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backhanded compliment
[backhanded compliment] {n. phr.} A remark that sounds like a compliment […]

backseat driver
[backseat driver] {n.}, {informal} A bossy person in a car who […]

bad actor
[bad actor] {n.}, {informal} A person or animal that is always […]

bad blood
[bad blood] {n.}, {informal} Anger or misgivings due to bad relations […]

bad egg
[bad egg] {n.}, {slang} A ne'er-do-well; good-for nothing; a habitual offender. […]

bad news
[bad news] {n.}, {slang} An event, thing, or person which is […]

bad paper
[bad paper] {n.}, {slang} 1. A check for which there are […]

bad shit
[bad shit] {n.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} An unpleasant event or situation, such […]

bad trip
[bad trip] {n.}, {slang}, {also used colloquially} A disturbing or frightening […]

baker's dozen
[baker's dozen] {n.}, {informal} Thirteen. * /"How many of the jelly […]

ball game
[ball game] {n.}, {slang}, also {informal} The entire matter at hand; […]

ball of fire
[ball of fire] {n.}, {informal} A person with great energy and […]

balls up
[balls up] {n.} A bungled or messed up situation. (WWI Service […]

baloney
[baloney] {n.}, {informal} Nonsense, unbelievable, trite, or trivial. * /John brags […]

banana oil
[banana oil] {n.}, {slang} Flattery that is an obvious exaggeration; statements […]

barney
[barney] {n.} a noisy quarrel or fight. Sometimes claimed to be […]

base on balls
[base on balls] {n.} First base given to a baseball batter […]

basket case
[basket case] {n.}, {slang}, {also informal} 1. A person who has […]

bats in one's belfry
[bats in one's belfry] or [bats in the belfry] {n. phr.}, […]

batting average
[batting average] {n. phr.} Degree of accomplishment (originally used as a […]

battle of nerves
[battle of nerves] {n. phr.} A contest of wills during which […]

be-in
[be-in] {n.}, {slang}, {hippie culture} A gathering or social occasion with […]

beach bunny
[beach bunny] {n.}, {slang} An attractive girl seen on beaches - […]

bear in the air
[bear in the air] or [bear in the sky] {n. phr.}, […]

bear trap
[bear trap] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A police radar […]

beaten path
[beaten path] {n. phr.} The usual route or way of operating […]

beaten track
[beaten track] {n.} See: [BEATEN PATH].

beauty sleep
[beauty sleep] {n.} A nap or rest taken to improve the […]

beaver
[beaver] {n.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A female, […]

bed of nails
[bed of nails] {n. phr.} A difficult or unhappy situation or […]

bed of roses
[bed of roses] or [bowl of cherries] {n. phr.} A pleasant […]

bed of thorns
[bed of thorns] {n. phr.} A thoroughly unhappy time or difficult […]

bee in one's bonnet
[bee in one's bonnet] {n. phr.}, {informal} A fixed idea that […]

berk
[berk] {n.} (also spelled burk) idiot, stupid person (from Berkeley Hunt, […]

best bib and tucker
[best bib and tucker] or [Sunday best] or [Sunday go-to-meeting clothes] […]

best man
[best man] {n.} The groom's aid (usually his best friend or […]

best seller
[best seller] {n.} An item (primarily said of books) that outsells […]

better half
[better half] {n.}, {informal} One's marriage partner (mostly said by men […]

big cheese
[big cheese] or [big gun] or [big shot] or [big wheel] […]

big daddy
[big daddy] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The most important, largest thing, person […]

big frog in a small pond
[big frog in a small pond] {n. phr.}, {informal} An important […]

big hand
[big hand] {n.} Loud and enthusiastic applause. * /When Pavarotti finished […]

big head
[big head] {n.}, {informal} Too high an opinion of your own […]

big house
[big house] {n.} A large jail or prison. * /The rapist […]

big lie, the
[big lie, the] {n.}, {informal} A major, deliberate misrepresentation of some […]

big shot
[big shot] or [big wig] {n.} An important or influential person. […]

big stink
[big stink] {n.}, {slang} A major scandal; a big upheaval. * […]

big time
[big time] {n.}, {informal} 1. A very enjoyable time at a […]

big top
[big top] {n.} The main tent under which a circus gives […]

big wheel
[big wheel] {n.}, {informal} An influential or important person who has […]

big yawn
[big yawn] {n.} A very boring person, story or event. * […]

bingo card
[bingo card] {n.}, {slang} A response card, bound into a periodical, […]

bird
[bird] {n.} 1. Girl, woman. 2. Jail time (From the rhyming […]

bird of a different feather
[bird of a different feather] {n. phr.} A person who is […]

bird watcher
[bird watcher] {n.} A person whose hobby is to study birds […]

birds and the bees (the)
[birds and the bees (the)] {n. phr.}, {informal} The facts we […]

Birmingham screwdriver
[Birmingham screwdriver] {n.} A hammer.

birthday suit
[birthday suit] {n.} The skin with no clothes on; complete nakedness. […]

bitter pill
[bitter pill] {n.} Something hard to accept; disappointment. * /Jack was […]

bizzie
[bizzie] {n.} Policeman (Scouse).

black and white
[black and white] {n. phr.} 1. Print or writing; words on […]

black day
[black day] {n.} A day of great unhappiness; a disaster. * […]

black eye
[black eye] {n.} 1. A dark area around one's eye due […]

black sheep
[black sheep] {n.} A person in a family or a community […]

blackout
[blackout] {n.} 1. The darkening of a city curing an air […]

blag
[blag] {n.} {v.} as a noun, a robbery or as a […]

blah
[blah] {n.} (or blah blah) worthless, boring or silly talk.

blank check
[blank check] {n.} 1. A bank check written to a person […]

Blighty
[Blighty] {n.} (or Old Blighty) Britain, home. Used especially by British […]

blind alley
[blind alley] {n.} 1. A narrow street that has only one […]

blind date
[blind date] {n.} An engagement or date arranged by friends for […]

blind spot
[blind spot] {n.} 1. A place on the road that a […]

blockhead
[blockhead] {n.}, {informal} An unusually dense, or stupid person whose head […]

bloke
[bloke] {n.} any man or sometimes a man in authority such […]

blood and thunder
[blood and thunder] {n. phr.} The violence and bloodshed of stories […]

blowout
[blowout] {n.} 1. An explosion of a tire or a fuse. […]

blue
[blue] {n.} 1. Policeman. 2. a tory.

blue collar worker
[blue collar worker] {n. phr.} A manual laborer who is probably […]

blue Monday
[blue Monday] {n.} A Monday when you have to work after […]

bobby
[bobby] {n.} Policeman. After Robert Peel (Home Secretary in 1828).

bobby-soxer
[bobby-soxer] {n.} A teen-aged girl. (1940s idiom) * /My two daughters, […]

bod
[bod] {n.} A male person. Short for body.

body blow
[body blow] {n.}, {informal} A great disappointment; a bitter failure. * […]

body English
[body English] {n.}, {informal} The wishful attempt to make a ball […]

bog
[bog] {n.} Toilet

bogroll
[bogroll] {n.} Toilet paper.

Bogtrotter
[Bogtrotter] {n.} Derogatory term for an Irishman particularly an Irish peasant.

boiling point
[boiling point] {n.} 1. The temperature at which a liquid boils. […]

bollocking
[bollocking] {n.} A severe telling off.

bolt from the blue
[bolt from the blue] {n. phr.} Something sudden and unexpected; an […]

bomb
[bomb] {n.} A large sum of money as in 'to make […]

bonce
[bonce] {n.} Head, crown of the head. Also a large playing […]

bone of contention
[bone of contention] {n. phr.} Something to fight over; a reason […]

bone to pick
[bone to pick] or [crow to pick] {n. phr.}, {informal} A […]

bonehead
[bonehead] {n.}, {slang} An unusually dense or stupid person. * /John […]

boot hill
[boot hill] {n.} A cemetery in the old Wild West where […]

booze
[booze] {n.} {v.} As a noun, an alcoholic drink; as a […]

boozer
[boozer] {n.} 1. a pub or bar. 2. Someone who drinks […]

bosom friend
[bosom friend] {n. phr.} A very close friend; an old buddy […]

bottle
[bottle] {n.} {v.} 1. nerve, courage. 2. Money collected by buskers […]

bottle blond
[bottle blond] {n.}, {slang} A person who is obviously not a […]

bottleneck
[bottleneck] {n.} A heavy traffic congestion. * /In Chicago the worst […]

bottom dollar
[bottom dollar] {n.}, {v. phr.}, {informal} One's last penny, one's last […]

bottom line
[bottom line] {n.}, {informal} (stress on "line") 1. The last word […]

bounce
[bounce] {v.} {n.} 1. To con someone into believing or doing […]

bouncer
[bouncer] {n.} Someone employed to eject troublemakers or drunks.

bovver boots
[bovver boots] {n.} Heavy boots, sometimes with a steel toecap, worn […]

bovver boy
[bovver boy] {n.} A youth who deliberately causes or seeks out […]

box office
[box office] {n.}, {informal} 1. The place at movies and theaters […]

boyfriend
[boyfriend] {n.}, {informal} 1. A male friend or companion. * /"John […]

brain bucket
[brain bucket] {n.}, {slang} A motorcycle helmet. * /If you want […]

brain drain
[brain drain] {n.}, {informal} 1. The loss of the leading intellectuals […]

brain trust
[brain trust] {n.} A group of specially trained, highly intelligent experts […]

brainstorm
[brainstorm] {n.} A sudden insight; a stroke of comprehension. * /Listen […]

brass
[brass] {n.} 1. Money. 2. Cheek, nerve. 3. a prostitute.

brass hat
[brass hat] {n.}, {slang} 1. A high officer in the army, […]

bread and butter
[bread and butter] (1) {n. phr.} The usual needs of life; […]

bread-and-butter letter
[bread-and-butter letter] {n.} A written acknowledgment of hospitality received. * /Jane […]

break-even
[break-even] {n.} The point of equilibrium in a business venture when […]

break-in
[break-in] {n.} (stress on "break") A robbery; a burglary. * /We […]

break-up
[break-up] {n.} The end of a relationship, personal or commercial. * […]

breakthrough
[breakthrough] {n.} A point of sudden success after a long process […]

bringdown
[bringdown] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. (from "bring down", past "brought down"). […]

Bristols
[Bristols] {n.} The female breasts (Cockney rhyming slang, from Bristol bits […]

Bronx cheer
[Bronx cheer] {n. phr.}, {slang} A loud sound made with tongue […]

brown paper bag
[brown paper bag] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} An unmarked […]

brown study
[brown study] {n. phr.} A time of deep thought about something; […]

brown-bagger
[brown-bagger] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person who does not go to […]

brown-tongue
[brown-tongue] {n.} Sycophant, toady or someone who attempts to curry favour […]

bubble gum music
[bubble gum music] {n.}, {slang} The kind of rock'n'roll that appeals […]

bubble trouble
[bubble trouble] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Tire trouble, flat […]

bucket of bolts
[bucket of bolts] {n.}, {slang} A very old and shaky car […]

bug in one's ear
[bug in one's ear] {n. phr.}, {informal} A hint; secret information […]

bugger
[bugger] {n.} anal sex but in slang terms can be used […]

bugger all
[bugger all] {n.} nothing.

buggy-whip
[buggy-whip] {n.}, {slang} An unusually long, thin radio antenna on a […]

bughouse
[bughouse] (1) {n.}, {slang} An insane asylum. * /They took Joe […]

bull in a china shop
[bull in a china shop] {n. phr.} A rough or clumsy […]

bull session
[bull session] {n.}, {slang} A long informal talk about something by […]

bullet lane
[bullet lane] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} The passing lane. […]

bullshit
[bullshit] {n.}, {vulgar, but gaining in acceptance by some} Exaggerated or […]

bullshit artist
[bullshit artist] {n.}, {slang}, {vulgar, but gaining in social acceptance} A […]

bum
[bum] {n.} buttocks, anus or both. Not particularly rude. 'Builders' bum' […]

bum steer
[bum steer] {n.} Wrong or misleading directions given naively or on […]

bumf
[bumf] {n.} derogatory reference to official memos or paperwork. Shortened from […]

bumfreezer
[bumfreezer] {n.} any short jacket but in particular an Eton Jacket.

bums rush
[bum's rush] {n. phr.}, {slang} Throwing or pushing someone out from […]

bumsucker
[bumsucker] {n.} a toady, creep or someone acting in an obsequious […]

bundle of laughs
[bundle of laughs] {n. phr.} A very amusing person, thing, or […]

burn-out
[burn-out] {n.} A point of physical or emotional exhaustion. * /There […]

busy work
[busy work] {n.} Work that is done not to do or […]

butterflies in one's stomach
[butterflies in one's stomach] {n. phr.} A queer feeling in the […]

buzz word
[buzz word] {n.} A word that sounds big and important in […]

C.E.O.
[C.E.O.] {n.} Abbreviation of "Chief Executive Officer." The head of a […]

C.O.D.
[C.O.D.] {n. phr.} Abbreviation of "cash on delivery." * /If you […]

cabbage
[cabbage] {n.} 1. A stupid person or someone with no mental […]

calculated risk
[calculated risk] {n.} An action that may fail but is judged […]

call girl
[call girl] {n.}, {slang} A prostitute catering to wealthy clientele, especially […]

calling down
[calling down] also [dressing down] {n. phr.}, {informal} A scolding; reprimand. […]

camp follower
[camp follower] {n.} 1. A man or woman who goes with […]

can of worms
[can of worms] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A complex problem, or […]

cancer stick
[cancer stick] {n.}, {slang} A cigarette. * /Throw away that cancer […]

canned heat
[canned heat] {n.} Chemicals in a can which burn with a […]

canned laughter
[canned laughter] {n.}, {informal} The sounds of laughter heard on certain […]

canned music
[canned music] {n.} Recorded music, as opposed to music played live. […]

car pool
[car pool] {n.} A group of people who own cars and […]

card up one's sleeve
[card up one's sleeve] {n. phr.}, {informal} Another help, plan, or […]

carriage trade
[carriage trade] {n.}, {literary} Rich or upper class people. * /The […]

carrot and stick
[carrot and stick] {n. phr.} The promise of reward and threat […]

carry weight
[carry weight] {n.} To be influential; have significance and/or clout; impress. […]

carrying charge
[carrying charge] {n.} An extra cost added to the price of […]

cart before the horse (to put)
[cart before the horse] (to put) {n. phr.}, {informal} Things in […]

case in point
[case in point] {n. phr.} An example that proves something or […]

cash crop
[cash crop] {n.} A crop grown to be sold. * /Cotton […]

cash on the barrelhead
[cash on the barrelhead] {n. phr.}, {informal} Money paid at once; […]

cast pearls before swine
[cast pearls before swine] or [cast one's pearls before swine] {n. […]

cat's meow
[cat's meow] or [cat's pajamas] {n.}, {slang} Something very wonderful, special, […]

catch-22
[catch-22] {n.}, {informal} From Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22", set in World […]

cathouse
[cathouse] {n.}, {slang} A house of ill repute, a house of […]

cease-fire
[cease-fire] {n.} A period of negotiated nonaggression, when the warring parties […]

chain gang
[chain gang] {n.} A group of convicts or slaves in the […]

chain letter
[chain letter] {n.} A letter which each person receiving it is […]

chain stores
[chain stores] {n.} A series of stores in different locations, joined […]

chain-smoke
[chain-smoke] {v.} To smoke cigarettes or cigars one after another without […]

change of heart
[change of heart] {n. phr.} A change in the way one […]

change of life
[change of life] {n. phr.} The menopause (primarily in women). * […]

change of pace
[change of pace] {n. phr.} A quick change in what you […]

charge account
[charge account] {n.} An agreement with a store through which you […]

charmed life
[charmed life] {n.} A life often saved from danger; a life […]

charver or charva
[charver] or [charva] {n.} 1. Sexual intercourse (Polari). 2. A loose […]

Chav
[Chav] {n.} Someone who is, or pretends to be of a […]

cheapskate
[cheapskate] {n.}, {informal} A selfish or stingy person; a person who […]

check-up
[check-up] {n.} A periodic examination by a physician or of some […]

cheesebox
[cheesebox] {n.}, {slang} A small, suburban house built by a land […]

cheesecake
[cheesecake] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A showing of the legs of an […]

cherry farm
[cherry farm] {n.}, {slang} A correctional institution of minimal security where […]

chicken feed
[chicken feed] {n.}, {slang} A very small sum of money. * […]

chicken switch
[chicken switch] {n.}, {slang}, {Space English} 1. The emergency eject button […]

