U
Idioms beginning with "U"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of U:
[under age] {adj. phr.}
Too young; not old enough; below legal age.
He could not enlist in the army because he was under age.
Rose was not allowed to enroll in the Life Saving Course because she was under age.
Contrast: [OF AGE] (1).
[under arrest] {adj. phr.}
Held by the police.
The man believed to have robbed the bank was placed under arrest.
The three boys were seen breaking into the school building and soon found themselves under arrest.
[under construction] {adv. phr.}
In the process of being built or repaired.
It is a good idea to take the train to work while the expressway is under construction.
[under cover] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
Hidden; concealed.
The prisoners escaped under cover of darkness.
He kept his invention under cover until it was patented.
Compare: [UNDER WRAPS].
[under fire] {adv. phr.}
Being shot at or being attacked; hit by attacks or accusations; under attack.
The soldiers stood firm under fire of the enemy.
The principal was under fire for not sending the boys home who stole the car.
[under lock and key] {adv. phr.}
Secured; locked up; well protected.
Dad keeps all his valuables under lock and key.
[under one's belt] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
1. In your stomach; eaten; or absorbed.
Once he had a good meal under his belt, the man loosened his tie and fell asleep.
Jones is talkative when he has a few drinks under his belt.
2. In your […]
[under one's breath] {adv. phr.}
In a whisper; with a low voice.
The teacher heard the boy say something under his breath and she asked him to repeat it aloud.
I told Lucy the news under my breath, but Joyce overheard me.