so to give up a certain amount of money
already given to a court of law to hold with the promise that you
would come. * /The robber paid $2000 bail so he wouldn't be put in
jail before his trial, but he jumped bail and escaped to Mexico./ *
/The man skipped bail because he was afraid the court might put him in
jail for a long time./
[jump ball] {n.} The starting of play in basketball by tossing the
ball into the air between two opposing players, each of whom jumps and
tries to hit the ball to a member of his own team. * /Two players held
onto the ball at the same time and the referee called a jump ball./
[jump down one's throat] {v. phr.} To suddenly become very angry at
someone; scold severely or angrily. * /The teacher jumped down Billy's
throat when Billy said he did not do his homework./
[jump from the frying pan into the fire] See: OUT OP THE FRYING PAN
INTO THE FIRE.
[jumping-off place] {n. phr.} 1. A place so far away that it seems
to be the end of the world. * /Columbus' sailors were afraid they
would arrive at the jumping-off place if they sailed farther west./ *
/So you visited Little America? That sounds like the jumping-off
place!/ 2. The starting place of a long, hard trip or of something
difficult or dangerous. * /The jumping-off place for the explorer's
trip through the jungle was a little village./
[jump on] or [jump all over] or [land on] or [land all over] {v.
phr.}, {informal} To scold; criticize; blame. * /Tom's boss jumped all
over Tom because he made a careless mistake./ * /Janice landed on
Robert for dressing carelessly for their date./ * /"I don't know why
Bill is always jumping on me; I just don't understand him," said Bob./
Compare: FIND FAULT, GET ON, LAY OUT(7).
[jump on the bandwagon] or [get on the bandwagon] {v. phr.},
{informal} To join a popular cause or movement. * /At the last
possible moment, the senator jumped on the winning candidate's
bandwagon./
[jump out of one's skin] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be badly
frightened; be very much surprised. * /The lightning struck so close
to Bill that he almost jumped out of his skin./ Compare: HAIR STAND ON
END.
[jump pass] {n.} A pass (as in football or basketball) made by a
player while jumping. * /The Bruins scored when the quarterback tossed
a jump pass to the left end./
[jump the gun] also [beat the gun] {v. phr.} 1. To start before the
starter's gun in a race. * /The runners were called back because one
of them jumped the gun./ 2. {informal} To start before you should;
start before anyone else. * /The new students were not supposed to
come before noon, but one boy jumped the gun and came to school at
eight in the morning./ * /The students planned to say happy birthday
to the principal when the teacher raised her hand, but Sarah jumped
the gun and said it when he came into the room./
[jump the traces] See: KICK OVER THE TRACES.
[jump the track] {v. phr.} 1. To go off rails; go or run the wrong
way. * /The train jumped the track and there was a terrible accident./
* /The pulley of the clothesline jumped the track and Mother's washing
fell down./ 2. {informal} To change from one thought or idea to
another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are
talking about to something different. * /Bob didn't finish his algebra
homework because his mind kept jumping the track to think about the
new girl in class./ Compare: OFF THE TRACK.
[jump through a hoop] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do whatever you are
told to do; obey any order. * /Bob would jump through a hoop for
Mary./ Compare: TWIST AROUND ONE'S LITTLE FINGER, UNDER ONE'S THUMB.
[jump to a conclusion] {v. phr.} To decide too quickly or without
thinking or finding the facts. * /Jerry saw his dog limping on a
bloody leg and jumped to the conclusion that it had been shot./
Contrast: LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.
[junked up] {adj.} or {v. phr.}, {slang}, {drug culture} To be
under the influence of drugs, especially heroine. * /You can't talk to
Billy, he's all junked up./
[just about] {adv.}, {informal} Nearly; almost; practically. *
/Just about everyone in town came to hear the mayor speak./ * /The
dress came down to just about the middle of her knee./ * /Has Mary
finished peeling the potatoes? Just about./
[just for the fun of it] {adv. phr.} Merely as a matter of
amusement. * /"I'll bring a goat to class," Bob said to his
classmates, "just for the fun of it; I want to see what kind of a face
Professor Brown will make."/
[just for the hell of it] See: JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT.
[justice] See: DO JUSTICE TO.
[just in case] {adv. phr.} For an emergency; in order to be
protected. * /"Here are my house keys. Sue," Tom said. "I'll be back
in two weeks, but you should have them, just in case..."/ See: IN
CASE.
[just in time] See: IN TIME.
[just now] {adv. phr.} 1. Just at this moment; at this time. * /Mr.
Johnson isn't here just now. Will you phone back later? 2./ {informal}
A very short time ago; only a moment ago; only a little while ago. *
/"Where could that boy have gone so quickly? He was here just now!"/
Compare: WHILE AGO.
[just so(1)] {adj.} Exact; exactly right. * /Mrs. Robinson likes to
keep her house just so, and she makes the children take off their
shoes when they come in the house./
[just so(2)] {conj.} Provided; if. * /Take as much food as you
want, just so you don't waste any food./ Syn.: AS LONG AS(2).
[just so(3)] {adv. phr.} With great care; very carefully. * /In
order to raise healthy African violets you must treat them just so./
[just the other way] or [the other way around] {adv. phr.} Just the
opposite. * /One would have thought that Goliath would defeat David,
but it was the other way around./
[just the same] See: ALL THE SAME.
[just what the doctor ordered] {n. phr.}, {informal} Exactly what
is needed or wanted. * /"Ah! Just what the doctor ordered!" exclaimed
Joe when Mary brought him a cold soda./
[kangaroo court] {n.} A self-appointed group that decides what to
do to someone who is supposed to have done wrong. * /The Chicago mob
held a kangaroo court and shot the gangster who competed with Al
Capone./
[keel] See: ON AN EVEN KEEL.
[keel over] {v.} 1. To turn upside down; tip over; overturn. -
Usually refers to a boat. * /The strong wind made the sailboat keel
over and the passengers fell into the water./ 2. {informal} To fall
over in a faint; taint. * /It was so hot during the assembly program
that two girls who were standing on the stage keeled over./ * /When
the principal told the girl her father died, she keeled right over./
[keen about] or [on] {adj. phr.} Very enthusiastic about someone or
something. * /It is well known that Queen Elizabeth is keen on
horses./
[keep abreast (of) someone] or [something] {v. phr.} To be informed
of the latest developments. * /It is difficult to keep abreast of all
the various wars that are being waged on planet Earth./ Compare: KEEP
STEP WITH.
[keep a civil tongue in one's head] {v. phr.} To be polite in
speaking. * /He was very angry with his boss, but he kept a civil
tongue in his head./ * /The bus driver began yelling at the woman and
she told him to keep a civil tongue in his head./
[keep a close check on] See: KEEP TAB(S) ON.
[keep after] {v.}, {informal} To speak to (someone) about something
again and again; remind over and over again. * /Some pupils will do
sloppy work unless the teacher keeps after them to write neatly./ *
/Sue's mother had to keep after her to clean her bedroom./
[keep an ear to the ground] See: EAR TO THE GROUND.
