Reading set "Random idioms flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)

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cold turkey

illustration for section: cold turkey
cold turkey  {adv.},  {slang},  {informal}
1. Abruptly and without medical aid to withdraw from the use of an addictive drug or from a serious drinking problem.
Joe is a very brave guy; he kicked the habit cold turkey.
2.  {n.}
An instance of withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.
Joe did a cold turkey.



talk turkey

talk turkey  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To talk about something in a really businesslike way; talk with the aim of getting things done.
Charles said, "Now, let's talk turkey about the bus trip. The fact is, it will cost each student $1.50."
The father always spoke gently to his son, but when the son broke the windshield of the car, the father talked turkey to him.
Categories:informal verb



come hell or high water

come hell or high water  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
No matter what happens; whatever may come.
Grandfather said he would go to the fair, come hell or high water.
Categories:adverb informal



coming and going

1. Both ways; in both directions.
The truck driver stops at the same cafe coming and going.
John was late. He got punished both going and coming; his teacher punished him and his parents punished him.
2. Caught or helpless; in your power; left with no way out of a difficulty. — Used after "have".
If Beth stayed in the house, Mother would make her help with the cleaning; if she went outside, Father would make her help wash the car — they had her coming and going.
Uncle Mike is a good checker player, and he soon had me beat coming and going.
Categories:adverb



dead ahead

dead ahead  {adv.},  {informal}
Exactly in front; before.
The school is dead ahead about two miles from here.
Father was driving in a fog, and suddenly he saw another car dead ahead of him.
Categories:adverb informal



down the drain

down the drain  {adj.} or  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
Wasted; lost.
It is money down the drain if you spend it all on candy.
Our plans to go swimming went down the drain when it rained.
Compare: GO BY THE BOARD.



go down the drain

go down the drain  {v. phr.}
To be lost or wasted forever.
If he doesn't pass the bar examination tomorrow, his best efforts to become a lawyer will go down the drain.
Categories:verb



every now and then

At fairly regular intervals; fairly often; repeatedly.
John comes to visit me every now and then.
It was hot work, but every so often Susan would bring us something cold to drink.
Compare: NOW AND THEN.
Categories:adverb



every time one turns around

every time one turns around  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
Very often.
Mr. Winston must be rich. He buys a new suit every time he turns around.
No, Charles — I can't drive you to the park every time I turn around.
Categories:adverb informal time



for love or money

for love or money  {adv. phr.}
For anything; for any price. Used in negative sentences.
I wouldn't give him my dog for love or money.
Compare: FOR ALL THE WORLD (1).
Categories:adverb love money world