F
Idioms beginning with "F"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of F:
[feet of clay] {n. phr.}
A hidden fault or weakness in a person which is discovered or shown.
The famous general showed he had feet of clay when he began to drink liquor.
* /The banker seemed to be honest, but he had feet of clay and was arrested […]
[feet on the ground] {n. phr.}
An understanding of what can be done; sensible ideas. Used with a possessive.
John has his feet on the ground; he knows he cannot learn everything at once.
* /Ted dreams of sudden riches, but Henry keeps his feet on […]
[fellow traveller] {n.}
A sympathizer with a political movement who does not officially belong to the political party in question.
Many Germans after World War II were innocently accused of being fellow travellers of Nazism.
* /During the McCarthy […]
[fence]
See:
[GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE],
[MEND ONE'S FENCES],
[ON THE FENCE].
[fence in] or [hedge in] or [hem in] {v.}
To keep (someone) from doing what he or she would like to do. Usually used in the passive.
Mary felt fenced in because her father would not let her drive a car or have dates with boys.
* /John didn't like […]
[fence with] or [spar with] {v.}
To talk with (someone) as if you were fighting like a swordsman or boxer; to give skillful answers or arguments against (someone).
The governor was an expert at fencing with reporters at press conferences.
[fence-sitter] {n.}
A person unable to pick between two sides; a person who does not want to choose.
Daddy says he is a fence-sitter because he doesn't know which man he wants for President.
[fence-sitting] {n.} or {adj.}
Choosing neither side.
You have been fence-sitting for too long. It is time you made up your mind.
Contrast: [MAKE UP ONE'S MIND], [TAKE SIDES].