[keep an eye on] or [keep one's eye on] or [have one's eye on] {v.
phr.} 1. To watch carefully; not stop paying attention to. * /Keep an
eye on the stove in case the coffee boils./ * /You must keep your eye
on the ball when you play tennis./ * /A good driver keeps his eye on
the road./ * /The teacher had her eye on me because she thought I was
cheating./ * /Billy keeps a jealous eye on his toys./ * /The lion
tamer keeps a sharp eye on the lions when he is in the cage./ Compare:
LOOK OUT, LOOK OVER. 2. To watch and do what is needed for; mind. *
/Mother told Jane to keep an eye on the baby while she was in the
store./ * /Mr. Brown told John to keep an eye on the store while he
was out./ Syn.: TAKE CARE OF(1).
[keep an eye open] or [keep an eye out for] See: KEEP AN EYE ON.
[keep an eye out] See: EYE OUT.
[keep a stiff upper lip] {v. phr.} To be brave; face trouble
bravely. * /He was very much worried about his sick daughter, but he
kept a stiff upper lip./ * /Although he was having some trouble with
the engine, the pilot kept a stiff upper lip and landed the plane
safely./ Compare: KEEP ONE'S CHIN UP.
[keep a straight face] See: STRAIGHT FACE, DEADPAN.
[keep at] {v.} To continue to do; go on with. * /Mary kept at her
homework until she finished it./ Compare: KEEP ON(1), KEEP UP(1b).
[keep away] {v. phr.} To remain at a distance from. * /Her mother
advised Diane to keep away from men offering a ride./
[keep back] {v. phr.} To refrain or be restrained from entering;
remain back. * /The police had a hard time keeping back the crowd when
the astronauts came to town after walking on the moon./
[keep body and soul together] {v. phr.} To keep alive; survive. *
/John was unemployed most of the year and hardly made enough money to
keep body and soul together./ Compare: KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR.
[keep books] {v. phr.} To keep records of money gained and spent;
do the work of a bookkeeper. * /Miss Jones keeps the company's books./
[keep company] {v. phr.} 1. To stay or go along with (someone) so
that he will not be lonely to visit with (someone). * /John kept Andy
company while his parents went to the movies./ * /I'll go shopping
with you just to keep you company./ 2. To go places together as a
couple; date just one person. * /After keeping company for one year,
Mary and John decided to marry./ * /Who is Bill keeping company with
now?/ Compare: GO STEADY.
[keep cool] {v. phr.} Remain calm; remain unexcited. * /The main
thing to remember in an emergency situation is to not lose one's head
and keep cool./
[keep down] {v.} Keep from progressing or growing; keep within
limits; control. * /The children could not keep their voices down./ *
/We hoe the garden to keep down the weeds./ * /You can't keep a good
man down./ Compare: GET AHEAD.
[keeper] See: FINDERS KEEPERS.
[keep from] {v.}, {informal} To hold yourself back from; stop or
prevent yourself from (doing something). * /Can you keep from
repeating gossip?/ * /Jill can't keep from talking about her trip./ -
Usually used with "can" in the negative. * /You can't keep from liking
Jim./ Compare: CAN HELP.
[keep good time] See: KEEP TIME.
[keep house(1)] {v. phr.} To do the necessary things in a
household; do the cooking and cleaning. * /Since their mother died,
Mary and her brother keep house for their father./
[keep house(2)] also [play house] {v. phr.}, {informal} To live
together without being married. * /Bob and Nancy keep house these
days./
[keeping] See: IN KEEPING, OUT OF KEEPING.
[keep in mind] See: IN MIND.
[keep in touch with] {v. phr.} To remain in communication with;
maintain contact with. * /Don't forget to keep in touch, either by
letter or phone, when you're in Europe!/
[keep late hours] {v. phr.} To go to bed late; habitually stay up
(and work) late. * /"If you always keep such late hours, your health
might suffer," Tom's doctor said./
[keep off] {v. phr.} To refrain from entering; stay away from. *
/"Keep off the grass," the sign in the park indicated./
[keep on] {v.} 1. To go ahead; not stop; continue. * /The neighbors
asked them to stop making noise, but they kept right on./ * /Columbus
kept on until he saw land./ - Often used before a present participle.
* /Relentlessly, the boy kept on asking about the birds and the bees./
* /The boy kept on talking even though the teacher had asked him to
stop./ Syn.: GO ON. Compare: KEEP AT, KEEP UP. 2. To allow to continue
working for you. * /The new owner kept Fred on as gardener./
[keep one at a distance] or [keep one at arm's length] {v. phr.} To
avoid (someone's) company; not become too friendly toward. * /Mr.
Smith is kind to the workers in his store but after work he keeps them
at a distance./ * /Betty likes Bill and is trying to be friendly, but
he keeps her at arm's length./ Compare: KEEP ONE'S DISTANCE, HOLD
OFF(1a).
[keep (one) posted] {v. phr.} To receive current information;
inform oneself. * /My associates phoned me every day and kept me
posted on new developments in our business./
[keep one's balance] {v. phr.} To stay even-tempered; not become
overexcited. * /Mike has the best personality to run our office; he
always keeps his balance./ Contrast: LOSE ONE'S BALANCE.
[keep one's chin up] {v. phr.} To be brave; be determined; face
trouble with courage. * /He didn't think that he would ever get out of
the jungle alive, but he kept his chin up./ Compare: KEEP A STIFF
UPPER LIP.
[keep one's distance] {v. phr.} To be cool toward someone; avoid
being friendly. * /Mary did not like her co-worker, Betty, and kept
her distance from her./ Compare: KEEP ONE AT A DISTANCE.
[keep one's end up] See: HOLD ONE'S END UP.
[keep one's eye on] See: KEEP AN EYE ON.
[keep one's eye on the ball] {v. phr.} 1. To watch the ball at all
times in a sport, usually in order to hit it or get it; not stop
watching the ball. * /Keep your eye on the baseball or you won't be
able to hit it./ 2. {informal} To be watchful and ready; be wide-awake
and ready to win or succeed; be smart. * /Tom is just starting on the
job but if he keeps his eye on the ball, he will be promoted./
Compare: ON THE BALL, KEEP AN EYE ON or KEEP ONE'S EYE ON or HAVE
ONE'S EYE ON.
[keep one's eyes open] See: EYES OPEN.
[keep one's eyes peeled] or [keep one's eyes skinned] {v. phr.},
{informal} To watch carefully; be always looking. * /The bird-watcher
kept his eyes peeled for bluebirds./ * /When the boys walked through
the roads, they kept their eyes skinned for snakes./ Compare: EYES
OPEN(1), EYE OUT.
[keep one's feet] {v. phr.} To keep from falling or slipping down;
keep your balance; remain standing. * /The boy stumbled on the stairs
but was able to keep his feet./ Compare: REGAIN ONE'S FEET.
[keep one's feet on the ground] See: FEET ON THE GROUND.
[keep one's fingers crossed] See: CROSS ONE'S FINGERS(1b).
[keep one's hand in] {v. phr.} To keep in practice; continue to
take part. * /After he retired from teaching, Mr. Brown kept his hand
in by giving a lecture once in a while./ * /Mr. Smith left the
planning of the trip to his wife, but he kept his hand in, too./
Compare: KEEP UP.
[keep one's head] also [keep one's wits about one] {v. phr.} To
stay calm when there is trouble or danger. * /When Tim heard the fire
alarm he kept his head and looked for the nearest exit./ Compare:
COUNT TO TEN. Contrast: LOSE ONE'S HEAD.
[keep one's head above water] {v. phr.} To remain solvent; manage
to stay out of debt. * /Herb's income declined so drastically that he
now has difficulty keeping his head above water./
[keep one's mouth shut] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be or stay silent.
