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1 of 10


wear down

Categories: time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[wear down], [wear off] or [wear away]  {v.}
1. To remove or disappear little by little through use, time, or the action of weather.
Time and weather have worn off the name on the gravestone.
The eraser has worn off my pencil.
The grass has worn away from the path near the house.
2. To lessen; become less little by little.
The people went home as the excitement of the fire wore off.
John could feel the pain again as the dentist's medicine wore away.
3. To exhaust; tire out, win over or persuade by making tired.
Mary wore her mother down by begging so that she let Mary go to the movies.
Compare: [DIE OUT].
Categories: time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


wear out

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[wear out]  {v.}
1a. To use or wear until useless.
Bobby got a toy truck that would run on a battery, and he used it so much that he soon wore it out.
The stockings are so worn out that they can't be mended any more.
Compare: [GIVE OUT] (4), [USE UP].
1b. To become useless from use or wear.
The old clock finally wore out.
One shoe wore out before the other.
2. or [tire out]
To make very tired; weaken.
The children played inside when it rained, and they soon wore out their mother.
When Dick got home from the long walk, he was all worn out.
- Often used with "oneself".
Don't wear yourself out by playing too hard.
Compare: [GIVE OUT] (4).
3. To make by rubbing, scraping, or washing.
The waterfall has worn out a hole in the stone beneath it.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


wear well

Categories: time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[wear well]  {v.}
1. To continue to be satisfactory, useful, or liked for a long time.
My old overcoat has worn very well.
Their marriage has worn well.
That author wears well.
Compare: [STAND UP] (2).
2. To carry, accept, or treat properly or well.
Grandfather wears his years well.
Tommy has won many honors but he wears them well.
Categories: time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


wear on

Categories: anger verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[wear on]  {v.}
1. To anger or annoy; tire.
Having to stay indoors all day long is tiresome for the children and wears on their mother's nerves.
2. To drag on; pass gradually or slowly; continue in the same old way.
Johnny tried to wait up for Santa Claus but as the night wore on, he couldn't keep his eyes open.
As the years wore on, the man in prison grew old.
The boys' quarrel wore on all afternoon.
Categories: anger verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


wear the trousers

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[wear the trousers] or [wear the pants]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To have a man's authority; be the boss of a family or household.
Mr. Wilson is henpecked by his wife; she wears the trousers in that family.
Mrs. Jones talks a lot but Mr. Jones wears the pants in their house.
Compare: [RULE THE ROOST].
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


wear out one's welcome

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[wear out one's welcome]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To visit somewhere too long or come back too often so that you are not welcome any more.
The Smith children have worn out their welcome at our house because they never want to go home.
This hot weather has worn out its welcome with us.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


have on

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[have on]  {v.}
1. To be dressed in; wear.
Mary had on her new dress.
2. To have (something) planned; have an appointment; plan to do.
Harry has a big weekend on.
I'm sorry I can't attend your party, but I have a meeting on for that night.
3. See: [HAVE NOTHING ON], [HAVE SOMETHING ON].
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


plan on

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[plan on]  {v.}
1. To have the plan of; have in mind. — Used with a verbal noun.
I plan on going to the movies after I finish my homework.
Mary was planning on seeing John at the baseball game.
Syn.: [FIGURE ON].
2. To think you will do or have; be sure about; expect.
I'm hoping to go away for the weekend, but I'm not planning on it.
We can't order the food for the party until we know how many people to plan on.
We planned on Mary for the decorations, but she is sick.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


put on

Categories: clothes verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[put on]  {v. phr.}
1. To dress in.
The boy took off his clothes and put on his pajamas.
Mother put a coat on the baby.
2a. To pretend; assume; show.
Mary isn't really sick; she's only putting on.
He put on a smile.
The child was putting on airs.
2b. To exaggerate; make too much of.
That's rather putting it on.
Compare: [LAY IT ON].
3. To begin to have more (body weight); gain (weight).
Mary was thin from sickness, and the doctor said she must put on ten pounds.
Too many sweets and not enough exercise will make you put on weight.
4a. To plan and prepare; produce; arrange; give; stage.
The senior class put on a dance.
The actor put on a fine performance.
4b. To make (an effort).
The runner put on an extra burst of speed and won the race.
5. To choose to send; employ on a job.
The school put on extra men to get the new building ready.
Categories: clothes verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


put up

Categories: money verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[put up]  {v.}
1a. To make and pack (especially a lunch or medicine); get ready; prepare.
Every morning Mother puts up lunches for the three children.
The druggist put up the medicine that the doctor had prescribed.
Compare: [MAKE UP] (1).
1b. To put food into jars or cans to save; can.
Mother is putting up peaches in jars.
1c. To store away for later use.
The farmer put up three tons of hay for the winter.
2. To put in place; put (something) where it belongs.
After he unpacked the car, John put it up.
After the hard ride, the doctor gave the horse to the stable boy to put up.
After the battle, the knight put up his sword.
Syn.: [PUT AWAY].
3. To suggest that (someone) be chosen a member, officer, or official.
The club decided to take in another member, and Bill put up Charles.
- Often used with "for".
The Republicans put Mr. Williams up for mayor.
4. To put (hair) a special way; arrange.
Aunt May puts up her hair in curlers every night.
Compare: [DO UP] (3a).
5. To place on sale; offer for sale.
She put the house up for sale.
6a. To provide lodging for; furnish a room to.
The visitor was put up in the home of Mr. Wilson.
They put Frank up at a good hotel.
6b. To rent or get shelter; take lodging; stay in a place to sleep.
The traveler put up at a motel.
We put up with friends on our trip to Canada.
7. To make; engage in.
He put up a good fight against his sickness.
Compare: [CARRY ON].
8. To furnish (money) or something needed; pay for.
He put up the money to build a hotel.
Categories: money verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms