Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)
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have a screw loose
have a screw loose {v. phr.}, {slang}
To act in a strange way; to be foolish.
Now I know he has a screw loose — he stole a police car this time.
He was a smart man but had a screw loose and people thought him odd.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
learn by rote
learn by rote {v. phr.}
To blindly memorize what was taught without thinking about it.
If you learn a subject by rote, it will be difficult to say anything original about it.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
draw a blank
draw a blank {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To obtain nothing in return for an effort made or to get a negative result.
I looked up all the Joneses in the telephone book but I drew a blank every time I asked for Archibald Jones.
2. To fail to remember something.
I am trying to think of the name but I keep drawing a blank.
3. To be consistently unsuccessful at doing something.
I keep trying to pass that math exam but each time I try it I draw a blank.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
go along
go along {v.}
1. To move along; continue.
Uncle Bill made up the story as he went along.
Compare: GO ON (1).
2. To go together or as company; go for fun. — Often used with "with". /Mary went along with us to Jane's house./
John just went along for the ride to the ball game. He didn't want to play.
When one filling station cuts gasoline prices, the others usually go along.
3. To agree; cooperate. — Often used with "with".
"Jane is a nice girl." "I'll go along with that," said Bill.
Just because the other boys do something bad, you don't have to go along with it.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
to the hilt
to the hilt or up to the hilt {adv. phr.}
To the limit; as far as possible; completely.
The other boys on the team told Tom he couldn't quit. They said, "You're in this to the hilt."
The Smith's house is mortgaged up to the hilt.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
rake up
rake up {v. phr.}
To expose; gather; bring to light.
Let's forget about the past; there's no need to rake up all those old memories.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
out of season
out of season {adv. phr.}
1. Not at the right or lawful time for hunting or catching.
The boys were caught fishing out of season.
2. Not at the usual time for growing and selling.
The corn we get out of season is different from the kind we grow here.
Contrast: IN SEASON.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
at odds
at odds {adj. phr.}
In conflict or disagreement; opposed.
The boy and girl were married a week after they met and soon found themselves at odds about religion.
Compare: AT LOGGERHEADS.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
get under one's skin
get under one's skin {v. phr.}
To bother; upset.
The students get under Mary's skin by talking about her freckles.
Children who talk too much in class get under the teacher's skin.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
lie low
1. To stay quietly out of sight; try not to attract attention; hide.
After holding up the bank, the robbers lay low for a while.
2. To keep secret one's thoughts or plans.
I think he wants to be elected president, but he is lying low and not saying anything.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms