W
Idioms beginning with "W"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of W:
[wade in] or [wade into] {v.}, {informal}
1. To go busily to work.
The house was a mess after the party, but Mother waded in and soon had it clean again.
2. To attack.
When Bill had heard Jim's argument, he waded in and took it apart.
* […]
[wade through] {v. phr.}
To read through something long and laborious.
It took John six months to wade through Tolstoy's War and Peace in the original Russian.
[wag one's chin] or [chinwag]
See:
[BEAT ONE'S GUMS],
[CHEW THE FAT],
[CHEW THE RAG],
[SHOOT THE BREEZE].
[wagon]
See:
[FIX SOMEONE'S WAGON],
[HITCH ONE'S WAGON TO A STAR],
[JUMP ON THE BAND WAGON],
[OFF THE WAGON],
[ON THE WAGON].
[wait at table] or [wait on table] or [wait table] {v. phr.}
To serve food.
Mrs. Lake had to teach her new maid to wait on table properly.
The girls earn spending money by waiting at table in the school dining rooms.
[wait on] or [wait upon] {v.}
1. To serve.
Sue has a summer job waiting on an invalid.
The clerk in the store asked if we had been waited upon.
2. {formal}
To visit as a courtesy or for business.
* /We waited upon the widow out of respect […]
[wait on hand and foot] {v. phr.}
To serve in every possible way; do everything for (someone).
Sally is spoiled because her mother waits on her hand and foot.
The gentlemen had a valet to wait on him hand and foot.
Compare: [HAND AND FOOT].
[wait up] {v. phr.}
To not go to bed until a person one is worried about comes home (said by parents and marriage partners).
My mother always waited up for me when I went out as a young student.
* /She always waits up for her husband when he's out […]
[waiting list] {n.}
A list of persons waiting to get into something (as a school).
The nursery school enrollment was complete, so the director put our child's name on the waiting list.
* /The landlord said there were no vacant apartments […]
[waiting room] {n. phr.}
The sitting area in a doctor's, lawyer's, accountant's, etc. office, or in a hospital, or other workplace, where people wait their turn.
* /Some doctor's offices have elegantly furnished waiting rooms with magazines, […]
[walk a tightrope] {v. phr.}
To be in a dangerous or awkward situation where one cannot afford to make a single mistake.
"When we landed on the moon in 1969," Armstrong explained, "we were walking a tightrope till the very end."
[walk away with] or [walk off with] {v.}
1. To take and go away with; take away; often: steal.
When Father went to work, he accidentally walked off with Mother's umbrella.
How can a thief walk off with a safe in broad daylight?
2. To take, […]
[walk of life] {n. phr.}
Way of living; manner in which people live.
Many rich people have yachts; people in their walk of life can afford them.
The banker did not want his son to marry a girl in a different walk of life.
* /People from every […]
[walk on air] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To feel happy and excited.
Sue has been walking on air since she won the prize.
His father's compliment left Jed walking on air.
Compare: [ON CLOUD NINE], [ON TOP OF THE WORLD].
[walk on eggs] {v. phr.}
To act with utmost caution due to being in a precarious position.
Tom has been walking on eggs ever since he started working for a new boss in Cincinnati.
[walk out] {v.}
1. To go on strike.
When the company would not give them higher pay, the workers walked out.
2. To leave suddenly; especially to desert.
He didn't say he wasn't coming back; he just walked out.
- Often used informally with […]
[walk over] or [walk all over] or [step all over] {v. phr.} {informal}
To make (someone) do whatever you wish; make selfish use of; treat like a slave; impose upon.
Jill is so friendly and helpful that people walk all over her.
* /We wanted the […]
[walk the chalk] or [walk the chalk line] or [walk the chalk mark]
To act exactly as you are supposed to; behave properly; obey.
That new teacher really makes the students walk the chalk.
* /In some classes the students play and talk, but Mr. […]
[walk the floor] {v. phr.}
To walk one direction and then the other across the floor, again and again; pace.
Mr. Black walked the floor, trying to reach a decision.
The sick baby had his mother walking the floor all night.
* /Mrs. Black's […]
[walk the plank] {v. phr.}
1. To walk off a board extended over the side of a ship and be drowned.
The pirates captured the ship and forced the crew to walk the plank.
2. {informal}
To resign from a job because someone makes you do it.
* /When a […]
[walking dictionary] {n. phr.}
A person highly knowledgeable in matters of language use.
If you want to know what "serendipity" means, ask my Uncle Fred. He is a professor of English and is also a walking dictionary.
[walking encyclopedia] {n. phr.}
A polymath; a person very well versed in a number of different disciplines.
My uncle is a veritable walking encyclopedia when it comes to the history of World War II.
Contrast: [WALKING DICTIONARY].
[walking papers] or [walking orders] also [walking ticket] {n.}, {informal}
A statement that you are fired from your job; dismissal.
The boss was not satisfied with Paul's work and gave him his walking papers.
* /George is out of work. He picked […]
[wall]
See:
[BACK TO THE WALL],
[BEAT ONE'S HEAD AGAINST A WALL],
[CLIMB THE WALL],
[FORWARD WALL],
[HANDWRITING ON THE WALL],
[HOLE-IN-THE-WALL],
[STONE WALL] or [BRICK WALL],
[TO THE WALL].
[wallflower] {n.}
A girl who has to sit out dances because nobody is asking her to dance.
"I used to be a wallflower during my high school days," Valerie complained, "but my luck changed for better once I got into college."
