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1 of 10


eleventh hour

Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[eleventh hour]  {adj. phr.}
Pertaining to the last minutes; the last opportunity to accomplish a task.
The editors made several eleventh hour changes in the headlines of the morning paper.
Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


end for end

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[end for end]  {adv. phr.}
In a reversed or opposite position (as upside down or backwards); the other way around; over.
The box turned end for end as it fell, and everything spilled out.
The wind caught the canoe and turned it end for end.
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


end in itself

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[end in itself]  {n. phr.}
Something wanted for its own sake; a purpose, aim, or goal we want for itself alone and not as a way to something else.
The miser never spent his gold because for him it was an end in itself.
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


get a line on

Categories: business verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[get a line on]  {v. phr.}
To receive special, sometimes even confidential information about something.
Before Bill accepted his new position, he got a line on how the business was being run.
Categories: business verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


get a move on

Categories: informal slang verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[get a move on]  {informal} or  {slang} [get a wiggle on]  {v. phr.}
To hurry up; get going. — Often used as a command.
Get a move on, or you will be late.
Categories: informal slang verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


get a raise

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[get a raise]  {v. phr.}
To receive an increment in salary.
Because of his good work, Ted got a raise after May 1.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


in a zone

Categories: adverb informal slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[in a zone]  {adv.},  {slang},  {informal}
In a daze; in a daydream; in a state of being unable to concentrate.
Professor Smith puts everyone in a zone.
Categories: adverb informal slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


in absentia

Categories: adverb formal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[in absentia]  {adv. phr.},  {formal}
When the person is absent. — Used in graduation exercises when presenting diplomas to an absent student or during a court case.
On Commencement Day, Joe was sick in bed and the college gave him his bachelor's degree in absentia.
(Latin, meaning "in absence.")
Categories: adverb formal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


in at the kill

A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[in at the kill]  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Watching or taking part, usually with pleasure, at the end of a struggle; present at the finish.
Frank and John have been quarreling for a long time and tonight they are having a fight. Bill says he wants to be in at the kill, because he is Frank's friend.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


keep up with the Joneses

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[keep up with the Joneses]  {v. phr.}
To follow the latest fashion; try to be equal with your neighbors.
Mrs. Smith kept buying every new thing that was advertised, finally Mr. Smith told her to stop trying to keep up with the Joneses and to start thinking for herself.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms