\=a basic belief, theory, or rule that has a major influence on the way in which something is done/one of the major ideas or theories that a system of beliefs is based on, for example in religion or politics Ex.: Although she had poured her whole heart and soul into her singing at the karaoke, her somewhat cruel but nonetheless lucid friends told her: 'don't give up the day job!' use your gumption id. use your common sense or resourcefulness get the short end of the stick exp. be negatively impacted by a situation, event. E.g.: The building is being renovated, but for the moment people living there get the short end of the stick. your best bib and tucker exp. your best clothes that you wear on special occasions save your heart for sb exp. keep your love for someone (who deserves it) [Fig.] get your panties in a wad exp. \= get your knickers in a twist/knot US English, colloquial you catch more flies with honey id. the carrot is more effective than the stick hold your horses! exp. it's said for determining someone to calm down, be patient, control his/her reactions not on your tintype exp. absolutely not; not in this lifetime Slang expression used mostly in 19th century keep your hair on! exp. calm down! lend me your ears! exp. expression used for catching the attention of an audience "find your silence" be silent, stop talking etc don't hold your breath exp. expression used when referring to something that is unlikely to happen soon (not in the time interval that one can resist holding his breath) E.g.: "Will the economy recover any soon?" - "Don't hold your breath." a penny for your thoughts exp. expression used to encourage someone to share with you what's on his mind You want to reject this entry: please give us your comments (bad translation/definition, duplicate entries...) |