- A rude expression when used as a command. * /When the crooks were
captured by the police, their leader warned them to keep their mouths
shut./ * /Charles began to tell Barry how to kick the ball, and Barry
said angrily, "Keep your mouth shut!"/ Syn.: SHUT UP(1).
[keep one's nose clean] {v. phr.}, {slang} To stay out of trouble;
do only what you should do. * /The boss said Jim could have the job as
long as he kept his nose clean and worked hard./ * /The policeman
warned the boys to keep their noses clean unless they wanted to go to
jail./ Compare: STEER CLEAR OF(2).
[keep one's nose to the grindstone] or [have one's nose to the
grindstone] or [hold one's nose to the grindstone] {v. phr.},
{informal} To work hard all the time; keep busy with boring or
tiresome work. * /Sarah keeps her nose to the grindstone and saves as
much as possible to start her own business./
[keep one's own counsel] {v. phr.}, {formal} To keep your ideas and
plans to yourself. * /John listened to what everyone had to say in the
discussion, but he kept his own counsel./ * /Although everybody gave
Mrs. O'Connor advice about what to do with her house, she kept her own
counsel./
[keep one's shirt on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To calm down; keep from
losing your temper or getting impatient or excited. * /Bob got very
angry when John accidentally bumped into him, but John told him to
keep his shirt on./ - Usually used as a command; may be considered
impolite. * /John said to Bob, "Keep your shirt on."/ Contrast: GET
ONE'S DANDER UP.
[keep one's temper] See: HOLD ONE'S TEMPER.
[keep one's weather eye open] See: WEATHER EYE.
[keep one's wits about one] See: KEEP ONE'S HEAD.
[keep one's word] {v. phr.} To do what one has promised; fulfill
one's promise. * /Paul kept his word and paid me the $250 that he owed
me right on time./
[keep on the good side of] See: ON ONE'S GOOD SIDE.
[keep open house] {v. phr.} To offer hospitality and entertain
those who come at any given time on a certain day or afternoon. *
/Beth and Charlie have a cottage by the lake where they keep open
house on Saturday afternoons during the summer./
[keep out (of)] {v. phr.} 1. To stay out; remain out of. * /The
sign on the fence said, "Danger! Keep out!"/ 2. To stave off; not
allow in. * /The border patrol near El Paso, Texas, is trying to keep
illegal immigrants out of the United States./
[keep pace] {v. phr.} To go as fast; go at the same rate; not get
really in the groove./
[in the hole] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1a. Having a score
lower than zero in a game, especially a card game; to a score below
zero. * /John went three points in the hole on the first hand of the
card game./ 1b. Behind an opponent; in difficulty in a sport or game.
* /We had their pitcher in the hole with the bases full and no one
out./ Compare: ON THE SPOT. 2. In debt; behind financially. * /John
went in the hole with his hot dog stand./ * /It's a lot easier to get
in the hole than to get out again./ Compare: IN A HOLE, IN THE RED.
Contrast: OUT OF THE HOLE.
[in the know] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Knowing about things that
most people do not know about; knowing secrets or understanding a
special subject. * /Tina helped Professor Smith make some of the exam
questions, and she felt important to be in the know./ * /In a print
shop, Mr. Harvey is in the know, but in a kitchen he can't even cook
an egg./ Compare: GET WISE. Contrast: IN THE DARK.
[in the lap of luxury] {adv. phr.} Well supplied with luxuries;
having most things that money can buy. * /Mike grew up in the lap of
luxury./ Compare: ON EASY STREET, WELL-TO-DO.
[in the lap of the gods] also [on the knees of the gods] {adv.
phr.}, {literary} Beyond human control; not to be decided by anyone. *
/Frank had worked hard as a candidate, and as election day came he
felt that the result was in the lap of the gods./ * /The armies were
evenly matched and the result of the battle seemed to be on the knees
of the gods./
[in the least] {adv. phr.} Even a little; in any degree or amount.
- Used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. * /Sue
did not understand physics in the least./ * /Are you in the least
interested in sewing?/ * /Mother won't be upset if you come for
supper; I'll be surprised if she cares in the least./ * /Mike was not
upset in the least by the storm./ * /It is no trouble to help you. Not
in the least./ Compare: AT ALL.
[in the line of duty] {adj. phr.} Done or happening as part of a
job. * /The policeman was shot in the line of duty./ * /The soldier
had to clean his rifle in the line of duty./
[in the long run] {adv. phr.} In the end; in the final result. *
/John knew that lie could make a success of the little weekly paper in
the long run./ * /You may make good grades by studying only before
examinations, but you will succeed in the long run only by studying
hard every day./
[in the lurch] See: LEAVE IN THE LURCH.
[in the main] {adv. phr.}, {formal} In most cases; generally;
usually. * /In the main, small boys and dogs are good friends./ * /In
the main, the pupils did well on the test./
[in the market for] {adj. phr.} Wishing to buy; ready to buy. *
/Mr. Jones is in the market for a new car./ * /People are always in
the market for entertainment./
[in the middle] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In between two sides of an
argument; caught between two dangers. * /Mary found herself in the
middle of the quarrel between Joyce and Ethel./ * /John promised Tom
to go fishing, but his father wanted him to help at home. John was in
the middle./
[in the middle of nowhere] {adv. phr.} In a deserted, faraway
place. * /When my car stopped on the highway in the middle of nowhere,
it took forever to get help./
[in the money] See: IN THE CHIPS.
[in the mood (for)] {adj. phr.} 1. Interested in doing something. *
/Sorry, I'm just not in the mood for a heavy dinner tonight./ 2.
Feeling sexy. * /I am sorry, darling, I am just not in the mood
tonight./
[in the mouth] See: LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH.
[in the neck] See: CATCH IT IN THE NECK or GET IT IN THE NECK.
[in the nick of time] {adv. phr.} Just at the right time; barely
soon enough; almost too late. * /The doctor arrived in the nick of
time to save the child from choking to death./ * /Joe saw the other
car in the nick of time./ Compare: IN TIME.
[in the pink] or [in the pink of condition] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
In excellent health; strong and well; in fine shape. * /Mr. Merrick
had aged well; he was one of those old men who always seem in the pink
of condition./ * /After a practice and a rubdown, Joe felt in the
pink./
[in the --- place] {adv. phr.} As the (first or second or third,
etc.) thing in order or importance; first, second, or third, etc. -
Used with "first", "second", "third", and other ordinal numbers. *
/No, you cannot go swimming. In the first place, the water is too
cold; and, in the second place, there is not time enough before
dinner./ * /Stealing is wrong, in the first place, because it hurts
others, and, in the second place, because it hurts you./ Compare: FOR
ONE THING.
[in the prime of life] {adv. phr.} At the peak of one's creative
abilities; during the most productive years. * /Poor John lost his job
due to restructuring when he was in the prime of his life./
[in the public eye] {adj. phr.} Widely known; often seen in public
activity; much in the news. * /The senator's activity kept him in the
public eye./ * /A big league ballplayer is naturally much in the
public eye./
[in the raw] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. In the simplest or most
natural way; with no frills. * /Henry enjoyed going into the woods and
living life in the raw./ 2. {informal} Without any clothing; naked. *
/In the summer the boys slept in the raw./
[in the red] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In an unprofitable
way; so as to lose money. * /A large number of American radio stations
operate in the red./ * /A rich man who has a farm or ranch often runs
it in the red, but makes his money with his factory or business./
Contrast: IN THE BLACK. (From the fact that people who keep business
records usually write in red ink how much money they lose and in black
ink how much money they gain.)