China syndrome
[China syndrome] {n.}, {informal} From the title of the movie with […]

chinwag
[chinwag] or [chin-wag] {n.} Chat, conversation. To have a chin wag […]

chip off the old block
[chip off the old block] {n. phr.} A person whose character […]

chip on one's shoulder
[chip on one's shoulder] {n. phr.}, {informal} A quarrelsome nature; readiness […]

chippy
[chippy] {n.} a carpenter.

chow line
[chow line] {n.}, {slang} A line of people waiting for food. […]

Christmas card
[Christmas card] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A speeding ticket. […]

Christmas club
[Christmas club] {n.} A plan for putting money in the bank […]

cigar-store Indian
[cigar-store Indian] {n. phr.} A wooden statue of an Indian which […]

claim check
[claim check] {n.} A ticket needed to get back something. * […]

clay pigeon
[clay pigeon] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A popular target at practice […]

clean bill of health
[clean bill of health] {n. phr.} 1. A certificate that a […]

clean break
[clean break] {n. phr.} A complete separation. * /Tom made a […]

clean hands
[clean hands] {n. phr.}, {slang} Freedom from guilt or dishonesty; innocence. […]

clean slate
[clean slate] {n. phr.} A record of nothing but good conduct, […]

clean sweep
[clean sweep] {n. phr.} A complete victory. * /Our candidate for […]

clean-up
[clean-up] {n.} 1. An act of removing all the dirt from […]

cliffdweller
[cliffdweller] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A city person who lives on a […]

clifihanger
[clifihanger] {n.}, {informal} A sports event or a movie in which […]

clinging vine
[clinging vine] {n.} A very dependent woman; a woman who needs […]

clip joint
[clip joint] {n.}, {slang} A low-class night club or other business […]

clock
[clock] {n.} 1. The face. 2. To spot, notice. 3. To […]

clock watcher
[clock watcher] {n. phr.}, {informal} A worker who always quits at […]

close call
[close call] or [shave] {n. phr.} A narrow escape. * /That […]

close quarters
[close quarters] {n. phr.} Limited, cramped space. * /With seven boy […]

close-up
[close-up] {n.} A photograph, motion picture, or video camera shot taken […]

closed book
[closed book] {n.} A secret; something not known or understood. * […]

closed shop
[closed shop] {n. phr.} 1. A plant or factory that employs […]

cluck and grunt
[cluck and grunt] {n.}, {slang}, {avoid it in restaurants} The familiar […]

cock
[cock] {n.} 1. Penis. 2. Nonsense. 3. A friend or fellow.

cock-and-bull story
[cock-and-bull story] {n. phr.} An exaggerated or unbelievable story. * /"Stop […]

cockup
[cockup] {n.} {v.} as a noun or verb, blunder, mess up […]

codswallop
[codswallop] (archaic) {n.} Nonsense.

coffee break
[coffee break] {n.} A short recess or time out from work […]

coffee hour
[coffee hour] {n.} A time for coffee or other refreshments after […]

coffee table
[coffee table] {n.} A low table used in a living room. […]

coffin nail
[coffin nail] {n.}, {slang} A cigarette. * /"I stopped smoking," Algernon […]

cold cash
[cold cash] or [hard cash] {n.} Money that is paid at […]

cold comfort
[cold comfort] {n.} Something that makes a person in trouble feel […]

cold feet
[cold feet] {n. phr.}, {informal} A loss of courage or nerve; […]

cold fish
[cold fish] {n.}, {informal} A queer person; a person who is […]

cold shoulder
[cold shoulder] {n.}, {informal} Unfriendly treatment of a person, a showing […]

cold snap
[cold snap] {n.} A short time of quick change from warm […]

cold turkey
[cold turkey] {adv.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Abruptly and without medical aid […]

cold war
[cold war] {n.} A struggle that is carried on by other […]

collective farm
[collective farm] {n.} A large government-run farm made by combining many […]

collector's item
[collector's item] {n.} Something rare or valuable enough to collect or […]

College Boards
[College Boards] {n.} A set of examinations given to test a […]

collywobbles
[collywobbles] {n.} An upset stomach or acute feeling of nervousness.

color guard
[color guard] {n.} A military guard of honor for the flag […]

color scheme
[color scheme] {n.} A plan for colors used together as decoration. […]

come-on
[come-on] {n.}, {slang} An attractive offer made to a naive person […]

comeback
[comeback] {n.}, {v. phr.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A return […]

comedown
[comedown] {n.} Disappointment; embarrassment; failure. * /It was quite a comedown […]

coming out party
[coming out party] {n. phr.} A debutante party in which a […]

command module
[command module] {n.}, {Space English} 1. One of the three main […]

common ground
[common ground] {n.} Shared beliefs, interests, or ways of understanding; ways […]

common touch
[common touch] {n.} The ability to be a friend of the […]

company man
[company man] {n.}, {informal} A worker who always agrees with management […]

congregate housing
[congregate housing] {n.}, {informal} A form of housing for elderly persons […]

conk
[conk] {n.} The head or the nose. To strike the head […]

consumer goods
[consumer goods] or [consumer items] {n.} Food and manufactured things that […]

control room
[control room] {n.} A room containing the panels and switches used […]

control tower
[control tower] {n.} A tower with large windows and a good […]

conversation piece
[conversation piece] {n.} Something that interests people and makes them talk […]

cool customer
[cool customer] {n.} Someone who is calm and in total control […]

cop
[cop] {n.} 1. A policeman (short for copper). 2. An arrest […]

cop-out
[cop-out] {n. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} An irresponsible excuse made to avoid […]

copper
[copper] {n.} A policeman.

copy cat
[copy cat] {n.} Someone who copies another person's work or manner. […]

corker
[corker] {n.} Someone or something outstanding.

corn ball
[corn ball] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A superficially sentimental movie or […]

corn belt
[corn belt] {n.} 1. The Midwest; the agricultural section of the […]

cottage
[cottage] {n.} A public lavatory.

cottaging
[cottaging] {n.} Homosexual activity in a public lavatory.

couch case
[couch case] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person judged emotionally so disturbed […]

couch doctor
[couch doctor] {n.}, {slang}, {colloquial} A psychoanalyst who puts his patients […]

couch potato
[couch potato] {n.} A person who is addicted to watching television […]

countdown
[countdown] {n.}. {Space English}, {informal} 1. A step-by-step process which leads […]

county mounty
[county mounty] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Sheriff's deputy. * […]

cover girl
[cover girl] {n.} A pretty girl or woman whose picture is […]

cover-up
[cover-up] {n.}, {slang} A plan or excuse to escape blame or […]

cow college
[cow college] {n.}, {slang} 1. An agricultural college; a school where […]

cow's tail
[cow's tail] {n.}, {dialect} A person who is behind others. * […]

cowboy
[cowboy] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person who drives his car carelessly […]

crack
[crack] {n.} 1. A gibe. 2. Someone who excels at something. […]

crack of dawn
[crack of dawn] {n. phr.} The time in the morning when […]

cracker
[cracker] {n.} Something or someone of notable ability or quality.

crackpot
[crackpot] {n.}, {attrib. adj.}, {informal} 1. {n.} An eccentric person with […]

crash dive
[crash dive] {n.} A sudden dive made by a submarine to […]

cream of the crop
[cream of the crop] {n. phr.} The best of a group; […]

creature of habit
[creature of habit] {n. phr.} A person who does things out […]

credibility gap
[credibility gap] {n.}, {hackneyed phrase}, {politics} An apparent discrepancy between what […]

crew cut
[crew cut] or [crew haircut] {n.} A boy's or man's hair […]

crocodile tears
[crocodile tears] {n.} Pretended grief; a show of sorrow that is […]

cross fire
[cross fire] {n.} 1. Firing in a fight or battle from […]

cross street
[cross street] {n.} A street that crosses a main street and […]

cross-check
[cross-check] (2) {n.} The testing of the truth of by checking […]

crux of the matter
[crux of the matter] {n. phr.} The basic issue at hand; […]

crying shame
[crying shame] {n. phr.} A glaring disgrace, scandal, injustice.

crystal ball
[crystal ball] {n.} A ball, usually made of quartz crystal (glass) […]

crystal gazing
[crystal gazing] {n.} The attempt to predict future events. * /The […]

cub scout
[cub scout] {n.} A member of the Cub Scouts, the junior […]

culture vulture
[culture vulture] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person who is an avid […]

cup of tea
[cup of tea] also [dish of tea] {n. phr.}, {informal} 1. […]

curb service
[curb service] {n.} Waiting on customers while they sit in their […]

cut offs
[cut offs] {n.}, {colloquial} Pants cut to the length of shorts […]

cut rate
[cut rate] (1) {n.} A lower price; a price less than […]

cutback
[cutback] {n.} An act of decreasing monetary sources. * /The cutback […]

daily dozen
[daily dozen] {n.}, {informal} Gymnastic exercises; especially, several different exercises done […]

dark horse
[dark horse] {n.}, {informal} A political candidate little known to the […]

dark of the moon
[dark of the moon] {n. phr.}, {literary} A time when the […]

dash light
[dash light] {n.} A light on the front inside of a […]

day in court
[day in court] {n. phr.} A chance to be heard; an […]

day of grace
[day of grace] {n. phr.} An extension period after the due […]

day of reckoning
[day of reckoning] {n. phr.} 1. A time when one will […]

day off
[day off] {n.} A day on which one doesn't have to […]

daylight saving time
[daylight saving time] also [daylight saving] or [daylight time] or [fast […]

dead center
[dead center] {n.} The exact middle. * /The treasure was buried […]

dead duck
[dead duck] {n.}, {slang} A person or thing in a hopeless […]

dead letter
[dead letter] {n. phr.} An undeliverable letter that ends up in […]

dead loss
[dead loss] {n. phr.} A total waste; a complete loss. * […]

dead pedal
[dead pedal] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A slow moving […]

dead ringer
[dead ringer] {n. phr.} A person who strongly resembles someone else. […]

dead-end
[dead-end] {n.} A street closed at one end; a situation that […]

deadbeat
[deadbeat] {n.}, {slang} A person who never pays his debts and […]

deadhead
[deadhead] {n.}, {slang} An excessively dull or boring person. * /You'll […]

deadline
[deadline] {n.} A final date by which a project, such as […]

Dear John letter
[Dear John letter] {n. phr.} A note or a letter informing […]

death knell
[death knell] {n.}, {formal} 1. The ringing of a bell at […]

deep water
[deep water] {n.} Serious trouble or difficulty. * /When Dad tried […]

delta wave
[delta wave] {n.}, {informal}, {semi-technical} A brain wave 1-3 cycles per […]

Dennis the Menace
[Dennis the Menace] {n. phr.} After the notorious television character played […]

devil of it
[devil of it] or [heck of it] {n. phr.} 1. The […]

devil to pay
[devil to pay] {n. phr.} Great trouble. - Used after "the". […]

devil-may-care attitude
[devil-may-care attitude] {n. phr.} An attitude of no concern for financial […]

diamond in the rough
[diamond in the rough] {n. phr.} A very smart person without […]

dick
[dick] {n.} 1. Fellow. 2. Penis.

dime store
[dime store] or [five-and-dime] or [five-and-ten] {n. phr.} A store that […]

dip
[dip] {n.} a pickpocket.

dirty look
[dirty look] {n.}, {informal} A look that shows dislike. * /Miss […]

dirty old man
[dirty old man] {n. phr.} An older man who shows an […]

dirty story
[dirty story] {n. phr.} An improper or obscene story. * /Uncle […]

dirty trick
[dirty trick] {n. phr.} A treacherous action; an unfair act. * […]

disk jockey
[disk jockey] {n.} An employee at a radio station or in […]

div
[div] {n.} idiot (prison slang)

doddle
[doddle] {n.} Something simple or easy to accomplish.

dog
[dog] {n.} 1. A rough or unattractive woman. 2. A fellow.

dog days
[dog days] {n. phr.} The hottest days of the year in […]

dog in the manger
[dog in the manger] {n. phr.} A person who is unwilling […]

dog's bollocks
[dog's bollocks] {n.} 1. Anything obvious ("Sticks out like the dog's […]

dog's life
[dog's life] {n. phr.} A life of misery, poverty, and unhappiness. […]

dog-eat-dog
[dog-eat-dog] (1) {n.} A way of living in which every person […]

dogs age
[dog's age] or [coon's age] {n.}, {informal} A very long time. […]

Donkey's years
[Donkey's years] {n.} (Donkey's ears) a very long time. In reference […]

doofer
[doofer] {n.} An unnamed object.

dose of one's own medicine
[dose of one's own medicine] or [taste of one's own medicine] […]

dosser
[dosser] {n.} Someone who might stay in a dosshouse.

dosshouse
[dosshouse] {n.} A cheap boarding house frequented by tramps.

double check
[double check] {n.} A careful second check to be sure that […]

double date
[double date] {n.}, {informal} A date on which two couples go […]

double duty
[double duty] {n.} Two uses or jobs; two purposes or duties. […]

double-header
[double-header] {n.} Two games or contests played one right after the […]

double-talk
[double-talk] {n.} 1. Something said that is worded, either on purpose […]

down east
[down east] or [Down East] {n.} The northeast coastal part of […]

down payment
[down payment] {n.} A retainer paid to a prospective seller. * […]

down-and-outer
[down-and-outer] {n. phr.} A person who has lost everything and is […]

drag on the market
[drag on the market] {n. phr.} An article for which the […]

drag race
[drag race] {n.}, {slang} An automobile race in which the drivers […]

drag strip
[drag strip] {n.}, {slang} A place where drag races are held. […]

drawback
[drawback] {n.} Disadvantage; obstacle; hindrance. * /The biggest drawback of Bill's […]

drawing card
[drawing card] {n.} The most important figure in a multi-person event; […]

dressing down
[dressing down] {n.}, {informal} A scolding. * /The sergeant gave the […]

dribs and drabs
[dribs and drabs] {n. phr.} Portions; small bits. * /John paid […]

drive-in
[drive-in] {adj.}/{n.} A kind of movie theater, fast food restaurant, or […]

drop in the bucket
[drop in the bucket] {n. phr.} A relatively small amount; a […]

dropout
[dropout] {n.} Someone who did not finish school, high school and […]

duck soup
[duck soup] {n.}, {slang} 1. A task easily accomplished or one […]

dumb bunny
[dumb bunny] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} Any person who is gullible and […]

dumbwaiter
[dumbwaiter] {n.} A small elevator for carrying food, dishes, etc., from […]

dutch treat
[dutch treat] {n.}, {informal} A meal in a restaurant or an […]

duty calls
[duty calls] {n. phr.} One must attend to one's obligations. * […]

eager beaver
[eager beaver] {n. phr.}, {slang} A person who is always eager […]

eagle eye
[eagle eye] {n.} Sharp vision like that of an eagle; the […]

ear to the ground
[ear to the ground] {n. phr.}, {informal} Attention directed to the […]

early bird
[early bird] {n} An early riser from bed. * /Jane and […]

easy mark
[easy mark] {n.} A foolishly generous person; one from whom it […]

easy money
[easy money] {n.}, {informal} Money gained without hard work; money that […]

eating irons
[eating irons] {n.} Cutlery.

elbow grease
[elbow grease] {n.} Exertion; effort; energy. * /"You'll have to use […]

elbow room
[elbow room] {n.} Adequate space to move around or to work […]

end in itself
[end in itself] {n. phr.} Something wanted for its own sake; […]

end of one's rope
[end of one's rope] or [end of one's tether] {n. phr.}, […]

end of the road
[end of the road] or [end of the line] {n. phr.} […]

end run
[end run] {n.} A football play in which a back tries […]

end zone
[end zone] {n.} Either of the marked areas behind the goal […]

every last man
[every last man] also [every man jack] {n. phr.} Every single […]

eye shadow
[eye shadow] {n. phr.} A cream used to darken the eyelids […]

eye-catcher
[eye-catcher] {n.} Something that strongly attracts the eye. See: [CATCH ONE'S […]

eyes in the back of one's head
[eyes in the back of one's head] {n. phr.}, {informal} Ability […]

face lift
[face lift] {n. phr.} 1. A surgical procedure designed to make […]

face value
[face value] {n.} 1. The worth or price printed on a […]

facts of life
[facts of life] {n. phr.} 1. The truth which we should […]

fag
[fag] {n.} cigarette.

fag end
[fag end] {n.} the used stub of a cigarette and by […]

fair catch
[fair catch] {n.} A catch of a kicked football by a […]

fair play
[fair play] {n.} Equal and right action (to another person); justice. […]

fair shake
[fair shake] {n.}, {informal} Honest treatment. * /Joe has always given […]

fair-haired boy
[fair-haired boy] {n.}, {informal} A person that gets special favors; favorite; […]

fair-weather friend
[fair-weather friend] {n.} A person who is a friend only when […]

fairy godmother
[fairy godmother] {n.} 1. A fairy believed to help and take […]

fairy tale
[fairy tale] or [story] {n.} An inaccurate, even false account of […]

fall guy
[fall guy] {n.}, {slang} The "patsy" in an illegal transaction; a […]

falling-out
[falling-out] {n.} Argument; disagreement; quarrel. * /Mary and Jane had a […]

fallout
[fallout] {n.} 1. Result of nuclear explosion; harmful radioactive particles. * […]

family tree
[family tree] {n.} Ancestry. * /My family tree can be traced […]

fancy pants
[fancy pants] {n.}, {slang} A man or boy who wears clothes […]

fanny
[fanny] {n.} female external genitalia, a woman's pudendum.

far and near
[far and near] {n. phr.} Far places and near places; everywhere. […]

far cry
[far cry] {n.} Something very different. * /His last statement was […]

fast talker
[fast talker] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A con artist or a swindler, […]

fat chance
[fat chance] {n. phr.}, {slang} Little or no possibility; almost no […]

fat city
[fat city] {n.}, {slang} A state of contentment due to wealth […]

fat of the land
[fat of the land] {n. phr.} The best and richest food, […]

Father Christmas
[Father Christmas] {n.}, {British} The joyful spirit of Christmas; Santa Claus. […]

Fathers Day
[Father's Day] {n.} The third Sunday in June set aside especially […]

faultfinding
[faultfinding] {n.} Recrimination; nagging; criticism. * /All of this constant faultfinding […]

favorite son
[favorite son] {n.} A man supported by his home state for […]

fear and trembling
[fear and trembling] or [fear and trepidation] {n. phr.} Great fear. […]

feast or a famine
[feast or a famine] {n. phr.} Plenty or very little; big […]

feather in one's cap
[feather in one's cap] {n. phr.} Something to be proud of; […]

feet of clay
[feet of clay] {n. phr.} A hidden fault or weakness in […]

feet on the ground
[feet on the ground] {n. phr.} An understanding of what can […]

fellow traveller
[fellow traveller] {n.} A sympathizer with a political movement who does […]

fence
[fence] {n.} Someone who deals in stolen property.

fence-sitter
[fence-sitter] {n.} A person unable to pick between two sides; a […]

fence-sitting
[fence-sitting] {n.} or {adj.} Choosing neither side. * /You have been […]

field goal
[field goal] {n.} 1. A score in football made by kicking […]

fifth column
[fifth column] {n. phr.} A group or organization within a country […]

fighting chance
[fighting chance] {n. phr.} A chance that necessitates struggle and courage; […]

filth (the)
[filth (the)] {n.} The police (derogatory).

filthy lucre
[filthy lucre] {n.}, {informal} Money, especially when thought of as bad […]

fine-tooth comb
[fine-tooth comb] {n. phr.} Great care; careful attention so as not […]

finger in the pie
[finger in the pie] also [finger in every pie] {n. phr.}, […]

firebug
[firebug] {n.} An arsonist; one who willfully sets fire to property. […]

firing squad
[firing squad] {n.} A group of soldiers chosen to shoot a […]

first base
[first base] {n. phr.} 1. The base that must be touched […]

first class
[first class] {n.} 1. The first rank; the highest class; the […]

first cousin
[first cousin] {n.} The child of your aunt or uncle. * […]

first string
[first string] (1) {n.}, {informal} 1. The best group of players […]

fish fry
[fish fry] {n.} An outdoor party or picnic at which fish […]

fish out of water
[fish out of water] {n. phr.} A person who is out […]

fish story
[fish story] {n. phr.} An unlikely or improbable tale. * /Hunters […]

fish-and-chips
[fish-and-chips] {n. phr.} Fried fish and french fried potatoes. * /The […]

five o'clock shadow
[five o'clock shadow] {n. phr.} A very short growth of beard […]

fiver
[fiver] {n.} five pounds.

flakeball
[flakeball] or [flake] {n.}, {slang}, {drug culture} A disjointed, or "flaky" […]

flanker back
[flanker back] {n.} A football back who can play far to […]

flare-up
[flare-up] {n.} The reoccurrence of an infection or an armed conflict. […]

flash card
[flash card] {n.} A card with numbers or words on it […]

flash in the pan
[flash in the pan] {n. phr.}, {slang} A person or thing […]

flasher
[flasher] {n.} Someone who indecently exposes oneself.

flatfoot
[flatfoot] {n.}, {slang}, {derogatory} A policeman. * /"What does Joe do […]

flea in one's ear
[flea in one's ear] {n. phr.}, {informal} An idea or answer […]

flea market
[flea market] {n. phr.} A place where antiques, second-hand things, and […]

flesh and blood
[flesh and blood] {n.} 1. A close relative (as a father, […]

flick
[flick] {n.} Motion picture, film. 'The flicks', the cinema.

flip-flop
[flip-flop] (2) {n.}, {informal} A complete change; a switch from one […]

floorwalker
[floorwalker] {n.} A section manager in a department store. * /To […]

flower child
[flower child] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A young person who believes […]

flower power
[flower power] {n.}, {slang} The supposed power of love and nonviolence […]

fluff stuff
[fluff stuff] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Snow. * /We […]

fly ball
[fly ball] {n.} A baseball hit high into the air. * […]

fly in the ointment
[fly in the ointment] {n. phr.}, {informal} An unpleasant part of […]

fly-by-night
[fly-by-night] (2) {n.}, {informal} 1. A company that sells many cheap […]

flying tackle
[flying tackle] {n.}, {informal} A tackle made by jumping through the […]

flying visit
[flying visit] {n. phr.} A visit of very short duration. * […]

flying wedge
[flying wedge] {n.}, {informal} 1. An offensive formation in football in […]

foggy bottom
[foggy bottom] {n.}, {slang} An area in downtown Washington, D.C. where […]

follow-up
[follow-up] {n.} Additional work or research by means of which an […]

food for thought
[food for thought] {n. phr.} Something to think about or worth […]

foot in the door
[foot in the door] {n. phr.}, {informal} The first step toward […]

force play
[force play] or [force-out] {n.} A play in baseball in which […]

forty winks
[forty winks] {n. phr.}, {informal} A short period of sleep; a […]

forward wall
[forward wall] {n.} The line of a football team. * /Princeton […]

foul ball
[foul ball] {n.} A batted baseball that lands outside the foul […]

foul line
[foul line] {n.} 1. Either of two lines separating fair from […]

foul play
[foul play] {n.} Treachery; a criminal act (such as murder). * […]

foul shot
[foul shot] {n.} A free throw given in basketball to a […]

foul-up
[foul-up] {n.} (stress on "foul") 1. {informal} A confused situation; confusion; […]

foundation garment
[foundation garment] {n.} A close-fitting garment designed for women to wear […]

four bits
[four bits] {n.}, {slang} Fifty cents. * /Tickets to the play […]

four corners
[four corners] {n.} All parts of a place. * /People came […]

four-eyes
[four-eyes] {n.}, {slang} A person who wears glasses. - A rude […]

four-leaf clover
[four-leaf clover] {n.} A small green plant with four leaves which […]

fourth class
[fourth class] {n.} A class of mail that is not sealed […]

fourth world
[fourth world] {n.}, {informal} The poor nations of the world, as […]

fox and geese
[fox and geese] {n. phr.} A tag game in which the […]

fraidy-cat
[fraidy-cat] or [fraid-cat] or [scaredy-cat] or [scared cat] {n.}, {informal} A […]

frame of mind
[frame of mind] {n. phr.} One's mental outlook; the state of […]

freak
[freak] {n.}, {slang} 1. A good, or well-liked person, the opposite […]

freak-out
[freak-out] (1) {n.}, {slang} An act of losing control; a situation […]

free agent
[free agent] {n.} A professional player who does not have a […]

free ball
[free ball] {n.} A ball in football that is in play, […]

free enterprise
[free enterprise] {n. phr.} A system in which private business is […]

free hand
[free hand] {n.} Great freedom. * /The teacher had a free […]

free rein
[free rein] {n.} Freedom to do what you want. * /The […]

free throw
[free throw] {n.} A shot at the basket in basketball without […]

free-for-all
[free-for-all] {n.} 1. Unlimited, free access to something everybody wants. * […]

French fried potato
[French fried potato] or [French fry] {n.} A narrow strip of […]

French leave
[French leave] {n.} The act of slipping away from a place […]

French letter
[French letter] {n.} Condom.

friction tape
[friction tape] {n.} Black cloth tape with one sticky side used […]

frigging
[frigging] {n.} 1. The act of masturbating. 2. Used as an […]

Frog
[Frog] {n.} Derogatory term for a Frenchman.

front court
[front court] {n.} The half of a basketball court that is […]

front office
[front office] {n.}, {informal} The group of persons who manage a […]

fuck-up
[fuck-up] {n.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} A mess; a badly botched situation. * […]

fuddy-duddy
[fuddy-duddy] {n.} A person whose ideas and habits are old-fashioned. * […]

full of the moon
[full of the moon] {n. phr.}, {literary} The moon when it […]

fun and games
[fun and games] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A party or other […]

fun house
[fun house] {n.} A place where people see many funny things […]

funny bone
[funny bone] {n.} 1. The place at the back of the […]

fuss and feathers
[fuss and feathers] {n.}, {informal} Unnecessary bother and excitement. * /She […]

fuzz (the)
[fuzz (the)] {n.} The police.

G.I.
[G.I.] or ["government issue"] {n.} An American soldier. * /After the […]

gaff
[gaff] {n.} House or flat.

gaffer
[gaffer] {n.} Boss, foreman or employer.

gallows humor
[gallows' humor] {n. phr.} Bitter joke(s) that make fun of a […]

game at which two can play
[game at which two can play] {n. phr.} A plan, trick, […]

garden apartment
[garden apartment] {n.} An apartment with a garden near it. * […]

gay nineties
[gay nineties] {n.} The years between 1890 and 1900; remembered as […]

geezer
[geezer] {n.} (informal) Man. Particularly an old one.

generation gap
[generation gap] {n.}, {informal}, {hackneyed phrase} The difference in social values, […]

get-together
[get-together] {n.} A party; a gathering. * /I hate to break […]

get-up
[get-up] {n.} (stress on "get") Fancy dress or costume. * /Some […]

get-up-and-go
[get-up-and-go] also [get-up-and-get] {n. phr.}, {informal} Energetic enthusiasm; ambitious determination; pep; […]

getaway car
[getaway car] {n. phr.} A vehicle parked near the scene of […]

ghost-writer
[ghost-writer] {n.} A writer whose identity remains a secret and who […]

gift of gab
[gift of gab] or [gift of the gab] {n. phr.}, {informal} […]

gin mill
[gin mill] {n.}, {slang} A bar where liquor is sold. * […]

girl Friday
[girl Friday] {n.} A very dependable and helpful female office worker; […]

girl friend
[girl friend] {n.}, {informal} 1. A female friend or companion. * […]

give-and-take
[give-and-take] {n. phr.} 1. A sharing; giving and receiving back and […]

giveaway
[giveaway] or [dead giveaway] {n.} (stress on "give") 1. An open […]

glad hand
[glad hand] {n.}, {informal} A friendly handshake; a warm greeting. * […]

glad rags
[glad rags] {n.}, {slang} Clothes worn to parties or on special […]

glass jaw
[glass jaw] {n.}, {slang} The inability of a boxer to get […]

globe-trotter
[globe-trotter] {n.} One who has travelled far and wide. * /Tim […]

glutton for punishment
[glutton for punishment] {n. phr.} A greedy person; someone who wants […]

go-between
[go-between] {n.} An intermediary. * /They expect Mr. Smith to act […]

go-getter
[go-getter] {n.} A person who works hard to become successful; an […]

goal line
[goal line] {n.} A line that marks the goal in a […]

goal line stand
[goal line stand] {n.} A strong defensive effort right in front […]

gob
[gob] {n.} 1. Mouth 2. To spit. 3. Spittle.

gobshite
[gobshite] {n.} (Taboo) A stupid or despicable person.

gogglebox
[gogglebox] {n.} Television.

goldfish bowl
[goldfish bowl] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A situation in which it […]

golf widow
[golf widow] {n.}, {informal} A woman whose husband is often away […]

gone goose
[gone goose] also [gone gosling] {n.}, {slang} A person for whom […]

gong
[gong] {n.} A medal. Usually a military one.

good buddy
[good buddy] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Salutation used by […]

good deal
[good deal] or [great deal] {n.}, {informal} A large amount; much. […]

good egg
[good egg] {slang} or {informal} [good scout] {n. phr.} A friendly, […]

good faith
[good faith] {n.} 1. Belief in another person's honesty; trust. * […]

good head on one's shoulders
[good head on one's shoulders] {n. phr.} Good sense; good judgment. […]

good many
[good many] or [great many] {n.} or {adj.} A large number […]

good nature
[good nature] {n.} Readiness to please others and to be pleased. […]

good riddance
[good riddance] {n.} A loss that you are glad about. Often […]

goolies
[goolies] {n.} The male genitals and in particular the testicles.

goose bumps
[goose bumps] or [goose pimples] {n. plural}, {informal} Small bumps that […]

gopher ball
[gopher ball] {n.}, {slang} A baseball pitch that is hit for […]

grab bag
[grab bag] {n.} 1. A bag from which surprise packages are […]

grace period
[grace period] or [period of grace] {n.} The time or extra […]

grand
[grand] {n.} £1000

grand slam
[grand slam] {n.} A home run hit when there are three […]

grandstander
[grandstander] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A showoff, a person who likes to […]

graveyard shift
[graveyard shift] {n. phr.} The work period lasting from sundown to […]

gravy train
[gravy train] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The kind of job that brings […]

grease monkey
[grease monkey] {n.}, {slang} 1. A person who greases or works […]

grease-ball
[grease-ball] {n.}, {slang}, {derogatory} (avoid) An immigrant from a southern country, […]

greasy spoon
[greasy spoon] {n.}, {informal} Any small, inexpensive restaurant patronized by workers […]

green power
[green power] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The social prestige or power money […]

green thumb
[green thumb] {n.}, {informal} A talent for gardening; ability to make […]

green-eyed monster
[green-eyed monster] {n. phr.} Jealousy; envy. * /When John's brother got […]

gross-out session
[gross-out session] {n.}, {slang}, {avoidable} A verbal contest between teen-agers in […]

grot
[grot] {n.} Rubbish or dirt.

ground ball
[ground ball] {n.} A ball batted onto the ground in baseball; […]

ground floor
[ground floor] {n.} 1. First floor of a house or building. […]

ground rule
[ground rule] {n.} 1. A rule in sports that is made […]

growing pains
[growing pains] {n.} 1. Pains in children's legs supposed to be […]

guff
[guff] {n.} 1. Ridiculous talk. Nonsense. 2. Flatulence. Probably from the […]

gut feeling
[gut feeling] {n. phr.} An instinctive reaction. * /I have a […]

gut reaction
[gut reaction] {n. phr.} A mental or physical response that springs […]

gut talk
[gut talk] {n. phr.} Sincere, honest talk. * /We admire people […]

hail-fellow-well-met
[hail-fellow-well-met] (2) {n. phr.} A good friend and companion; buddy; pal. […]

haircut place
[haircut place] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Bridge or overpass […]

hairdo
[hairdo] {n.} Style or manner of arranging, combing, or wearing one's […]

half a chance
[half a chance] or [a half chance] {n.} An opportunity; a […]

half a mind
[half a mind] also [half a notion] {n. phr.}, {informal} A […]

half an eye
[half an eye] {n. phr.} A slight glance; a quick look. […]

half-and-half
[half-and-half] (2) {n.} A mixture of milk and cream in equal […]

half-holiday
[half-holiday] {n.} A day on which you get out of school […]

half-time
[half-time] {n.} A rest period in the middle of certain games. […]

ham actor
[ham actor] {n. phr.}, {slang} An untalented actor; someone who tries […]

hampton
[hampton] {n.} Penis (rhyming slang from, Hampton Wick = prick; and […]

hand-me-down
[hand-me-down] {n.}, {informal} Something given away after another person has no […]

handbags
[handbags] {n.} a harmless fight especially between two women. (from "handbags […]

handle to one's name
[handle to one's name] {n. phr.}, {slang} A special title used […]

handout
[handout] {n.} 1. A free gift of food, clothes, etc. * […]

handwriting on the wall
[handwriting on the wall] {n. phr.} A sign that something bad […]

hang-up
[hang-up] {n.}, {informal} (stress on "hang") 1. A delay in some […]

hangover
[hangover] {n.} A bad feeling of nausea and/or headache the day […]

happy hour
[happy hour] {n.}, {informal} A time in bars or restaurants when […]

happy hunting ground
[happy hunting ground] {n. phr.} 1. The place where, in American […]

hard cheese
[hard cheese] {n.} Bad luck.

hard feeling
[hard feeling] {n.} Angry or bitter feeling; enmity. - Usually used […]

hard line
[hard line] {n. phr.} Tough political policy. * /Although modern economists […]

hard nut to crack
[hard nut to crack] also [tough nut to crack] {n. phr.}, […]

hard row to hoe
[hard row to hoe] or [tough row to hoe] {n. phr.} […]

hard sell
[hard sell] {n.}, {informal} A kind of salesmanship characterized by great […]

hard sledding
[hard sledding] or [rough sledding] or [tough sledding] {n.}, {informal} Difficulty […]

hard way
[hard way] {n.} The harder or more punishing of two or […]

hard-liner
[hard-liner] {n.} A politician who takes the hard line. See: [HARD […]

hard-on
[hard-on] {n.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}. An erection of the male sexual organ. […]

hard-top
[hard-top] {n.} 1. A car that has a metal roof; a […]

hash house
[hash house] {n.}, {slang} An eating place where cheap meals are […]

hatchet face
[hatchet face] {n.} A long narrow face with sharp parts; also, […]

hatchet job
[hatchet job] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. The act of saying or […]

hatchet man
[hatchet man] {n.}, {colloquial} 1. A politician or newspaper columnist whose […]

he-man
[he-man] {n.}, {informal} A man who is very strong, brave, and […]

head
[head] {n.} 1. Lavatory (nautical slang) 2. Drug user. Sometimes preceded […]

head above water
[head above water] {n. phr.} out of difficulty; clear of trouble. […]

head start
[head start] {n.} 1. A beginning before someone; lead or advantage […]

head-hunting
[head-hunting] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. The custom of seeking out, decapitating, […]

headbanger
[headbanger] {n.} One who headbangs or a fan of heavy rock […]

heads or tails
[heads or tails] {n. phr.} The two sides of a coin, […]

headshrinker
[headshrinker] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A psychoanalyst, also called a shrink. * […]

heart and soul
[heart and soul] (1) {n.} Eager love; strong feeling; great enthusiasm. […]

heart of gold
[heart of gold] {n. phr.} A kind, generous, or forgiving nature. […]

heart of stone
[heart of stone] {n. phr.} A nature without pity. * /Mr. […]

heartbreaker
[heartbreaker] {n.} One with numerous admirers of the opposite sex; one […]

heavy
[heavy] {n.} 1. The use or threat of violence. 2. Someone […]

heavy heart
[heavy heart] {n. phr.} A feeling of being weighed down with […]

hell and high water
[hell and high water] {n. phr.} Troubles or difficulties of any […]

hell-on-wheels
[hell-on-wheels] {n.}, {slang} A short-tempered, nagging, or crabby person especially one […]

helmet
[helmet] {n.} The glans of the penis.

hen party
[hen party] {n. phr.}, {informal} A party to which only women […]

here and now
[here and now] (2) {n.} The present time and place; today. […]

hide or hair
[hide or hair] or [hide nor hair] {n. phr.}, {informal} A […]

hideout
[hideout] {n.} A place where one hides. * /The wanted criminal […]

high camp
[high camp] {n.}, {slang}, {show business} 1. Kitsch, or pretentious material […]

high fashion
[high fashion] or [high style] {n. phr.} The new style in […]

high gear
[high gear] {n. phr.}, {informal} Top speed; full activity. * /Production […]

high jinks
[high jinks] {n. phr.}, {informal} Noisy or rough gaiety; wild play; […]

high place
[high place] {n. phr.} A position of responsibility, honor, and power. […]

high seas
[high seas] {n. phr.} The open ocean, not the waters near […]

high season
[high season] {n. phr.} The time of year when the largest […]

high sign
[high sign] {n. phr.}, {informal} A silent signal of recognition, greeting, […]

higher education
[higher education] {n.} Schooling after graduation from high school, especially in […]

higher-up
[higher-up] {n.}, {informal} One of the people who has one of […]

highway robbery
[highway robbery] {n. phr.} 1. A hold-up of or theft from […]

hired man
[hired man] {n. phr.} A man employed to do jobs every […]

hit parade
[hit parade] {n.} 1. A list of songs or tunes arranged […]

holdout
[holdout] {n.} A rebel who refuses to go with the majority. […]

holdover
[holdover] {n.} 1. A successful movie or theater production that plays […]

holdup
[holdup] {n.} 1. Robbery. * /John fell victim to a highway […]

hole in one
[hole in one] {n. phr.} A shot in golf that is […]

hole-in-the-wall
[hole-in-the-wall] {n. phr.} A small place to live, stay in, or […]

holistic health
[holistic health] {n.}, {informal}, {semi-technical} The maintenance of health and the […]

holy terror
[holy terror] {n.}, {informal} A very disobedient or unruly child; brat. […]

home brew
[home brew] {n. phr.} A beer or other malt liquor made […]

home plate
[home plate] {n.} The base in baseball where the batter stands […]

home run
[home run] {n.} A hit in baseball that allows the batter […]

honest broker
[honest broker] {n. phr.} A person hired or appointed to act […]

honk
[honk] {n.} Vomit.

honky-tonk
[honky-tonk] {n.} A cheap nightclub or dance hall. * /There were […]

hookup
[hookup] {n.} A connection, electrical or otherwise, between two instruments or […]

hooky or hookey
[hooky or hookey] {n.} 1. Something that is stolen (probably from […]

hooter
[hooter] {n.} Nose.

horns of a dilemma
[horns of a dilemma] {n. phr.} Two choices possible in a […]

horse of a different color
[horse of a different color] or [horse of another color] {n. […]

horse opera
[horse opera] {n. phr.} A Western movie in which cowboys and […]

horse sense
[horse sense] {n.}, {informal} A good understanding about what to do […]

horse trade
[horse trade] {n.} 1. The sale of a horse or the […]

horsefeathers!
[horsefeathers!] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. Not true; I don't believe what […]

horselaugh
[horselaugh] {n. phr.} A loud, sarcastic, and derisive laugh. * /When […]

horseplay
[horseplay] {n.} Rough, practical joking. * /The newlyweds couldn't get a […]

hot air
[hot air] {n.}, {informal} Nonsense, exaggerated talk, wasted words characterized by […]

hot dog
[hot dog] {n. phr.}, {informal} A frankfurter or wiener in a […]

hot number
[hot number] {n.}, {slang} A person or thing noticed as newer, […]

hot one
[hot one] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} Something out of the ordinary; something […]

hot potato
[hot potato] {n.}, {informal} A question that causes strong argument and […]

hot rod
[hot rod] {n.}, {informal} An older automobile changed so that it […]

hot seat
[hot seat] {n.}, {slang} 1. The electric chair used to cause […]

hot stuff
[hot stuff] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Coffee. * /Let's […]

hot water
[hot water] {n.} {informal} Trouble. - Used with "in", "into", "out", […]

house detective
[house detective] {n.} A detective employed by a hotel, store, or […]

house of cards
[house of cards] {n. phr.} Something badly put together and easily […]

house of ill fame
[house of ill fame] or [of ill repute] {n. phr.} A […]

howling success
[howling success] {n.}, {informal} A great success; something that is much […]

hue and cry
[hue and cry] {n.} 1. An alarm and chase after a […]

hunt and peck
[hunt and peck] {n. phr.}, {informal} Picking out typewriter keys by […]

idiot box
[idiot box] {n.} A television set. * /Phil has been staring […]

idiot box
[idiot box] {n.} Television.

ill-gotten gains
[ill-gotten gains] {n. phr.} Goods or money obtained in an illegal […]

Indian giver
[Indian giver] {n. phr.} A person who gives one something, but […]

Indian sign
[Indian sign] {n.}, {informal} A magic spell that is thought to […]

Indian summer
[Indian summer] {n. phr.} A dry and warm period of time […]

industrial park
[industrial park] {n.} A complex of industrial buildings and/or businesses usually […]

inner city
[inner city] {n.}, {colloquial} Densely populated neighborhoods in large metropolitan areas […]

innuendo
[innuendo] {n.} An indirect or subtle reference, esp. one made maliciously […]

ins and outs
[ins and outs] {n. phr.} The special ways of going somewhere […]

inside track
[inside track] {n. phr.} 1. The inside, shortest distance around a […]

iron horse
[iron horse] {n.}, {informal} A railroad locomotive; the engine of a […]

iron in the fire
[iron in the fire] {n. phr.} Something you are doing; one […]

itching palm
[itching palm] {n.}, {slang} A wish for money; greed. * /He […]

ivories
[ivories] {n.} 1. Teeth. 2. The keys of a piano. 3. […]

Ivy League
[Ivy League] {n.} A small group of the older and more […]

jack of all trades
[jack of all trades] {n.}, {informal} (Often followed by "master of […]

Jack the lad
[Jack the lad] {n.} A young man who is regarded as […]

jack-rabbit start
[jack-rabbit start] {n.}, {informal} A very sudden start from a still […]

jacksy (or jacksie)
[jacksy (or jacksie)] {n.} The buttocks or anus.

jag
[jag] {adj.} {n.} 1. A drug taking, or sometimes drinking, binge. […]

jailbait
[jailbait] {n.}, {slang} A girl below the legal age of consent […]

jailbird
[jailbird] {n.}, {informal} A convict; someone who is in jail or […]

jake flake
[jake flake] {n.}, {slang} A boring person whose company is usually […]

jawbreaker
[jawbreaker] {n.} 1. A large piece of hard candy or bubblegum. […]

jerry
[jerry] {n.} A chamber pot.

Jerry
[Jerry] {n.} A German or German soldier.

jessie
[jessie] {n.} An effeminate man or one that is weak or […]

Jesus boots
[Jesus boots] or [Jesus shoes] {n.}, {slang} Men's sandals, particularly as […]

jim-dandy
[jim-dandy] {n.}, {slang} Something wonderful; something very good. * /Tommy's new […]

jissom
[jissom] {n.} semen (taboo).

Joe Bloggs
[Joe Bloggs] {n.} A man who is average, typical or unremarkable.

Joe Doakes
[Joe Doakes] {n.} A name used informally for the average man. […]

Joe Soap
[Joe Soap] {n.} An idiot, stooge or scapegoat.

John Doe
[John Doe] {n.} A name used for an unknown person, especially […]

John Hancock
[John Hancock] or [John Henry] {n.}, {informal} Your signature; your name […]

John Q. Public
[John Q. Public] {n.} A name used informally for the average […]

John Thomas
[John Thomas] {n.} Penis.

Johnny
[Johnny] {n.} Condom. Sometimes also a 'Johnny bag' or 'rubber Johnny'.

Johnny-come-lately
[Johnny-come-lately] {n.} Someone new in a place or group; newcomer; also: […]

josser
[josser] {n.} A cretin or simpleton.

judgment seat
[judgment seat] {n.} A place where you are judged; a place […]

juice dealer
[juice dealer] {n.}, {slang} An underworld money lender who charges exorbitant […]

jump
[jump] {n.} {v.} As a noun or verb, sexual intercourse.

jump ball
[jump ball] {n.} The starting of play in basketball by tossing […]

jump pass
[jump pass] {n.} A pass (as in football or basketball) made […]

jumping-off place
[jumping-off place] {n. phr.} 1. A place so far away that […]

just what the doctor ordered
[just what the doctor ordered] {n. phr.}, {informal} Exactly what is […]

kangaroo court
[kangaroo court] {n.} A self-appointed group that decides what to do […]

kick in the pants
[kick in the pants] or [kick in the teeth] {n. phr.}, […]

kickback
[kickback] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} Money paid illegally for favorable treatment. * […]

kickoff
[kickoff] {n.} The start of something, like a new venture, a […]

kiddie car
[kiddie car] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A school bus. […]

kindled spirits
[kindled spirits] {n. phr.} People who resemble each other in numerous […]

kings ransom
[king's ransom] {n. phr.} 1. An excessively large sum of money […]

kip
[kip] {n.} 1. Sleep, nap 2. Bed or lodging 3. Brothel […]

knackers
[knackers] {n.} vulgar name for testicles.

kneeling bus
[kneeling bus] {n.}, {informal} A bus equipped with a hydraulic device […]

knees up
[knees up] {n.} A lively party or dance.

knob
[knob] {n.} 1. Penis. 2. (of a man) To have sexual […]

knob-end
[knob-end] {n.} an idiot, or tip of penis (see [bell-end]).

knobhead
[knobhead] {n.} a stupid, irritating person.

knockers
[knockers] {n.} Breasts.

knocking shop
[knocking shop] {n.} Brothel.

knockout
[knockout] {n.}, {slang} 1. Strikingly beautiful woman. * /Sue is a […]

knotty problem
[knotty problem] {n. phr.} A very complicated and difficult problem to […]

know-how
[know-how] {n.}, {slang} Expertise; ability to devise and construct. * /The […]

know-it-all
[know-it-all] {n.} A person who acts as if he knows all […]

labor movement
[labor movement] {n.} Groups which form, strengthen, and increase membership in […]

labor of love
[labor of love] {n. phr.} Something done for personal pleasure and […]

ladies' room
[ladies' room] {n. phr.} A public toilet and restroom for women. […]

lady friend
[lady friend] {n.} 1. A woman friend. * /His aunt stays […]

lady of the house
[lady of the house] {n. phr.} Female owner, or wife of […]

lady's man
[lady's man] {n.} A man or boy who likes to be […]

lady-killer
[lady-killer] {n.}, {informal} 1. Any man who has strong sex appeal […]

lag
[lag] {n.} Convict, particularly a long serving one (an old lag).

lame duck
[lame duck] {n.}, {informal} An elected public official who has been […]

land of nod
[land of nod] {n. phr.} Sleep. * /The little girl went […]

land-office business
[land-office business] {n.}, {informal} A great rush of business. * /It […]

landing ship
[landing ship] {n.} A ship built to land troops and army […]

landslide
[landslide] {n.} An overwhelming victory during a political election. * /Ronald […]

lardhead
[lardhead] {n.}, {slang} A stupid or slow-witted person. * /You'll never […]

large order
[large order] {n. phr.} Difficult job; a difficult task to fulfill. […]

lash
[lash] {v.} {n.} 1. Urinate. 2. Alcohol.

last ditch
[last ditch] {n.} The last place that can be defended; the […]

last lap
[last lap] {n. phr.} The final stage. * /Although the trip […]

last leg
[last leg] {n. phr.} 1. Final stages of physical weakness before […]

last stand
[last stand] {n. phr.} See: [LAST DITCH].

last straw
[last straw] or [straw that breaks the camel's back] {n. phr.} […]

last word
[last word] {n.} 1. The last remark in an argument. * […]

latch string
[latch string] {n.} 1. A string that opens an old-fashioned door […]

laughing gear
[laughing gear] {n.} Mouth.

laughing matter
[laughing matter] {n.} A funny happening; a silly situation. - Usually […]

launch window
[launch window] {n.}, {Space English}, {informal} 1. A period of time […]

law of averages
[law of averages] {n. phr.} The idea that you can't win […]

law unto oneself
[law unto oneself] {n. phr.}, {literary} A person who does only […]

lay of the land
[lay of the land] also [how the land lies] {n. phr.} […]

lay-away plan
[lay-away plan] {n.} A plan for buying something that you can't […]

layoff
[layoff] {n.} A systematic or periodical dismissal of employees from a […]

layout
[layout] {n.} General situation; arrangement; plan. * /The layout of their […]

layover
[layover] {n.} A stopover, usually at an airport or in a […]

lazybones
[lazybones] {n.} {informal} A lazy person. * /Seeing him return so […]

leading light
[leading light] {n. phr.} A prominent person in a community, company, […]

lean-to
[lean-to] {n.} 1. A shed for tools, such as spades, hoes, […]

leap year
[leap year] {n.} Every fourth year during which the month of […]

leatherneck
[leatherneck] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A member of the United States Marine […]

left field
[left field] {n.} 1. The part of a baseball out-field to […]

left-handed compliment
[left-handed compliment] An ambiguous compliment which is interpretable as an offense. […]

leg man
[leg man] {n.}, {informal} 1. An errand boy; one who performs […]

leg to stand on
[leg to stand on] {n. phr.} A firm foundation of facts; […]

leg work
[leg work] {n.}, {informal} The physical end of a project, such […]

less than no time
[less than no time] {n. phr.}, {informal} Very quickly. * /We […]

letdown
[letdown] {n.} A disappointment; a heartbreak. * /It was a major […]

lick and a promise
[lick and a promise] {n. phr.}, {informal} A careless, hasty job; […]

life of Riley
[life of Riley] {n. phr.}, {informal} A soft easy life; pleasant […]

life of the party
[life of the party] {n. phr.} A person who makes things […]

light housekeeping
[light housekeeping] {n.}, {slang} An arrangement in which an unmarried couple […]

line drive
[line drive] {n.} A batted baseball that is usually hit hard […]

line of fire
[line of fire] {n. phr.} The path that something fired or […]

line of least resistance
[line of least resistance] or [path of least resistance] {n. phr.} […]

line of scrimmage
[line of scrimmage] {n. phr.} An imaginary line on a football […]

lineup
[lineup] {n.} 1. An alignment of objects in a straight line. […]

lions share
[lion's share] {n. phr.} A disproportionate share; the largest part. * […]

lip service
[lip service] {n.} Support shown by words only and not by […]

liquid assets
[liquid assets] {n. phr.} Those belongings that can be easily converted […]

litterbug
[litterbug] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A person who leaves garbage in a […]

little frog in a big pond
[little frog in a big pond] or [small frog in a […]

little theater
[little theater] {n.} A theater, usually with nonprofessional actors and actresses, […]

live wire
[live wire] {n. phr.} 1. An electrically charged wire, usually uninsulated. […]

loan shark
[loan shark] {n. phr.} A money lender who charges excessive interest. […]

local
[local] {n.} A public house close to one's home.

local yokel
[local yokel] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} City police officer, […]

lock, stock, and barrel
[lock, stock, and barrel] {n. phr.} Everything; completely. * /The robbers […]

lolly
[lolly] {n.} money.

lone wolf
[lone wolf] {n.} A man who likes to work or live […]

long and short of it
[long and short of it] {n. phr.} The essence; the whole […]

long ball
[long ball] {n.} A baseball hit far enough to be a […]

long face
[long face] {n.} A sad look; disappointed look. * /He told […]

long haul
[long haul] or [long pull] {n.}, {informal} 1. A long distance […]

long pull
[long pull] See: [LONG HAUL].

long shot
[long shot] {n.} 1. A bet or other risk taken though […]

longhair
[longhair] (1) 1. {n.}, {slang} A male hippie. * /Who's that […]

loo
[loo] {n.} lavatory.

look-in
[look-in] {n.}, {informal} A chance or hope. - Usually used with […]

loose ends
[loose ends] {n.} 1. Parts or things that should be finished […]

lost cause
[lost cause] {n. phr.} A movement that has failed and has […]

loud mouth
[loud mouth] or [big mouth] {n.}, {slang} A noisy, boastful, or […]

lounge lizard
[lounge lizard] {n. phr.} A well-dressed male fortune hunter who sits […]

love affair
[love affair] {n.} A friendship between lovers; a romance or courtship. […]

love game
[love game] {n.} A game of tennis which is won without […]

love-in
[love-in] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A festival or occasion to celebrate life, […]

lover's lane
[lovers' lane] {n.} A hidden road or walk where lovers walk […]

lowbrow
[lowbrow] {n.} A person of limited culture; a nonintellectual. * /Some […]

lowdown
[lowdown] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The inside facts of a matter; the […]

lucky star
[lucky star] {n.} A certain star or planet which, by itself […]

lump in one's throat
[lump in one's throat] {n. phr.} A feeling (as of grief […]

lump sum
[lump sum] {n.} The complete amount; a total agreed upon and […]

lunar module (L.M.)
[lunar module (L.M.)] or [Lem] {n.}, {Space English} That portion of […]

magic carpet
[magic carpet] {n.} 1. A rug said to be able to […]

maiden speech
[maiden speech] {n. phr.} One's first public speech, usually before some […]

maiden voyage
[maiden voyage] {n. phr.} The first voyage of a boat. * […]

mail order
[mail order] {n. phr.} A purchase made by mail. * /If […]

main drag
[main drag] {n.}, {colloquial} 1. The most important street or thoroughfare […]

main squeeze
[main squeeze] {n.}, {slang} 1. The top ranking person in an […]

majority leader
[majority leader] {n.} The leader of the political party with the […]

make-believe
[make-believe] {n.} False; untrue; created by illusion. * /The creatures of […]

makeup
[makeup] {n.} (stress on "make") 1. Cosmetics. * /All the actors […]

mama's boy
[mama's boy] {n. phr.}, {informal} A boy who depends too much […]

man
[man] or [the man] {n.}, {slang} 1. The police; a policeman. […]

man in the moon
[man in the moon] {n. phr.} An imaginary or nonexistent person […]

man in the street
[man in the street] {n. phr.} The man who is just […]

man of few words
[man of few words] {n. phr.} A man who doesn't talk […]

man of his word
[man of his word] {n. phr.} A man who keeps his […]

man of letters
[man of letters] {n. phr.} A writer; an author; a scholar. […]

man of means
[man of means] {n. phr.} A rich person. * /He became […]

man of parts
[man of parts] {n. phr.}, {literary} A man who has several […]

man-about-town
[man-about-town] {n. phr.} A sophisticate; an idler; a member of cafe […]

man-of-war
[man-of-war] {n. phr.} 1. A stinging jellyfish in the Gulf of […]

marbles
[marbles] {n.} Wits. As in, to lose one's marbles.

mare
[mare] {n.} Woman (derogatory).

mare's nest
[mare's nest] {n. phr.} Something that doesn't exist; a discovery that […]

mark
[mark] {n.} A suitable victim for a con or swindle.

markdown
[markdown] {n.} A reduction in price. * /Joan asked, "Do you […]

marked man
[marked man] {n. phr.} A man whose behavior has made him […]

masking tape
[masking tape] {n.} A paper tape that is stuck around the […]

master copy
[master copy] {n.} 1. A perfect text to which all copies […]

master key
[master key] {n. phr.} A key that opens a set of […]

master of ceremonies
[master of ceremonies] or [M.C.] or [emcee] {n.} The person in […]

mastermind
[mastermind] {n.} A person who supplies the intelligence for a project […]

matelot
[matelot] {n.} Sailor (from the French).

matter of course
[matter of course] {n. phr.} Something always done; the usual way; […]

matter of fact
[matter of fact] {n. phr.} Something that is really true; something […]

matter of opinion
[matter of opinion] {n. phr.} Something that may or may not […]

matter of record
[matter of record] {n. phr.} A fact or event that is […]

means to an end
[means to an end] {n. phr.} An action leading to some […]

meat and two veg
[meat and two veg] {n.} Literally a traditional meal consisting of […]

meatball
[meatball] {n.}, {slang} A dull, boring, slow-witted, or uninteresting person. * […]

melting pot
[melting pot] {n. phr.} A country where different nationalities mingle and […]

mental telepathy
[mental telepathy] {n. phr.} The passing of one person's thoughts to […]

mercy killing
[mercy killing] {n. phr.} The act of killing a terminally ill […]

method in (to) one's madness
[method in (to) one's madness] {n. phr.} A plan or organization […]

Mick
[Mick] {n.} An Irishman (derogatory).

mickey mouse
[mickey mouse] (2) {n.} ({derogatory}) A stupid person; a policeman; a […]

middle ground
[middle ground] {n.} A place halfway between the two sides of […]

middle of the road
[middle of the road] {n. phr.} A way of thinking which […]

middleman
[middleman] {n.} A person or small business standing in an intermediary […]

midfield stripe
[midfield stripe] {n.} The line across the center of a football […]

mile markers
[mile markers] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Small signs along […]

milk run
[milk run] {n.} A 'safe' mission or patrol.

millstone around one's neck
[millstone around one's neck] {n. phr.} An intolerable burden. * /Max […]

mind like a steel trap
[mind like a steel trap] {n. phr.} A very quick and […]

mine of information
[mine of information] {n. phr.} A person, a book, etc., that […]

minge
[minge] {n.} Vagina

minger
[minger] {n.} Someone who smells.

minority leader
[minority leader] {n. phr.} The leader of the political party that […]

minutes of the meeting
[minutes of the meeting] {n. phr.} The notes taken by the […]

missing link
[missing link] {n.} 1. Something needed to complete a group; a […]

mixed bag
[mixed bag] {n. phr.} A varied set of people, ideas, objects, […]

mixed blessing
[mixed blessing] {n.} Something good that has bad features. * /John's […]

moggy
[moggy] {n.} Cat.

moke
[moke] {n.} Donkey.

money to burn
[money to burn] {n. phr.}, {informal} Very much money, more than […]

moniker or monicker
[moniker or monicker] {n.} Name, nickname, signature or mark.

monkey
[monkey] {n.} £500.

monkey business
[monkey business] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Any unethical, illegitimate, or objectionable […]

monkey on one's back
[monkey on one's back] {n. phr.}, {informal} An unsolved or nagging […]

month of Sundays
[month of Sundays] {n. phr.}, {informal} A very long time. - […]

moolah
[moolah] {n.} Money.

moonshine
[moonshine] {n.} Illegally distilled alcoholic beverage made at home, mostly on […]

more the merrier
[more the merrier] {n. phr.} The more people who join in […]

morning after
[morning after] {n.}, {slang} The effects of drinking liquor or staying […]

moving spirit
[moving spirit] {n. phr.} The main figure behind a business or […]

mucker
[mucker] {n.} Mate, pal.

mud in your eye
[mud in your eye] {n. phr.}, {informal} A cheering exclamation when […]

mufti
[mufti] {n.} Civilian dress worn by someone who normally wears a […]

mug
[mug] {n.} 1. Face. 2. A gullible or easily swindled person.

mug shot
[mug shot] {n. phr.} A police photograph showing the arrested person's […]

munta
[munta] {n.} Ugly person.

mush
[mush] {n.} 1. Face or mouth. 2. Familiar term of address. […]

music to one's ears
[music to one's ears] {n. phr.} Something one likes to hear. […]

musical chairs
[musical chairs] {n. phr.} (Originally the name of a children's game.) […]

name day
[name day] {n.} The day of the saint for whom a […]

name of the game
[name of the game] {n.}, {informal} The crux of the matter; […]

namedropper
[namedropper] {n. phr.} A person who is always mentioning well-known names. […]

nark
[nark] {n.} {v.} 1. As a verb or noun; spy or […]

narrow escape
[narrow escape] {n. phr.} An escape by a very small margin; […]

neck of the woods
[neck of the woods] {n. phr.}, {informal} Part of the country; […]

necktie party
[necktie party] {n.}, {slang} A hanging by a mob; lynching. * […]

ned
[ned] {n.} (Scottish) a lout, a drunken brawling fellow, a tough. […]

needle in a haystack
[needle in a haystack] {n. phr.}, {informal} Something that will be […]

neither rhyme nor reason
[neither rhyme nor reason] {n. phr.} No emotional or intellectual substance. […]

nervous breakdown
[nervous breakdown] {n.} A mild or severe attack of mental illness; […]

Nervous Nellie
[Nervous Nellie] {n.}, {informal} A timid person who lacks determination and […]

nervous prostration
[nervous prostration] {n.} An illness of the mind that makes you […]

nest egg
[nest egg] {n.} Savings set aside to be used in the […]

new blood
[new blood] {n.} Something or someone that gives new life or […]

new deal
[new deal] {n.}, {informal} 1. A complete change; a fresh start. […]

new lease on life
[new lease on life] {n. phr.} A new chance to live; […]

new man
[new man] {n.} A person who has become very much better. […]

new money
[new money] {n. phr.} People who have become rich recently. * […]

newshawk
[newshawk] {n.} A newspaper reporter. * /There are always a lot […]

next to nothing
[next to nothing] {n. phr.} Very little; almost nothing. * /They […]

nice Nelly
[nice Nelly] (1) or [nice Nellie] {n.}, {informal} Someone who acts […]

nicker
[nicker] {n.} Pound sterling.

nigger in the woodpile
[nigger in the woodpile] {n. phr.}, {slang} Something unexpected that changes […]

night letter
[night letter] {n.} A telegram sent at night at a cheaper […]

night life
[night life] {n. phr.} Entertainment at night. * /People in the […]

night owl
[night owl] {n. phr.} One who sleeps during the day and […]

nightcap
[nightcap] {n.} A good-night drink; a drink taken just before bedtime. […]

nine-to-five job
[nine-to-five job] {n. phr.} A typical office job that starts at […]

no account
[no account] (2) {n. phr.} A person of low social station. […]

no frills
[no frills] {n. phr.} A firm or product that offers no […]

no hard feelings
[no hard feelings] {n. phr.} A lack of resentment or anger; […]

no kidding
[no kidding] {n. phr.} Without jokes or teasing; honestly spoken. * […]

no love lost
[no love lost] {n. phr.} Bad feeling; ill will. * /Bob […]

no picnic
[no picnic] {n. phr.} Something arduous; something that requires great effort […]

no spring chicken
[no spring chicken] {n. phr.} A person who is no longer […]

no two ways about it
[no two ways about it] {n. phr.} No other choice; no […]

no use
[no use] {n.} 1. No purpose; no object; no gain. * […]

no-show
[no-show] {n.}, {informal} A person who makes a reservation, e.g., at […]

nob
[nob] {n.} 1. Person of high social standing. 2. Head.

nobodys fool
[nobody's fool] {n. phr.} A smart person; a person who knows […]

nodding acquaintance
[nodding acquaintance] {n.} Less than casual acquaintance. * /I have never […]

nonce
[nonce] {n.} Sex offender, most commonly a child molester. (Prison slang)

nonstarter
[nonstarter] {n.} An idea, plan, or project that doesn't work or […]

nookie or nooky
[nookie] or [nooky] {n.} Sexual intercourse.

nose in a book
[nose in a book] {n. phr.} Busy interest in reading. - […]

nose rag
[nose rag] {n.} Handkerchief.

nosh up
[nosh up] {n.} A feast or large, satisfying meal.

not a leg to stand on
[not a leg to stand on] {n. phr.}, {informal} No good […]

not the only fish in the sea
[not the only fish in the sea] {n. phr.} One of […]

not the only pebble on the beach
[not the only pebble on the beach] {n. phr.} Not the […]

not the thing
[not the thing] {n. phr.} Not the accepted form of action; […]

number one
[number one] (1) or [Number One] (1) {n. phr.}, {informal} Yourself; […]

nut
[nut] {n.} 1. Head. 2. Eccentric person.

nut case
[nut case] {n. phr.} A very silly, crazy, or foolish person. […]

nutcase
[nutcase] {n.} An insane person.

nuthouse
[nuthouse] {n.} A lunatic asylum.

nuts and bolts of
[nuts and bolts of] {n. phr.} The basic facts or important […]

nutter
[nutter] {n.} Insane person.

odd jobs
[odd jobs] {n. phr.} Work that is not steady or regular […]

oddball
[oddball] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} An eccentric person; one who doesn't act […]

odds and ends
[odds and ends] {n. phr.} Miscellaneous items; remnants. * /After the […]

odds and sods
[odds and sods] {n.} Substitute for '[odds and ends]'. Miscellaneous items […]

off day
[off day] {n. phr.} A period when one is not functioning […]

offshoot
[offshoot] {n.} A derivative; a side product. * /The discovery of […]

oik
[oik] {n.} Someone of a low social standing (derogatory).

old bill, the old bill
[old bill] or [the old bill] {n.} A policeman or the […]

old boy
[old boy] or [old chap] {n.}, {chiefly British} One of the […]

old boy network
[old boy network] {n. phr.} A system whereby men who went […]

old college try
[old college try] {n. phr.} An attempt to win a favor […]

old country
[old country] {n. phr.} Primarily Europe, but also any country other […]

old flame
[old flame] {n. phr.} An erstwhile lover. * /Did you know […]

old guard
[old guard] {n. phr.} People whose ideas may be out of […]

old hand
[old hand] {n. phr.} An experienced and highly skilled expert at […]

old maid
[old maid] {n. phr.} A spinster; a woman who has never […]

old story
[old story] {n.} An everyday occurrence; something that often happens. * […]

old world
[old world] {n. phr.} Europe, the continent; a continental manner. * […]

old-timer
[old-timer] {n.} An old person who remembers bygone days, matters, and […]

olive branch
[olive branch] {n. phr.} An overture; a symbol of peace. * […]

once-over
[once-over] {n.}, {slang} 1. A quick look; a swift examination of […]

one damn thing after another
[one damn thing after another] or [ODTAA] (pronounced owed-tay) {n. phr.} […]

one foot in the grave
[one foot in the grave] {n. phr.} Near to death. * […]

one on the city
[one on the city] {n.}, {slang} A glass of water (which […]

one's money's worth
[one's money's worth] {n. phr.} A fair return on one's money […]

one-armed bandit
[one-armed bandit] {n.}, {slang} A slot machine, like those used in […]

one-night stand
[one-night stand] {n. phr.} 1. A single performance given by a […]

one-two
[one-two] {n.} 1. A succession of two punches, the first a […]

open heart
[open heart] {n.} 1. No hiding of your feelings; frankness; freedom. […]

open letter
[open letter] {n. phr.} A public message in the form of […]

open market
[open market] {n. phr.} Goods or securities available for purchase by […]

open marriage
[open marriage] {n. phr.} An arrangement by mutual agreement between husband […]

open one's eyes
[open one's eyes] or [open up one's eyes] {v. phr.} To […]

open question
[open question] {n. phr.} A debatable issue. * /Whether assisted suicide […]

open secret
[open secret] {n.} Something that is supposed to be a secret […]

open sesame
[open sesame] {n. phr.}, {literary} Immediate means of entrance, or unobstructed […]

open shop
[open shop] {n. phr.} A factory or firm that employs both […]

open-door policy
[open-door policy] {n. phr.} A policy that states that newcomers are […]

opposite number
[opposite number] {n. phr.} A person occupying the same position as […]

opposite sex
[opposite sex] {n. phr.} The sex different from the one being […]

optional origin
[optional origin] {n.} Stipulation in international commodities contract whereby the seller […]

other fish to fry
[other fish to fry] {n. phr.}, {informal} Other things to do; […]

out-of-pocket expenses
[out-of-pocket expenses] {n. phr.} Expenses one has to pay for oneself, […]

outback
[outback] {n.} 1. The remote and uncultivated wilderness areas of Australia […]

outer space
[outer space] {n.} What is outside of the earth's air. * […]

overhead
[overhead] {n.} Expenses incurred in the upkeep of one's plant and […]

pack of lies
[pack of lies] {n. phr.} An unbelievable story; unprovable allegations. * […]

pack rat
[pack rat] {n.}, {informal} A person who cannot part with old, […]

packet
[packet] {n.} 1. A large sum of money (earn a packet). […]

Paddy
[Paddy] {n.} (capitalised) An Irishman (derogatory).

paddy wagon
[paddy wagon] {n.}, {informal} A police van used for transporting prisoners […]

pain in the ass
[pain in the ass] or [pain in the neck] {n.}, {slang}, […]

Paki
[Paki] {n.} (Derogatory, offensive) A Pakistani or sometimes used to loosely […]

Paki-bashing
[Paki-bashing] {n.} Unprovoked attacks on Pakastanis living in Britain.

pan gravy
[pan gravy] {n.} Gravy made with meat drippings with seasoning and […]

Pandoras box
[Pandora's box] {n. phr.}, {literary} A thing or problem that, if […]

pansy
[pansy] {n.} An effeminite or homosexual male.

par for the course
[par for the course] {n. phr.}, {informal} Just what was expected; […]

parade rest
[parade rest] {n.} A position in which soldiers stand still, with […]

parallel bars
[parallel bars] {n.} Two horizontal bars the same distance apart, that […]

parliamentary law
[parliamentary law] {n.} The rules for legislative or other meetings. * […]

part and parcel
[part and parcel] {n. phr.} A necessary or important part; something […]

part of the furniture
[part of the furniture] {n. phr.} In a job or position […]

parting of the ways
[parting of the ways] {n. phr.} 1. The point where a […]

party animal
[party animal] {n. phr.} 1. A person who loves parties. * […]

party line
[party line] {n. phr.} Ideas, policies, and goals set forth by […]

pass the buck
[pass the buck] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make another person decide […]

passed ball
[passed ball] {n.} A pitched baseball missed by the catcher when […]

past master
[past master] {n. phr.} An expert. * /Alan wins so often […]

pasting
[pasting] {n.} A sound thrashing or heavy defeat.

pat on the back
[pat on the back] (2) {n. phr.} 1. An encouraging tap […]

pat-a-cake
[pat-a-cake] {n.} A clapping game that keeps time to a nursery […]

pay dirt
[pay dirt] {n.}, {slang} 1. The dirt in which much gold […]

payoff
[payoff] {n.} Culmination point; climax. * /After many months of patient […]

pecking order
[pecking order] {n.} The way people are ranked in relation to […]

peeping Tom
[peeping Tom] {n.} A man or boy who likes sly peeping. […]

pen pal
[pen pal] {n.} A friend who is known to someone through […]

penalty box
[penalty box] {n.} A place where penalized hockey players are required […]

penny-dreadful
[penny-dreadful] {n.} A cheap, sensationalist magazine.

pennyboy
[pennyboy] {n.} A low paid person, employed to carry out menial […]

pep talk
[pep talk] {n.}, {informal} A speech that makes people feel good […]

pet name
[pet name] {n. phr.} A special or abbreviated name indicating affection. […]

phiz or phizog
[phiz or phizog] {n.} The face (from a 17th century colloquial […]

photo finish
[photo finish] {n. phr.} A close finish in a race of […]

pick-me-up
[pick-me-up] {n. phr.} Something you take when you feel tired or […]

pickpocket
[pickpocket] {n.} A thief; a petty criminal who steals things and […]

pickup
[pickup] {n.}, (stress on "pick") 1. A rugged, small truck. * […]

Pidgin English
[Pidgin English] {n. phr.} A jargon that consists of some mispronounced […]

pie in the sky
[pie in the sky] {n. phr.}, {informal} An unrealistic wish or […]

piecework
[piecework] {n.} Work paid for in accordance with the quantity produced. […]

pig
[pig] {n.} (Derogatory, offensive) Policeman.

pig in a poke
[pig in a poke] {n. phr.} An unseen bargain; something accepted […]

pig's ear
[pig's ear] {n.} 1. Beer (Cockney rhyming slang). 2. Something that […]

pigeonhole
[pigeonhole] {n.} 1. Small compartment for internal mail in an office […]

piggy bank
[piggy bank] {n.} A small bank, sometimes in the shape of […]

pikey
[pikey] {n.} Pejorative term used, mainly in England to refer to […]

pile-up
[pile-up] {n.} 1. A heap; a deposit of one object on […]

pillar of society
[pillar of society] {n. phr.} A leading figure who contributes to […]

pillock
[pillock] {n.} Stupid or annoying person.

pin curl
[pin curl] {n.} A curl made with a hair clip or […]

pin money
[pin money] {n. phr.} Extra money used for incidentals. * /She […]

pinch
[pinch] {n.} {v.} 1. (verb) Steal or take without asking. 2. […]

pinch pennies
[pinch pennies] {v. phr.}, {informal} Not spend a penny more than […]

pinch-hit
[pinch-hit] {v.} 1. To substitute for another player at bat in […]

pip-squeak
[pip-squeak] {n.}, {informal} A small, unimportant person. * /If the club […]

pipe dream
[pipe dream] {n.}, {informal} An unrealizable, financially unsound, wishful way of […]

plain
[plain] or [smooth sailing] {n. phr.} An uncomplicated, unhampered, or easy […]

plain Jane
[plain Jane] {n. phr.} A common or simple looking young woman […]

plain white wrapper
[plain white wrapper] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Unmarked police […]

platonic love
[platonic love] {n. phr.} Great affection toward another person without sex. […]

plonker
[plonker] {n.} 1. Something large or substantial (Mid 19th C). 2. […]

point of view
[point of view] {n.} Attitude; opinion. * /From the American point […]

polish the apple
[polish the apple] {v. phr.}, {slang} To try to make someone […]

pony
[pony] {n.} £25 (18th C).

pop fly
[pop fly] {n.} A baseball batted high into the air but […]

porkies
[porkies] {n.} Lies (from the Cockney rhyming slang pork pies)

port of call
[port of call] {n. phr.} 1. Any of the ports that […]

port of entry
[port of entry] {n. phr.} 1. A port where things brought […]

potboiler
[potboiler] {n.} A book, play, or film written for the primary […]

potshot
[potshot] {n.} A direct shot at an easy, stationary target from […]

pound of flesh
[pound of flesh] {n. phr.}, {literary} The maximum payment authorized by […]

powder room
[powder room] {n.} The ladies' rest room. * /When they got […]

power behind the throne
[power behind the throne] {n. phr.} The person with the real […]

presence of mind
[presence of mind] {n. phr.} Effective and quick decision-making ability in […]

press box
[press box] {n.} The place or room high in a sports […]

press conference
[press conference] {n. phr.} A meeting with news reporters. * /The […]

pressure group
[pressure group] {n. phr.} An organization whose goal it is to […]

pretty penny
[pretty penny] {n. phr.} A large amount of money. * /Their […]

price on one's head
[price on one's head] {n. phr.} Reward offered to anyone who […]

private eye
[private eye] {n.}, {colloquial} A private investigator; a detective. * /Buddy […]

public enemy
[public enemy] {n. phr.} A famous criminal. * /Al Capone of […]

public speaker
[public speaker] {n.} A person who speaks to the public. * […]

public-address system
[public-address system] {n.} A set of devices for making a speaker's […]

pull date
[pull date] {n.}, {informal} The date stamped on baked goods, dairy […]

pull one's leg
[pull one's leg] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get someone to accept […]

pull strings
[pull strings] or [pull wires] {v. phr.}, {informal} To secretly use […]

pullout
[pullout] {n.} An evacuation. * /The pullout of the American military […]

punter
[punter] {n.} 1. Customer, patron. 2. Gambler (one who takes a […]

puppy love
[puppy love] also [calf love] {n.}, {informal} The first love of […]

purse strings
[purse strings] {n.} Care or control of money. * /Dad holds […]

push-up
[push-up] {n.} An exercise to build strong arms and shoulders, in […]

pushover
[pushover] {n.} 1. Something easy to accomplish or overcome. * /For […]

put-on
[put-on] {n.} An act of teasing; the playing of a practical […]

putdown
[putdown] {n.} An insult. * /It was a nasty putdown when […]

quarterback sneak
[quarterback sneak] {n.} A football play in which the quarterback takes […]

queer fish
[queer fish] {n.} A strange or unusual person who does odd […]

Queer Street
[Queer Street] {n.} A difficult or odd situation (up Queer Street).

quick study
[quick study] {n. phr.} One who acquires new skills and habits […]

quim
[quim] {n.} Vagina (possibly a play on the Celtic word for […]

quite a few
[quite a few] or [quite a number] also {formal} [not a […]

quite a little
[quite a little] or {informal} [quite a bit] also {formal} [not […]

quite the thing
[quite the thing] {n. phr.} The socially proper thing to do. […]

rack and ruin
[rack and ruin] {n. phr.} Complete decay; condition of decline. * […]

radio ham
[radio ham] {n. phr.} Someone whose hobby is the operating of […]

rag doll
[rag doll] {n.} A doll made of cloth and filled with […]

rag trade
[rag trade] {n. phr.} The clothing industry. * /My brother is […]

rain check
[rain check] {n.} 1. A special free ticket to another game […]

rainy day
[rainy day] {n.} A time of need; especially: a time when […]

rank and file
[rank and file] {n. phr.} Ordinary people; the regular membership of […]

rat race
[rat race] {n.}, {slang} A very confusing, crowded, or disorderly rush; […]

raw deal
[raw deal] {n. phr.} Unfair treatment; inequity. * /Barry got a […]

razzle-dazzle
[razzle-dazzle] {n.}, {slang} Fancy display; showing off. * /He is such […]

read one's mind
[read one's mind] {v. phr.} To know what someone else is […]

ready money
[ready money] {n. phr.} Cash on hand. * /Frank refuses to […]

rear end
[rear end] {n.} 1. The back part (usually of a vehicle) […]

red cent
[red cent] {n. phr.} The one-cent coin; a copper coin; very […]

red eye
[red eye] {n. phr.}, {informal} A night flight. * /The company […]

red herring
[red herring] {n. phr.} A false scent laid down in order […]

red tape
[red tape] {n. phr.} Unnecessary bureaucratic routine; needless but official delays. […]

red-letter day
[red-letter day] {n. phr.} A holiday; memorable day (usually printed in […]

red-light district
[red-light district] {n. phr.} A district of brothels or where prostitutes […]

redcap
[redcap] {n.} A porter at an airport or at a railroad […]

regular guy
[regular guy] or [regular fellow] {n.}, {informal} A friendly person who […]

rest room
[rest room] {n.} A room or series of rooms in a […]

rhyme or reason
[rhyme or reason] {n. phr.} A good plan or reason; a […]

Richard the Third
[Richard the Third] {n.} A piece of excrement (rhyming slang Richard […]

right field
[right field] {n.} The part of a baseball outfield to the […]

ring
[ring] {n.} Anal sphincter

ringburner
[ringburner] {n.} 1. A curry. 2. Diarrhoea or painful defecation.

ringleader
[ringleader] {n. phr.} The chief of an unsavory group; a higher-up. […]

rip-off
[rip-off] {n.}, {slang} (Stress on "rip") An act of stealing or […]

road gang
[road gang] {n.} A group of men who work at road […]

road hog
[road hog] {n.}, {informal} A car driver who takes more than […]

road show
[road show] {n.} A theatrical play that is performed for a […]

road sign
[road sign] {n.} A sign on which there is information about […]

road test
[road test] {n.} 1. A test to see if you can […]

roasting ear
[roasting ear] {n.} An ear of corn young and tender enough […]

rob the cradle
[rob the cradle] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have dates with or […]

rock hound
[rock hound] {n.}, {slang} A person who studies and collects rocks […]

rock'n'roll
[rock'n'roll] or [rock and roll] {n.} A style of popular music […]

rock-bottom
[rock-bottom] {n.} The lowest possible point. * /The nation's morale hit […]

Roman collar
[Roman collar] {n.} The high, plain, white collar worn by priests […]

room and board
[room and board] {n. phr.} A room for rent with meals […]

room clerk
[room clerk] or [desk clerk] {n.} A person who is responsible […]

room service
[room service] {n.} Service provided to hotel guests in their rooms. […]

rotten egg
[rotten egg] {n.}, {informal} A person whose character or way of […]

rough-and-tumble
[rough-and-tumble] 1. {n.} Very rough, hard fighting or arguing that does […]

roughhouse
[roughhouse] {n.} Riotous play or commotion. * /? told the boys […]

roughneck
[roughneck] {n.} A low, coarse fellow. * /The only boys in […]

round robin
[round robin] {n. phr.} 1. Something written, especially a request or […]

round trip
[round trip] {n.} A return trip; passage to a place and […]

roundup
[roundup] {n.} A muster; an inspection; a gathering together. * /The […]

royal road
[royal road] {n. phr.} A quick means of accomplishment; an easy […]

rozzer
[rozzer] {n.} Policeman.

rub-a-dub
[rub-a-dub] {n.} The sound made by beating a drum. * /We […]

rubber check
[rubber check] {n.}, {informal} A check written without enough money in […]

rubdown
[rubdown] {n.} A massage. * /The chiropractor gave his patient a […]

rule of thumb
[rule of thumb] {n. phr.} A simple and practical method that […]

run for one's money
[run for one's money] {n. phr.} 1. A good fight; a […]

run of luck
[run of luck] {n. phr.} A period of good luck. * […]

run-in
[run-in] {n.} 1. A traffic accident. * /My car was wrecked […]

run-off
[run-off] {n.} A second election held to determine the winner when […]

runner-up
[runner-up] {n.} The person who finishes second in a race or […]

running commentary
[running commentary] {n. phr.} A continual series of remarks. * /My […]

running start
[running start] {n. phr.} Good progress at the beginning. * /The […]

Russian roulette
[Russian roulette] {n.} A game of chance in which one bullet […]

saber rattling
[saber rattling] or [sword rattling] {n.} A show of military strength […]

sacred cow
[sacred cow] {n.} A person or thing that is never criticized, […]

sacrifice fly
[sacrifice fly] {n.} A baseball hit high in the air that […]

saddle shoe
[saddle shoe] {n.} A white shoe with a black or brown […]

safety blitz
[safety blitz] {n.} A defensive play in football in which the […]

safety glass
[safety glass] {n.} Two panes of glass with a sheet of […]

safety in numbers
[safety in numbers] {n. phr.} Protection against trouble by being in […]

safety island
[safety island] or [safety zone] {n.} A raised area in a […]

sailor collar
[sailor collar] {n.} A large square collar like those worn by […]

salad days
[salad days] {n. phr.}, {informal} The period of one's youth; a […]

sales check
[sales check] or [sales slip] {n.} A paper which the clerk […]

sales talk
[sales talk] {n.} A speech made to point out all the […]

Salisbury steak
[Salisbury steak] {n.} A broiled or fried hamburger patty sometimes containing […]

salt of the earth
[salt of the earth] {n. phr.}, {informal} One who helps to […]

salt pork
[salt pork] {n.} Very fat pork that has been packed in […]

sand lot
[sand lot] {n.} A field, vacant lot, or other open place […]

sand trap
[sand trap] {n.} A low place on a golf course that […]

sandwich board
[sandwich board] {n.} Two advertising signs worn by a man, one […]

save face
[save face] {v. phr.} To save your good reputation, popularity, or […]

saving grace
[saving grace] {n. phr.} A single good attribute; a redeeming quality. […]

savings account
[savings account] {n.} An account in a bank, where people put […]

savings bond
[savings bond] {n.} A government certificate given for money and saved […]

savvy
[savvy] {n.} Knowledge, understanding (from the French, savoir).

say-so
[say-so] {n.} Approval; permission; word. * /Father got angry because I […]

scally
[scally] {n.} A hooligan youth (Scouse), short for scallywag.

scandal sheet
[scandal sheet] {n.} A newspaper that prints much shocking news and […]

school of hard knocks
[school of hard knocks] {n. phr.} Life outside of school or […]

scotch broth
[scotch broth] {n.} A thick barley soup with vegetables and mutton […]

Scouser
[Scouser] {n.} Someone from Liverpool.

screen test
[screen test] {n.} A short movie made to see if an […]

screw-up
[screw-up] {n.} A mistake; an error; a confusing mess. * /"What […]

scrote
[scrote] {n.} Term of abuse, from scrotum.

scrubber
[scrubber] {n.} In Britain, a promiscuous woman; in Ireland, a common […]

sea legs
[sea legs] {n. phr.} 1. Adjustment to being in a boat […]

search one's heart
[search one's heart] or [search one's soul] {v. phr.}, {formal} To […]

seat belt
[seat belt] {n.} A strong strap used to protect a person […]

second best
[second best] {n.} Something that is lower than or not quite […]

second childhood
[second childhood] {n. phr.} Senility; dotage. * /"Grandpa is in his […]

second class
[second class] {n.} 1. The second best or highest group; the […]

second cousin
[second cousin] {n.} A child of your father's or mother's first […]

second nature
[second nature] {n.} Something done without any special effort, as if […]

second sight
[second sight] {n. phr.} Intuition; prescience; clairvoyance. * /Some police departments […]

second thought
[second thought] {n.} A change of ideas or opinions resulting from […]

second wind
[second wind] also [second breath] {n.} 1. The easier breathing that […]

section gang
[section gang] or [section crew] {n.} A group of railroad workers […]

section hand
[section hand] {n.} A worker who repairs railway track; one of […]

security blanket
[security blanket] {n.}, {slang}, {colloquial} An idea, person, or object that […]

seed money
[seed money] {n. phr.} A small grant or donation for others […]

sellout
[sellout] {n.} 1. A betrayal or act of treason. * /The […]

send-off
[send-off] {n. phr.} A demonstration of affection or respect at someone's […]

senior citizen
[senior citizen] {n.} An older person, often one who has retired […]

set of new threads
[set of new threads] {n. phr.} New men's suit. * /"Nice […]

set the pace
[set the pace] {v. phr.} To decide on a rate of […]

setback
[setback] {n.} A disadvantage; a delay. * /We suffered a major […]

setup
[setup] {n. phr.} (stress on "set") 1. Arrangement, management, circumstances. * […]

seventh heaven
[seventh heaven] {n. phr.}, {literary} The pinnacle of happiness. * /We […]

sexual harassment
[sexual harassment] {n. phr.} The act of constantly making unwanted advances […]

shag
[shag] {n.} Sexual intercourse.

shaggy dog (story)
[shaggy dog (story)] {n. phr.} A special kind of joke whose […]

shake-up
[shake-up] {n.} A change; a reorganization. * /After the scandal there […]

shakedown
[shakedown] {n.} 1. A test. * /Let's take the new car […]

sheepskin
[sheepskin] {n.} Diploma. * /Dr. Miller has half a dozen different […]

shiner
[shiner] {n.} Black eye.

shitehawk
[shitehawk] {n.} Someone of little worth, originally military slang.

shoestring catch
[shoestring catch] {n.} A catch of a hit baseball just before […]

shoo-in
[shoo-in] {n.}, {informal} Someone or something that is expected to win; […]

shoot straight
[shoot straight] or [shoot square] {v.}, {informal} To act fairly; deal […]

shoplifter
[shoplifter] {n.} A thief who steals things from a store. * […]

shopping center
[shopping center] {n.} A place usually for neighborhood shopping, where there […]

shore leave
[shore leave] {n.} Permission given to a man in the Navy […]

shore patrol
[shore patrol] {n.} The police of a navy. * /The sailors […]

short end
[short end] {n.} The worst or most unpleasant part. * /The […]

short haul
[short haul] {n.} A short distance; a short trip. * /The […]

short shrift
[short shrift] {n.} Little or no attention. - Usually used with […]

short-order cook
[short-order cook] {n.} A person who prepares food that cooks quickly. […]

shortcut
[shortcut] {n.} A road shorter than the one that people normally […]

shot in the arm
[shot in the arm] {n. phr.}, {informal} Something inspiring or encouraging. […]

shot in the dark
[shot in the dark] {n. phr.} An attempt without much hope […]

shoulder to cry on
[shoulder to cry on] or [to lean on] {n. phr.} A […]

show of hands
[show of hands] {n. phr.} An open vote during a meeting […]

showdown
[showdown] {n.} A final challenge or confrontation during which both sides […]

showgirl
[showgirl] {n.} One who works as an entertainer in a bar […]

showoff
[showoff] {n.} A boastful person. * /Jim always has to be […]

shut-eye
[shut-eye] {n.}, {slang} Sleep. * /It's very late. We'd better get […]

side street
[side street] {n.} A street that runs into and ends at […]

sidekick
[sidekick] {n.} A companion; a close friend of lesser status. * […]

sight for sore eyes
[sight for sore eyes] {n. phr.}, {informal} A welcome sight. * […]

sign of the times
[sign of the times] {n. phr.} A characteristic of the times […]

silent majority
[silent majority] {n.}, {informal} The large majority of people who, unlike […]

silver anniversary
[silver anniversary] or [wedding] {n. phr.} The twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of […]

Simon Legree
[Simon Legree] {n.}, {informal} A strict person, especially a boss, who […]

sit-up
[sit-up] {n.} A vigorous exercise in which the abdominal muscles are […]

six bits
[six bits] {n.}, {slang} Seventy-five cents. * /"Lend me six bits […]

six of one and half-a-dozen of the other
[six of one and half-a-dozen of the other] {n. phr.} Two […]

skating rink
[skating rink] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Slippery road. * […]

skeleton in the closet
[skeleton in the closet] {n. phr.} A shameful secret; someone or […]

skid lid
[skid lid] {n.}, {slang} A crash helmet worn by motorcyclists and […]

skid row
[skid row] {n.} The poor part of a city where men […]

skin and bones
[skin and bones] {n.} A person or animal that is very […]

skin off one's nose
[skin off one's nose] {n. phr.}, {slang} Matter of interest, concern, […]

slag off
[slag off] {n.} {v.} A verbal attack. To criticise or slander.

slap in the face
[slap in the face] (1) {n.} An insult; a disappointment. * […]

slap-head
[slap-head] {n.} {adj.} A bald man.

slapper
[slapper] {n.} Promiscuous woman or prostitute.

slave driver
[slave driver] {n.} A cruel, merciless boss or employer who makes […]

slinging match
[slinging match] {n. phr.} A loud, angry quarrel. * /The debate […]

slip of the pen
[slip of the pen] {n. phr.} The mistake of writing something […]

slip of the tongue
[slip of the tongue] also [slip of the lip] {n. phr.} […]

slipup
[slipup] {n.} A mistake. * /"I'm sorry, sir. That was an […]

slow burn
[slow burn] {n.}, {informal} A slowly increasing feeling of anger. * […]

slowdown
[slowdown] {n.} A period of lesser activity, usually in the economic […]

small
[small] or [wee hours] {n. phr.} The very early hours of […]

small fry
[small fry] {n.} 1. Young children. * /In the park, a […]

small talk
[small talk] {n. phr.} General idle conversation. * /At the party […]

smash hit
[smash hit] {n.}, {informal} A very successful play, movie or opera. […]

smoke screen
[smoke screen] {n. phr.} A camouflage; a veil; something used to […]

smoke-out
[smoke-out] {n.} A successful conclusion of an act of investigative journalism […]

Smokey Bear
[Smokey Bear] or [Smokey-the-Bear] or [the Smokies] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band […]

snail's pace
[snail's pace] {n.} A very slow movement forward. * /Time moved […]

snake in the grass
[snake in the grass] {n. phr.}, {informal} A person who cannot […]

snapshot
[snapshot] {n.} A small photograph, unlike a professional portrait. * /We […]

snog
[snog] {n.} French kiss, or any prolonged physical intimacy without undressing […]

snow job
[snow job] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. Insincere or exaggerated talk designed […]

so-and-so
[so-and-so] (2) {n.}, {informal} A person of a special kind and […]

soap opera
[soap opera] {n. phr.} Radio or television serialized stories of a […]

sob story
[sob story] {n.} A story that makes you feel pity or […]

social climber
[social climber] {n.} A person who tries to mix with rich […]

sod
[sod] {n.} Annoying person or thing (from sodomite).

soda jerk
[soda jerk] or [soda jerker] {n.}, {informal} A person who serves […]

soft drink
[soft drink] {n. phr.} A nonalcoholic beverage such as 7-Up, Coca-Cola, […]

soft touch
[soft touch] {n.} A person with a sympathetic disposition from whom […]

something else again
[something else again] {n. phr.} A different kind of thing; something […]

son of a bitch
[son of a bitch] or [sunuvabitch] also [S.O.B.] {n. phr.}, {vulgar}, […]

son of a gun
[son of a gun] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. A bad person; […]

song and dance
[song and dance] {n.}, {informal} 1. Foolish or uninteresting talk; dull […]

sonic boom
[sonic boom] {n.} A loud noise and vibration in the air, […]

sore spot
[sore spot] or [sore point] {n.} A weak or sensitive part; […]

sound effects
[sound effects] {n.} The noises made to imitate real sounds in […]

sound sheet
[sound sheet] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} A thin low-quality phonograph recording frequently […]

sound truck
[sound truck] {n. phr.} A truck equipped with loudspeakers. * /During […]

space probe
[space probe] {n.}, {Space English} An unmanned spacecraft other than an […]

speakeasy
[speakeasy] {n.} A bar during Prohibition where illegal alcoholic beverages were […]

speed trap
[speed trap] {n.} A place where police hide and wait to […]

spending money
[spending money] or [pocket money] {n.} Money that is given to […]

spinoff
[spinoff] {n.} A byproduct of something else. * /The television soap […]

spitting image
[spitting image] {n.} or [spit and image] {informal} An exact likeness; […]

split end
[split end] {n.} An end in football who plays five to […]

split second
[split second] {n.} A very short time; less than a second. […]

split ticket
[split ticket] {n.} A vote for candidates from more than one […]

split-up
[split-up] {n.} A separation or division into two or many smaller […]

sponge bath
[sponge bath] {n.} A bath with a cloth or sponge and […]

sporting blood
[sporting blood] {n.} Willingness to take risks; spirit of adventure. * […]

spot check
[spot check] {n. phr.} A sample check or investigation. * /Internal […]

spring chicken
[spring chicken] {n.}, {slang} A young person. - Usually used with […]

spunk
[spunk] {v.} {n.} 1. Semen, ejaculate. 2. Courage, bravery.

square deal
[square deal] {n. phr.} 1. Equitable or fair treatment. * /We […]

square meal
[square meal] {n. phr.} A full, nourishing well-balanced meal. * /The […]

square peg in a round hole
[square peg in a round hole] {n.}, {informal} A person who […]

stab in the back
[stab in the back] (2) {n. phr.}, {slang} An act or […]

stab in the dark
[stab in the dark] {n. phr.} A random attempt or guess […]

stage fright
[stage fright] {n. phr.} The fear one feels before appearing in […]

stage whisper
[stage whisper] {n. phr.} A loud whisper intended to reach other […]

stamping ground
[stamping ground] {n.}, {informal} A place where a person spends much […]

stand a chance
[stand a chance] or [stand a show] {n. phr.} To have […]

standard time
[standard time] also [slow time] {n.} Clock time that is set […]

stare in the face
[stare in the face] {n. phr.} 1. To be about to […]

stars in one's eyes
[stars in one's eyes] {n. phr.} 1. An appearance or feeling […]

stash bag
[stash bag] or [stuff bag] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A small […]

status symbol
[status symbol] {n. phr.} Signs of wealth and prestige. * /A […]

sterling character
[sterling character] {n. phr.} A person of irreproachable character; one of […]

stick-in-the-mud
[stick-in-the-mud] {n.}, {informal} An overcareful person; someone who is old-fashioned and […]

stick-up
[stick-up] {n.}, {informal} A robbery by a man with a gun. […]

sticky fingers
[sticky fingers] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. The habit of stealing things […]

still life
[still life] {n. phr.} A term used by artists to describe […]

stock-in-trade
[stock-in-trade] {n. phr.} The materials which one customarily deals, sells, or […]

stool pigeon
[stool pigeon] {n.} A criminal who informs on his associates. * […]

stop street
[stop street] {n.} A street where cars must come to a […]

straight face
[straight face] {n.} A face that is not laughing or smiling. […]

straight ticket
[straight ticket] {n.} A vote for all the candidates of a […]

straw boss
[straw boss] {n.} 1. The boss of a few workers who […]

straw in the wind
[straw in the wind] {n. phr.} A small sign of what […]

straw poll
[straw poll] {n. phr.} An informal survey taken in order to […]

stretch of the imagination
[stretch of the imagination] {n. phr.} Imaginative attempt or effort. * […]

strikebreaker
[strikebreaker] {n.} One who takes the place of workers on strike […]

strong language
[strong language] {n. phr.} Cursing; swearing. * /When Ned learned that […]

stuff and nonsense
[stuff and nonsense] {n.} Foolish or empty writing or talk; nonsense. […]

stuffed shirt
[stuffed shirt] {n. phr.} A pretentious bore; a pompous, empty person. […]

sucker list
[sucker list] {n.}, {slang} A list of easily-fooled people, especially people […]

sugar daddy
[sugar daddy] {n.}, {slang}, {semi-vulgar}, {avoidable} An older, [well-to-do] man, who […]

sum total
[sum total] {n.} The final amount; everything taken together; total. * […]

sunbelt
[sunbelt] {n.}, {informal} A portion of the southern United States where […]

sure thing
[sure thing] 1. {n.}, {informal} Something sure to happen; something about […]

survival of the fittest
[survival of the fittest] {n. phr.} The staying alive or in […]

swan song
[swan song] {n. phr.}, {literary} A farewell or last appearance. * […]

SWAT team
[SWAT team] {n.}, {informal} Police unit trained for especially hazardous or […]

sweet talk
[sweet talk] 1. {n.}, {informal} Too much praise; flattery. * /Sometimes […]

sweet tooth
[sweet tooth] {n. phr.} A great weakness or predilection for sweets. […]

sweetie pie
[sweetie pie] {n.}, {informal} A person who is loved; darling; sweetheart. […]

swelled head
[swelled head] {n.}, {informal} A feeling that you are very important […]

sworn enemies
[sworn enemies] {n. phr.} People or groups or nations that have […]

