[pull strings] or [pull wires] {v. phr.}, {informal} To secretly use influence and power, especially with people in charge or in important jobs to do or get something; make use […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

cut into

[cut into] {v.} 1. To make less; reduce. * /The union made the company pay higher wages, which cut into the profits./ * /The other houses got old and shabby, […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

wind up

[wind up] {v.} 1. To tighten the spring of a machine; to make it work or run. * /Mary wound up the toy car and let it run across the […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

take to

[take to] {v.} 1. To go to or into; get yourself quickly to. - Often used in the imperative. * /Take to the hills! The bandits are coming!/ * /We […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

out of one's wits

[out of one's wits] See: [SCARE OUT OF ONE'S WITS].

come off second best

[come off second best] {v. phr.} To not win first but only second, third, etc. place. * /Our home team came off second best […]

whistle in the dark

[whistle in the dark] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try to stay brave and forget your fear. * /Tom said he could fight the bully […]

Casey Stengel

(1890-1975) U.S. baseball manager for NY Mets I'll never make the mistake of being seventy again!

EOF

[EOF] "end of file"-used to imply the end of something

every cloud has a silver lining

[every cloud has a silver lining] Every trouble has something hopeful that you can see in it, like the bright edge around a […]

in mint condition

[in mint condition] {adj. phr.} Excellent; as good as new. * /Grandma seldom uses her car; it is already ten years old, but […]

Beryl Pfizer

If the shoe fits, ask for it in another color.