[in the right] {adj. phr.} With moral or legal right or truth on
your side; in agreement with justice, truth, or fact; correct. * /When
the cars collided, John was clearly in the right./ * /In going before
his wife down the stairs, Mr. Franklin was in the right./ * /In many
disputes, it is hard to say who is in the right./ Contrast: IN THE
WRONG.
[in the rough] See: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.
[in the running] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Having a chance to win; not
to be counted out; among those who might win. * /At the beginning of
the last lap of the race, only two horses were still in the running./
* /A month before Joyce married Hal, three of Joyce's boyfriends
seemed to be still in the running./ * /Al was in the running for the
trophy until the last hole of the golf tournament./ Contrast: OUT OF
THE RUNNING.
[in the saddle] adv. or {adj. phr.} In command; in control; in a
position to order or boss others. * /Mr. Park was in the saddle when
he had over half the company's stock./ * /Getting appointed chief
of police put Stevens in the saddle./
[in the same boat] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In the same trouble; in
the same fix; in the same bad situation. * /When the town's one
factory closed and hundreds of people lost their jobs, all the
storekeepers were in the same boat./ * /Dick was disappointed when
Fern refused to marry him, but he knew others were in the same boat./
[in the same breath] {adv. phr.} 1. At the same time; without
waiting. * /John would complain about hard times, and in the same
breath boast of his prize-winning horses./ * /Jane said Bill was
selfish, but in the same breath she said she was sorry to see him
leave./ 2. In the same class; in as high a group. - Usually used in
the negative with "mention", "speak", or "talk". * /Mary is a good
swimmer, but she should not be mentioned in the same breath with
Joan./
[in the same place] See: LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME
PLACE.
[in the sand] See: HIDE ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND.
[in the second place] See: IN THE --- PLACE.
[in the short run] {adv. phr.} In the immediate future. * /We are
leasing a car in the short run; later we might buy one./ Contrast: IN
THE LONG RUN.
[in the soup] {adj. phr.}, {slang} In serious trouble; in
confusion; in disorder. * /When his wife overdrew their bank account
without telling him, Mr. Phillips suddenly found himself really in the
soup./ * /The police misunderstood Harry's night errand, and arrested
him, which put him in the soup with the boss./
[in the spotlight] {adv. phr.} In the center of attention, with
everybody watching what one is doing. * /It must be difficult for the
President to be in the spotlight wherever he goes./ Compare: IN THE
LIMELIGHT.
[in the swim] {adj. phr.} Doing the same things that other people
are doing; following the fashion (as in business or social affairs);
busy with what most people are doing. * /Jim found some college
friends at the lake that summer, and soon was in the swim of things./
* /Mary went to New York with introductions to writers and artists,
and that winter she was quite in the swim./ Contrast: OUT OF THE SWIM.
[in the third place] See: IN THE --- PLACE.
[in the till] See: ROB THE TILL or HAVE ONE'S HAND IN THE TILL.
[in the twinkling of an eye] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.
[in the wake of] {prep.}, {literary} As a result of; right after;
following. * /Many troubles follow in the wake of war./ * /There were
heavy losses of property in the wake of the flood./
[in the way] See: IN ONE'S WAY.
[in the way of] See: PUT IN THE WAY OF.
[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 friends knew that marriage was in the
wind./ Compare: IN THE AIR(1).
[in the works] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In preparation; being planned
or worked on; in progress. * /John was told that the paving of his
street was in the works./ * /It was reported that the playwright had a
new play in the works./ * /The manager told the employees that a raise
in wages was in the works./ Compare: UNDER WAY.
[in the world] or [on earth] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Of all
possible things; ever. - Usually used for emphasis after words that
ask questions, as "who", "why", "what", etc. * /Where in the world did
you find that necktie?/ * /The boys wondered how on earth the mouse
got out of the cage./ * /Betty could not understand what on earth the
teacher meant./
[in the wrong] {adj. phr.} With moral or legal right or truth
against you; against justice, truth, or fact; wrong. * /In attacking a
smaller boy, Jack was plainly in the wrong./ * /Mary was in the wrong
to drink from a finger bowl./ * /Since he had put pennies behind the
fuses, Bill was in the wrong when fire broke out./ Compare: OUT OF THE
WAY. Contrast: IN THE RIGHT.
[in time] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Soon enough. * /We got to
Washington in time for the cherry blossoms./ * /We got to the station
just in time to catch the bus./ * /John liked to get to work in good
time and talk. to the man who worked on his machine before him./ 2. In
the end; after a while; finally. * /Fred and Jim did not like each
other at first, but in time they became friends./ 3. In the right
rhythm; in step. * /The marchers kept in time with the band./ *
/Johnny didn't play his piano piece in time./
[into account] See: TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.
[into a nose dive] See: oo INTO A TAIL SPIN or GO INTO A NOSE DIVE.
[into a tail spin] See: GO INTO A TAIL SPIN.
[into commission] See: IN COMMISSION.
[into effect] {adv. phr.} Into use or operation. * /The new rule
was put into effect at once./ * /The judge ordered the old suspended
penalty into effect./
[into hot water] See: HOT WATER.
[into line] {adv. phr.} 1. Into agreement. * /The department's
spending was brought into line with the budget./ 2. Under control. *
/Independent congressmen were brought into line by warnings that jobs
for their friends would be kept back./ * /The players who had broken
training rules fell into line when the coach warned them that they
would he put off the team./
[into one's blood] See: IN ONE'S BLOOD.
[into one's head] See: BEAT INTO ONE'S HEAD, TAKE INTO ONE'S HEAD.
[into one's own] See: COME INTO ONE'S OWN.
[into one's own hands] See: TAKE THE LAW INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS.
[into one's shell] See: IN ONE'S SHELL.
[into one's shoes] See: STEP INTO ONE'S SHOES.
[into practice] See: IN PRACTICE.
[into question] {adv. phr.} Into doubt or argument. - Usually used
with "call", "bring" or "come". * /This soldier's courage has never
been called into question./ * /If a boy steals, his parents' teaching
comes into question./
[into the bargain] See: IN THE BARGAIN.
[into the fire] See: OUT OP THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE.
[into the ground] See: RUN INTO THE GROUND.
[into the hands of] See: PLAY INTO THE HANDS OF.
[into thin air] {adv. phr.} Without anything left; completely. *
/When Bob returned to the room, he was surprised to find that his
books had vanished into thin air./ Compare: OUT OF THIN AIR.
[in toto] {adv. phr.} As a whole; in its entirety; totally;
altogether. * /The store refused the advertising agency's suggestion
in toto./ * /They bought the newspaper business in toto./ * /The
paving job was accepted in toto./ (Latin, meaning "in the whole.")
[in touch] {adj. phr.} Talking or writing to each other; giving and
getting news. * /John kept in touch with his school friends during the
summer./ * /Police anywhere in the U.S. can get in touch instantly
with any other police department by teletype./ * /The man claimed to
be in touch with people on another planet./ Compare: KEEP TRACK.
Contrast: OUT OF TOUCH.
[in tow] {adj. phr.} 1. Being pulled. * /The tugboat had the large
ocean liner in tow as they came into the harbor./ * /An engine came
with a long string of cars in tow./ 2. Being taken from place to
place; along with someone. * /Janet took the new girl in tow and
showed her where to go./ * /Mrs. Hayes went to the supermarket with
her four little children in tow./
[in trust] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In safe care for another. * /The
money was held by the hank in trust for the widow./ * /At his death
Mr. Brown left a large sum in trust for his son until he was
twenty-five./
[in tune] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. At the proper musical pitch;
high or low enough in sound. * /The piano is in tune./ 2. Going well
together; in agreement; matching; agreeable. - Often used with "with".
* /In his new job, John felt in tune with his surroundings and his
associates./ Contrast: OUT OF TUNE.
[in turn] {adv. phr.} According to a settled order; each following
another. * /Each man in turn got up and spoke./ * /Two teachers
supervised the lunch hour in turn./ * /Two of the three boys tease
their younger brother - John, the biggest, teases Bob, the middle boy;
and Bob in turn teases Tim, the youngest./ Compare: IN ORDER.
[in two] {adv. phr.} Into two parts or pieces; into two divisions.
* /John and Mary pulled on the wishbone until it came in two./ *
/There was only one piece of cake, but we cut it in two./ Syn.: IN
HALF.
[in two shakes of a lamb's tail] {adv.}, {informal} Quickly; in no
time at all. * /I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail./
[in --- up to the] See: UP TO THE --- IN.
[in vain] {adv. phr.} 1. Without effect; without getting the
desired result; without success. * /The drowning man called in vain
for help./ * /To cry over spilled milk is to cry in vain./ Compare: GO
FOR NOTHING, NO USE. 2. See: TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN.
[in view] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In sight; visible. * /We came
around a bend and there was the ocean in view./ 2. As a purpose, hope,
or expectation. * /John had his son's education in view when he began
to save money./ * /The end that we must keep always in view is peace
with justice./ Compare: EYE TO.
[in view of] {prep.} After thinking about; because of. * /Schools
were closed for the day in view of the heavy snowstorm./ * /In view of
rising labor costs, many companies have turned to automation./ Syn.:
IN THE LIGHT OF.
[in virtue of] See: BY VIRTUE OF.
[in wait] See: LIE IN WAIT.
[in with] {prep.} In friendship, favor, or closeness with; in the
trust or liking of. * /We trusted on Byrd's being in with the mayor,
not knowing that the mayor no longer liked him./ * /It took the new
family some time to get in with their neighbors./
[I.O.U.] {adj. phr.} I owe you, abbreviated; a promissory note. *
/I had to borrow some money from John and, in order to remind both of
us, I wrote him an I.O.U. note for $250./
[Irish] See: GET ONE'S DANDER UP or GET ONE'S IRISH UP.
[iron horse] {n.}, {informal} A railroad locomotive; the engine of
a railroad train. * /In its first days, the iron horse frightened many
people as it roared across country scattering sparks./
[iron in the fire] {n. phr.} Something you are doing; one of the
projects with which a person is busy; job, * /John had a number of
irons in the fire, and he managed to keep all of them hot./ - Usually
used in the phrase "too many irons in the fire". * /"Ed has a dozen
things going all the time, but none of them seem to work out." "No
wonder. He has too many irons in the fire."/
[iron out] {v.}, {informal} To discuss and reach an agreement about
(a difference); find a solution for (a problem); remove (a
difficulty). * /The company and its workers ironed out their
differences over hours and pay./ * /The House and Senate ironed out
the differences between their two different tax bills./ Compare: MAKE
UP(5).
[is] See: SUCH AS IT IS, THAT IS.
[island] See: SAFETY ISLAND.
[issue] See: AT ISSUE, TAKE ISSUE.
[is that so] {informal} 1. Oh, indeed? That's interesting. - Used
in simple acceptance or reply. * /"The Republicans have pulled a trick
at city hall." "Is that so?"/ 2. Surely not? - Used in disbelief or
sarcasm. * /"The moon is made of green cheese." "Is that so?"/ * /"I'm
going to take your girlfriend to the dance," said Bob. "Oh, is that
so!" said Dick. "Try it and you'll be sorry."/
[itching palm] {n.}, {slang} A wish for money; greed. * /He was
born with an itching palm./ * /The bellboys in that hotel seem always
to have itching palms./
[I tell you] See: I'LL SAY.
[I tell you what] See: I'LL TELL YOU WHAT.
[item] See: COLLECTOR'S ITEM, CONSUMER ITEMS.
[it figures] {informal sentence} It checks out; it makes sense; it
adds up. * /It figures that Bob got the highest raise at our firm; he
is the most productive salesman./
[it is an ill wind that blows nobody good] No matter how bad a
happening is, someone can usually gain something from it. - A proverb.
* /When Fred got hurt in the game John got a chance to play. It's an
ill wind that blows nobody good./
[it never rains but it pours] One good thing or bad thing is often
followed by others of the same kind. - A proverb, * /John got sick,
then his brothers and sisters all got sick. It never rains but it
pours./
[it's a cinch] {informal sentence} It is very easy. * /"What about
the final exam?" Fred asked. "It was a cinch" Sam answered./ Compare:
PIECE OF CAKE.
[it's a deal] {informal sentence} Consider it done; OK; it is
agreed. * /"How much for this used car?" Bill asked. "Two thousand,"
the man answered. "I'll give $1,500," Bill said. "It's a deal!" the
owner answered as they sealed the transaction./
[it's been ---, it's been real] {informal} Shortened form for "it
has been real nice (being with you)" - used colloquially between very
close friends.
[itself] See: END IN ITSELF.
[it's high time] {informal sentence} It is overdue. * /It is high
time for John Browning to be promoted to full professor; he has
written a great deal but his books went unnoticed./
[Ivy League] {n.} A small group of the older and more famous
eastern U.S. colleges and universities. * /Several Ivy League teams
play each other regularly each year./ * /Harvard, Yale, and Princeton
were the original Ivy League./
[Jack] See: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY.
[jack] See: EVERY LAST MAN also EVERY MAN JACK.
[jack of all trades] {n.}, {informal} (Often followed by the words
"master of none.") A person who is knowledgeable in many areas. Can be
used as praise, or as a derogatory remark depending on the context and
the intonation. * /Peter is a jack of all trades; he can survive
anywhere!/ * /"How come Joe did such a sloppy job?" Mary asked. "He's
a jack of all trades," Sally answered./
[jackpot] See: HIT THE JACKPOT.
[jack-rabbit start] {n.}, {informal} A very sudden start from a
still position; a very fast start from a stop. * /Bob made a
jack-rabbit start when the traffic light turned green./
[Jack Robinson] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.
[jack up] {v.} 1. To lift with a jack. * /The man jacked up his car
to fit a flat tire./ 2. {informal} To make (a price) higher; raise. *
/Just before Christmas, some stores jack up their prices./
[jailbait] {n.}, {slang} A girl below the legal age of consent for
sex; one who tempts you to intimacy which is punishable by
imprisonment. * /Stay away from Arabella, she is a jailbait./
[jailbird] {n.}, {informal} A convict; someone who is in jail or
has been recently released from prison. * /Because Harry was a
jailbird, it was understandably hard for him to find a job after being
imprisoned./
[jake flake] {n.}, {slang} A boring person whose company is usually
not wanted. * /Please don't invite Turner, he is a jake flake./
[jar on] {v. phr.} To irritate. * /The constant construction noise
was beginning to jar on the nerves of the members of the meeting./
[jaw] See: GLASS JAW.
[jawbreaker] {n.} 1. A large piece of hard candy or bubblegum. *
/Billy asked his mother for a quarter to buy some jawbreakers and a
chocolate bar./ 2. [informal] A word or name that is hard to
pronounce. * /His name, Nissequogue, is a real jawbreaker./
[jaw drop] or [jaw drop a mile] {informal} Mouth fall wide open
with surprise. - Used with a possessive. * /Tom's jaw dropped a mile
when he won the prize./
[jaws tight] {adj.}, {slang}, {informal} Angry; uptight; tense. *
/Why are you getting your jaws so tight?/
[jazz up] {v.}, {slang} To brighten up; add more noise, movement,
or color; make more lively or exciting. * /The party was very dull
until Pete jazzed it up with his drums./
[Jehu] See: DRIVE LIKE JEHU.
[jerk] or [jerker] See: SODA JERK or SODA JERKER.
[jerry-built] {adj.} 1. Built poorly or carelessly of cheap
materials; easily broken. * /That jerry-built cabin will blow apart in
a strong wind./ 2. Done without careful preparation or thought;
planned too quickly. * /When the regular television program didn't
come on, a jerry-built program was substituted at the last minute./
[Jesus boots] or [Jesus shoes] {n.}, {slang} Men's sandals,
particularly as worn by hippies and very casually dressed people. * /I
dig your Jesus boots, man, they look cool./
[jig's up] See: GAME'S UP.
[jim-dandy] {n.}, {slang} Something wonderful; something very good.
* /Tommy's new boat is really a jim-dandy! I wish I had one like it./
[jink] See: HIGH JINKS.
[job] See: DO A JOB ON, FALL DOWN ON THE JOB, LIE DOWN ON THE JOB,
ON THE JOB.
[Joe Doakes] {n.} A name used informally for the average man. *
/Let us say that Joe Doakes goes to the movies three times a year./
Compare: MAN IN THE STREET, SO-AND-SO.
[John Doe] {n.} A name used for an unknown person, especially in
police and law business. * /The alarm went out for a John Doe who
stole the diamonds from the store./
[John Hancock] or [John Henry] {n.}, {informal} Your signature;
your name in writing. * /The man said, "Put your John Hancock on this
paper."/ * /Joe felt proud when he put his John Henry on his very
first driver's license./
[Johnny-come-lately] {n.} Someone new in a place or group;
newcomer; also: a new person who takes an active part in group affairs
before tlie group has accepted him; upstart. * /Everybody was amazed
when a Johnny-come-lately beat the old favorite in the race./ * /When
it looked as though Mr. Brown had a good chance of winning, many
Johnny-come-latelies began to support him./
[Johnny-on-the-spot] {adj. phr.} At the right place when needed;
present and ready to help; very prompt; on time. * /A good waterboy is
always Johnny-on-the-spot./ * /The firemen were Johnny-on-the-spot and
put out the fire in the house soon after it started./ Compare: ON THE
JOB.
[John Q. Public] {n.} A name used informally for the average
citizen. * /It is John Q. Public's duty to vote at each election./
Compare: JOE DOAKES.
[join forces] or [join hands] {v. phr.} To get together for the
same aim; group together for a purpose; unite. * /The students and the
graduates joined forces to raise money when the gym burned down./ *
/The American soldiers joined hands with the British in the war
against Germany./ Compare: THROW IN ONE'S LOT WITH.
[join hands] See: JOIN FORCES.
[joint] See: CLIP JOINT, PUT ONE'S NOSE OUT OF JOINT.
[joke] See: CRACK A JOKE.
[joking apart] See: JOKING ASIDE.
[joking aside] or [joking apart] {v. phr.}, {informal} No fooling;
without exaggerating: seriously. * /Joking aside, although the
conditions were not very comfortable, we had a wonderful time./ *
/Joking apart, there must have been over a hundred people in the
room./
[Jones] See: KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES.
[jot down] {v. phr.} To quickly commit to writing; make a quick
note of something. * /Let me jot down your address so that I can send
you a postcard from Europe./
[judgment seat] {n.} A place where you are judged; a place where
justice and punishment are given out. * /Mrs. Smith is so bossy, she
always acts as though she is in the judgment seat./
[jug-eared] {adj.} With ears that stick out like the handles of a
jug. * /Tommy was a redheaded, freckle-faced, jug-eared boy./
[juice] See: STEW IN ONE'S OWN JUICE.
[juice dealer] {n.}, {slang} An underworld money lender who charges
exorbitant fees to his clientele and frequently collects payment by
physical force. * /No matter how broke you are, never go to a juice
dealer./
[jump] See: GET THE JUMP ON or HAVE THE JUMP ON, GO JUMP IN THE
LAKE, NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN or NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO JUMP.
[jump all over] See: JUMP ON.
[jump at] {v.} To take or accept quickly and gladly. * /Johnny
jumped at the invitation to go swimming with his brother./ Compare:
TAKE UP(7).
[jump bail] or [skip bail] {v. phr.}, {informal} To run away and
fail to come to trial, and so to give up a certain amount of money
already given to a court of law to hold with the promise that you
would come. * /The robber paid $2000 bail so he wouldn't be put in
jail before his trial, but he jumped bail and escaped to Mexico./ *
/The man skipped bail because he was afraid the court might put him in
jail for a long time./
[jump ball] {n.} The starting of play in basketball by tossing the
ball into the air between two opposing players, each of whom jumps and
tries to hit the ball to a member of his own team. * /Two players held
onto the ball at the same time and the referee called a jump ball./
[jump down one's throat] {v. phr.} To suddenly become very angry at
someone; scold severely or angrily. * /The teacher jumped down Billy's
throat when Billy said he did not do his homework./
[jump from the frying pan into the fire] See: OUT OP THE FRYING PAN
INTO THE FIRE.
[jumping-off place] {n. phr.} 1. A place so far away that it seems
to be the end of the world. * /Columbus' sailors were afraid they
would arrive at the jumping-off place if they sailed farther west./ *
/So you visited Little America? That sounds like the jumping-off
place!/ 2. The starting place of a long, hard trip or of something
difficult or dangerous. * /The jumping-off place for the explorer's
trip through the jungle was a little village./
[jump on] or [jump all over] or [land on] or [land all over] {v.
phr.}, {informal} To scold; criticize; blame. * /Tom's boss jumped all
over Tom because he made a careless mistake./ * /Janice landed on
Robert for dressing carelessly for their date./ * /"I don't know why
Bill is always jumping on me; I just don't understand him," said Bob./
Compare: FIND FAULT, GET ON, LAY OUT(7).
[jump on the bandwagon] or [get on the bandwagon] {v. phr.},
{informal} To join a popular cause or movement. * /At the last
possible moment, the senator jumped on the winning candidate's
bandwagon./
[jump out of one's skin] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be badly
frightened; be very much surprised. * /The lightning struck so close
to Bill that he almost jumped out of his skin./ Compare: HAIR STAND ON
END.
[jump pass] {n.} A pass (as in football or basketball) made by a
player while jumping. * /The Bruins scored when the quarterback tossed
a jump pass to the left end./
[jump the gun] also [beat the gun] {v. phr.} 1. To start before the
starter's gun in a race. * /The runners were called back because one
of them jumped the gun./ 2. {informal} To start before you should;
start before anyone else. * /The new students were not supposed to
come before noon, but one boy jumped the gun and came to school at
eight in the morning./ * /The students planned to say happy birthday
to the principal when the teacher raised her hand, but Sarah jumped
the gun and said it when he came into the room./
[jump the traces] See: KICK OVER THE TRACES.
[jump the track] {v. phr.} 1. To go off rails; go or run the wrong
way. * /The train jumped the track and there was a terrible accident./
* /The pulley of the clothesline jumped the track and Mother's washing
fell down./ 2. {informal} To change from one thought or idea to
another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are
talking about to something different. * /Bob didn't finish his algebra
homework because his mind kept jumping the track to think about the
new girl in class./ Compare: OFF THE TRACK.
[jump through a hoop] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do whatever you are
told to do; obey any order. * /Bob would jump through a hoop for
Mary./ Compare: TWIST AROUND ONE'S LITTLE FINGER, UNDER ONE'S THUMB.
[jump to a conclusion] {v. phr.} To decide too quickly or without
thinking or finding the facts. * /Jerry saw his dog limping on a
bloody leg and jumped to the conclusion that it had been shot./
Contrast: LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.
[junked up] {adj.} or {v. phr.}, {slang}, {drug culture} To be
under the influence of drugs, especially heroine. * /You can't talk to
Billy, he's all junked up./
[just about] {adv.}, {informal} Nearly; almost; practically. *
/Just about everyone in town came to hear the mayor speak./ * /The
dress came down to just about the middle of her knee./ * /Has Mary
finished peeling the potatoes? Just about./
[just for the fun of it] {adv. phr.} Merely as a matter of
amusement. * /"I'll bring a goat to class," Bob said to his
classmates, "just for the fun of it; I want to see what kind of a face
Professor Brown will make."/
[just for the hell of it] See: JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT.
[justice] See: DO JUSTICE TO.
[just in case] {adv. phr.} For an emergency; in order to be
protected. * /"Here are my house keys. Sue," Tom said. "I'll be back
in two weeks, but you should have them, just in case..."/ See: IN
CASE.
[just in time] See: IN TIME.
[just now] {adv. phr.} 1. Just at this moment; at this time. * /Mr.
Johnson isn't here just now. Will you phone back later? 2./ {informal}
A very short time ago; only a moment ago; only a little while ago. *
/"Where could that boy have gone so quickly? He was here just now!"/
Compare: WHILE AGO.
[just so(1)] {adj.} Exact; exactly right. * /Mrs. Robinson likes to
keep her house just so, and she makes the children take off their
shoes when they come in the house./
[just so(2)] {conj.} Provided; if. * /Take as much food as you
want, just so you don't waste any food./ Syn.: AS LONG AS(2).
[just so(3)] {adv. phr.} With great care; very carefully. * /In
order to raise healthy African violets you must treat them just so./
[just the other way] or [the other way around] {adv. phr.} Just the
opposite. * /One would have thought that Goliath would defeat David,
but it was the other way around./
[just the same] See: ALL THE SAME.
[just what the doctor ordered] {n. phr.}, {informal} Exactly what
is needed or wanted. * /"Ah! Just what the doctor ordered!" exclaimed
Joe when Mary brought him a cold soda./
[kangaroo court] {n.} A self-appointed group that decides what to
do to someone who is supposed to have done wrong. * /The Chicago mob
held a kangaroo court and shot the gangster who competed with Al
Capone./
[keel] See: ON AN EVEN KEEL.
[keel over] {v.} 1. To turn upside down; tip over; overturn. -
Usually refers to a boat. * /The strong wind made the sailboat keel
over and the passengers fell into the water./ 2. {informal} To fall
over in a faint; taint. * /It was so hot during the assembly program
that two girls who were standing on the stage keeled over./ * /When
the principal told the girl her father died, she keeled right over./
[keen about] or [on] {adj. phr.} Very enthusiastic about someone or
something. * /It is well known that Queen Elizabeth is keen on
horses./
[keep abreast (of) someone] or [something] {v. phr.} To be informed
of the latest developments. * /It is difficult to keep abreast of all
the various wars that are being waged on planet Earth./ Compare: KEEP
STEP WITH.
[keep a civil tongue in one's head] {v. phr.} To be polite in
speaking. * /He was very angry with his boss, but he kept a civil
tongue in his head./ * /The bus driver began yelling at the woman and
she told him to keep a civil tongue in his head./
[keep a close check on] See: KEEP TAB(S) ON.
[keep after] {v.}, {informal} To speak to (someone) about something
again and again; remind over and over again. * /Some pupils will do
sloppy work unless the teacher keeps after them to write neatly./ *
/Sue's mother had to keep after her to clean her bedroom./
[keep an ear to the ground] See: EAR TO THE GROUND.
[keep an eye on] or [keep one's eye on] or [have one's eye on] {v.
phr.} 1. To watch carefully; not stop paying attention to. * /Keep an
eye on the stove in case the coffee boils./ * /You must keep your eye
on the ball when you play tennis./ * /A good driver keeps his eye on
the road./ * /The teacher had her eye on me because she thought I was
cheating./ * /Billy keeps a jealous eye on his toys./ * /The lion
tamer keeps a sharp eye on the lions when he is in the cage./ Compare:
LOOK OUT, LOOK OVER. 2. To watch and do what is needed for; mind. *
/Mother told Jane to keep an eye on the baby while she was in the
store./ * /Mr. Brown told John to keep an eye on the store while he
was out./ Syn.: TAKE CARE OF(1).
[keep an eye open] or [keep an eye out for] See: KEEP AN EYE ON.
[keep an eye out] See: EYE OUT.
[keep a stiff upper lip] {v. phr.} To be brave; face trouble
bravely. * /He was very much worried about his sick daughter, but he
kept a stiff upper lip./ * /Although he was having some trouble with
the engine, the pilot kept a stiff upper lip and landed the plane
safely./ Compare: KEEP ONE'S CHIN UP.
[keep a straight face] See: STRAIGHT FACE, DEADPAN.
[keep at] {v.} To continue to do; go on with. * /Mary kept at her
homework until she finished it./ Compare: KEEP ON(1), KEEP UP(1b).
[keep away] {v. phr.} To remain at a distance from. * /Her mother
advised Diane to keep away from men offering a ride./
[keep back] {v. phr.} To refrain or be restrained from entering;
remain back. * /The police had a hard time keeping back the crowd when
the astronauts came to town after walking on the moon./
[keep body and soul together] {v. phr.} To keep alive; survive. *
/John was unemployed most of the year and hardly made enough money to
keep body and soul together./ Compare: KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR.
[keep books] {v. phr.} To keep records of money gained and spent;
do the work of a bookkeeper. * /Miss Jones keeps the company's books./
[keep company] {v. phr.} 1. To stay or go along with (someone) so
that he will not be lonely to visit with (someone). * /John kept Andy
company while his parents went to the movies./ * /I'll go shopping
with you just to keep you company./ 2. To go places together as a
couple; date just one person. * /After keeping company for one year,
Mary and John decided to marry./ * /Who is Bill keeping company with
now?/ Compare: GO STEADY.
[keep cool] {v. phr.} Remain calm; remain unexcited. * /The main
thing to remember in an emergency situation is to not lose one's head
and keep cool./
[keep down] {v.} Keep from progressing or growing; keep within
limits; control. * /The children could not keep their voices down./ *
/We hoe the garden to keep down the weeds./ * /You can't keep a good
man down./ Compare: GET AHEAD.