T-bone steak
[T-bone steak] {n.} A steak with a bone in it which […]

tag end
[tag end] or [tail end] {n.}, {informal} The end, farthest to […]

tail between one's legs
[tail between one's legs] {n. phr.} State of feeling beaten, ashamed, […]

taillight
[taillight] {n.} The rear red light of a car. * /My […]

take one's leave
[take one's leave] or [take leave of] {v. phr.}, {formal} To […]

take-out order
[take-out order] {n. phr.} An order in a restaurant that one […]

takeoff
[takeoff] {n.} 1. Departure of an airplane; the act of becoming […]

talent scout
[talent scout] {n. phr.} A person employed by a large organization […]

talent show
[talent show] {n.} An entertainment in which new entertainers try to […]

talk of the town
[talk of the town] {n. phr.} Something that has become so […]

talking book
[talking book] {n.} A book recorded by voice on phonograph records […]

talking point
[talking point] {n.} Something good about a person or thing that […]

tall story
[tall story] or [tale] {n. phr.} See: [FISH STORY].

tart
[tart] {n.} Commonly a prostitute or term of abuse but also […]

tax trap
[tax trap] {n.}, {informal} Predicament in which taxpayers in middle-income brackets […]

tearjerker
[tearjerker] {n.} A sentimental novel or movie that makes one cry. […]

tempest in a teapot
[tempest in a teapot] {n. phr.} Great excitement about something not […]

ten gallon hat
[ten gallon hat] {n.}, {informal} A tall felt hat with a […]

tenner
[tenner] {n.} Ten pounds.

the business
[the business] {n.}, {slang} - Usually used with "give" or "get". […]

the creeps
[the creeps] {n.}, {informal} 1. An uncomfortable tightening of the skin […]

the devil to pay
[the devil to pay] {n. phr.} A severe penalty. * /If […]

the edge
[the edge] {n.}, {informal} The advantage. - Usually used in the […]

the idea
[the idea] or [the very idea] {n. phr.} - Used in […]

the lid
[the lid] {n.}, {slang} Something that holds back or holds out […]

the long and the short
[the long and the short] or [the long and short] {n. […]

the picture
[the picture] {n.} The way things are or were; the facts […]

the pits
[the pits] {n.}, {slang} 1. A low class, blighted and ill-maintained […]

the powers that be
[the powers that be] {n. phr.} Constituted authority; those in power. […]

the ropes
[the ropes] {n. plural}, {informal} Thorough or special knowledge of a […]

the score
[the score] {n.}, {slang} The truth; the real story or information; […]

the three R's
[the three R's] {n. phr.} (W)riting, reading, and (a)rithmetic, the three […]

the ticket
[the ticket] {n.} Exactly what is needed. - Often used with […]

the tracks
[the tracks] {n.} The line between the rich or fashionable part […]

the works
[the works] {n. plural}, {slang} 1. Everything that can be had […]

thing or two
[thing or two] {n. phr.}, {informal} 1. Facts not generally known, […]

think piece
[think piece] {n.}, {slang} 1. The human brain. * /Lou's got […]

think tank
[think tank] {n.} A company of researchers who spend their time […]

third base
[third base] {n.} The base to be touched third in baseball. […]

third class
[third class] {n.} 1. The third best or highest group; the […]

third degree
[third degree] {n. phr.} A method of severe grilling used to […]

third sex
[third sex] {n.}, {euphemism}, {slang}, {informal} Homosexual individuals who are either […]

third world
[third world] {n.} 1. The countries not aligned with either the […]

this and that
[this and that] also [this, that, and the other] {n. phr.} […]

thorn in the flesh
[thorn in the flesh] or [thorn in one's side] {n. phr.} […]

three-ring circus
[three-ring circus] {n.} A scene of much confusion or activity. * […]

through street
[through street] {n.} 1. A street on which cars can move […]

through train
[through train] {n. phr.} A direct train that doesn't necessitate any […]

tidy sum
[tidy sum] {n. phr.} A large amount of money. * /The […]

tie-in
[tie-in] {n.} A connection; a point of meeting. * /John's essay […]

tie-up
[tie-up] {n.} A congestion; a stoppage of the normal flow of […]

tight end
[tight end] {n.} An end in football who plays close to […]

tight money
[tight money] {n. phr.} The opposite of inflation, when money is […]

tight squeeze
[tight squeeze] {n. phr.} A difficult situation; financial troubles. * /The […]

tightwad
[tightwad] {n. phr.} A stingy person. * /My father is such […]

Tijuana taxi
[Tijuana taxi] {n.} {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} A police car. […]

time and a half
[time and a half] {n. phr.} Pay given to a worker […]

time of one's life
[time of one's life] {n. phr.} A very happy or wonderful […]

time off
[time off] {n. phr.} A period of release from work. * […]

time out
[time out] {n. phr.} Time during which a game, a lecture, […]

tin ear
[tin ear] {n. phr.} 1. A lack of sensitivity to noise. […]

Tin Pan Alley
[Tin Pan Alley] {n. phr.} The pop music industry. * /What […]

tit for tat
[tit for tat] {n. phr.} Equal treatment in return; a fair […]

toff
[toff] {n.} Posh person

toll call
[toll call] {n. phr.} A long distance telephone call for which […]

Tom, Dick, and Harry
[Tom, Dick, and Harry] {n. phr.} People in general; anyone; everyone. […]

ton
[ton] {n.} 1. A large unspecified amount (18th C). 2. £100 […]

tongue twister
[tongue twister] {n.} A word or group of words difficult to […]

tongue-lashing
[tongue-lashing] {n.} A sharp scolding or criticism. * /Jim's mother gave […]

top banana
[top banana] or [top dog] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The head of […]

tosh
[tosh] {n.} Nonsense

tosser
[tosser] {n.} 1. Someone who masturbates (to toss off). 2. Someone […]

tosspot
[tosspot] {n.} Drunkard or habitual drinker (from tossing pots of ale)

touchup
[touchup] {n.} 1. A small repair; a small amount of paint. […]

tough act to follow
[tough act to follow] {n. phr.} A speech, performance, or activity […]

tough cat
[tough cat] {n.}, {slang} A man who is very individualistic and, […]

tough cookie
[tough cookie] {n. phr.} An extremely determined, hardheaded person, or someone […]

tough luck
[tough luck] {n. phr.} An informal way to say that one […]

tough shit
[tough shit] {n. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} See: [HARD CHEESE], [TOUGH LUCK]. […]

tower of strength
[tower of strength] {n. phr.} Someone who is strong, helpful, and […]

town and gown
[town and gown] {n.} The residents of a college town and […]

trade-in
[trade-in] {n.} Something given as part payment on something better. * […]

trading stamp
[trading stamp] {n.} One of the stamps that you get (as […]

trial and error
[trial and error] {n.} A way of solving problems by trying […]

trial balloon
[trial balloon] {n.} A hint about a plan of action that […]

trick of the trade
[trick of the trade] {n. phr.}, {usually in plural}, {informal} 1. […]

trick or treat
[trick or treat] {n.} The custom of going from house to […]

triple threat
[triple threat] {n.} A football player who is able to pass, […]

trump card
[trump card] {n.} Something kept back to be used to win […]

tryout
[tryout] {n.} An audience at a theater or opera for would-be […]

tube
[tube] {n.} 1. The London Underground (19th C. Originally 'Tuppeny tube'). […]

tug-of-war
[tug-of-war] {n.} 1. A game in which two teams pull on […]

tune-up
[tune-up] {n.} 1. The adjusting or fixing of something (as a […]

turn of the century
[turn of the century] {n. phr.} The time at the end […]

turnout
[turnout] {n.} The number of people in attendance at a gathering. […]

turnover
[turnover] {n.} 1. The proportion of expenditure and income realized in […]

twat
[twat] {n.} 1. Vagina. 2. Term of abuse (from 1.).

two bits
[two bits] {n.}, {slang} Twenty-five cents; a quarter of a dollar. […]

two cents
[two cents] {n.} {informal} 1. Something not important or very small; […]

two strikes against one
[two strikes against one] {n. phr.} From baseball. Two opportunities wasted […]

U.F.O.
[U.F.O.] {n. phr.} Unidentified Flying Object. * /Some people think that […]

ugly duckling
[ugly duckling] {n.} An ugly or plain child who grows up […]

unknown quantity
[unknown quantity] {n.} Someone or something whose value and importance are […]

up front
[up front] (1) {n.}, {slang}, {informal} The managerial section of a […]

upper crust
[upper crust] {n.}, {informal} The richest, most famous, or important people […]

upper hand
[upper hand] or [whip hand] {n.} Controlling power; advantage. * /In […]

upper story
[upper story] {n.} 1. A floor or level of a building […]

ups and downs
[ups and downs] {n. phr.} Vicissitudes; alternating periods between good and […]

urban homesteading
[urban homesteading] {n.}, {informal} Renovation and occupation through cooperative ownership by […]

utility room
[utility room] {n.} A room in a house or building for […]

vanishing cream
[vanishing cream] {n.} A cosmetic cream for the skin that is […]

vanity case
[vanity case] {n.} 1. A small case containing face powder, lipstick, […]

variety show
[variety show] {n.} A program that includes several different kinds of […]

variety store
[variety store] {n.} A store that sells many different kinds of […]

verbal diarrhea
[verbal diarrhea] {n. phr.} The inability to keep silent; over-talkativeness. * […]

vibrations
[vibrations] or [vibes] {n.} Psychic emanations radiating from an object, situation, […]

vicious circle
[vicious circle] {n. phr.} A kind of circular or chain reaction […]

Vietnam syndrome
[Vietnam syndrome] {n.}, {informal} An attitude in government circles that diplomacy […]

visiting nurse
[visiting nurse] {n.} A nurse who goes from home to home […]

voice box
[voice box] {n.} The part of the throat where the sound […]

voiceprint
[voiceprint] {n.}, {technological}, {colloquial} The graphic pattern derived from converting an […]

waiting list
[waiting list] {n.} A list of persons waiting to get into […]

waiting room
[waiting room] {n. phr.} The sitting area in a doctor's, lawyer's, […]

walk of life
[walk of life] {n. phr.} Way of living; manner in which […]

walking dictionary
[walking dictionary] {n. phr.} A person highly knowledgeable in matters of […]

walking encyclopedia
[walking encyclopedia] {n. phr.} A polymath; a person very well versed […]

walking papers
[walking papers] or [walking orders] also [walking ticket] {n.}, {informal} A […]

wallflower
[wallflower] {n.} A girl who has to sit out dances because […]

wank
[wank] {n.} {v.} 1. Masturbation or to masturbate. 2. Inferior.

wanker
[wanker] {n.} 1. Someone who masturbates. 2. Abusive term (from 1.), […]

wanking spanner(s)
[wanking spanner(s)] {n.} Hand(s).

want ad
[want ad] {n.} A small advertisement on a special page in […]

war baby
[war baby] {n.}, {informal} A person born during a war. * […]

warm the bench
[warm the bench] {v. phr.}, {informal} To act as a substitute […]

warm-up
[warm-up] {n.} A period of exercise or practice in preparation for […]

washout
[washout] {n.} A dismal failure. * /As far as investments were […]

water over the dam
[water over the dam] or [water under the bridge] {n. phr.} […]

watering hole
[watering hole] or [place] {n. phr.} A bar, pub, or nightclub […]

way the wind blows
[way the wind blows] or [how the wind blows] {n. phr.} […]

ways and means
[ways and means] {n. plural} Methods of getting something done or […]

wear and tear
[wear and tear] {n. phr.} Deterioration through use. * /After 75,000 […]

weasel word
[weasel word] {n.}, {informal} A word which has more than one […]

weather eye
[weather eye] {n.} 1. Eyes that can tell what the weather […]

wee folk
[wee folk] or [little folk] or [little people] {n. phr.} Fairy […]

week of Sundays
[week of Sundays] {n. phr.} A long time; seven weeks. * […]

weight of the world on one's shoulders
[weight of the world on one's shoulders] or [world on one's […]

welcome mat
[welcome mat] {n.} 1. A mat for wiping your shoes on, […]

wet blanket
[wet blanket] {n.}, {informal} A person or thing that keeps others […]

what for
[what for] (2) {n. phr.}, {informal} A scolding, or other punishment. […]

what have you
[what have you] or [what not] {n. phr.}, {informal} Whatever you […]

what's what
[what's what] or [what is what] {n. phr.}, {informal} 1. What […]

wheel and deal
[wheel and deal] {v. phr.}, {slang} To make many big plans […]

wheelhorse
[wheelhorse] {n. phr.} A reliable and industrious worker on whom one […]

where the shoe pinches
[where the shoe pinches] {n. phr.}, {informal} Where or what the […]

which is which
[which is which] {n. phr.} Which is one person or thing […]

whipping boy
[whipping boy] {n. phr.} The person who gets punished for someone […]

whispering campaign
[whispering campaign] {n.} The spreading of false rumors, or saying bad […]

whistle-stop
[whistle-stop] {n.} A small town where the trains only stop on […]

white elephant
[white elephant] {n. phr.} Unwanted property, such as real estate, that […]

white lie
[white lie] {n. phr.} An innocent social excuse. * /I am […]

white sale
[white sale] {n.} The selling, especially at lower prices, of goods […]

white-collar workers
[white-collar workers] {n. phr.} Workers employed in offices and at desks […]

whitewash
[whitewash] {n.}, {informal} A soothing official report that attempts to tranquilize […]

whizz
[whizz] {n.} 1. Urination. 2. Amphetamine Sulphate (also known as speed; […]

whodunit
[whodunit] {n.} A detective story; a murder story; a thriller. * […]

whole cheese
[whole cheese] {slang} or {informal} [whole show] {n.}, {informal} The only […]

why and wherefore
[why and wherefore] {n.} The answer to a question or problem. […]

wiener roast
[wiener roast] or [hot dog roast] {n.} A party where frankfurters […]

wild goose chase
[wild goose chase] {n. phr.} An absurd and completely futile errand. […]

wild pitch
[wild pitch] {n.} A pitch in baseball that is so high, […]

wildcat strike
[wildcat strike] {n.}, {informal} A strike not ordered by a labor […]

willy
[willy] {n.} Penis (hypocorism).

windbag
[windbag] {n.} Someone who talks too much; a boring person. * […]

windfall
[windfall] {n.} An unexpected gift or gain of sizeable proportion. * […]

window dressing
[window dressing] {n. phr.} An elaborate exterior, sometimes designed to conceal […]

winning streak
[winning streak] {n.} A series of several wins one after the […]

wipeout
[wipeout] {n.} A total failure. * /The guy is so bad […]

wise guy
[wise guy] {n. phr.}, {informal} A person who acts as if […]

wisecrack
[wisecrack] {n.} A joke or witty remark usually made at someone […]

witch-hunt
[witch-hunt] {n. phr.} A hysterical movement during which people are persecuted […]

wolf in sheeps clothing
[wolf in sheep's clothing] {n. phr.} A person who pretends to […]

word of mouth
[word of mouth] {n. phr.} Communication by oral rather than written […]

word to the wise
[word to the wise] {n. phr.} A word of warning or […]

words of one syllable
[words of one syllable] {n. phr.} Language that makes the meaning […]

working girl
[working girl] {n.}, {slang} 1. ({vulgar}, {avoidable}) A prostitute. * /I […]

workout
[workout] {n.} A physical exercise session. * /My morning workout consists […]

worrywart
[worrywart] {n. phr.} A person who always worries. * /"Stop being […]

write-off
[write-off] {n.} A loss. * /This last unfortunate business venture of […]

write-up
[write-up] {n.} A report or story in a newspaper or magazine. […]

writers block
[writer's block] {n. phr.} A condition of being unable to write; […]

writers cramp
[writer's cramp] {n.} Pain in the fingers or hand caused by […]

writing
[writing] or [handwriting on the wall] {n. phr.}, {literary} A warning; […]

x-raying machine
[x-raying machine] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon} Speed detection device […]

yak-yak
[yak-yak] or [yakety-yak] or [yakib-yak] {n.}, {slang} Much talk about little […]

yellow journalism
[yellow journalism] {n. phr.} Cheap and sensational newspaper writing; inflammatory language […]

yeoman service
[yeoman service] {n. phr.} Help in time of need; serviceable and […]

yes-man
[yes-man] {n.}, {informal} A person who tries to be liked by […]

zero hour
[zero hour] {n.} 1. The exact time when an attack or […]

zone defense
[zone defense] {n.} A defense in a sport (as basketball or […]