[walls have ears]
Sometimes one's most confidential conversations are overheard.
"Be careful what you say," he whispered. "Remember that walls have ears."
[want ad] {n.}
A small advertisement on a special page in a newspaper that offers employment opportunities and merchandise.
"You want a temporary job?" he asked the recent arrival in town. "Go and look at the want ads!"
[war baby] {n.}, {informal}
A person born during a war.
War babies began to increase college enrollments early in the 1960s.
The war babies forced many towns to build new schools.
[warm one's blood] {v. phr.}
To make you feel warm or excited.
When the Bakers came to visit on a cold night, Mr. Harmon offered them a drink to warm their blood.
[warm out] {v. phr.}
To learn through persistent questioning; draw out from.
I finally wormed out of her the reason she broke off her engagement to Larry.
[warm the bench] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To act as a substitute on an athletic team.
Bill has been warming the bench for three football seasons; he hopes that the coach will let him play this year.
- [bench warmer] {n.}, {informal}
A substitute […]
[warm up] {v.}
1. To reheat cooked food.
Mr. Jones was so late that his dinner got cold; his wife had to warm it up.
When the children had left for school, their mother warmed up the breakfast coffee.
2. To become friendly or interested.
* […]
[warm-up] {n.}
A period of exercise or practice in preparation for a game or other event.
During the warm-up the baseball players were throwing the ball around and running up and down the side of the field.
* /Before the television quiz program, […]
[wash and wear] {adj.}
Not needing to be ironed. — Refers especially to synthetic and synthetic blend fabrics.
Dick bought three wash and wear shirts to take on his trip.
Sally's dress is made of a wash and wear fabric.
[wash one's dirty linen in public]
See: [AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC].
[wash one's hands of] {v. phr.}
To withdraw from or refuse to be responsible for.
We washed our hands of politics long ago.
The school washed its hands of the students' behavior during spring recess.
[washed out] {adj.}
Listless in appearance; pale, wan.
Small wonder Harry looks so washed out; he has just recovered from major surgery.
[washed up] {adj.}
Ruined; finished; a failure.
Harry is looking awfully sad. I hear his business has collapsed and he is all washed up.
[washout] {n.}
A dismal failure.
As far as investments were concerned, Dick and his precious advice turned out to he a total washout.
[waste away] {v.}
To become more thin and weak every day.
Jane is wasting away with tuberculosis.
After Mrs. Barnes died, her husband wasted away with grief.
[waste one's breath] {v. phr.}
To speak or to argue with no result; do nothing by talking.
The teacher saw that she was wasting her breath; the children refused to believe her.
I know what I want. You're wasting your breath.
[watch it] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be careful. — Usually used as a command.
You'd better watch it. If you get into trouble again, you'll be expelled.
Watch it — the bottom stair is loose!
[watch one's dust] or [watch one's smoke] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To notice your quick action; watch you do something quickly.
Offer Bill a dollar to shovel your sidewalk, and watch his smoke!
* /"We'll have your yard cleaned in a jiffy," the Boy […]
[watch one's language] {v. phr.}
To be careful of how one speaks; avoid saying impolite or vulgar things.
"You boys watch your language," Mother said, "or you won't be watching television for a whole week!"
[watch one's step] {v. phr.}
To mend one's ways; exercise prudence, tact, and care.
I have to watch my step with the new boss as he is a very proud and sensitive individual.
[watch over] {v. phr.}
To guard; take care of.
The museum guards carefully watch over the world-famous paintings.
[watched pot never boils]
If you watch or wait for something to get done or to happen, it seems to take forever. — A proverb.
* /Jane was nine months pregnant and Tom hovered over her anxiously. She said, "You might as well go away and play some golf. […]
[water]
See:
[BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER],
[COME HELL OR HIGH WATER],
[DEEP WATER],
[FISH OUT OF WATER],
[GO THROUGH HELL AND HIGH WATER],
[HEAD ABOVE WATER],
[HOLD WATER],
[HELL AND HIGH WATER],
[HOT WATER],
[LIKE WATER],
[LIKE WATER OFF A […]
[water down] {v.}
To change and make weaker; weaken.
The Senator argued that the House should water down the bill before passing it.
The African American did not accept watered down Civil Rights legislation.
* /After talking with the […]
[water over the dam] or [water under the bridge] {n. phr.}
Something that happened in the past and cannot be changed.
Since the sweater is too small already, don't worry about its shrinking; that's water over the dam.
Compare: [CRY OVER SPILLED […]
[watered down] {adj.}
Weakened; diluted.
The play was a disappointing, watered down version of Shakespeare's Othello.
[watering hole] or [place] {n. phr.}
A bar, pub, or nightclub where people gather to drink and socialize.
I like "The Silver Dollar" — it is my favorite watering hole in all of Sidney, Nebraska.
[way]
See:
[ALL THE WAY] or [THE WHOLE WAY],
[BY THE WAY],
[BY WAY OF],
[COME A LONG WAY],
[CUT BOTH WAYS] or [CUT TWO WAYS],
[EVERY WHICH WAY],
[FROM WAY BACK],
[GO OUT OF ONE'S WAY],
[HARD WAY],
[HAVE A WAY WITH],
[IN A BAD WAY],
[IN A BIG […]
[way off] {adj. phr.}
At a great distance from a particular point (said of a discrepancy).
We were way off on our calculations; the house cost us twice as much as we had thought.
[way the wind blows] or [how the wind blows] {n. phr.}
The direction or course something may go; how things are; what may happen.
Most senators find put which way the wind blows in their home state before voting on bills in Congress.
[ways and means] {n. plural}
Methods of getting something done or getting money; how something can be done and paid for.
The boys were trying to think of ways and means to go camping for the weekend.
* /The United States Senate has a committee on […]
[wear and tear] {n. phr.}
Deterioration through use.
After 75,000 miles there is usually a lot of wear and tear on any car.
[wear blinders] or [blinkers] {v. phr.}
To refuse or be unable to consider alternative ways of thinking or acting.
Anybody who disputes the importance of learning languages is wearing blinders.
[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 […]
[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 […]
[wear one's heart on one's sleeve] also [pin one's heart on one's sleeve] {v. phr.}
To show your feelings openly; show everyone how you feel; not hide your feelings.
She wears her heart on her sleeve. It's easy to see if she is sad or happy.
* […]
[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), […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
[wear thin] {v.}
1. To become thin from use, wearing, or the passing of time.
My old pair of pants has worn thin at the knees.
This old dime has worn very thin.
2. To grow less, or less interesting; decrease.
* /The joke began to wear thin […]
[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 […]
[weasel out] {v. phr.}
To renege on a previous promise; not keep an obligation for some not always straight reason.
I'm so tired I think I am going to weasel my way out of going to that meeting this afternoon.
[weasel word] {n.}, {informal}
A word which has more than one meaning and may be used to deceive others.
When the thief was being questioned by the police, he tried to fool them with weasel words.
[weather eye] {n.}
1. Eyes that can tell what the weather will be.
Grandfather's weather eye always tells him when it will rain.
2. Eyes ready or quick to see; careful watch. — Usually used in phrases like "keep a weather eye on", "open", or "out […]
[weather the storm] {v. phr.}
To survive some disaster.
When Peter and Sue started their business they had very little money, but in a year they weathered the storm.
[wee folk] or [little folk] or [little people] {n. phr.}
Fairy people; brownies; elves; fairies; or goblins.
Mother read me a story about the wee folk who lived in the forest and came out at night.
* /There are many stories about little people […]
[wee hours]
The crack of dawn, or just before it, usually between 1 A.M. and 4 A.M. or 2 A.M. and 5 A.M.
He stayed up all night when they were expecting their first child; finally, a boy was born in the wee hours of the morning.
Compare: [SMALL […]
[weed out] {v.}
1. To remove what is unwanted, harmful, or not good enough from.
Mother weeded out the library because there were too many books.
Many colleges and universities weed out their freshman classes to make room for better students.
[…]
[week of Sundays] {n. phr.}
A long time; seven weeks.
I haven't seen them in a week of Sundays.
[weigh anchor] {v. phr.}
To set sail; get going.
After a week in Hawaii, we weighed anchor and sailed south toward Tahiti.
[weigh down] also [weight down]
1. To make heavy; cause to go down or bend with weight; overload.
The evergreens are weighed down by the deep snow.
- Often used with "with" or "by".
* /There are so many children in the back seat that they are […]
[weigh in] {v.}
1a. To take the weight of; weigh.
The man at the airport counter weighed in our bags and took our plane tickets.
A doctor weighed in the wrestlers.
1b. To have yourself or something that you own weighed. — Often used with […]
[weigh on] or [weigh upon] {v.}
1. To be a weight or pressure on; be heavy on.
The pack weighed heavily on the soldier's back.
2. To make sad or worried; trouble; disturb; upset.
Sadness weighed on Mary's heart when her kitten died.
* […]
[weigh one's words] {v. phr.}
To choose your words carefully; be careful to use the right words.
When a teacher explains about religion, he must weigh his words because his pupils may be of several different faiths.
* /When old Mr. Jones talked to […]
[weight of the world on one's shoulders] or [world on one's shoulders] or [world on one's back] {n. phr.}
A very heavy load of worry or responsibility; very tired or worried behavior, as if carrying the world; behavior as if you are very important.
* […]
[welcome mat] {n.}
1. A mat for wiping your shoes on, often with the word "welcome" on it, that is placed in front of a door.
Mother bought a welcome mat for our new house.
2. {informal}
A warm welcome; a friendly greeting. — Used in such phrases […]
[well]
See:
[ALL VERY WELL],
[AS WELL],
[AS WELL AS],
[HAIL FELLOW WELL MET],
[LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE],
[PLAY ONE'S CARDS RIGHT] or [PLAY ONE'S CARDS WELL],
[VERY WELL],
[WEAR WELL].
[well and good] {adj. phr.}
Good; satisfactory.
If my daughter finishes high school, I will call that well and good.
- Often used without a verb to show agreement or understanding.
Well and good; I will come to your house tomorrow.
Compare: […]
[well put] {adj. phr.}
Well expressed or defined.
His remarks about too much violence on television were extremely well put.
[well-heeled] {adj.}, {slang}
Wealthy; having plenty of money.
Bob's father, who is well-heeled, gave him a sports car.
Compare: [IN CLOVER], [ON EASY STREET].
[well-off] {adj. phr.}
1. Rich.
They may not be millionaires, but they are sufficiently well-off.
2. In good condition; free of problems or difficulties./
He is pleased that his business is well-off.
[well-to-do] {adj.}
Having or making enough money to live comfortably; prosperous.
John's father owns a company and his family is well-to-do.
- Often used with "the" like a plural noun.
This is the part of town where the well-to-do live.
[…]
[wet behind the ears] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Not experienced; not knowing how to do something; new in a job or place.
The new student is still wet behind the ears; he has not yet learned the tricks that the boys play on each other.
Contrast: [DRY […]
[wet blanket] {n.}, {informal}
A person or thing that keeps others from enjoying life.
The teenagers don't invite Bob to their parties because he is a wet blanket.
The weatherman throws a wet blanket on picnic plans when he forecasts rain.
[…]
[wet one's whistle] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To have a drink, especially of liquor.
Uncle Willie told John to wait outside for a minute while he went in to the cafe to wet his whistle.
[whale away] {v.}, {informal}
1. To beat or hit hard; strike again and again. — Often used with "at".
The boxer is whaling away at his opponent with both fists.
2. To attack severely or again and again; go on without stopping or with great force; […]
[what]
See:
[COME WHAT MAY],
[GET WHAT'S COMING TO ONE],
[I'LL TELL YOU WHAT],
[JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED],
[SO WHAT].
[What a pity!]
How unfortunate! What a shame!
What a pity that he couldn't join us on our Hawaiian trip.
[what about] {interrog.}
1. About or concerning what; in connection with what. — Often used alone as a question.
"I want to talk to you." "What about?"
Compare: [WHAT FOR].
2. See: [WHAT OF IT].
3. See: [HOW ABOUT].
[what for] (1) {interrog.}
For what reason; why?
I told Mary what I was going to town for.
What are you running for? — Often used alone as a question.
Billy's mother told him to wear his hat. "What for?" he asked.
Compare: [HOW COME].
[what for] (2) {n. phr.}, {informal}
A scolding, or other punishment. — Usually used with "get" or "give".
Tom got what for from his father for answering him rudely, and I heard him crying in the house.
* /The teacher gave me what for because I […]
[what have you] or [what not] {n. phr.}, {informal}
Whatever you like or want; anything else like that.
The store sells big ones, small ones, medium ones, or what have you.
We found suits, coats, hats and what not in the closet.
Syn.: [AND SO […]
[what if]
What would, or will, happen if; what is the difference if; suppose that.
What if you go instead of me?
What if we paint it red. How will it look?
"You can't go now" said mother. "What if I do?" Dick asked.
* /What if Jack […]
[what of it] or [what about it] {interj.}, {informal}
What is wrong with it; what do you care.
Martha said "That boy is wearing a green coat." Jan answered, "What of it?"
"John missed the bus." "What of it?"
Syn.: [SO WHAT].
[what with] {prep.}
Because; as a result of.
I couldn't visit you, what with the snowstorm and the cold I had.
What with dishes to wash and children to put to bed, mother was late to the meeting.
Compare: [ON ACCOUNT OF].
[what's sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander]
What goes for the one, also goes for the other. — A proverb.
* /If Herb gets a speeding ticket, so should Erica, who was right behind him; after all, what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the […]
[what's the big idea] or [what's the idea] {informal}
What is the purpose; what do you have in mind; why did you do that; what are you doing; how dare you. — Often used to question someone or something that is not welcome.
* /The Smith family painted […]
[what's up] or [what's cooking] also [what's doing] {slang}
What is happening or planned; what is wrong. — Often used as a greeting.
"What's up?" asked Bob as he joined his friends. "Are you going to the movies?"
* /What's cooking? Why is the […]
[what's what] or [what is what] {n. phr.}, {informal}
1. What each thing is in a group; one thing from another.
The weeds and the flowers are coming up together, and we can't tell what is what.
2. All that needs to be known about something; the […]
[what's with] or [what's up with] also [what's by] {slang}
What is happening to; what is wrong; how is everything; what can you tell me about.
Mary looks worried. What's with her?
What's with our old friends?
I'm fine. What's with you?
[wheel]
See:
[BIG CHEESE] or [BIG WHEEL],
[GREASE THE WHEELS],
[PUT ONE'S SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL].
[wheel and deal] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To make many big plans or schemes; especially with important people in government and business; in matters of money and influence; handle money or power for your own advantage; plan important matters in a smart or […]
[wheelhorse] {n. phr.}
A reliable and industrious worker on whom one may depend.
Jake is such a good worker that he is the wheelhorse of our tiny firm.
[when hell freezes over] {adv. phr.}, {slang}
Never.
I'll believe you when hell freezes over.
Contrast: [UNTIL HELL FREEZES OVER].
[when push comes to shove] {adv. phr.}
A time when a touchy situation becomes actively hostile or a quarrel turns into a fight.
Can we count on the boss' goodwill, when push comes to shove?
[when the chips are down] {adv. cl.}, {informal}
When the winner and loser of a bet or a game are decided; at the most important or dangerous time.
Tom hit a home run in the last inning of the game when the chips were down.
* /When the chips were […]
[where it's at] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
That which is important; that which is at the forefront of on-going social, personal, or scientific undertakings.
Young, talented and black, that's where it's at.
* /We send sophisticated machines to Mars […]
[where the shoe pinches] {n. phr.}, {informal}
Where or what the discomfort or trouble is.
Johnny thinks the job is easy, but he will find out where the shoe pinches when he tries it.
* /The coach said he wasn't worried about any position except […]
[whether --- or] or [whether --- or whether]
1. {coord. conj.}
Used to introduce an indirect question.
You must decide whether you should go or stay.
I don't know whether Jack or Bill is a better player.
Compare: [EITHER --- OR]
2. Used to […]
[whether one is coming or going]
See: [KNOW IF ONE IS COMING OR GOING].