[keeper] See: FINDERS KEEPERS.
[keep from] {v.}, {informal} To hold yourself back from; stop or
prevent yourself from (doing something). * /Can you keep from
repeating gossip?/ * /Jill can't keep from talking about her trip./ -
Usually used with "can" in the negative. * /You can't keep from liking
Jim./ Compare: CAN HELP.
[keep good time] See: KEEP TIME.
[keep house(1)] {v. phr.} To do the necessary things in a
household; do the cooking and cleaning. * /Since their mother died,
Mary and her brother keep house for their father./
[keep house(2)] also [play house] {v. phr.}, {informal} To live
together without being married. * /Bob and Nancy keep house these
days./
[keeping] See: IN KEEPING, OUT OF KEEPING.
[keep in mind] See: IN MIND.
[keep in touch with] {v. phr.} To remain in communication with;
maintain contact with. * /Don't forget to keep in touch, either by
letter or phone, when you're in Europe!/
[keep late hours] {v. phr.} To go to bed late; habitually stay up
(and work) late. * /"If you always keep such late hours, your health
might suffer," Tom's doctor said./
[keep off] {v. phr.} To refrain from entering; stay away from. *
/"Keep off the grass," the sign in the park indicated./
[keep on] {v.} 1. To go ahead; not stop; continue. * /The neighbors
asked them to stop making noise, but they kept right on./ * /Columbus
kept on until he saw land./ - Often used before a present participle.
* /Relentlessly, the boy kept on asking about the birds and the bees./
* /The boy kept on talking even though the teacher had asked him to
stop./ Syn.: GO ON. Compare: KEEP AT, KEEP UP. 2. To allow to continue
working for you. * /The new owner kept Fred on as gardener./
[keep one at a distance] or [keep one at arm's length] {v. phr.} To
avoid (someone's) company; not become too friendly toward. * /Mr.
Smith is kind to the workers in his store but after work he keeps them
at a distance./ * /Betty likes Bill and is trying to be friendly, but
he keeps her at arm's length./ Compare: KEEP ONE'S DISTANCE, HOLD
OFF(1a).
[keep (one) posted] {v. phr.} To receive current information;
inform oneself. * /My associates phoned me every day and kept me
posted on new developments in our business./
[keep one's balance] {v. phr.} To stay even-tempered; not become
overexcited. * /Mike has the best personality to run our office; he
always keeps his balance./ Contrast: LOSE ONE'S BALANCE.
[keep one's chin up] {v. phr.} To be brave; be determined; face
trouble with courage. * /He didn't think that he would ever get out of
the jungle alive, but he kept his chin up./ Compare: KEEP A STIFF
UPPER LIP.
[keep one's distance] {v. phr.} To be cool toward someone; avoid
being friendly. * /Mary did not like her co-worker, Betty, and kept
her distance from her./ Compare: KEEP ONE AT A DISTANCE.
[keep one's end up] See: HOLD ONE'S END UP.
[keep one's eye on] See: KEEP AN EYE ON.
[keep one's eye on the ball] {v. phr.} 1. To watch the ball at all
times in a sport, usually in order to hit it or get it; not stop
watching the ball. * /Keep your eye on the baseball or you won't be
able to hit it./ 2. {informal} To be watchful and ready; be wide-awake
and ready to win or succeed; be smart. * /Tom is just starting on the
job but if he keeps his eye on the ball, he will be promoted./
Compare: ON THE BALL, KEEP AN EYE ON or KEEP ONE'S EYE ON or HAVE
ONE'S EYE ON.
[keep one's eyes open] See: EYES OPEN.
[keep one's eyes peeled] or [keep one's eyes skinned] {v. phr.},
{informal} To watch carefully; be always looking. * /The bird-watcher
kept his eyes peeled for bluebirds./ * /When the boys walked through
the roads, they kept their eyes skinned for snakes./ Compare: EYES
OPEN(1), EYE OUT.
[keep one's feet] {v. phr.} To keep from falling or slipping down;
keep your balance; remain standing. * /The boy stumbled on the stairs
but was able to keep his feet./ Compare: REGAIN ONE'S FEET.
[keep one's feet on the ground] See: FEET ON THE GROUND.
[keep one's fingers crossed] See: CROSS ONE'S FINGERS(1b).
[keep one's hand in] {v. phr.} To keep in practice; continue to
take part. * /After he retired from teaching, Mr. Brown kept his hand
in by giving a lecture once in a while./ * /Mr. Smith left the
planning of the trip to his wife, but he kept his hand in, too./
Compare: KEEP UP.
[keep one's head] also [keep one's wits about one] {v. phr.} To
stay calm when there is trouble or danger. * /When Tim heard the fire
alarm he kept his head and looked for the nearest exit./ Compare:
COUNT TO TEN. Contrast: LOSE ONE'S HEAD.
[keep one's head above water] {v. phr.} To remain solvent; manage
to stay out of debt. * /Herb's income declined so drastically that he
now has difficulty keeping his head above water./
[keep one's mouth shut] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be or stay silent.
- A rude expression when used as a command. * /When the crooks were
captured by the police, their leader warned them to keep their mouths
shut./ * /Charles began to tell Barry how to kick the ball, and Barry
said angrily, "Keep your mouth shut!"/ Syn.: SHUT UP(1).
[keep one's nose clean] {v. phr.}, {slang} To stay out of trouble;
do only what you should do. * /The boss said Jim could have the job as
long as he kept his nose clean and worked hard./ * /The policeman
warned the boys to keep their noses clean unless they wanted to go to
jail./ Compare: STEER CLEAR OF(2).
[keep one's nose to the grindstone] or [have one's nose to the
grindstone] or [hold one's nose to the grindstone] {v. phr.},
{informal} To work hard all the time; keep busy with boring or
tiresome work. * /Sarah keeps her nose to the grindstone and saves as
much as possible to start her own business./
[keep one's own counsel] {v. phr.}, {formal} To keep your ideas and
plans to yourself. * /John listened to what everyone had to say in the
discussion, but he kept his own counsel./ * /Although everybody gave
Mrs. O'Connor advice about what to do with her house, she kept her own
counsel./
[keep one's shirt on] {v. phr.}, {slang} To calm down; keep from
losing your temper or getting impatient or excited. * /Bob got very
angry when John accidentally bumped into him, but John told him to
keep his shirt on./ - Usually used as a command; may be considered
impolite. * /John said to Bob, "Keep your shirt on."/ Contrast: GET
ONE'S DANDER UP.
[keep one's temper] See: HOLD ONE'S TEMPER.
[keep one's weather eye open] See: WEATHER EYE.
[keep one's wits about one] See: KEEP ONE'S HEAD.
[keep one's word] {v. phr.} To do what one has promised; fulfill
one's promise. * /Paul kept his word and paid me the $250 that he owed
me right on time./
[keep on the good side of] See: ON ONE'S GOOD SIDE.
[keep open house] {v. phr.} To offer hospitality and entertain
those who come at any given time on a certain day or afternoon. *
/Beth and Charlie have a cottage by the lake where they keep open
house on Saturday afternoons during the summer./
[keep out (of)] {v. phr.} 1. To stay out; remain out of. * /The
sign on the fence said, "Danger! Keep out!"/ 2. To stave off; not
allow in. * /The border patrol near El Paso, Texas, is trying to keep
illegal immigrants out of the United States./
[keep pace] {v. phr.} To go as fast; go at the same rate; not get