cross swords
What Does “cross swords” mean? Definition: to quarrel or argue with someone; to have a dispute with someone. Example(s) The […]
Idioms
take the bull by the horns
What Does “take the bull by the horns” mean? Definition: to deal with a matter in a direct manner, especially
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call the tune
What Does “call the tune” mean? Definition: to be the one who controls a situation; to have the most power
who pays the piper calls the tune
What Does “who pays the piper calls the tune” mean? Definition: one who pays for something controls it. Example(s) If
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fine-tune
What Does “fine-tune” mean? Definition: to make small adjustments to something until optimization is achieved Example(s) They need to fine-tune
stool pigeon
What Does “stool pigeon” mean? Definition: A decoy or an informer, especially one who is a spy for the police.
set a thief to catch a thief
What Does “set a thief to catch a thief” mean? Definition: The best person to catch a thief is another
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beat around the bush
What Does “beat around the bush” mean? Definition: To treat a topic, without mentioning its main points, often intentionally, because
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skin and bones
What Does “skin and bones” mean? Definition: to be underweight and look bad, to be extremely thin. Example(s) Because of
skin someone alive
What Does “skin someone alive” mean? Definition: to punish someone severely. Example(s) My parents will skin me alive if they
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call on the carpet
What Does “call on the carpet” mean? Definition: To reprimand; to censure severely or angrily. Example(s) I hope he wouldn’t
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in one’s cups
What Does “in one’s cups” mean? Definition: If someone is their cups, they are drunk or in the act of