[which is which] {n. phr.}
Which is one person or thing and which is the other; one from another; what the difference is between different ones; what the name of each one is.
Joe's coat and mine are so nearly alike that I can't tell which is which.
[…]
[while]
See:
[AFTER A WHILE] or [IN A WHILE],
[ALL THE TIME] (1),
[EVERY NOW AND THEN] or [EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE],
[ONCE IN A WHILE].
[while ago] {adv.}
At a time several minutes in the past; a few minutes ago; a short time ago. — Used with "a".
I laid my glasses on this table a while ago; and now they're gone.
* /A while ago, Mary was tired and wanted to go home; now she's […]
[while away] {v.}
To make time go by pleasantly or without being bored; pass or spend.
We whiled away the time that we were waiting by talking and playing cards.
We whiled away the summer swimming and fishing.
[while back] {adv.}
At a time several weeks or months in the past. — Used with "a".
We had a good rain a while back, but we need more now.
Grandfather is well now, but a while back he was in the hospital for three weeks.
See: [CRACK THE WHIP].
[whip up] {v.}, {informal}
1. To make or do quickly or easily.
Mary whipped up a lunch for the picnic.
The reporter whipped up a story about the fire for his paper.
2. To make active; stir to action; excite.
* /The girls are trying to whip […]
[whipping boy] {n. phr.}
The person who gets punished for someone else's mistake.
"I used to be the whipping boy during my early days at the company," he musingly remembered.
[whispering campaign] {n.}
The spreading of false rumors, or saying bad things, about a person or group, especially in politics or public life.
A bad man has started a whispering campaign against the mayor, saying that he isn't honest.
[whistle for] {v.}, {informal}
To try to get (something) but fail; look for (something) that will not come.
Mary didn't even thank us for helping her, so the next time she needs help she can whistle for it.
[whistle in the dark] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To try to stay brave and forget your fear.
Tom said he could fight the bully with one hand, but we knew that he was just whistling in the dark.
(From the fact that people sometimes whistle when walking in […]
[whistle-stop] {n.}
A small town where the trains only stop on a special signal.
President Truman made excellent use of the whistle-stop during his 1948 campaign for the presidency.
[white elephant] {n. phr.}
Unwanted property, such as real estate, that is hard to sell.
That big house of theirs on the corner sure is a white elephant.
[white lie] {n. phr.}
An innocent social excuse.
I am too busy to go to their house for dinner tonight. I will call them and tell a little white lie about having the flu.
[white sale] {n.}
The selling, especially at lower prices, of goods or clothing usually made of white cloth.
Mother always buys many things at the January white sale to save money.
[white-collar workers] {n. phr.}
Workers employed in offices and at desks as opposed to those who work as manual workers; the middle class.
It is a well-known fact that white-collar workers are less well organized than unionized manual workers.
[…]
[whitewash] {n.}, {informal}
A soothing official report that attempts to tranquilize the public.
Some people believe that the Warren Commission's report on the Kennedy assassination was a whitewash.
[whitewash something] {v.}, {informal}
To explain a major, national scandal in soothing official terms so as to assure the public that things are under control and there is no need to panic.
* /Many people in the United States believe that President […]
[who's who] or [who is who] {informal}
1. Who this one is and who that one is; who the different ones in a group of people are or what their names or positions are.
* /It is hard to tell who is who in the parade because everyone in the band looks […]
[whodunit] {n.}
A detective story; a murder story; a thriller.
Agatha Christie was a true master of the whodunit.
[whole]
See:
[ALL THE WAY] or [THE WHOLE WAY],
[GO THE WHOLE HOG],
[ON THE WHOLE],
[WITH A WHOLE SKIN] or [IN A WHOLE SKIN].
[whole cheese] {slang} or {informal} [whole show] {n.}, {informal}
The only important person; big boss.
Joe thought he was the whole cheese in the game because he owned the ball.
You're not the whole show just because you got all A's.
[…]
[whoop it up] {v. phr.}, {slang}
1. To make a loud noise; have a noisy celebration; enjoy yourself noisily.
The team whooped it up after winning the game.
2. To praise something enthusiastically; encourage enthusiasm or support. — Often used with […]
[why and wherefore] {n.}
The answer to a question or problem. Usually used in the plural.
Father told him not to always ask the whys and wherefores when he was told to do something.
[wide of the mark] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. Far from the target or the thing aimed at.
James threw a stone at the cat but it went wide of the mark.
2. Far from the truth; incorrect.
* /You were wide of the mark when you said I did it, because […]
[wiener roast] or [hot dog roast] {n.}
A party where frankfurters are cooked and eaten over an outdoor fire.
For his birthday party, John had a wiener roast in his backyard.
Mary's Girl Scout troop had a hot dog roast on their overnight hike.
[wild goose chase] {n. phr.}
An absurd and completely futile errand.
I was on a wild goose chase when I was sent to find a man who never really existed.
[wild pitch] {n.}
A pitch in baseball that is so high, so low, or so far from the plate that the catcher cannot catch it and a base runner can move to the next base.
The runner went to second base on a wild pitch.
[wildcat strike] {n.}, {informal}
A strike not ordered by a labor union; a strike spontaneously arranged by a group of workers.
The garbage collectors have gone on a wildcat strike, but the union is going to stop it.
[will not hear of] {v. phr.}
Will not allow or consider, refuse attention to or permission for.
I want to go to the show tonight, but I know my mother will not hear of it.
* /Mary needs another day to finish her book report, but the teacher won't […]
[win hands down] {v. phr.}
To win conclusively and without external help.
