[off guard] {adj.} In a careless attitude; not alert to coming danger; not watching. * /In the second that the boxer was off guard, his opponent landed a knockout punch./ […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

straight from the shoulder

[straight from the shoulder] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In an open and honest way of speaking; without holding back anything because of fear or politeness or respect for someone's feelings; frankly. […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

go straight

[go straight] {v. phr.}, {slang} To become an honest person; lead an honest life. * /After the man got out of prison, he went straight./ * /Mr. Wright promised to […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

straight off

[straight off] {adv. phr.} At once; immediately. * /After school is over, you come home straight off, and don't waste time./ * /He asked his father for the car, but […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Finley Peter Dunne

(1867-1936) U.S. humorist The past always looks better than it was; it's only pleasant because it isn't here.

Quizzes on idioms starting with N

frag

[frag] To kill or tear to pieces. Its origin comes the Vietnam War or earlier, from "fragmentation grenade". It had a […]

call it quits

[call it quits] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To decide to stop what you are doing; quit. * /When Tom had painted half the […]

shoulder to shoulder

[shoulder to shoulder] {adv. phr.} 1. One beside the other; together. * /The three boys were shoulder to shoulder all during […]

for days on end

[for days on end] {adv. phr.} For a long time; for many days. * /The American tourists tried to get used to Scottish […]

stand out

[stand out] {v.} 1. To go farther out than a nearby surface; protect. * /A mole stood out on her cheek./ Compare: [STICK […]

National Lampoon, "Deteriorada"

Remember that whatever misfortune may be your lot, it could only be worse in Cleveland.