The opposition was so weak that Dan won the election hands down.
[win in a walk] or [win in a breeze] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To win very easily; win without having to try hard.
Joe ran for class president and won in a walk.
Our team won the game in a breeze.
Compare: [HANDS DOWN].
[win one's spurs] {v. phr.}
1. In old times, to be named a knight with the right to wear little sharp spikes on your heels.
A young squire won his spurs in battle.
2. To win fame or honor.
* /The young lieutenant won his spurs by leading an […]
[win out] {v. phr.}
To win after a rather protracted struggle.
The lawsuit lasted a long time, but we finally won out.
[win over] {v. phr.}
To convert to one's position or point of view.
The Democrats offered him a high-level executive position and thus way won him over to their side.
[wind]
See:
[GET WIND OF],
[GOD TEMPERS THE WIND TO THE SHORN LAMB],
[GONE WITH THE WIND],
[IN THE WIND],
[IT IS AN ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NOBODY GOOD],
[SECOND WIND],
[STRAW IN THE WIND],
[TAKE THE WIND OUT OF ONE'S SAILS],
[THREE SHEETS IN THE […]
[wind up] {v.}
1. To tighten the spring of a machine; to make it work or run.
Mary wound up the toy car and let it run across the room.
He doesn't have to wind up his watch because it is run by a battery.
2. To make very excited, nervous, […]
[windbag] {n.}
Someone who talks too much; a boring person.
Uncle Joe goes on and on; he is a boring windbag.
[windfall] {n.}
An unexpected gift or gain of sizeable proportion.
The unexpected retroactive pay raise was a most welcome windfall.
[window dressing] {n. phr.}
An elaborate exterior, sometimes designed to conceal one's real motives.
All those fancy invitations turned out to be nothing but window dressing.
* /All he really wanted was to be introduced to my influential […]
[wink at] {v.}
To allow and pretend not to know about (a rule or law being broken).
John was not allowed to stay out late at night, but his parents winked at his being five minutes late.
A judge should never wink at any law-breaking.
[winning streak] {n.}
A series of several wins one after the other.
The team extended their winning streak to ten.
[wipe out] {v.}
1. To remove or erase by wiping or rubbing.
The teacher wiped out with an eraser what she had written on the board.
Compare: [RUB OUT].
2. {informal}
To remove, kill, or destroy completely.
The earthquake wiped out the town.
[…]
[wise guy] {n. phr.}, {informal}
A person who acts as if he were smarter than other people; a person who jokes or shows off too much
Bill is a wise guy and displeases others by what he says.
[wise up to] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To finally understand what is really going on after a period of ignorance.
Joe immediately quit his job when he wised up to what was really going on.
[wisecrack] {n.}
A joke or witty remark usually made at someone else's expense.
The comedians kept up a steady stream of wisecracks.
[wish on] {v.}
1. To use as a lucky charm while making a wish.
Mary wished on a star that she could go to the dance.
Bob wished on his lucky rabbit's foot that he could pass the test.
2. or [wish off on] {informal}
To get rid of (something […]
[wit]
See:
[AT ONE'S WITS' END],
[KEEP ONE'S HEAD] or [KEEP ONE'S WITS ABOUT ONE],
[SCARE OUT OF ONE'S WITS].
[witch-hunt] {n. phr.}
A hysterical movement during which people are persecuted for having views (political or religious) considered different or unpopular.
* /During the McCarthy era many innocent Americans were accused of being Communists, as […]
[with a grain of salt] or [with a pinch of salt]
See: [TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT].
[with a silver spoon in one's mouth]
See: [BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN ONE'S MOUTH].
[with a whole skin] also [in a whole skin] {adv. phr.}
With no injury; unhurt; safely.
The boy was lucky to escape with a whole skin when the car went off the road.
Jack came through the game with a whole skin.
* /The horse threw him off, but […]
[with bad grace] or [with a bad grace] {adv. phr.}
In an unpleasant or discourteous way; unwillingly.
Fred takes defeat with bad grace.
Tom shouted "Hello" to Bill. Bill was in a sour mood and replied with a bad grace.
Contrast: [WITH GOOD […]
[with bells on] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
With enthusiasm; eager or ready and in the best of spirits for an event.
"Will you come to the farewell party I'm giving for Billy?" asked Jerry. "I'll be there with bells on," replied Ed.
[with child] {adv. phr.}, {literary}
Going to have a baby; pregnant.
The angel told Mary she was with child.
Compare: [IN A FAMILY WAY] or [IN THE FAMILY WAY].
[with flying colors] {adv. phr.}
With great or total success; victoriously.
Tow finished the race with flying colors.
Mary came through the examination with flying colors.
[with good grace] {adv. phr.}
With pleasant and courteous behavior; politely; willingly; without complaining.
The boys had been well-coached; they took the loss of the game with good grace.
* /The principal scolded Nora, who accepted his criticism […]
[with might and main] {adv. phr.}
With full strength or complete effort.
The sailors pulled the rope with might and main.
John tried with all his might and main to solve the problem.
[with open arms] {adv. phr.}
1. With the arms spread wide for hugging or catching.
When Father came home from work, little Sally ran out to meet him with open arms.
* /Dick stood under the window with open arms, and Jean dropped the bag of laundry […]
[with the best] or [with the best of them] {adv. phr.}
As well as anyone.
Bob could horseback ride with the best of them, but he never boasted about it.
John can bowl with the best of them.
[within an ace of] {informal} or [within an inch of] {adv. phr.}
Almost but not quite; very close to; nearly.
Tim came within an ace of losing the election.
John was within an inch of drowning before he was pulled out of the water.
Compare: […]
[within an inch of one's life] {adv. phr.}
Until you are almost dead; near to dying.
The bear clawed the hunter within an inch of his life.
Often used after "to".
The prize fighter was beaten to within an inch of his life.
[within bounds] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. Inside of the boundary lines in a game; on or inside of the playing field.
You must hit the ball inside the lines of the tennis court or it will not be within bounds.
* /If you kick the football over a […]
[within call] or [within hail] {adv. phr.}
1. Near enough to hear each other's voices.
When the two ships were within hail, their officers exchanged messages.
Billy's mother told him to stay within call because supper was nearly ready.
2. In […]
[within reason] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
Within the limits of good sense; in reasonable control or check; moderate.
I want you to have a good time tonight, within reason.
If Tom wants to go to the fair, he must keep his expenses within reason.
* […]
[without fail] {adv. phr.}
Without failing to do it or failing in the doing of it; certainly, surely.
Be here at 8 o'clock sharp, without fail.
Ben promised to return the bike at a certain time without fail.
[wolf in sheep's clothing] {n. phr.}
A person who pretends to be good but really is bad.
Mrs. Martin trusted the lawyer until she realized that he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
* /Mr. Black was fooled by the salesman's manners until he showed […]
[woods]
See:
[BABE IN THE WOODS],
[CROW BEFORE ONE IS OUT OF THE WOODS],
[NECK OF THE WOODS],
[TAKE TO THE WOODS].
[word]
See:
[ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS],
[AS GOOD AS ONE'S WORD],
[BY WORD OF MOUTH],
[EAT ONE'S WORDS],
[FROM THE WORD "GO"],
[GET A WORD IN],
[GET THE MESSAGE] or [GET THE WORD],
[HANG ON THE WORDS OF],
[IN BRIEF] or [IN A WORD],
[IN SO […]
[word for word] {adv. phr.}
In exactly the same words.
Mary copied Sally's composition word for word.
Joan repeated the conversation word for word.
She learned the poem many years ago but she recited it word for word.
[word of mouth] {n. phr.}
Communication by oral rather than written means.
The merchant told us that the best customers he had were recommended to him by word of mouth.
[word to the wise] {n. phr.}
A word of warning or advice which the intelligent person is expected to follow. — A proverb.
I had once spoken to him about being late all the time, and thought that a word to the wise was enough.
[words of one syllable] {n. phr.}
Language that makes the meaning very clear; simple, or frank language. — Usually used after "in".
Mary explained the job to Ann in words of one syllable so that she would be sure to understand.
* /Some people say […]
[work]
See:
[ALL IN A DAY'S WORK],
[ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY],
[AT WORK],
[BUSY WORK],
[IN THE WORKS],
[MAKE SHORT WORK OF],
[MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK],
[SHOOT THE WORKS],
[THE WORKS],
[IN THE WORKS].
[work in] {v.}
1. To rub in.
The nurse told Mary to put some cream on her skin and to work it in gently with her fingers.
2. To slip in; mix in; put in;
When Mary was planning the show, she worked a part in for her friend Susan.
[work into] {v.}
1. Force into little by little.
John worked his foot into the boot by pushing and pulling.
2. Put into; mix into.
Mary worked some blue into the rug she was weaving.
[work off] {v.}
To make (something) go away, especially by working.
John worked off the fat around his waist by doing exercise every morning.
Mr. Smith worked off his anger by chopping wood.
[work on] also [work upon] {v.}
1. Have an effect on; influence.
Some pills work on the nerves and make people feel more relaxed.
2. To try to influence or convince.
Senator Smith worked on the other committee members to vote for the bill.
[work one's fingers to the bone] {v. phr.}
To work very hard.
"I have to work my fingers to the bone for a measly pittance of a salary," Fred complained.
[work out] {v. phr.}
1. To find an answer to.
John worked out his math problems all by himself.
Mary had trouble getting along with her roommate, but they worked it out.
Compare: [FIGURE OUT].
2. To plan; develop.
* /Mary worked out a […]
[work over] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To beat someone up very roughly in order to intimidate him or extort payment, etc.
Matthew was worked over by the hoodlums in the park right after midnight.
[work through channels] {v. phr.}
To go through the proper procedures and officials.
At a state university everybody must work through channels to get things done.
[work up] {v.}
1. To stir up; arouse; excite.
I can't work up any interest in this book.
He worked up a sweat weeding the garden.
2. To develop; originate.
He worked up an interesting plot for a play.
[worked up] also [wrought up] {adj.}, {literary}
Feeling strongly; excited; angry; worried.
Mary was all worked up about the exam.
John got worked up when they blamed him for losing the game.
Compare: [ON EDGE].
[working girl] {n.}, {slang}
1. ( {vulgar}, {avoidable}) A prostitute.
I didn't know Roxanne was a working girl.
2. A girl, usually single, who supports herself by working in an honest job, such as in an office, etc.
* /The average working girl […]
[workout] {n.}
A physical exercise session.
My morning workout consists of sit-ups and push-ups.
[world]
See:
[COME UP IN THE WORLD] or [RISE IN THE WORLD],
[DEAD TO THE WORLD],
[FOR ALL THE WORLD],
[IN A WORLD OF ONE'S OWN] or [IN A WORLD BY ONESELF],
[IN THE WORLD],
[LOOK AT THE WORLD THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES],
[NOT FOR THE WORLD],
[ON […]
[world is one's oyster]
Everything is possible for you; the world belongs to you; you can get anything you want.
When John won the scholarship, he felt as though the world was his oyster.
The rich girl acts as though the world is her oyster.
[world without end] {adv. phr.}, {literary}
Endlessly; forever; eternally.
Each human being has to die, but mankind goes on world without end.
[worlds apart] {adj. phr.}
Completely different; in total disagreement.
Jack and Al never agree on anything; they are worlds apart in their thinking.
[worm in] {v. phr.}
To insinuate oneself; penetrate gradually.
By cultivating the friendship of a few of the prominent merchants, Peter hoped to worm his way into that exclusive elite of export magnates.
[worm may turn]
Even the meek will ultimately rebel if always maltreated.
Sam may think that he can continue to mistreat his wife, but, knowing her, I think that some day the worm may turn.
[worn to a frazzle] {adj. phr.}
To be fatigued; be exhausted.
I'm worn to a frazzle cooking for all these guests.
[worrywart] {n. phr.}
A person who always worries.
"Stop being such a worrywart," Bob said to Alice, who was constantly weighing herself on the bathroom scale.
[worse]
See:
[BARK WORSE THAN ONE'S BITE],
[FOR BETTER OR WORSE] or [FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE],
[FOR THE WORSE],
[GO FROM BAD TO WORSE].
[worse for wear] {adj. phr.}
Not as good as new; worn out; damaged by use. — Used with "the".
Her favorite tablecloth was beginning to look the worse for wear.
- Often used with "none" to mean: as good as new.
* /The doll was Mary's favorite toy […]
[worth]
See:
[BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH],
[FOR ALL ONE IS WORTH],
[GAME IS NOT WORTH THE CANDLE],
[NOT WORTH A TINKER'S DAMN],
[WORTH A CENT].
[worth a cent] {adj. phr.}
Worth anything; of any value. — Used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences.
The book was old and it was not worth a cent.
[worth one's salt] {adj. phr.}
Being a good worker, or a productive person; worth what you cost.
Mr. Brown showed that he was worth his salt as a salesman when he got the highest sales record for the year.
- Often used with "not" or "hardly".
* […]
[would that] or [I would that] or [would God] or [would heaven] {literary}
I wish that. — Used at the beginning of a sentence expressing a wish; followed by a verb in the subjunctive; found mostly in poetry and older literature.
* /Would that I could […]
[would-be] {adj.}
Aspiring.
The Broadway casting offices are always full of would-be actors.
[wouldn't put it past one] {v. phr.}
To think that someone is quite capable or likely to have done something undesirable or illegal.
* /Congressman Alfonso is insisting that he didn't violate congressional ethics, but knowing both his expensive habits […]
[wrap one around one's finger]
See:
[TWIST ONE AROUND ONE'S LITTLE FINGER].
[wrap up] or [bundle up] {v. phr.}
1. To put on warm clothes; dress warmly.
Mother told Mary to wrap up before going out into the cold.
2. {informal}
To finish (a job).
Let's wrap up the job and go home.
3. {informal}
To win a game.
* […]
[wrapped up in] {adj. phr.}
Thinking only of; interested only in.
John has no time for sports because he is all wrapped up in his work.
Mary was so wrapped up in her book she didn't hear her mother calling her.
* /Jean is so wrapped up in […]
[wreak havoc with] {v. phr.}
To cause damage; ruin something.
His rebellious attitude is bound to wreak havoc at the company.
[wringing wet] {adj.}
Wet through and through; soaked; dripping.
He was wringing wet because he was caught in the rain without an umbrella.
He was wringing wet after working in the fields in the hot sun.
[write home about] {v. phr.}
To become especially enthusiastic or excited about; boast about. — Often used after "to".
Mary's trip to the World's Fair was something to write home about.
* /Joe did a good enough job of painting but it was nothing […]
[write off] {v. phr.}
1. To remove (an amount) from a business record; cancel (a debt); accept as a loss.
If a customer dies when he owes the store money, the store must often write it off.
Compare: [CHARGE OFF].
2. To accept (a loss or trouble) […]
[write up] {v.}
1. To write the story of; describe in writing; give a full account of.
Reporters from many newspapers are here to write up the game.
The magazine is writing up the life of the President.
2. To put something thought or talked […]
[write-off] {n.}
A loss.
This last unfortunate business venture of ours is an obvious write-off.
[write-up] {n.}
A report or story in a newspaper or magazine.
There was a write-up of the accident in the newspaper.
I read an interesting write-up about the President in a new magazine.
[writer's block] {n. phr.}
A condition of being unable to write; a period when the words just won't come.
One of the more common problems writers occasionally experience is a writer's block that may last a shorter or a longer time.
* /They say […]
[writer's cramp] {n.}
Pain in the fingers or hand caused by too much writing.
Holding your pencil too tightly for too long often gives you writer's cramp.
Often used humorously to stress the idea that you have been doing a lot of writing./
* /By […]
[writing] or [handwriting on the wall] {n. phr.}, {literary}
A warning; a message of some urgency.
"This nuclear plant is about to explode, I think," the chief engineer said. "We'd better get out of here in a hurry, the handwriting is on the wall."
[…]
[wrong]
See:
[BARK UP THE WRONG TREE],
[BET ON THE WRONG HORSE],
[GET OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT],
[GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED],
[IN THE WRONG],
[LAUGH ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH],
[RUB THE WRONG WAY].